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Chapter Text

Godrics Hollow, October 31st, 2001

Voldemort made his way to the cottage, where the Potters were hiding. He received from Severus, one of his most trusted followers and unknown to him a ministry spy, one part of the prophecy that entails that a person, who was born on July 31st, would have the power to defeat him. Severus believed that Voldemort would be on a goose chase to find the person of the prophecy and would be so focused on the prophecy that the man wouldn’t notice that he is losing the war, but much to Severus’ fear, it wasn’t the case. Thanks to Dumbledore’s compulsions on Voldemort, the dark lord set his way to kill the Potter boys, Hadrian ‘Harry’ and Johnathan Potter. Severus would only know about this until it was too late. Pettigrew was following him beside him and felt uneasy since he betrayed his best friend and his family in exchange of his life. The dark lord ordered Pettigrew to remain outside. Voldemort went swiftly to the door and opened it with an Alomohora. He stunned James, when his back was turned, and went up to the nursery, but Lily Potter noticed him and quickly closed the door. She locked it up with many manners of spells that she knew, but Voldemort blasted the door from its hinges. Voldemort approached the woman and the children. The dark lord hissed in a cold voice after disarming the woman: “Stand aside, woman!” But Lily lifted her chin in defiance and exclaimed: “No, you need to kill me first. I will not allow you anywhere near my children.” Voldemort was not a patient person and he noticed that he didn’t have enough time. He petrified the woman and came closer to the two boys.

Voldemort lifted his wand at the green-eyed twin and casted the killing curse, but things didn’t go Voldemort’s way, because a strong shield formed around the boy and the killing curse was rebounded and hit him square on the chest. With a scream, Voldemort was disintegrated to dust and only the ashes and the wand remained. A piece of debris that fell off the nursery cut Johnathan Potter on his cheek and left a ‘V’ scar. The boy started screaming in pain.

Pettigrew heard the scream and went inside and saw the remains of the dark lord, the corpses of James and Lily and the two boys in the crib. He quickly took the wand of his master and left the house as fast as he could, but a scream interrupted him and the ratty man knew that he had no choice then to escape. “WORMTAIL, YOU FILTHY COWARD! HOW DARE YOU BETRAY JAMES AND LILY LIKE THAT? I WILL KILL YOU, IF THEY ARE DEAD!” It was Sirius Black, the Heir Regent of the Ancient and Noble House of Black. After his grandfather had retired from public life, Sirius took over the Regency much to the other Black family member’s rage since the man was a blind follower of Dumbledore, who was hated by the Black family.

Pettigrew apparated quickly away, but Sirius was right on his tail and managed to corner him on a street in London. There a fight broke out. When Pettigrew tried to cast a cheering and an explosive charm on a muggle full line, Sirius quickly stunned and restrained the man. Pettigrew was terrified. That wasn’t supposed to happen. He was supposed to frame Sirius and sent him to Azkaban, so that he can hide, but now his plan had been thwarted. When the other aurors started to appear, they quickly started to work on obliviating the muggles, but two muggles were not affected by the obliviation charm. Both quickly hurried back to their hotel since they felt weird and needed some time to recover.

One of the aurors exclaimed: “Sirius Black, you are under arrest for the betrayal and murder of James and Lily Potter and the attempted murder of Peter Pettigrew.”

Sirius looked at the auror furiously and exclaimed angrily: “WHAT! I didn’t betray James and Lily to snake face. This bastard did. He was their secret keeper.” Sirius made his way to Pettigrew and pulled up one of his sleeves, where the dark mark was exposed. The aurors were shocked and quickly pointed their wand from Sirius to Pettigrew. They made their way to Pettigrew and handcuffed him. The cowardly man screamed that he was innocent and that it was Black, but he was punched so hard on the face that he had lost some teeth and he was kicked by Sirius so many times until the man was whimpering, begging and crying in pain. The aurors threw a Silencio on the man and dragged him away from the scene to a ministry holding cell violently. The dark mark was enough to have the man arrested. Sirius quickly made his way to his friends after Pettigrew was secured in a ministry holding cell that had wards against animagus transformation, if they were alive, which he doubted. He quickly casted a patronus to Remus and Dumbledore that Pettigrew betrayed James and Lily and was now arrested.

Back at the cottage, Sirius met up with Albus Dumbledore and Remus Lupin. Remus was pale and Dumbledore looked resigned. “Sirius, my boy, is it true that Peter betrayed them and since when was he James’ and Lily’s secret keeper. I thought, you were the secret keeper.” Remus agreed. Sirius started to explain: “I know, Albus, but James and I decided to switch the secret keeper since I am the obvious choice. So, I became the decoy. For that reason, Wormtail was the one to uphold the secret in reality.” Albus sighed. He wasn’t aware of the switch, but honestly, he didn’t care. When all three went inside, they found James first and he was alive much to Sirius’ and Remus’ joy. Albus quickly rennervated him and the man was up to his feet in no time and started to rant: “How dare Wormtail betray us like this. We offered him our friendship and I even offered him my home to that bastard and this is how he thanks us. Where is the rat?” Sirius smirks. “Don’t panic, Prongs. He is now sitting in a holding cell.” James relaxed, but he went quickly upstairs to see, if his wife and his children were alive. Entering the nursery, James was relieved. His wife was under a Petrificus Totalus and his children were fine. Quickly dispelling the spell, Lily had a panicked look on her face and quickly turned to the crib to see, if her children were alright. Sighing in relief, when she had seen that no harm was done to them, she turned to the others, who explained her, what had happened. Lily was ready to kill Peter for his betrayal, but she should be glad that Voldemort didn’t kill them. Albus quickly made his way to examine both boys and saw the scar on John’s cheek. He didn’t notice Harry’s lightning bolt scar since he had the focus on the other boy. “Albus”, Lily said in a timid voice. Albus smiled and said: “James, Lily, Sirius, Remus, I present you Johnathan Potter, the boy-who-lived and the defeater of Voldemort. He is our Chosen One.”

James and Lily had greed in their eyes. Now, they were becoming famous for being the parents of the saviour and the Chosen One. Sirius and Remus were watching at their youngest godson with pride. Albus was thinking overtime and had so many plans regarding John and Harry. For John he had plans to make him the poster boy of the light and their icon. For Harry, Albus had plans to control the boy since he was the heir of multiple families. Albus was still annoyed that Charlus skipped James and announced Harry as heir Potter. James can only act as Regent, but not as Lord Potter. But he had plans to have the boy under his control by sending him to Petunia and her husband. He knew that she will keep him ignorant, will make him submissive and the boy will be obedient to him and the light. James and Sirius would be able to vote for the light as regents. Whereas the others were chattering, Albus was forming new plans until he heard his name.

“Albus, what are we going to do now? John will be famous and everyone would hail him as a hero. What are we going to do with Harry? We can’t take care of him for the while being since he is in danger and Harry could become jealous of John’s fame, but John also could become jealous of Harry’s abilities. We don’t want our family to fall apart due to jealousy and resentment”, Lily asked. Everyone agreed. Albus sighed. “We will send him to Petunia, in order to make sure that Harry is safe from John’s fame and from the remaining death eaters. It is for the greater good, Lily. And we could block his abilities, so that John doesn’t become jealous of Harry’s unique abilities, if we return him in John’s life in ten years.” Summoning the inheritance test, they started to block the boy’s ability. Sirius blocked Harry’s metamorphmagus ability completely. James blocked the Parseltongue ability that was given to Harry through the Peverell family. He hated it that the trait was awakened now and he cursed the fact that one of the Peverells was married into the Slytherin line, but there was nothing he could do about it. Lily blocked his eidetic memory and Remus his intelligence. James and Lily blocked most of Harry’s magic, in order to make sure that Harry is the weaker twin. James and Lily also saw that the boy had a male soulmate and they blocked it immediately since they didn’t want their son to be a faggot. Albus suggested that Molly’s daughter, Ginevra Weasley, would be a perfect candidate for the boy. All four agreed. Albus started to weave compulsion spells around the sleeping child, where he would obey them without questions. Sirius spelled the boy loyalty potions. He can’t allow to have another Pettigrew here. James gave Harry hatred potions focused on his nemesis, Snivellus, the slimy snakes and anything dark in their world. Lily fed him mild love potions that were focused on Ginny, in order to encourage Harry to be in a relationship with Ginny, when he gets older, and be interested in the girl, and Remus gave him submission potions, in order make sure that he is shy and doesn’t speak up against them. After that, they put both boys on the two baby baskets. They told Sirius and Remus to take John to Potter Manor, whereas they are going to put Harry with Petunia. They already wrote a letter to Petunia the reason why they couldn’t take care of Harry and made their way outside, in order to apparate to Privet Drive. Tomorrow, they were going to go to the bank, in order to make a marriage contract with the Weasley couple. Molly would be thrilled, but Arthur would be a problem, but with Molly’s potions, the man would be convinced easily. Albus was going to arrange for Arabella Figg to live in the neighbourhood as a guard, but everything will be arranged in the morning, because now, he was tired.

Privet Drive

James and Lily made their way through the silent and dark neighbourhood and were searching for Vernon’s and Petunia’s address. When they found #4 Privet Drive, they put the baby basket on the doorstep thinking that it was for the best. Both parents put warming charms, in order to protect their child from the cold and went their merry ways.

But things didn’t go the way, how they were supposed to go. Fifteen minutes later, a couple was making their way through the neighbourhood arguing since their car broke and they needed help. When they saw the basket, both made their way to the doorstep and were horrified to see a baby sleeping in the basket. The woman asked her husband in Japanese: “Toisho, why would someone abandon a baby on a doorstep?” The man, Toisho, thinned his lips and answered his distraught wife: “I don’t know, Aika, but we will find it out. Let’s see, if the residents knew, who the child is.” Toisho ringed the bell.

Vernon and Petunia Dursley were furious and tired. Whoever it was, this person will suffer for waking them up at this hour. Opening the door, they saw a Japanese couple and were confused. Toisho answered in a polite voice: “Good morning, I am sorry for waking you two so early, but we need help. Our rental car broke and we need to return back to our hotel.” Vernon and Petunia sighed. This was something that was unexpected. Petunia looked down and saw a baby on her doorstep. Vernon noticed the boy too and was less than pleased that because of that brat, they were woken up. So, that was how, they came directly to them. Petunia furthermore noticed the letter and took it from the basket. She opened the letter and was furious, when she finished reading the piece of parchment. Her freakish sister and her husband had the audacity to give them that freak to raise. Looking at the letter, then down onto the baby and then at the couple, Petunia had a plan. She wasn’t willing to take the boy in but had an idea to mess with her sister and her stupid husband big time. “Vernon.” Vernon turned to his wife. “Yes, Pet.” Petunia smiled at her husband sweetly. “Please, help Mr…” Petunia looked at the couple. Both quickly snapped to attention and answered: “Oh, I am sorry. We forgot to introduce ourselves. My name is Toisho Kurusu and this is my wife, Aika.” Petunia nodded in understanding and continued: “Vernon, please help Mr. Kurusu with his rental car, whereas I will take care of the child and Mrs. Kurusu.” Vernon grumbled, but moved regardless to get his gear. He really wanted to go to bed, but it would be bad, if they didn’t help the couple. Aika entered the house and took the basket inside. Looking at the infant, she wished she had children of her own, but she was barren. Petunia had seen the look on the woman’s face and saw that the woman craved for children. Now, she knew a way, how to kill two birds with one stone.

After the tea was finished, Petunia started: “Mrs. Kurusu, my name is Petunia Dursley and the man beside me was my husband, Vernon. I have a son, Dudley, but he is still sleeping. The boy in the basket is my nephew, Harry Potter. It seems like that my irresponsible sister had nothing better to do, then to abandon her own child since she can’t take care of two children.” The woman gasped in shock. Petunia also showed her the letter, which infuriated the woman. The woman looked up and said: “I can’t believe it. We were craving to have at least one child and this woman, who can get pregnant, abandons a child, because she can’t take care of two children.” Petunia planted the seed. Now, she needed to let the seed start growing. “Yes, I understand that the world is not fair. Many childless couples are wishing to have children and at the same time, many couples, who are able to have children, do not want any children or are restricting, how many children they want. But maybe this is your opportunity to have your own child.” Aika sighed and argued: “But he is your nephew and you are his new guardian since his parents have abandoned him.” Petunia’s smile grew. She answered: “That is maybe true, but as his new guardian, I am able to sign away my and my husband’s rights of Harry towards you and your husband.” Aika had to admit that the woman was right. Petunia pushed a bit: “Take the child with you for now. I am allowing it as his guardian. I believe that you and your husband would be perfect parents. And since you are craving to have children, it would be a perfect opportunity.” Aika nodded. She had a plan to adopt the poor boy.

Vernon and Toisho returned back and told them about the good news that the car is running now. Aika told Toisho: “Toisho, we have a new member in our family.” Toisho stared at his wife for a moment and when she showed him the baby in the basket, he smiled, but he started to ask: “Aika, it is wonderful, but we can’t take the child without knowing his identity and who his parents are.” Petunia answered him: “Do not worry, Mr. Kurusu. I know the child. It is my nephew, Harry. According to the letter from my sister and my brother-in-law, they are not able to take care of two children, but my husband and I can also not take care of him due to our financial situation. For that reason, I would like that you two are coming with me to the child services here in Great Britain tomorrow at noon, where we could arrange the transfer of our rights towards you. You are also allowed to take him with you.” Toisho had to admit that if it was the case that the boy was abandoned by his parents and this couple were the new guardians, then, he and his wife would be able to be parents. But that could only happen, if the Dursleys were signing away their rights.

Aika and Toisho made their way to their rental car taking the sleeping child with them.

Watching out the window, Petunia waited until the Japanese couple left. She gave Vernon James’ and Lily’s letter, when he asked what was going on. After reading the letter, Vernon called her: “Pet.” Petunia turned around from the window and went to sit down on the armchair. “Yes, Vernon.” Vernon took a deep breath and sat down on the couch. “What are we going to do, if those freaks are coming back to us, in order to get the freak back?” Petunia looked at her husband and answered: “We will just tell them the painful truth, but we will keep the freak’s whereabouts a secret for the time being. I don’t want my sister to have any hope to find him.” Vernon nodded. He still couldn’t believe, how long Petunia could keep a grudge, but at least his freakish sister-in-law and her stupid husband would suffer.

After that, both went back to sleep.

Hotel Imperial, London

Aika and Toisho never thought it possible, but it seemed like this vacation was their best vacation ever. When Toisho announced that their anniversary would be a weekly vacation in Great Britain, Aika was so happy. Her husband may be working hard, but he always loved to spoil her on her birthday, on Christmas and their anniversary. The first three days were spent with sight-seeing, but today, it was adventurous, because they had seen a fight between two wizards that were named Peter and Sirius, if their memories were right. Peter was stunned and restrained by Sirius, but when other wizards and witches appeared, they announced the arrest of Sirius for betrayal and murder but they had seen the fury in his eyes and the man protested. He went to Peter and displayed a snake tattoo on the other man. The other wizards and witches pointed their sticks towards the man, who was lying, and made their way with handcuffs. After he was handcuffed and the spells that hit him were dispelled, Peter started screaming that it was Sirius, who betrayed a family named Potter, but he received a were dangerous right hook, where he lost a few teeth and was beaten so badly that he was whimpering. The aurors dragged him away violently. At the end, they had seen, how the man had summoned a silvery animal, spoke a message and sent it away. The other wizards had obliviated the witnesses including them, but strangely, it didn’t work on them and they felt weird. The couple returned back to their hotel, in order to work through everything, what had happened. Regardless what had happened, they continued with their tour. Toisho and Aika were aware of the magical world due to their field. Toisho was a high-ranking lawyer and had worked at the persecution office. Due to his rank, he was sometimes in contact with the magical world. Aika was a scientist, but she was aware of the magical world since her cousin married a wizard.

Back to the present, Aika and Toisho were looking at the child that was sleeping peacefully in the basket. He was perfect. They can’t wait to meet the Dursleys tomorrow, so that they could be a perfect family again. Their thoughts were interrupted by a knock on their door. Toisho and Aika looked at each other confused since they were not expecting any visitors.

Lady Magic was standing in front of the hotel room that the Kurusus were residing. She was furious, what Dumbledore and Harry’s so-called family had done under that old fool’s order. She came here to fix some issues. She knocked on the door and heard confused voices inside the room, since she was sure that the couple wasn’t expecting any visitors. When she heard footsteps towards the door and the door was slowly opened, Lady Magic saw a Japanese man in his mid-thirties and behind him a Japanese woman that was the same age as her husband. Beside the woman there was a basket.

Toisho looked confused at the woman before him. He had to admit that the woman was beautiful, but there was something weird coming from her. That weirdness felt comforting and warm. “Hello, ma’am. What can I do for you?”

Lady Magic sighed and answered: “I am here regarding Hadrian Potter-Black.” Toisho quirked his eyebrow confused until it hit him that she was talking about the baby that was sleeping in the baby basket since Mrs. Dursley called the boy Harry. Toisho gulped down and felt fear that this woman was here to take the child away and destroy their hope to be a family. Lady Magic felt the fear and quickly assured the man and his wife: “I am not here to take the child away from you two, but I am here to help you two to be a family.” Toisho sighed in relief and Aika relaxed. Toisho let her in and asked: “Then, for what reason are you here and who are you?” The woman answered coming in: “I am here to right a wrong that was done towards the boy. And my name… Well, I have many names, but mostly I am called Lady Magic by my children.” Both were shocked. What was the woman talking about? With a snap of her finger, she showed the proof by changing her appearance and her form. Toisho questioned her shocking: “Alright, we believe you. Is it about the fact that he was abandoned by his parents?” Lady Magic nodded sadly since she couldn’t believe, what those two had done, when she had been looking at her champion. Magical children are precious no matter what and what the Potters had done is disgusting. She explained: “But there is more to the abandonment, because it is one of the factors, where magic could be dying. I will show you, who the child really is.” Summoning an inheritance paper and a dagger out of thin air, she put the parchment under the boy’s arms. She explained the sharp object, when the Kurusus tensed at the dagger: “You don’t have to panic, Mr. and Mrs. Kurusu. The dagger will cut, but the cut will be painless.” She sent them a little comfort with her magic. Both nodded and the woman made a swift cut. After seven drops of blood were on the enchanted parchment, Lady Magic waited until the words spread the parchment. Looking at the parchment, Lady Magic cursed Dumbledore and the light. She will make them suffer.

Name: Hadrian James Potter-Black

Father: James Charlus Potter (Alive)

Mother: Lily Marie Potter neé Evans (Alive)

Siblings: Johnathan Sirius Potter (Alive)

Godfathers:

Sirius Orion Black (blood-adopted godfather, May 12th, 2001)

Remus John Lupin (honorary uncle, May 12th, 2001)

Godmothers:

Alice Olivia Longbottom neé Fawley (Alive)

Amelia Alexandra Bones (Alive)

Heir/Lordships:

Potter (paternal; Heirship claimable at 7; Lordship claimable at 17; regency under James Charlus Potter)

Black (godparental; Heirship claimable upon death of godfather; Lordship claimable upon death of godfather and Arcturus Orion Black III)

Peverell (paternal; Heirship claimable at 7; Lordship claimable at 17; under no regency)

Gryffindor (paternal; Heirship claimable at 7; Lordship claimable at 16; under no regency)

LeFay (maternal; Princeship at 7; Kingship at 16; under no regency)

Shafiq (maternal; Heirship claimable at 7; Lordship claimable at 17; under no regency)

Slytherin (through magic and conquest; Heirship claimable at 7; Lordship claimable at 16; under no regency)

Gaunt (through magic and conquest; Heirship claimable at 7; Lordship claimable at 17; under no regency)

Abilities:

Metarmorphmagus 100% blocked (Sirius Black)

Parseltongue 75% blocked (James Potter)

Eidetic Memory 80% blocked (Lily Potter)

Natural Occlumens 95% blocked (Sirius Black)

Spells/Potions:

Compulsion Spell towards James Potter, Lily Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore, Johnathan Potter, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Molly Weasley, Order of Phoenix, Light side

Loyalty Potion keyed to James Potter, Lily Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore, Johnathan Potter, Weasley Family, Gryffindor House, Order of Phoenix, Light side

Submission Potion keyed to James Potter, Lily Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore, Johnathan Potter, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Molly Weasley, Light side, Order of Phoenix, Dursley Family

Hatred Potion keyed against Severus Snape-Prince, Slytherin House, Dark side, Tom Riddle, Death Eaters

Love Potion keyed to Ginny Weasley

Blocks/Leeches:

Soulmate Block 100% (James Potter and Lily Potter)

IQ-Block 55% (Remus Lupin)

Core Block 60% (James Potter and Lily Potter)

Horcrux 5% (Tom Riddle)

Magical twin-bond leech (James Potter, Lily Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin)

Soul Mate: Yuuki Mishima (Alive)

Lady Magic seethed in rage. She was going to make them suffer until the next millennium and she knew how. The entity gave the Kurusus the inheritance paper and explained them the potions, spells and blocks in detail, whereas she was working to dismantle the spells and blocks. Both parents were enraged, what those… those monsters that are daring to call themselves parents and godfathers have done. Why would anyone want to control a child in such a cruel manner? They watched, how the woman was working. She promised to remove all the blocks, spells and potions. With a wave of her hand, Lady Magic managed to dispel the compulsion spells and the blocks, but the potions would be harder to get rid of and the horcrux would be the hardest. With another wave she summoned certain potions that would purge the body from all potions in the boy’s system. With a quick succession, Lady Magic spelled the boy into a comatose state and gave the boy the potions through an injection. Then, she started to work on the horcrux. With ease, she managed to isolate the soul piece and with a wave of her hand she summoned basilisk venom, where the horcrux was bathed. Lady Magic put also a locator spell, in order to see, if there were more of these abominations. The new magical guardian would be able to deal with all these issues. For now, Petunia and Vernon Dursley were the legal guardians of Harry and James and Lily were the magical guardians since they stepped down as Harry’s legal guardians, but remained the magical guardians. She quickly casted silencing wards around the room, when the soul piece started to screech before it was destroyed. Examining the boy for potions, she found none apart from the purging potion. Lady Magic removed the purging potion too and started to give him the immunisation potions that were needed for a magical infant. The coma spells were quickly dissolved and the boy was resting now.

“Everything is gone. I removed all the potions, spells, blocks and leeches from Hadrian.” The couple sighed in relief. “But to remove him from the Potters’ custody, I need you to convince the Dursleys to sign away their rights to you two. Then with this, you two need to renounce the Potters and Sirius Black as Hadrian’s magical guardians by changing his name and you need to announce a new magical guardian in Gringotts. With that everything would be settled. With the regency, Hadrain's new magical guardian needs to wait until he is seven, when he claims his heirships. Then, he can remove James Potter from the regency and announce another regent.” The couple nodded and Toisho explained: “Mrs. Dursley had offered to sign away her and her husband’s rights to us.” Lady Magic had a satisfied smile. That will work. Aiko questioned: “But we don’t know any witch or wizard, who could act as Hadrian’s magical guardian. Could you give us a suggestion?” Lady Magic had a thoughtful look. She was looking through her endless thoughts and found a witch, who would help her. “Give me the inheritance paper. I know, who could act as Hadrian’s magical guardian.” Aiko gave her the piece of parchment and Lady Magic copied the inheritance test. She gave the copy to the Kurusu couple, whereas the original would remain with her. With a swift move Lady Magic was gone leaving the couple with the child. They are happy to become parents.

Great Britain

The end of the war was proclaimed by Albus Dumbledore and the light side with the defeat of Voldemort under the hands of John Potter. The wizarding world hailed the boy as their saviour and gave him the moniker ‘boy-who-lived’ since he survived the confrontation with Voldemort. Many death eaters were rounded up and arrested and locked up in the ministry holding cells.

Those, who managed to escape, fled to the other parts of the world or remained hidden and the magical creatures like the werewolves under the guidance of Fenrir Greyback remained isolated and hidden after the compulsions and the imperio on the werewolf broke. Many captured death eaters pleaded to be under the imperio and managed to bribe their way out. Some were convicted. And some were secretly spies for the ministry like Severus Snape-Prince, Augustus Rookwood, Evan Rosier-Black and Thorfin Rowle. Sadly, Evan Rosier-Black was found out and was tortured and killed by the death eaters, which costed the blood purists the Rosier family. And a minority were unwilling like Lucius Malfoy and Regulus Rosier-Black, who also died trying to get a locket from a cave. He found out that it was from great importance to Voldemort, but he was dragged by inferi into the water of the cave after his house elf took the locket into Grimmauld Place. The saddest thing was that Regulus and Evan left a son orphaned. The boy would be under the care of Darren Rosier, Evan’s older brother, but he never will know his parents.

Lucius Malfoy was another unwilling victim, because he was put under loyalty, compulsion and hatred potions and the imperio was renewed every week by his father and sometimes Voldemort. His wife, Narcissa Malfoy neé Black, will make sure that her love of her life and the father of her child will not end up in Azkaban, because of her father-in-law and that snake-faced maniac. She feared that her marriage with him would be dissolved. So, she requested an audience with Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody, the arresting auror of Lucius, in order to tell him the truth about the reason, why her husband had joined the death eaters. Narcissa had an inheritance test from Lucius ready that she had made secretly in Gringotts as evidence for his favour.

Malfoy Manor

Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody was cautious and a little paranoid, when he followed a house elf through Malfoy Manor. He had a meeting with Lady Narcissa Malfoy, who had important evidence that would free her husband. The old auror was not sure, if it would help, but at least, he didn’t want to be the bad guy, if he denied her the right to protect her husband. When he entered the sun room, he saw the Malfoy matriarch was already sitting and enjoying a cup of tea. Noticing the old auror, Narcissa waved towards him and requested: “Auror Moody, please take a seat. You don’t need to worry about any traps.” Seeing the distrust in Moody, Narcissa’s next move shocked the auror. “I, Narcissa Druella Malfoy neé Black, hereby swear on my magic that I mean you no harm for now and will only fight, if I had to defend myself. So, mote it be!” She casted a Lumos and Alastor relaxed since magical oaths were dangerous, if there were any lies. Sitting down, Narcissa called for a house elf to get him some tea. After the cup was served, Narcissa went back to business. “Auror Moody, I know that you are the one, who has arrested my husband. And I summoned you here to prove that he is innocent.” Alastor sighed and questioned: “And what proof do you have?” Narcissa gave him the inheritance paper that was in her hands and said: “Read this and you will know, why I believe that my husband is innocent. You also can check the validity of the document, but I can tell you that it was made by the goblins and we all know that blood cannot lie.”

Alastor took the inheritance paper and examined it first and saw that it was valid and it wasn’t changed. Reading the inheritance test, Alastor nearly dropped the teacup on the floor. This changes everything about Lucius Malfoy. The man was loaded with loyalty, submission, compulsion and hatred potions and there is also an imperio on the Malfoy lord. He hated those death eaters, who have managed to bribe their way out with pleading that they were under the imperio curse. But Lucius Malfoy was another story. The man was really a victim. “Well, this is mind blowing.” Alastor muttered. Narcissa had let out a hopeful sigh and continued: “Auror Moody, you see that my husband’s actions were not his own.” Alastor pressed his lips together, because this is undeniable proof. He answered: “You are right, Lady Malfoy. I will make another inheritance test with your husband, in order to make sure that the evidence is clear, but I can promise you that in case if it is true, which I don’t doubt, Lord Malfoy would be cleared of all the potions and spells and would be a free man since he would be pardoned for his crimes. What should we do about Abraxas Malfoy, the former Lord Malfoy?”

Narcissa had a brittle smile. “Do not worry yourself, Auror Moody. Abraxas has abdicated his title to Lucius since he had gotten dragon pox. He will not survive this month.” Alastor nodded. The dragon pox epidemy is slowly wiping out most of the older generation and it seems like that with Abraxas gone, the Malfoys would be free from a tyrant. It also doesn’t make any sense to arrange a trial against the former Lord Malfoy since the man was dying and would not survive this month. Alastor took the inheritance test as evidence and left the manor after saying goodbye to Lady Malfoy. He made a promise to help the woman and he would make sure that Lucius Malfoy is cleared of all charges.

Interrogation room, Ministry of Magic

Alastor Moody made his way to the interrogation room, where Lucius Malfoy was sitting and waiting for the old auror to be interrogated. When he had arrived, the Malfoy lord was staring at the wall blankly. It must be an effect of the potions in his system to exclude everything and everyone. The auror, Kingsley Shacklebolt, who was standing and guarding Malfoy, was confused, what was going on. Alastor sighed and turned to Kingsley: “Kings!”

“Yes, Alastor.”

Alastor knew that Kingsley would be confused over his next order, but Kingsley will do it regardless since he had a trust in his instincts and his feelings. “Go to Gringotts. A goblin is requested. Tell him to prepare all the ingredients for an inheritance test.”

Kingsley was confused. “Alright?” The auror left the interrogation room and made his way to the floo terminal, where he flooed to Gringotts.

Alastor was sitting and watching Malfoy. There was a pregnant silence since they were waiting for a message from the black-skinned auror.

Gringotts

After Kingsley left the floo, he was dashing his way through the bank and tried to get to the first open teller. When he reached the teller, Kingsley greeted him formally and requested: “Teller Stonehammer, we need to make an inheritance test at the ministry since we believe that one of the suspected death eaters needs a blood test. We have the suspicion that there is something wrong and for that reason I came here.”

The goblin raised an eyebrow at the auror, but he didn’t bother to be impolite since the wizard in front of him was polite and he would do everything he can to help him. “Very well. Then, bring this wizard here, so that he can be purged, if there is something. You also are allowed to use your wand to send a message to your colleague to get him here.”

Kingsley took out his wand and casted a patronus to Alastor. Thankfully, for his safety, the goblins didn’t care since they would only react to harmful spells, but a patronus was on the approved list in case the wizard or witch need to contact someone.

Alastor was immediately making his way to the floo, when he got the message. He was dragging a handcuffed Lucius Malfoy with him to Gringotts. Alastor handcuffed him since he knew that even though the man is innocent in front of him, he could be dangerous, if he is not restrained, because of the potions and spells on him.

Reaching the floo terminal, Alastor went to the nearest, empty floo and flooed with Lucius to Gringotts. Arriving at Gringotts, Alastor was limping to Kingsley, who was still standing in front of the teller. The old auror greeted the goblin formally and had requested: “This lad is in need of an inheritance test. We have the suspicion that he is under compulsion spells, loyalty potions and many other things.” The goblin nodded and quickly prepared the ingredients for the inheritance test.

After the potion was finished and the inheritance paper had soaked in the potion, Stonehammer took out a golden dagger and demanded: “I need only three drops of blood and we will see under what potions Lord Malfoy is.” With a quick cut three drops of blood were added to the parchment. After a while, the parchment started to form words and the test was finished, when the words stopped to spread around the parchment. Looking at the test, Teller Stonehammer was surprised. It seems the suspicion was proven correct. He handed the parchment to the two aurors and said: “Here are the results. It seems like that your suspicion has proven to be true.”

Alastor took the inheritance paper and was stunned. Well, this changes everything. There were loyalty, compulsion and hatred potions. In addition, the man was layered in compulsion spells. There were also blocks, memory charms, the imperio and many more. Alastor had to admit that with all these potions and spells, you could take down the entire auror department. The old auror questioned: “Is there a way to purge him?” The teller answered: “Yes, but we will put him in comatose state since it would kill him, if we are purging him awake. The purge would last for a week and will cost you 5000 Galleons minimum.” Alastor nodded. The report regarding Lucius Malfoy would be long and painful and he needed to speak with Bartemius about this issue. “Please make a copy of this inheritance test. I need it as evidence.” The goblin nodded and the test was quickly copied.

Kingsley was shocked, what he was hearing. At first, he thought that Lucius Malfoy would be another death eater, who will get away by claiming to be under the imperio, but now he was proven wrong, because he really was an unwilling death eater that was put under the imperio curse. The goblin started to take a blank-looking Lucius Malfoy to one of the purging chambers. There the blond man was put under a coma and stasis spell and they started to work on the spells and blocks in his system. Alastor and Kingsley left the Malfoy lord under the care of the goblins. They made their way to the ministry, because there is a lot of paperwork to be done.

DMLE

Bartemius Crouch Sr. was doing mountains of paperwork. After Dumbledore announced the defeat of Voldemort, he was ready to celebrate since the auror department managed to round up all the death eaters, but he forgot, how much paperwork was involved. Every death eater will stand trial and will be convicted apart from some. He was quickly going over the pardons that would be given to Severus Snape-Prince, Augustus Rookwood and Thorfinn Rowle, who were spies for the ministry during the war. With that, all the arrest warrants against the three were dismissed since he had known, what those three had been doing and what had been done to keep their cover. He also knew that Severus Snape-Prince had been spying on the order since Crouch didn’t trust Dumbledore and his chickens.

He was going over another report, when there was a knock on his office door. He was annoyed since he wanted to be alone, but regardless he said: “Come in.” Looking over his report, Barty saw Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody, one of his best aurors in his office, limping to his desk. He knew that Moody would not waste his time with frivolous things and will get to the point unlike the other aurors.

“Auror Moody, take a seat. Are there any issues with the death eaters you have arrested today?”, Bartemius asked without looking at the old auror since he was still focused on the report.
Alastor grunted: “Yes, there is an issue. It is the case against Lord Lucius Malfoy.”

Bartemius nodded and asked: “If he is claiming that he is under the imperius, then, there is nothing much I can do.”

Alastor shook his head and took out Malfoy’s inheritance test. “Bartemius, it seems like that there is more than the imperio.” He handed him the paper over. “This is Lord Malfoy’s inheritance test. I hope, you will understand, what I mean with the fact that there is more than the imperio.”

Barty sighed. He laid down the report and looked over the inheritance test of Lucius Malfoy. The man was shocked, what he was reading. Lucius Malfoy was loaded with potions, spells, blocks and there was even a leech. Barty knew that these tests can’t be faked and no one can defraud the goblins without starting another goblin war. He knew that he had to sign another pardon order for Lucius Malfoy, because the man was clearly not a loyal follower of Voldemort willingly. After the documents were signed, Barty was able to dismiss all the arrest warrants against Lucius Malfoy, which emptied one eighth of his desk much to his joy. After the pardons were filed, Barty went back to the dreaded paperwork that had to be done. There were some people that had to be arrested including his son, who made him angry since he has damaged his chances to become minister. Wherever he is, he better not meet him since Barty would have liked to put his two hands around his son’s throat and strangle him for this mess he had created.

Alastor quickly left knowing that Bartemius was thinking about his son, who joined the death eaters and was from there on a loyal follower and the old auror didn’t want to be at the crossfire.

Malfoy Manor

Narcissa was standing beside her son’s crib and was thinking. What if the evidence wasn’t enough and Lucius would be convicted? What will she do after that? How will she able to tell Draco that his own father was arrested and is sitting in Azkaban for his actions, when he gets older? Narcissa shook her head. This will not happen. Moody is maybe gruff, but he is a fair auror. Looking down at her son sleeping peacefully, she hoped that her son would be able to grow up with his father.

She left her son’s room after she ordered one of the house elves that she had to keep an eye on her son and in case her son is waking that she should be alarmed. The elf nodded and she made her way to the living room and was pacing thousand thoughts running through her mind.

“Lady Malfoy…”, she heard a whisper. Turning around, she tried to figure out, what was going on. “Who is there? And how did you trespass the wards?” Narcissa made sure to activate the wards around the manor to stop any death eaters from entering, so that they could escape justice. Even her mad sister, her husband and Rabastan wouldn’t be able to get past the wards.

“It is me.” A beautiful woman appeared from thin air and was standing in front of her.

Narcissa screamed and nearly fell on the floor. That woman gave her a scare. Taking a deep breath, she asked: “Who are you? What are you doing here? Why are you here? How are you here?” The woman raised her hand to stop her from bombarding her with questions and answered: “I have many names, but I am mostly referenced as Mother Magic.” Narcissa’s eyes were widening in shock. What does Lady Magic want from her? She is only a desperate wife and mother, who is fearing for her family’s fate. “I am here for a matter of great importance, but in order to reassure you, I can tell you that your husband is currently being purged from all the potions, spells, blocks and leeches.” Narcissa let out a sigh of relief. Her husband was safe. “And he is pardoned for his crimes.” A stone fell from her heart. This was even better news. She had seen flashes, where her husband was lying in a bed surrounded by goblin healers, and she also saw a flash, where Crouch has signed a pardon paper for her husband. That is good. She now knew that her husband will safely return home and be there for their son.

Narcissa looked at the deity calmly and asked: “Thank you for your generosity, Lady Magic. But what is the matter of great importance, my Lady?”

Lady Magic had seen the conflict leaving the woman and explained: “Lady Malfoy, I am here, because I need your help. My champion, Hadrian Potter-Black, was abandoned by his selfish parents and godfathers by the order of Albus Dumbledore to magic-hating muggles.” Narcissa was seething in rage. How dare they do this to an innocent child? And then, there was Sirius. How dare he betray a family member like this and thinks it is okay to do something vile like this? She was going to make her cousin regret the day he was born and the Potters will suffer for this plight. Lady Magic had felt the emotions and understands them. She knew that Narcissa Malfoy had an endless love for children and Lady Magic saw the potential in her to lead her champion to the right path. “For that reason, I need your help.” Narcissa sighed and questioned the deity: “But how should I do that? I don’t even know, where the poor boy could be. What if those muggles have started to abuse him?” Lady Magic had seen the concern in her eyes and the woman even dropped her occlumency mask, where the deity could see that the woman was clearly crying for the child. She answered by giving her a piece of parchment: “Here are the child’s whereabouts.” Lady Magic made sure to write the name and the address of the hotel, where the Kurusus were living and the room number.

Narcissa looked at the address and was confused, but before she could think any further, she was interrupted in her thoughts, when Lady Magic cleared her throat. “The next thing, you will do, is to inform your great uncle about your cousin’s treachery. The punishment is your great uncle'’s decision and here is the inheritance test, in order to make sure that you have proof. And the last thing, I want from you, is to call the heads of the houses Prewett, Bones, Lovegood, Greengrass, Longbottom, Lestrange, Nott, Rosier, Davis, Zabini and Weasley. If they arrive, please escort Arthur Weasley to be purged from any potions from his wife, understood. With all those families on your side, you would be able to control the Wizengamot.” Narcissa nodded. Lady Magic also gave her the inheritance test and there she really was ready to skin them alive for what they had done. She was also shocked to see that two family lines had been revived through Lily Potter and that the woman was not a muggleborn, but a witch being born to two squib lines. Narcissa thought that the line of Morgana LeFay died with her out and the Shafiq family was extinct due to Grindelwald and his followers, but it seemed like that the squib lines saved the families from extinction. But back to the point. Narcissa was sure that her great-uncle would make her cousin regret, what he had done, and she also knew a way, how to make him pay adequately. A quick glance at the inheritance test showed, how cruel and stupid Dumbledore, the Potters, Sirius and Lupin were towards the poor boy.

“Go to bed, Lady Malfoy. Tomorrow would be a great day. I promise you.” Narcissa chuckled. Oh, tomorrow would be a long day.

Malfoy Manor, November 1st, 2001

Narcissa Malfoy woke up and prepared herself for the day. After she had taken a shower, brushed her teeth and ate her breakfast with Draco, Narcissa dressed herself in elegant robes. She took out her wand and sent a patronus to her best friend Adriana Zabini, in order to send her the message that Draco had to stay with her, so that she could finish some matters. She heard the floo and Adriana stepped out.

“Cissy, it is good to see you.” After she had hugged and kissed her on her cheeks, the woman had her hands on her arms trying to comfort her and made the puppy dog eyes. “I hope you are alright. Your husband’s arrest must have been a shock for you. I am still cursing Abraxas for what he had done. If I were you, I would have made sure that the man suffered a fatal accident.” Narcissa grimaced, but she wished she had done it before. There were many chances, where Abraxas would have suffered an accident and died for good, but she hadn’t had the courage. Finally, the man was slowly dying. It had taken dragon pox to kill the man. “I know. There were many instances, but I was too weak to kill the bastard. But thank Merlin that dragon pox got him and now he is dying a slow and agonizing death. It should be payback for what he had done to Lucius and later to me and my son. I have to go now. Can you take care of Draco during the time being?”

Adriana nodded and mused her lips. She asked curiously: “If you are not minding it, but I want to know, where are you going?”

Narcissa didn’t know, if she should reveal the encounter with Lady Magic, but Adriana and she were really close friends since they were in school. Beside her and Rita, Adriana, Rita and her were the gossip queens of Hogwarts. Adriana always was someone with drama and flair. Rita was also dramatic and was always good in hiding herself, in order to find more information on the gossip. Narcissa was always able to spread the gossip in the school like wildfire and was able to convince a lot of people about a piece of information.

Narcissa asked her for a secrecy oath and Adriana did one, which convinced her that she really is trustworthy. The blond woman took a deep breath and started to tell her about the encounter with Lady Magic and made sure to vow that it was the truth since she knew that the story sounded crazy. Adriana stared at her open-mouthed and started to bombard her with questions about what she looked like and what is going. Narcissa explained her why Lady Magic visited her and she saw that Adriana was shocked, furious and saddened, but she promised Narcissa that she would help her. Adriana took Draco and said that she would be happy to look after him until she was finished with the matter of great importance. Narcissa rolled her eyes since Adriana said the last sentence with a grand voice like she was crowned to be the queen of the magical world. After she kissed her son’s forehead and promised him that she would return, Adriana left with Draco and was on her way to Zabini Manor. Narcissa left the manor after Adriana went with her son and locked it up.

Hotel room

Toisho and Aika Kurusu were sleeping on their bed with Hadrian in the middle. Slowly, they woke up and prepared themselves for the day. After they brushed their teeth and dressed themselves, the Kurusus with Hadrian made their way down to the hotel restaurant to get some breakfast. When they sat down and were served breakfast, they ordered for Hadrian baby food and they started to eat. Aika was feeding Hadrian, who was enjoying the baby food that was served in the hotel. When they were finished, a woman dressed in black and white striped dress robes and an elegant white hat with black patterns was making her way to them. “Hello, it is me again.” With a wave of her hand, Lady Magic stopped time itself. The couple was shocked that the others stopped moving and they were the only ones, who were not affected. “We need to hurry. My brother Time would be throwing a fit, what I have done, but normally, I don’t regret it.” She smirked slightly, when she felt her brother rage about the fact that she had stopped time. The Kurusus thought that this must have been a dream, but it was reality, when Lady Magic just pinched on their arms.

Lady Magic knew that the couple had a lot to take in, but she knew that it was necessary since both were destined to be the perfect couple to raise her champion and Fate and Destiny were not wrong with their predictions. “I will make it short. You need to return back to your hotel room, because a blond woman with black robes will be there waiting for you. Her name is Narcissa Malfoy. She is mostly aware of what had happened and she had agreed to help Hadrian and in extension you to the best of her abilities. And she is a witch. So, she knows how to get around the magical world.” The couple nodded and made their way to the room.

Whereas the Kurusus were waiting for the couple, Narcissa was making her way into the hotel. She was thankful that she didn’t look like an outsider since it was November. Making her way to the reception desk, she managed to get the attention of the receptionist. “Hello, Ma’am. Welcome in our hotel, Hotel Imperial. Have you a reservation?”

Narcissa quickly answered: “No, I am here to visit someone. Can you tell me, where this room is? Because the inhabitants of this room are the ones, I am meeting.” She showed him the note that was glamoured to be paper. She wished the wizarding world would start using pen and paper and not insist on quill and parchment. The receptionist took a better look at the note and nodded. He quickly called a page boy. “Ed, can you maybe show this lady here to Room 31.” The young man nodded and turned his attention to Narcissa. “Ma’am, follow me.” The man was making his way to the hotel room and Narcissa was following.

When Narcissa and the page boy arrived at the third floor, where the room is, with the elevator, they made their way to the first door of the floor. “Here we are, Miss Malfoy.” Narcissa knew that the muggles had different customs, but she also knew that the muggle world doesn’t know that the Malfoy family is a noble family. “Thank you.” The page boy knocked the door for her. They heard a commotion and a Japanese man in his mid-thirties opened the door. “Hello, what can I do for you?” The page boy quickly answered: “This lady here wants to see you, Mr. Kurusu.” The man noticed the beautiful woman beside the page boy and nodded. “Thank you, you can leave. Here is a tip.” Giving the boy some money, the boy left as fast as possible. When the boy was gone, the man turned to Narcissa. “Hello, ma’am. My name is Toisho Kurusu. Who are you and why are you here?” Narcissa answered him quickly: “My name is Narcissa Malfoy and I was sent here by someone.” Toisho raised his eyes in shock and asked: “This ‘someone’ may be Lady Magic.” Narcissa raised her eyes in shock. How? Did Lady Magic contact them? They must have been contacted by Lady Magic, because she didn’t reveal, who had sent her. Narcissa nodded. They let her in and Narcissa was entering the hotel room.

When Narcissa entered the room, she saw a woman, who was the same age like the man and a baby with emerald green eyes and messy black hair. It was Hadrian Potter-Black and he seemed fine. Well, that was perfect. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and the Kurusus and Narcissa looked confused at each other. Toisho went to the door and opened it. The same woman from the morning entered the room. After Toisho closed the door, the woman said in a grand voice: “Hello, my dearies. Lady Malfoy, Mr. and Mrs. Kurusu, thank you that you three are here.” All three nodded. “We are here, Lady Magic. Can you tell us, what we are going to do?” Narcissa asked.

“Ah, someone going directly into business. I like that. Let’s start.” Taking a deep breath, Lady Magic started: “Narcissa, you are going to go with the Kurusus to the child services at noon. There the Dursleys will sign away their rights to the Kurusus. Next, Toisho, Aika, you two are going to go with Narcissa to Gringotts, the wizarding bank, tomorrow. In Gringotts, you two are going to announce Narcissa as Hadrian’s magical guardian and strip the Potters and Sirius from ever gaining the magical guardianship. With that the Potter seats will be under your control, Lady Malfoy. The vote of the seats is dependent on you. This means, if there is a vote for a certain law, then the seats are automatically voting on your accord, no matter what James Potter’s opinion is. It doesn’t matter, what James Potter will announce and to what party, he is affiliated, the seats will remain under your control and they will support our cause greatly.” Narcissa grinned. James is not going to like this and he will hate it that he is not in control over his own seats. The man is so devoted to Dumbledore that she thought that he would give Dumbledore everything.

Lady Magic turned to Narcissa. “This will sadly take two days until everything is arranged in the muggle world and in Gringotts.” The couple nodded and Narcissa understood it since there is a 24 hours clause until the rights are signed away and the magical guardianship of Hadrian is updated. She continued: “Narcissa, on the day, the Kurusus are flying back to Japan, you are going to inform your great uncle about Sirius’ actions against the current heir of the Black family. The punishment is dependent on your great uncle.” Narcissa nodded and grinned maliciously. She knew a way, how to make Sirius suffer painfully for what he had done. Lady Magic knew, what Sirius is going to face, but she didn’t really care. The man would suffer mentally for his actions against Hadrian. “Furthermore, I want you to arrange meetings with these families.” She handed her a list. Narcissa read the list and was momentarily surprised. The families that Lady Magic wants her to contact were the Prewett, the Longbottom, the Bones, the Greengrass, the Davis, the Lestrange, the Rosier, the Weasley, the Zabini and the Nott families. There were also side notes that Arthur Weasley needs to be purged, that Rodolphus Lestrange isn’t the head of the Lestrange family, but actually it is his great-uncle Augustinus Lestrange, who is a decent man and isn’t a follower of neither Dumbledore nor the dark lord, and that Lady Nott had another title that she had inherited since she was a squibborn. Narcissa quickly nodded after going through the list and would prepare herself to send some letters. She also had plans to send letters to the Rowle, Rookwood and Prince families since they had seats at the Wizengamot and were clearly against Dumbledore and Voldemort. She had plans that all these three families would be able to help them at the Wizengamot. With all those families helping their cause, Dumbledore would be outnumbered and could lose his chief warlock position, but it is best that Dumbledore remains Chief Warlock, so that the man will see that even though, he is Chief Warlock, he does not have any control and he can’t pass any law or bill he wants. It would annoy Dumbledore to no end since he would have believed with the defeat of the dark lord, he would get control over the Wizengamot. Well, this will not happen. She will show those families Hadrian’s inheritance test and they will never side with Albus and his order of chickens.

Lady Magic knew, what Narcissa had in mind, and she can’t wait to see Dumbledore’s world to fall apart and his plans being destroyed. “You need to convince them to be in the neutral party or to vote neutrally at least.” Narcissa nodded and Lady Magic continued: “From there try to improve the school and the country as a whole.” Narcissa promised herself that she will not fail. After she laid out her plans, they prepared themselves to meet the Dursleys. Narcissa would come as a witness and would make sure that the process was legal.

At half past twelve, the Kurusus with Hadrian and Narcissa made their way to the child services. When they arrived, they met the Dursleys and Narcissa tried everything in her power not to grimace. The man looked like a fusion of a walrus, a human and a hippo. She had never seen someone so overweight. The man could give Crabbe and Goyle a run for their money, because of how overweight the man was in front of her. Petunia was petite, but she was ugly and she had a giraffe-like neck that really didn’t make her an eye candy. Petunia greeted them with a false sweet voice: “Mr. and Mrs. Kurusu. It is wonderful that you have come. We can go right down to business. You also don’t need to worry since we already arranged everything. You only need to sign a document, where from this day on, all rights that my husband and I had towards my nephew will be transferred to you.” Narcissa knew that the woman is acting kind and nice, but in reality, she is quite the opposite, and that she had a clear loathing towards Hadrian. Seriously, the Potters abandoned their son to magic-hating muggles since Vernon had an annoyed look that was pointed towards Hadrian. Petunia noticed the other woman and asked: “And who are you?” Narcissa took a deep breath and answered: “I am here to be a witness for the transfer.” Petunia perked up and her smile grew. Narcissa felt uneasy regarding the Dursleys since both were streaming negative energy out and she didn’t trust them as far as she can throw them.

They entered the office and saw a woman with brown hair and blue eyes sitting behind a desk with some reports in her hands. According to the plague on her desk, the woman’s name is Miranda Benson. Perking up from the report she was reading, she saw the Dursleys, a Japanese couple with a child and a blond woman with silver eyes. “Hello Mrs. Dursley, Mr. Dursley. You are right on time, but I am asking you the last time. Do you really want to transfer your rights towards Mr. and Mrs. Kurusu? Because if you do it, you would never be able to reclaim his custody.” Petunia and Vernon nodded vehemently making the child service worker frown. They quickly signed the document. The Kurusus did the same. “Very well. Mr. and Mrs. Kurusu, I will be sending a report to the Japanese child services. I need you only to sign this formular, so that we are sure, where we should send the paperwork and who would be responsible for the well-being of young Hadrian.” She smiled at the child in the baby basket. Miranda felt bad for the kid, because he was abandoned by his parents according to the Dursleys. Petunia Dursley showed her the letter. And now, his relatives can’t or in her opinion don’t want to take care of Hadrian. She knew about Petunia’s and Vernon’s dislike towards James and Lily Potter and Miranda was sure that those two would have taken it out on the child. She was glad that they were signing away their rights since Hadrian would be in a safe environment and she can see that the Kurusus would like to have any child no matter what.

After the formular was filled, Miranda turned towards Narcissa. “And you Ma’am? What can I do for you? And who are you?” Narcissa quickly answered: “My name is Narcissa Malfoy. I am only here as a witness. The Kurusus wanted me to be here and make sure everything is going right.” Miranda nodded. She had nothing against witnesses since the case would be solid. After everything was finished, Narcissa had to admit that the muggle world was too bureaucratic in her opinion since they were working like the goblins.

When they prepared themselves to leave the child services, Narcissa had many questions since she had seen so many things in the muggle office. She was curious about the device that the child service worker used to call someone and she was also curious about the device on her desk that the child service worker used to type. Narcissa rubbed her eyes. The muggle study class in Hogwarts was lacking and she knew that the book on muggle studies is beyond out-dated. That was the reason why Lady Magic asked her to bring the school on top. Narcissa was still thinking about the quest to improve the school and the magical world.

Miranda interrupted her thoughts. “Miss Malfoy.” Narcissa looked at the woman and her look was directed towards her. “Yes, Ms. Benson.”

“Can you remain behind? I need to speak with you about another matter.” Narcissa sighed and she wasn’t sure, what the woman wanted from her. After everyone left, Narcissa promised the Kurusus that everything would be alright. Narcissa sat down in front of the woman and she noticed that the woman had a strict expression on her face. “Miss Malfoy, I know that you are a witch from the magical world here in the UK.” Narcissa rose her eyes in panic. How does a muggle know about the magical world? Miranda saw the panic in her eyes and quickly said with a calming gesture: “Don’t panic, Miss Malfoy. I am a squib. So, I am aware of the magical world.” Narcissa sighed in relief. The brown-haired woman leaned back on her seat and said: “Lady Magic informed me and the head of the child services, who is also a squib, about everything, what is going on in the magical world, and that I should help you and the Kurusus to the best of our ability. We managed to jump through some hoops and have achieved to make the transfer faster. The transfer will take 24 hours until it is solid. Everything would be handled. We already sent the paperwork to the magical counterpart of the child services in the Japanese Ministry of Magic and they will send it to the muggle counterpart. Due to our strained relationship with the British child service department in the magical world, we didn’t bother to send the case since it is a matter in the non-magical world and the Kurusus are Japanese citizens.” Narcissa nodded, but before she could leave, Miranda quickly added.

“There is something else that I need to show you. I have seen, how curious you were, when you have looked around the office and I can tell you that I find it quite lacking that the wizarding world isn’t aware of how fast the muggle world had evolved. Here take this.” She handed her a sheet of paper. “In this paper, you will see an accurate overview of the British school model. It would be beneficial to put some muggle classes and make sure that the children are learning about the muggle world too and to change their perspective, how the muggle world had improved in the last decades.” Narcissa nodded and she had to admit that all the classes were interesting. Miranda continued: “What is also missing is a primary school in the wizarding world, where the children should learn the basics like reading, writing and many other things. You also can put some of the magical subjects, where the students should learn the basics of potions, DADA, charms, transfiguration, herbology and the other magical subjects.” Narcissa nodded. This sounded good and she had plans, how to put her plans into action. Narcissa looked at the woman again and said: “Thank you. I have many plans, but I have to deal with some familial issues before the Wizengamot meeting and school board meeting in two weeks.” The official Wizengamot and school board meeting had been rescheduled in two weeks due to the aftermath of the war. The woman nodded and Narcissa left the office with a smile on her face.

When she got out, the Kurusus were waiting for her and bombarded her with questions, what the woman wanted. Narcissa just explained that she gave her some pointers, how to take care of Hadrian and how to improve the magical world. She had left and told them that they should meet up tomorrow in front of the hotel, in order to go to Gringotts, but Narcissa had to arrange some things with the goblins. When they arrived back at the hotel, Narcissa quickly said: “I am going to Gringotts now, in order to arrange a few things, before we can meet at the bank. It would be really difficult to get you there without being noticed. So, I will arrange for you to enter Gringotts without being noticed by the residents of Diagon Alley. We don’t want Dumbledore and his followers being alerted.” Narcissa can’t risk Dumbledore knowing anything, what had happened. The man would make sure to obliviate the muggles and take Hadrian back to the Dursleys. The couple nodded in agreement since that man would take away their son.

Afterwards, she left the Kurusus and apparated away in a secluded area, where there were no security cameras. She knew about them since Narcissa had seen them during their way to the child service office and asked the Kurusus, what they were. Narcissa was afraid after the explanation that during her first trip, she was filmed, but then, she sighed in relief, when she found out that she apparated in a so secluded area, where there were no cameras filming her. Narcissa made her way to the same corner, watched around, if there was someone and after she was sure that no one was watching her, Narcissa apparated to Diagon Alley.

Gringotts

Narcissa made her way to the bank without paying much attention to the public, after she arrived. She went inside and was ready to get down to business. When she reached a teller, Narcissa greeted him formally. After introductions were done, she started her request: “Teller Hawkstone, I need a way to help a muggle couple, who has recently adopted a magical child, to get into the bank. It is of great importance, because it is about Lady Magic’s champion, Hadrian Potter-Black.” The goblin quickly raised his eyebrow in shock. This is really important. And the goblin seers were right that Lady Magic’s champion is real. They got a prophecy that a child, who will be abandoned by his real family, will be raised by a non-magical family. This family will announce a witch that is carrying the name of a flower as his magical guardian and from there the dark and the light lords were going to lose everything, what they had held dear and the wizarding world would revolutionise.

Narcissa explained everything to the teller, what had happened to Hadrian Potter-Black and what the Potters, his godfathers and Dumbledore had done. She showed him the inheritance test that was made by Lady Magic and the goblin had taken it, in order to examine the test. Hawkstone was disgusted, what those five had done, and felt pride since he was holding the inheritance test that was made by Lady Magic herself. Narcissa finished: “And today, the Kurusus and I were in the muggle child welfare office, where the Dursleys have signed away their rights to the Kurusus.” The goblin had a dangerous goblin grin, because he had heard from one of his colleague, who was in charge of the Potter accounts, complain that his clients, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and the Weasley couple were planning to sign a marriage contract between Hadrian Potter-Black and Ginevra Weasley even though the boy had a soulmate. But with this information, the Potters were going to be stripped from the guardianship. Hawkstone couldn’t wait to inform Ironclaw about this piece of information.

Hawkstone went straight to business and arranged a meeting for her with the Malfoy account manager. He also sent an order for a goblin portkey. The goblin was waiting for her already and Narcissa sat down. After greetings were done and tea was served, the goblin went down to business. “Lady Malfoy, I have already received the information, why you are here. I know the gist and I can tell you that there is a prophecy regarding Hadrian Potter-Black.” Narcissa was shocked. She asked: “What does the prophecy entail, if you can tell me?” The goblin looked at the woman and told her: “You are also involved in this prophecy, because it states that there would be a champion of Lady Magic, who would be abandoned by his biological family. This champion would be raised by a non-magical couple and a witch, whose name is coming from a flower, and with the help of the witch, the champion would bring doom to the lord of the light and the dark.” Narcissa stared at the goblin. She knew that one part of the prophecy is already fulfilled, because the Kurusus were non-magical. But who is the witch that is carrying the name of a flower? She knew that it couldn’t be Lily since she was Hadrian’s biological mother and Petunia was non-magical. Suddenly, Narcissa realised, who the witch was. It was her. She was the witch, because her name is also coming from the daffodil flower and in German the daffodil flower is called ‘Narzisse’. Now, there is only the doom part that needs to be fulfilled. The goblin smirked. He noticed that the woman had realised, who was involved. Narcissa whispered: “It is me.” The goblin perked up a bit. “I am sorry, Lady Malfoy, but I didn’t hear you.” Narcissa turned to the goblin and said a bit louder: “It is me. I am the witch that is carrying the name of a flower, because my name is coming from the daffodil flower too and in German daffodil is called ‘Narzisse’.” The goblin smiled proudly. “Very good, Lady Malfoy. You de-crypted the short prophecy. But it is on you to revolutionise the magical world from the middle-ages to the modern age.” Narcissa stared. It is her task to fix the wizarding world and modernise it. This will be funny, because who will believe a dark witch, who wants to modernise the magical society with muggle technology.

Narcissa shook her head. She needed Lucius for this. The woman quickly changed the topic. “Gunar, can you tell me, how Lucius is doing?” The goblin sighed. He was not happy about Abraxas Malfoy, but his son was another story altogether. Looking at the recent report about Lord Malfoy’s health, he had seen that the man was still in a coma. He looked up at Lady Malfoy and answered: “He is still in a comatose state, but he is doing some progress since we managed to remove the more troublesome potions.” Narcissa nodded sadly. “Thank you, Gunar.” When she was ready to leave, Hawkstone came in with a portkey. “Lady Malfoy, before you leave, take this.” Narcissa took the portkey and examined it. “This portkey would help you to get the non-magical couple here in Gringotts. It also works for muggles.” Narcissa smiled gratefully and said: “Thank you, Hawkstone. Gunar can you inform me daily about my husband’s progress.” The goblin nodded. “Yes, I will, Lady Malfoy. Have a nice day and may your enemies crumble into dust.” “Thank you. May the gold flow like the river to you.” With that Narcissa left the bank.

Privet Drive

Petunia was watching out of the window with a displeased look on her face. She had a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other hand. Outside a new old woman had moved in and Petunia didn’t trust her since her moving was really sudden. It takes weeks to arrange for a home and that woman received a home in less than one day. She smelt that it must be her sister and the other freaks like that old freak with his freakish twinkling eyes. Petunia still felt uneasy regarding that old man and she didn’t know why. She knew that it was the right thing to do to sign away her rights over her nephew to that Japanese couple. Petunia hoped that the old woman would not notice that the boy is missing, but from what she had heard from one of the freaks the woman was blind like a bat and she would confuse her Duddykins for that freak. So, she was safe. Petunia kept a close watch on her Duddykins and was ready to get out, if that woman was going to harass him since the woman was watching at him suspiciously.

Like Petunia had predicted, Arabella Figg was blind like a bat. She had seen a boy with black hair and blue eyes playing in the garden opposite from the Dursley house and thought that it was Harry. She was grateful that Albus had arranged her a home, so that she could live the rest of her life. Now, she had to keep an eye on Harry and make sure that he doesn’t run away from the Dursleys. Sadly, the woman would only notice Harry’s disappearance in five years, when everything would be destroyed and ruined.

The house was furnished and finished at the late evening. Arabella was tired and went to sleep, because tomorrow would be a long day. And one of Albus’ followers helped her to connect her floo with the floo network. After falling asleep, she promised herself that she will not let Albus down.

Petunia went to sleep and had to admit that if she wasn’t fast enough, then the brat would have remained with her for the next ten years and she would have dealt with the boy and his freakish ways for the next decade. The only worry that she had was that her sister and her husband would come back in ten years, in order to get the boy back to their world, but she would enjoy to tell them that she signed away her rights to a Japanese couple, who were in need of a child. Petunia would enjoy watching her sister trying to think of ways to find the brat, but something tells her that her sister would have lost everything, when she comes for the boy in ten years and she would get another punch in her abused form. She knew that her nephew would have lived with them until he was eleven since the Hogwarts letters would be sent out for all future students.

Petunia can’t wait to tell them, where her nephew is, and she was sure that she would enjoy the reaction, because never trust a family member, who is hating you for what you are. Lying down on her bed, Petunia swore that everything would be alright.

Gringotts

At the late evening, James, Lily and Sirius made their way to Gringotts with a confused Arthur and an excited Molly in tow and Albus Dumbledore was in the middle leading them to the bank. Many residents were excited to see the benevolent headmaster, the saviour’s parents and the Weasleys. They had plans to make a marriage contract between Ginny Weasley and their son, Harry, because the girl would be the perfect candidate and wife for their son. They knew that Harry had a male soulmate, but they won’t allow this brat anywhere near their son. Their son should not be gay since in their mind it is wrong and it would tarnish their image. Harry needs to be with a woman and Ginny is perfect. A light witch from a good family.

Molly was excited. Her daughter would get, what she deserved. She would be Lady Potter and would also be Lady of the other Ancient and Noble Houses that Harry was in line for. She was grateful that Albus, James, Lily, Sirius and Remus have contacted her to help them with the marriage contract. Arthur was a bit difficult, but Molly fed him potions, in order to make sure that he is listening and doing his job properly. Her children are taken care by Remus and Bill had started his first year in Hogwarts. So, she didn’t need to worry about the safety of her children.

Entering the bank, Molly, Lily, Sirius and James made their way to a teller and rather greeting them politely, they rudely demanded from him to speak with the Potter account manager. The goblin withheld a growl, but had seen that it was the Potters, the Weasley couple, the old fool and the Heir Regent of the House Black. He knew that they are here to create a marriage contract. The teller wanted to tell them that they are not the heir’s magical guardian any longer, but he remained quiet since the heir would deal with them, when the time is right, and he knew that it would be painful. The teller called the Potter account manager since he didn’t want to deal with them, especially Molly Weasley, who is famous for her tantrums and her banshee-like voice. He had the urge to call the Weasley account manager, but with Dumbledore being here, he knew that he couldn’t. The goblin needed Arthur Weasley alone, where there is no Molly Weasley, who would stop and delay the Weasley account manager and potion the man again. In reality, Molly is terrified, if Arthur finds out about the vaults from the Weasley family and the seat in the Wizengamot. For that reason, she needed to make sure that the Weasleys were seen as poor, destitute and politically powerless, but in reality, the Weasleys were wealthy and had a seat in the Wizengamot that had been used by Dumbledore, in order to make sure that the light is ruling. The group of five were still in a deep, but loud conversation and the teller rolled his eyes about the fact that those idiots do not have any idea about stealth, but it seems like that they don’t have an inner voice.

When Ironclaw arrived, the goblin looked like he was going to have a headache. After this meeting is over, he needed a supply of headache cures and he curses Teller Karkstone for sending him those incompetent fools so fast to him. The goblin thought that his colleague would stall them for as long as possible, but it seems like that the teller didn’t want to deal with them as much as he did. He cleared his throat, which silenced the loud group, and the gestured to follow him to his office.

The teller sighed in relief, when those annoying wizards and witches left and he didn’t need to deal with them for much longer. He felt sorry for the account manager, but they had a job to do and he didn’t want to stall them since he didn’t have the patience to deal with their rants.

When they arrived at the account manager’s office, Ironclaw was ready to kill, because the group apart from Lord Weasley were complaining about how long it takes. He entered his office and summoned six seats for six people. Thank Merlin that when they reached his office, they got quiet. He wouldn’t have liked to listen to the two red-headed witches complaining again. After he sat down at his own seat behind the desk, the goblin turned his attention to the annoyances in his office. “Regent Potter. What can I do for you?” He saw the man slightly glare at him, which brought the goblin great joy. Ironclaw was glad that Charlus Potter was smart enough not to trust James Potter with the Potter seats and the businesses. He knew that the man would have bankrupted the Potter name and brought ruin to the Ancient and Noble House of Potter with his uncouth behaviour. Charlus limited James’ access to the vaults. James would only be able to fully access the Potter vaults as long as he had the magical guardianship of the main heir, but with the loss of the magical guardianship, the man would only receive 3000 Galleons since he is the regent and every regent will only get a decent amount of money, but he knew that these two want lavish and not decent. The other vaults that were under the Potter line like the Peverell and Gryffindor vaults were under lockdown since there is no Lord and no heir Peverell or Gryffindor. The former Lord Potter also put strict guidelines on the Potter seats. The Peverell and Gryffindor seats were put in dormancy and they would only remain there until Hadrian was able to claim the heirship of both lines since neither Charlus nor James, even though the man was parading around and running his mouth like usual that he is the regent of the Houses Potter, Peverell and Gryffindor, claimed the Peverell and Gryffindor Lordship. Ironclaw wished to be at the Wizengamot to see the man fail to claim the Peverell and Gryffindor seats. It would be priceless to watch the man fail, when he was going to try to sit on those two powerful seats. The properties and heirlooms like the Invisibility Cloak or the Map, which was listed as a Potter family heirloom after Charlus and Dorea discovered the map, were another story. James would have access to all the Potter properties and would be able to use the heirlooms as long as he is regent, but if he loses the regency, then the man would also lose access to all of his properties and the heirlooms would be sent back to the vaults. This would be funny, how he would react that he had lost everything. He still couldn’t believe that a son of Charlus and Dorea, whom Ironclaw had respected so much, would turn out like this, but the goblin blamed Dumbledore and his followers for ruining this wizard beyond redemption. The Potter seats would sadly be accessible to James Potter until the real heir would be able to claim the heirship and remove James Potter from the regency and announce a new regent. But he had to wait another six years. Ironclaw knew through the teller, who gave Narcissa the portkey and had known that the heir is safe, that Narcissa Malfoy would be Hadrian’s magical guardian after the muggle welfare office accepted the transfer of the legal guardianship and Lady Malfoy would be in control of the Potter seats. The muggles, who have taken the boy in, have now received a letter that the transfer was successful and through Narcissa Malfoy, who got the same letter like the Kurusus from the child services in the muggle world since she was a witness, he received the confirmation, which automatically stripped James Potter, his wife and Sirius Black from the magical guardianship over Hadrian Potter-Black since those idiots listed Petunia and Vernon Dursley as Hadrian’s legal guardians and it was accepted as Petunia Dursley was Lily Potter’s sister, but the Kurusus had no relations with the Potters and therefore, the Potters have now no rights over the heir. With that the man would not be able to vote freely and will only vote within the whim of the new magical guardian according to the will of Charlus Potter, who was a well-known schemer. He also can’t move his seats to the light section like this idiot had planned since he lost the magical guardianship of the heir and it is up to Lady Malfoy, which party affiliation the Potter seats would be in. If he had remained the magical guardian or smartened up, then, the man would have had control over the seat, but since he was Dumbledore’s sheep and he had lost the magical guardianship over the heir, the man would learn, what it means to be not in control.

James was miffed at the filthy creature for knowing that he isn’t Lord Potter like he had wished. He is still furious that his father didn’t trust him and the headmaster, but he would show his old man that Dumbledore was a good man and that he had the best interests for their world. He demanded: “I need a marriage contract from the Potter vaults.” The goblin quickly sent a note to one of the goblins under his tutelage to bring him the marriage contract from the Potter Vaults. He knew what those six were planning, but in a decade, those idiots would regret ever signing an invalid marriage contract. Ironclaw felt bad for Arthur Weasley. The man was a good man, but when he entered the bank, the goblins detected that the Weasley patriarch was covered with compulsion spells, compulsion, loyalty, submission, love and hatred potions and they can’t do anything for him now since the harpy, who could potion and spell the man again, was there. “Very well. You just have to wait for a minute or two.” Ironclaw sighed, when they began to speak with each other.

Albus was a little irritated that he had to wait, but regardless, he was already plotting and planning. At the Wizengamot, when James would change the Potter seats from the neutral to the light section, Albus would be able to hold his Chief Warlock position perfectly and without any problems. He had struggled before since he only managed to be Chief Warlock with three or four votes more, but now, no one would be able to oppose him and he would have even more power over the Wizengamot than before. He would be able to render the court useless with the Potter and Black seats. Albus would also be in control of the school board and be head governor and he could change the school however he wants. Then, there was the money. War isn’t cheap and he needed a lot of funds, in order to help his followers to get over the war. Beforehand, Albus used school funds for the war, which was illegal since the school’s money should only be used for the school, but Albus didn’t care since the war was more important than furthering the education of the next generation. He gave the money to light siding families as restitution money for the damages that the death eaters had done. In that way, Albus was able to make them indebted to him and made sure to gain favours in the Wizengamot and the school board from them, in order to have control over the school and the magical world as a whole. It would be perfect.

James, Lily and Sirius couldn’t wait to make sure that Harry has the perfect life. Lily knew that Harry living with Vernon and Petunia would be tough, but it is only for ten years and when he returned with them, they would have the perfect family reunion and this would raise their reputation, when it is time for Harry and John to start Hogwarts. The headmaster also said that it would protect Harry from the dark influence in their world and he would not be targeted by death eaters. Until then, the wizarding world would be fixed and they were going to make sure that the dark is restricted, in order to stop the corruption of their children, and anyone, who is suspected to be a death eater, would be watched. James’ thoughts were the same, but he also will teach Harry, when he returns, how to prank those slimy snakes and teach them their place. He wanted another generation of Marauders, but this time there should be more than four and John as the boy-who-lived and Harry as the heir of multiple light houses should lead the Marauders and rule the school as a whole. Sirius was thinking the same. This would be perfect. Harry would have a perfect Gryffindor life with a red-head on his side and become an auror and a light lord, who would destroy the dark influences in their world, like his best friend Prongs.

Ironclaw didn’t need to be a mind reader. Those fools were delusional and idiots, because the next twenty years according to the prophecy would be a living nightmare for them. Everything will fail and the light side will suffer and suffer until the light side under Dumbledore would combust into pieces. The same goes for the dark lord and his followers in the Wizengamot. They also would be in tatters and there would be no one that would help them. Narcissa Malfoy and her husband were going to tear them apart.

The young goblin came back with the document and James, Lily, Sirius, Molly and Albus started to put clauses on the contract. Molly wanted her daughter to have some fun before she had to marry, but James and Lily didn’t want a whore to be Lady Potter. So, she had to remain a virgin and be faithful to her husband, which annoyed Molly to no end. Albus saw the annoyed look on Molly’s face and quickly intervened that it is important for Ginny to be a virgin since being a virgin would ensure that she had a clean reputation with the other Ladies and he also didn’t want to deal with Molly’s mood. It has taken two hours until the contract was finished, because Molly wanted to give her daughter some freedom, but it didn’t work since Albus warned her that in case, if Ginny loses her virginity before her marriage, then the marriage contract will be dissolved and Ginny would have to deal with her marriage aspects on her own. But from Albus’ twinkle, Molly had seen that he had a plan for Ginny, if the girl fails to remain a virgin, and the overbearing woman could accept it for now.

Arthur Weasley may have been agreeing with the marriage contract, but everything went against his own free will, and the man can’t break out. His inner voice was screaming to stop, but it was supressed by all the potions and spells. Albus also made sure that the contract can only be filed by either James, Lily, Arthur, Molly, Ginny or Hadrian. And both children need to be off age, in order to file the contract in the ministry. When everything was finalised, the contract was put in the Weasley and Potter Vaults and the group left the bank as fast as possible, in order to get away from the goblins.

Ironclaw had a very dangerous goblin grin on his face. Those fools were beyond idiotic. No wonder, so many people, who had followed Dumbledore blindly, died before the real battle could start. He still wondered, how James Potter was still alive, when he was so stupid. Ironclaw had muttered about James’ actions and how Charlus and Dorea would be rolling in their tombs and how disgraceful he was. It must be Dumbledore. That man had dumbed down an entire generation with his bigoted ways and is a parasite to the magical world. But he hopes that soon enough Dumbledore and his followers would suffer for everything they had done. He couldn’t wait.

Gringotts, November 2nd, 2001

Narcissa was making her way to the Hotel Imperial, in order to meet with the Kurusus. Today is the day that the magical guardianship would be transferred to her. She also later found out that she would control James’ seats and would be running the Potter businesses. It would annoy James to no end that the man would have no control. Sirius would be another story. She had plans to make sure that Sirius is punished for his actions, but the Kurusus needed to return back to Japan first, in order to make sure that Sirius can’t track them down. Japan is too far away and she would be able to convince her great-uncle to disown Sirius completely from the Black family line and make him a NoName, in order to make sure that he had no job and had no future perspective. Without any monetary assets, the man wouldn’t be able to travel to Japan and disturb the Kurusus from living a peaceful life by taking away Hadrian from their care. Narcissa planned to convince her great-uncle to put a complete seal of silence on Sirius, when she was going to reveal, what had happened to Hadrian and the disownment would take place under the seal of silence, so that the man would not even speak, why he was disowned and where Hadrian is to anyone outside her and Arcturus. This would be a perfect punishment for Sirius, because the man would watch and hear, how the Potters were dreaming of a perfect family reunion with Hadrian that would never happen and Sirius would know the truth that this only would be a dream much to the pain and fury of Sirius. Narcissa couldn’t wait until the Kurusus were gone, in order to put her plans into action. Now she had to prepare herself for the meeting with the Kurusus in front of the Hotel Imperial. Tomorrow the Kurusus were going to return back to Japan with Hadrian or whatever he is going to be called since the boy needs a name change.

Narcissa this time took Draco in a stroller with her in the muggle world. In the stroller, the blond boy is watching curiously the outside world. She also spent the last night sending letters to the families on the list apart from Arthur Weasley. She sent Barty Crouch Sr. an anonymous letter that one of the heads of departments is under potions and spells and is in need of a purge. Narcissa also made sure to send a letter to the goblins and requested to back her up about Arthur’s condition, which was done by a letter. The letters were innocuous enough that they do not arouse any suspicions, but they also had the flair that would make sure that they would be intrigued enough to come. Narcissa also had a bad feeling that if the Longbottom couple didn’t come, then something bad would have happened. Narcissa received many responses. Many would be coming. The Longbottoms would be represented by the Dowager, Augusta Longbottom, in order to make sure that there was no trap. Narcissa met up with the Kurusus and they made their way to a secluded area, where no one would watch and it was a blind spot from any security cameras. She also used some disillusion and notice-me-not charms, in order to hide them from view. She took out the portkey and the Kurusus looked confused at the key. Narcissa explained: “This is a special portkey that would make sure that we travel safely and without anyone seeing us into the bank. I am terrified that someone would recognise Hadrian and would notice your and my presence, if we made our way through Diagon Alley and this someone would report us to Dumbledore. We all know, how bad this would end.” Both nodded knowing full and well, what would happen to them and how they would be separated from their son. All three took the portkey and Aika put Hadrian into the stroller with Draco that was enlarged and was protected against the portkey travel by Narcissa. With everything ready, all three took a hold on the portkey and Narcissa hold one hand on the stroller. All three felt a hooky feeling inside them and they disappeared from the street corner leaving no trace.

Ministry

Arthur was confused, when Bartemius Crouch Sr. demanded his presence in his office. It was a normal day at work, but Arthur was feeling different and he wasn’t sure, where this feeling was coming from. When he was called to Crouch’s office, Arthur wasn’t sure, what was going on, but regardless he made his way to the DMLE office, because Crouch can be really uncomfortable, if he was displeased. Arriving at the office, he knocked and with a come-in, Arthur went inside. After getting inside the office, Arthur saw that Barty wasn’t alone, because Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt were waiting for him too. Now, Arthur was worried, what was going on. Barty commanded in a harsh tone: “Weasley, take a seat. There are some things that we need to discuss.” Sitting down, Barty examined the man closely. For Arthur, it was unnerving and he fidgeted slightly. The red-head wasn’t sure, what was happening.

Arthur asked in a timid voice, because being looked at by three powerful aurors was something worrying: “I-Is there something wrong, Mr. Crouch?” Barty narrowed his eyes, which made Arthur recoil in his seat even further. “You are here, because it came to our attention that you are potioned and spelled. We cannot have a department head being under control of potions and spells working and for that reason, we called you here, in order to examine this even further. You are going with Auror Shacklebolt and Auror Moody to Gringotts, where you will make an inheritance test, understood?” Arthur nodded. “Good. And this is an order and not a request. Now, you three leave.”

Kingsley and Alastor took the man with him and made their way to the floo terminal. Barty, on the other side, made his way back to the never-ending pile of paperwork. He wished, there was some more action, but now, the war is over and everything is left in shambles. He had to do a lot of paperwork and normally, wars are messy, so, there was a lot of clean-up to be done.

Gringotts

Arthur was led to one of the tellers at Gringotts. Reaching one of the open tellers, Kingsley and Alastor managed to get attention from one of the tellers. The teller turned to the aurors with a tired look. “What can I do for you now, Auror Moody, Auror Shacklebolt?” Alastor recognised the goblin since he was the same goblin that helped them with Lucius Malfoy. With thinned lips, the old auror requested: “I believe that we are in need of another purge. Lord Crouch received an anonymous notification that Arthur Weasley is under a lot of potions and spells.” The teller perked up and quickly wrote a note to the Weasley account manager that Arthur Weasley was in the bank with the attendance of two aurors. After that was done, the goblin started to gather the ingredients for an in-depth inheritance test, in order to see, what the Weasley patriarch had in his system. After the potion was finished and seven drops of blood were put on the potion-soaked parchment, the teller waited expectantly, what the results would be. On the parchment, words started to spread out and when it was finished, the goblin frowned. The man was layered with loyalty and submission potions towards his own wife and the light side and love potions that were focused only on his wife. The goblin turned towards the two aurors standing: “It seems like that your suspicion had proven to be true. Mr. Weasley needs a purge immediately.” The teller made two other copies. One for the aurors and the other for the Gringotts healers. The original would be given to the Weasley account manager.

Both aurors got the copy and were ready to arrest Molly Weasley, but it all depends on Arthur, if he wants to press charges against Molly. But they are sure that Molly would be punished for her actions, because they knew that Arthur will not let it go.

When the Weasley account manager arrived, the teller quickly showed him the inheritance test of Arthur Weasley. Account Manager Fanglock was less than pleased, when he read Arthur Weasley’s inheritance test. There were a lot of potions and spells that need to be removed and it will not be simple. With a gesture, he requested the three wizards to come with him to the purging chamber. All three followed the goblin to the healer section and laid Arthur Weasley on one of the empty beds. The man was put under a coma spell and the healers started to work as fast as they could. It was easier than with Lord Malfoy since many potions were slowly losing their potency and the spells were at the brink of being dissolved. So, the purge would take less than twelve hours.

Alastor and Kingsley were in a deep discussion. They still couldn’t believe, what Molly Weasley had done to her husband, but they hoped that she was going to pay. They perked up, when the teller arrived back and informed them that Arthur Weasley was being purged from all the potions and spells and that he was going to wake up, when it is time for dinner. Both aurors sighed and made their way to leave the bank, in order to inform Crouch about the results. The man would not be happy, but they are thankful that Barty will open a file against Molly Weasley for potioning and spelling her husband.

At the ministry, Barty made sure to express his displeasure towards Alastor and Kingsley about the fact that Arthur Weasley was potioned and spelled, but he opened a file against Molly Weasley for using illegal potions and line theft since the woman had denied the man’s inheritance. Barty put the inheritance test as the main evidence and the man had to wait until the redhead would wake up. It would depend on Arthur, if he wanted to press charges or not. He hopes that Arthur would choose wisely. Unknown to Barty, the man would have company that will change his perspective of the world and he would make plans of his own, how to deal with his wife.

After the aurors left, Narcissa, Draco and Hadrian in the stroller and the Kurusus arrived at the portkey area and waited until one of the goblins got to them and showed them the way to the Potter account manager. Narcissa planned to act as Hadrian’s magical guardian, in order to make sure to stop James Potter from using the seats and handling the Potter vaults. She can’t stop James Potter from sitting on the Wizengamot since legally he is the representative of the house Potter and she also can’t stop the 3000 Galleons that are going to be given to him as Regent Potter for the care of the heir. Narcissa could only control the voting record of the Potter seats, the party affiliation and the businesses. Only after Hadrian’s seventh birthday, when every heir is required to claim the heirship, she would be able to step up as Regent Potter and remove James from the Potter seats and Narcissa would be able to stop the 3000 Galleons going to James’ private account and she would be able to recall the money back from the vaults. The only money she wouldn’t be able to recall are the pay checks that James is getting as an auror. But Narcissa had plans to let him bleed for what he had done to Hadrian, because the 3000 Galleons are for the care of the heir and since he abandoned him to his relatives and endangered him by sending him to magic-hating muggles and by leaving him on a doorstep, where anything could have happened to the boy, James would have had to pay every single knut back. Narcissa knew that James would be broke and indebted since she knew that the Potters wants extravagant and not decent. It would be funny to watch James running like a headless chicken and trying to find ways to fix the mess that he had created.

When they arrived in front of the Potter account manager’s office, the goblin knocked on the door. After they heard a come-in, the three adults entered the office and took their seats, when it was offered. Ironclaw summoned some tea and biscuits and went straight to business. “Lady Malfoy, I am glad that you arrived safely with the Potter heir and his new parents. I am already aware of what is going on and thanks to the identity test, I can see that this child is really Heir Potter-Black.” Narcissa nodded.

Lady Magic quickly made her way into Gringotts and greeted the goblins politely. The goblins bowed in front of Lady Magic and the woman smiled at them kindly. “Thank you, for your respect, my dearies. But I am in a hurry. I need to go to Ironclaw, the Potter account manager. There is something really important.” The goblins nodded and one of them showed her way to the account manager’s office. Arriving at the office, the goblin knocked on the office door and with a come-in they were let in. Narcissa and the Kurusus turned around and saw Lady Magic again. They were first afraid that the Potters were there, but when they had seen Lady Magic, they calmed down. Ironclaw was first annoyed that he was disturbed, but when he had seen, who had disrupted this meeting, he quickly stood up and bowed in front of the beautiful woman. “Lady Magic. It is an honour to meet you. What can I do for you?” Lady Magic smiled at the goblin. She knew that he was annoyed, but it was her fault since she disrupted the meeting. “I am here about an important matter, but you can continue with the process of announcing the magical guardian.” The goblin nodded and started to put the paperwork for the magical guardianship in front of the Kurusus. Toisho and Aiko had to sign the papers with a pen-like quill. After fifteen minutes of signing the documents, they managed to change Hadrian’s name to Akira Kurusu and made sure that the name change was legal and magically accepted. His old name is gone, and no one would be able to use the old name in a binding contract like a marriage contract evermore. With the name change the marriage contract between Ginerva and Hadrian has now an empty spot in the husband section, and this can’t be filled with Akira’s new name since Narcissa Malfoy as his new magical guardian needs to approve.

Lady Magic felt the shift and with a quick wave, she accepted the name change and the new magical guardian. With this, the Potters, Black and Lupin had no legal rights towards Had-Akira. Lady Magic responded: “The magical name change and the change of magical guardianship has been accepted. Normally, it does take 24 hours, but I made it a little faster.” Narcissa smiled happily and the Kurusus were happy. Now, everything would be filed and finished. Narcissa promised that she would not interfere with their raisings, but she also explained that she was going to teach Akira the wizarding etiquettes and about the wizarding world, in order to make sure that he is aware of his heritage and knows, what is expected from him as a noble heir and future lord. The Kurusus accepted it and informed her that she can teach him that at the age of six. One year before, he claims the heirships in case he would be attending a muggle primary school.

After they were finished, the Kurusus took a new portkey and portkeyed back to the hotel room with their son. The portkey would return back after they had landed safely in their hotel room.

Narcissa turned to Lady Magic. “Lady Magic, you said that there is an important matter to discuss with me.” The immortal being nodded and said gravely: “Yes, there is. But first, I would suggest that your son should not participate in this conversation since he had an eidetic memory.” Narcissa nodded and called her personal house elf. “Mistress calls for Minty.” Narcissa said with a kind smile: “Minty, can you take Draco back to Malfoy Manor. There is an important discussion and I don’t want him to be a witness of this. I am coming home as fast as possible.” The house elf nodded and took a hold of the stroller and popped back with the Malfoy heir home. Lady Magic turned back to Narcissa: “I know, it is difficult, but this conversation is horrifying for a toddler.” Lady Magic took a deep breath and continued after Narcissa nodded in understanding. “It seems like that your self-proclaimed dark lord committed the greatest plight against the laws of magic and nature.” Narcissa became serious, when Lady Magic’s voice became grave. She questioned: “What law or laws did the dark lord break?” She was unsure, how it will affect her life and the life of others. Lady Magic sighed. “He created horcruxes.” Narcissa raised her eyebrow. “Horcruxes?” Lady Magic frowned and answered with a sad, dejected look: “This dark lord of yours split his soul in six pieces. That means that as long those abominations are in this world, Voldemort is still alive.” Narcissa screamed in fear: “He is WHAT?! Does anyone know about those soul pieces and that he is still alive?” Narcissa was panicking. The man is still alive, and he is still a potential danger to her husband and her son. What is she going to do? She doesn’t want that monster to be in control of her husband again and later her son. Lady Magic understood, what was going through the woman’s mind, but she had even worse news. “Yes, with you included, there are two other individuals, who had known about the horcruxes.” Narcissa closed her eyes, in order to calm herself down since no one would be able to stop her from killing an old manipulative coot and said: “I can guess that the dark lord did know, what he had done since he created them. And the second person I can guess is Dumbledore, who hadn’t revealed the horcruxes since his image is dependent on the man. If someone had known beforehand, the horcruxes could have been tracked down and be destroyed. And the only thing left would be to kill the man since without the horcruxes You-Know-Who would have been vulnerable, and anyone would be able to kill him. Dumbledore doesn’t want that, because he wants to have the credit of Voldemort’s defeat and if someone took away his credit, then, this person would have been hailed as a hero and be immortalised for the defeat of the dark lord. No one would care about Dumbledore and his defeat of Grindelwald, because the public would be focusing their attention at the current hero leaving Dumbledore forgotten.” Lady Magic smiled proudly at one of her children. She figured it out. “Yes, it is true, and you are right about the fact that Dumbledore would be forgotten. The man hates it, if someone takes away the credit, he thinks he deserves, and is really petty, when he loses control over a situation.” Narcissa sighed, but at least, she had a decade until Narcissa would be revealed and until then, everything Dumbledore had planned would be destroyed. There was one question in her mind that was burning: “Lady Magic, do you know, what the horcruxes are and where they are?” Lady Magic nodded and answered: “The first horcrux is his diary. He created it, when he was fifteen, when he killed Myrtle Warren, a year mate of his, in Hogwarts. Voldemort gave the diary to your husband and it is in your home. So, you have to get it from there and to let the goblins deal with it.” Narcissa panicked. Her family is exposed to one of those abominations. She will kill the dark lord personally, if he ever dares to show his face in front of her, but it is also relieving to know that the horcrux was in the near since she would have been in a goose chase, in order to find it. She is also shocked that Voldemort killed his first victim, when he was fifteen. How did no one notice that a boy is turning into a monster. “His second horcrux is the former heirship ring of the Peverells that was given to the Gaunts, when one of the Peverell ancestors from the second Peverell brother married into the Slytherin line. The Gaunts were back then descending from the Slytherin line until October 31st, 2001, when Akira became the heir through magic and conquest. The Gaunts lost the Peverell title due to their inbreeding and the slow insanity to the Potter family since Herald Potter was married to Lady Ioanthe Peverell, Abraham Peverell’s only child. The heirship ring lost all the Peverell family magics. That is the reason, why Hadrian is able to claim the Peverell heirship since the title goes from the oldest to youngest. But you need to be carefully, the family magics will test him yearly and currently, he is the only Potter, who is worthy of claiming the Peverell heirship. Charlus Potter was the last Potter in this generation, who had been able to claim the heirship, but the man refused since it would bring a lot of attention to his family, and James Potter has been found unworthy to even carry the heirship due to his behaviour and his actions against Akira. Voldemort killed his own father in his youth, in order to create it and hid it in the Gaunt’s Shack, where the Gaunts had lived.” Narcissa was shocked. The man killed his own father. How could someone do this? Lady Magic continued: “The third horcrux is the cup of Helga Hufflepuff and it was created after he killed Hepzibah Smith through poison. It is hidden in your sister’s vault. Your grandfather has to reclaim her vault by disowning her. I understand your desire for family, but you need to admit that both of your sisters are lost to their own way and your sister, Bellatrix, had already caused so many deaths.” Narcissa was devasted, what Lady Magic was implying, but she was right. Andromeda had been disowned after she broke the marriage contract with Evan Rosier. Narcissa knew that her older sister had a strong hatred towards anything dark and had a clear loathing towards her and the Black family apart from Sirius. At the end, she had disgraced herself by marrying a muggleborn after she had got pregnant and was ultimately disowned for her actions. Bellatrix was another story altogether. After she married that savage Lestrange, her oldest sister joined Voldemort and tortured and killed many people. She is the most wanted woman in the UK and Bellatrix brought ruin to the House Black with her crimes. If she was honest none of her sisters deserves to carry the name Black. Lady Magic thinned her lips. She knew that her suggestion sounded cruel, but that woman didn’t deserve any leniency with her actions. She was sickened, what Bellatrix Lestrange had done during this gruesome war. Lady Magic continued: “The fourth horcrux is the locket of Salazar Slytherin. Voldemort killed a homeless muggle, in order to split his soul in the artefact. This horcrux can be found in Grimmauld Place 12. Your cousin, Regulus Rosier-Black, was the one that had managed to get inside the cave, where it was hidden, and used his house elf, Kreacher, in order to get it there. Sadly, your cousin paid his life since he ordered his elf to get out of the cave without him and the inferi dragged him into the cave water, where he died.” Narcissa cheeks were tear stained. So, that was how her youngest cousin had died. She couldn’t believe it, how many lives were lost, because of Voldemort and Dumbledore. Narcissa swore vengeance against those two bastards. They are going to learn a new world of pain and she will be the one, who will serve it in a cold manner. Lady Magic saw the determination in Narcissa’s eyes, and she knew that many people are going to suffer due to Narcissa Malfoy’s vengeance. “The fifth horcrux is Rowena Ravenclaw’s lost diadem. I managed to find out through the ghost of Helena Ravenclaw that Voldemort hid the artefact in the Room of Requirement in Hogwarts and that is, where I got the suspicion that Dumbledore must be aware of the horcruxes.” Narcissa nodded and wiped away the tear tracks. She asked: “Who is Helena Ravenclaw?” Lady Magic answered her: “Helena Ravenclaw is the house ghost of the Ravenclaw house in Hogwarts and is known as the Grey Lady. She is the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw.” Narcissa was momentarily surprised that the house ghost of Ravenclaw was the daughter of the founder. Lady Magic continued: “The sixth horcrux was in Akira’s scar on his forehead. From what I have seen, Akira must be the first human horcrux in history. But I managed to remove the soul piece from his scar and destroyed it because it started to feast on his magic.” Narcissa’s heart nearly stopped, when she heard about the dar-Voldemort’s horcrux in Akira. She was ready to kill the Potters painfully and slowly. The boy had a horcrux in his forehead and neither of them bothered to get a healer to check both boys after the attack. Lady Magic quickly assured the woman: “I managed to remove the horcrux and I used Akira’s horcrux to track down the other horcruxes. Afterwards, I destroyed the horcrux since it had no use for me. So, we have one horcrux less.” Narcissa nodded. One gone, five to go.

Narcissa quickly called one of her personal house elves that had been serving her since she had been married to Lucius. In seconds, the elf appeared in front of his mistress and Lady Magic. “Mistress Narcissa, Great Mother, what can Dobby be’s doing?” Narcissa took a deep breath. “Dobby, there is a book in the manor that has the foulest of dark magic and I need that book here, so that it can be dealt with.” Dobby nodded knowing, what book his mistress was referring to. The elf popped back to Malfoy Manor and managed to get the diary of Tom Riddle without having any trouble. The house elf managed to isolate the magic from everything else outside and popped back to the bank. “Mistress, here is the bad book.” Lady Magic quickly examined it and felt the horcrux inside the diary. She quickly took the book before Narcissa could touch it. She handed the book to the goblins and they removed the diary from the office. Narcissa had a questioning look on her face, when Lady Magic took the diary, before she could take it. Lady Magic quickly explained: “I am sorry, Lady Malfoy, but the book had also compulsions to compel the person, who is not the owner, to write in the diary. And this would have been fatal since you could have helped Voldemort involuntarily to get him a physical body.” Narcissa shivered in fear, when Lady Magic explained her reasons, why she had acted in that way.

The second horcrux can only be accessed, if Akira claims the Slytherin heirship and for that reason, she had to wait for six years until they could get their hands on the horcrux. The locket would be easy. She can call Kreacher here and order him to get the horcrux, so that she could send it to be destroyed. Narcissa knew that even though she is carrying her husband’s name, she is still a daughter of the Ancient and Noble House of Black and is able to call the Black family house elves.

Narcissa cleared her throat. “Kreacher!” After a while, the old house elf popped into Gringotts and bowed in front of Narcissa and Lady Magic. “Mistress Malfoy be’s callin’ Kreacher.” Narcissa looked at the elf sternly and ordered: “Kreacher, I know that there is an extremely dark magical locket in Grimmauld Place and I need you to bring it here, so that it can be destroyed.” Kreacher turned pale and was hesitant, but the reassuring smile that Mistress Malfoy and Lady Magic are giving him encouraged him to do the right thing. With a bow, the elf popped away and within seconds, the elf returned back with the locket in his hands. Kreacher handed it over to the account manager, who promised him that it would be destroyed as fast as possible. With that, Kreacher turned his attention to his mistress. “Is there’s anythin’ else, Mistress Malfoy?” Narcissa smiled and said: “No, that would be everything. I only want you to inform great-uncle that I am visiting him tomorrow afternoon. There are some things that he needs to know.” The elf bowed again and popped back to Grimmauld Place relieved that the bad locket would be destroyed. Now, he had to clean up the Black family home. Kreacher hoped that his nasty master is going to stay with the nasty Potters.

After Kreacher was gone, Narcissa focused herself on the next horcrux. Tomorrow, she will speak with her great-uncle about Bellatrix too. Narcissa needed to get the horcrux in Bella’s vault, so that she is one step closer to Voldemort’s demise. That would be easy. Her great-uncle would not be pleased about Bella’s reputation and how she is tarnishing the image of the House Black with her gruesome actions. So, Narcissa was sure that Bellatrix would be disowned like her sister, Andromeda.

The last horcrux in Hogwarts is causing her headaches. She doesn’t know, how to get it. Narcissa knew full and well that none of the staff members would trust her and would not believe her that there is an extremely dark magical object in the school. They would just report it to Dumbledore and the man would obliviate her or put a memory charm, so that she forgets about the horcruxes, and in that way, no one would be able to interfere with his plans. After a while, she knew a way, how to get the horcrux. Narcissa heard that Horace Slughorn was planning to retire after this term is over and Severus would be his replacement next term. She will inform Severus about the horcruxes and tell him that in case, if he gets the post as potion master, to look for the diadem in the Room of Requirement. That would help her greatly and Dumbledore wouldn’t suspect anything.

Looking at the clock, Narcissa saw that she had only ten minutes left until the meeting would start with the families. After preparing Akira’s and Lucius’ inheritance tests, Narcissa made her way to the conference room.

Arthur Weasley woke up from the comatose state and was smelling hospital. Blinking his eyes open, the man noticed that he was in the purging chambers of Gringotts. Arthur tried to sit up but had a hard time to do so. He laid down again and saw a goblin coming his way. “Ah, Lord Weasley, you have woken.” Arthur was trying to look around and tried to remember, why he was here. “Lord Weasley, you need to calm down. You are here, because there was an anonymous tip that you were potioned and spelled. The ministry couldn’t risk that one of their department heads is controlled since it could be seen as a usurpation of the government.” Arthur nodded in understanding. With a great effort, he managed to recollect, what had happened, and he was furious. His wife and Dumbledore had been potioning and spelling him and that old fool was using the Weasley seats and the money without his consent. Arthur was going to make the man regret for what he had done to him. He would be able to declare all the votes from the Weasley seats null and void and Arthur would be able to break the marriage contract between him and Molly since his wife had breached many clauses of their contract, but Arthur knew that Dumbledore and Molly would have many tricks in their sleeves to stop any progress and he would be potioned and spelled again. He needed someone, who would be able to ruin them and make sure that it isn’t linked back to him. But who would help him? Because of the potions and spells, he managed to become a pariah in the ministry.

Arthur was interrupted in his thoughts, when another goblin entered the purging chambers. “Bonecrusher, what can I do for you?” The account manager looked at the goblin healer and answered: “I need to speak with Lord Weasley. I am the Weasley account manager. Is Lord Weasley healthy enough to take part in a conversation?” The goblin healer answered: “Lord Weasley is now fine. All the potions and spells have been removed from his system. So, he should be fine for now.” The account manager looked pleased. These are good news. He received a message from the Malfoy account manager that Lord Weasley is required to participate in a conference in one of the conference room here in Gringotts in an hour.

The red head was confused. Since when does he have an account manager? Why is he called Lord Weasley? His family had lost the seat and the money due to two broken marriage contracts with the Malfoy family, which had led to the famous Weasley-Malfoy blood feud, when the third marriage contract was broken. Bonecrusher saw the confused look on Arthur Weasley and sighed. The man was left in the dark due to his wife and Dumbledore. Now, it is time to give him some revelations. Clearing his throat, the goblin managed to get Arthur’s attention. “Lord Weasley. Finally, we can meet each other without any interference. My name is Bonecrusher and I am the Weasley account manager.” Arthur looked at him surprised and questioned: “But how? How am I Lord Weasley? And the Weasley family can’t have an account manager or is considered a noble family since we have lost our fortune and our titles due to three broken marriage contracts with the Malfoys.” The goblin quickly took out some files and started to explain: “Wrong on both counts. It is correct that the Weasleys broke three marriage contracts with the Malfoys, Greengrasses and Davises, but it was not the main branch that you are descending from, but the side branch. The main branch tried to make amends with those families, which resulted for the side branch to lose their entire fortune to the Greengrass and Davis families and the Malfoy family demanded the amends from the member, who broke the marriage contract and humiliated the daughter of the Malfoy family since the side branch didn’t have any money and the main branch refused to give them a knut. His name was Herbert Weasley. The side branch protected him from any prosecution with the help of Archibald Dumbledore until it went in front of the Wizengamot, where the reputation of the main branch was dragged through the mud, because the side branch member refused to make the amends by facing the Malfoy lord in an honour duel. As a result, Octavian Weasley, the head of the Weasley family at that time, disowned Herbert from the Weasley family and declared him a NoName. The side branch promised retribution against the main branch, which they nearly have managed to succeed at the Weasley Massacre in 1841. But the massacre had been stopped by not only the Malfoy, but also the Black, Potter, Greengrass and Longbottom families and have managed to save many key members of the main branch. At the end, nearly the entire side branch of the Weasley family was eradicated by those families apart from Herbert Fletcher formerly Weasley, who married a muggle named Holly Fletcher and took her name. The Weasleys of the main branch are owning a life debt to those four families for helping them against the conspirators of the side branch.” Arthur was shocked, but then, he remembered that his father told him the same story, what has happened to the side branch and what was the reason for the Weasley Massacre 1841. He also learned, why it has come to this. Arthur asked: “Do the Fletchers back then have any relations with Mundungus Fletcher?” Bonecrusher took out the file and looked at the Weasley family tree. He frowned at the results since they showed that Mundungus Fletcher was really a descendant of Herbert Fletcher, who is a known sycophant of Albus Dumbledore. “You are right, Lord Weasley, and there is more. It seems like that Mundungus Fletcher has two illegitimate children with your wife, Molly Weasley.” The goblin showed him the family tree and noticed that Ron and Ginny had three branches, who are leading towards him, Molly and Mundungus. Arthur recognised the type of branch on him, his wife and Fletcher. The branch between Molly, Ron and Ginny proves that she is their mother, who gave birth to them. The branch between him and the two youngest showed that he is their blood adopted father and not their real birth father. And the real birth father is Mundungus Fletcher. That bitch had cheated on him and his two youngest children aren’t even his, but Mundungus’. Arthur will show his wife the errors of her ways in the hard ways. He asked: “Why would Molly do this?” The goblin snarled: “Your wife, Lord Weasley, tried to commit line theft. You need to know that the Weasley heirship ring can only be claimed until the day of your sons’ 17th birthday. The day after, your sons would lose their claim to the heirship and become unworthy since it would be seen from the perspective of the Weasley family magic that they are abdicating the heirship to the next child. Your youngest son, Ron Weasley, was born on March 1st, 2000 and I bet on all my fortune that your wife would have waited until your youngest trueborn sons Fred and George Weasley, passed their 17th birthday and would be declared unworthy of holding the Weasley heirship.” Fury overtakes Arthur. So, that was the plan. Oh well, Molly can prepare herself. He will make sure that neither Ron nor Ginny would get the Weasley Lordship. Arthur also had a plan, how to deal with Molly. He can’t act against her by divorcing her, but Arthur is going to put her under house arrest for her actions. He will only reveal the house arrest to her under secrecy and privacy wards, in order to stop Molly from talking to others and looking for help, so that she gets out of her punishment. Arthur knew that Molly was going to hate it, but things will get worse for her, if she doesn’t accept, what she had done was wrong, and shows true remorse. Speaking about marriage contracts, Arthur also remembered the marriage contract between Hadrian Potter-Black and Ginevra Weasley that was signed against his will. Quickly he reminded the goblin: “Bonecrusher, there is a marriage contract between my daughter and the Potter heir. It was signed against my will and…” Bonecrusher quickly raised his hand in a calming gesture, in order to quiet the man down. “I know that you are going to remember that, and I can tell you that you don’t need to worry about the contract anymore since the name on the husband section had been removed from the contract. Meaning that your daughter had to marry someone unknown.” Bonecrusher handed Arthur the marriage contract and the red-headed man quickly skimmed through the marriage contract. He noticed that the husband sections have been blank, and the marriage contract was between his daughter and someone unknown. Arthur just grimaced, what Molly’s, James’, Lily’s, Sirius’ and Albus’ reactions would be, if they ever find out that the marriage contract is missing the husband’s name. Looking at the goblin, he said: “I will tell Molly about the failed marriage contract under the secrecy of a family matter, but I am not sure, if it would be wise to do so now. Maybe I could give her that little info after the house arrest.” The goblin nodded. Telling a family member about an important incident in the family under the secrecy of a family matter would make sure that Molly Weasley cannot tell anyone, who is not family, that the marriage contract had failed, but his client needs to be cautious about this matter. The goblin withheld a grin. It would be funny to watch Lady Weasley’s world to fall apart.

Bonecrusher turned to one of the healers and asked: “Healer Arra, is Lord Weasley healthy enough to walk?” The female healer quickly put diagnostic charms on Arthur and examined him. When she looked at her result, the healer said: “Yes. Lord Weasley is able to leave.” Bonecrusher nodded in response and got the Lordship ring. “Lord Weasley, I have brought you this. This is the Lordship ring of the Weasley family. The last time, you have put this ring on your finger was before you were potioned and spelled by your wife and after your father’s death.” Arthur nodded and took the ring. He understood, why he was called Lord Weasley. It is, because of the fact that he had claimed the Lordship once and managed to pass the Lordship test, which had led that the moniker as Lord Weasley was never dropped. Taking the ring and putting it on his left ring finger, he felt the family magics doing a test, if there were potions and spells. When nothing was found, the ring resized to fit his finger.

With that Arthur was led to a conference room, where he already met Amelia, Pandora and Xenophilius Lovegood, Lord and Lady Greengrass, Lord and Lady Davis, Muriel, Augusta Longbottom, Lord and Lady Nott, Lord Rosier, Lord Lestrange and Adriana Zabini, who was invited by Narcissa and would be able to make Dumbledore’s life difficult on the international stage since she and her father, Count Leonardo Zabini, had a lot of allies in the ICW. Adriana’s uncle was also the representative of Italy, and the man had no qualms to stand up against Dumbledore and his followers. Arthur was wary of the Lords Lestrange and Rosier since many members like Evan Rosier, Bellatrix, Rodulphus and Rabastan Lestrange were marked death eaters and were feared around the UK, but with the others he had no problems. Muriel was his great aunt-in-law and Augusta, Pandora, Xenophilius and Amelia were known through his friends in the order. Lord and Lady Greengrass, Adriana Zabini and Lord and Lady Davis were all neutral during the war even though they were Slytherins. He also had no problems with the Notts since Lady Nott is a muggleborn like Lily and Arthur knew that You-Know-Who detested muggleborns and muggles. So, he knew that the Nott couple are not followers of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named since Lord Nott did something that would anger You-Know-Who to no end. Now, he had to wait for the one, who had invited them to this meeting.

When Narcissa entered the conference room, she was glad that she was on time. Looking at the attendees, she saw many familiar faces. At the right side, Narcissa saw Augustinus Lestrange, the Lord of the Noble House of Lestrange, Adriana Zabini, who was invited due to her uncle’s position on the ICW, and the firstborn daughter of the Noble House Zabini, whose son, Blaise Zabini, is the heir to the Zabini family, Darren Rosier, the Lord of the Noble House of Rosier, Tarquinius Nott, the Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Nott, and his wife, Rachel Nott, Cyrus Greengrass and his wife, Daniella, representing the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass and Michael Davis and his wife, Amanda, representing the Ancient and Noble House of Davis. On the left, there were Augusta Longbottom, the Dowager of the Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom, Dame Muriel Prewett, the current head of the Ancient and Noble House of Prewett, Amelia Bones, the Lady of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones, Xenophilius and Pandora Lovegood, who are representing the Ancient and Noble House of Lovegood, and Arthur Weasley, the Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Weasley. Narcissa saw that the man had more focus than normal, and she believes that he had been purged since he didn’t seem to be hostile towards anyone dark like in the past and was only curious, what is going on. She had heard them talking before she had entered, and it seemed like that nearly everyone apart from Adriana, who had already known beforehand, wanted to know why they were called here.

Narcissa cleared her throat and all the eyes were on her. “Lords, Ladies, I know that many of you are asking yourself, why I have summoned you here?” Many nodded. Looking at Augusta, she asked: “Where are Lord and Lady Longbottom, Dowager Longbottom? I needed to see them too, because of an important matter.” Augusta pursed her lips and said: “They are still in hiding due to the danger they are exposed to. Normally, I am the secret keeper, but I transferred the position to Algie after your message came to me.” Narcissa sighed. “I wished they were here since I have a bad feeling and it would be safer since no one would be stupid enough to attack the bank without causing another goblin war. Apart from that, I don’t trust your brother-in-law with the safety of your son and his family. His jealousy towards your husband is very clear as day.” Augusta waved her away, but inside she had the same feeling that something terrible will happen and maybe Lady Malfoy was right. The bank was safer than the safe house, her son, her daughter-in-law and her grandson were residing, but Albus convinced her that it would have been for the best that they remain hidden, but she wasn’t sure, because there was something off about the man’s behaviour. Unknown to her, she will realise her mistake too late, when everything is ruined.

“Very well, then let’s start with business.” Narcissa took her seat and with a stern look, she started: “We have two power-hungry men, who are hell-bent in ruining our world, and we need to stop those two men from managing it. Each of you know about Voldemort and his destructive ways. He is the first man that I am talking about. Voldemort has killed so many people, because of his beliefs about muggles and muggleborns.” Many nodded in agreement and Augusta questioned: “I agree with you, Lady Malfoy, that You-Know-Who’s ways are extreme, but I am asking this bluntly, why should we trust you? Your husband served You-Know-Who loyally.” Nearly everyone agreed and Narcissa looked down on the table. She said: “But not willingly.” Now, everyone perked up. “What do you mean with ‘not willingly’, Lady Malfoy?”, Amelia questioned in a neutral tone that was used by the auror during the interrogations. Narcissa gave them her husband’s inheritance test, and everyone saw, what had been done to her husband. Augusta wanted to take her words back, because she had to admit that Lucius Malfoy was not under his own control, when he had committed all these crimes, he had been accused of. Muriel had a disgusted look on her face and Arthur had sympathy with the Malfoy patriarch since he understands, how it feels to be controlled by others. He had prepared his own inheritance test for this meeting since he knew, who Narcissa is referring to as the second man. The Lovegoods were green and Amelia’s face showed hidden anger and rage. Darren felt sorry for his old friend and Augustinus wished that his great-nephews were having the same problems, but sadly, it wasn’t the case since there were no potions and spells involved. He made sure to test them. Adriana paled at the inheritance test. She never thought that Lucius was given so many potions and was spelled so much. The Greengrass and Davis couple had horrified looks on their faces. They couldn’t believe, how Lucius Malfoy was treated by his own father and Voldemort. The Notts were enraged at the test.

Narcissa sighed and asked: “Do you now believe me that he was not serving V-Voldemort willingly?” Everyone nodded. No one wanted to deny an inheritance test that is made in Gringotts. “But now, he is dead. You don’t need to worry about the man anymore?”, Lady Davis questioned since she was wondering, why Lady Malfoy is acting like Voldemort is still alive. Narcissa answered: “Oh, Lady Davis, I wished it is the case, but I have to tell you that Voldemort is still alive. His body may have been destroyed, but he currently is now a wraith. Through an unknown source, I have been informed that Voldemort has only survived through his horcruxes.” Everyone looked confused. Augusta asked: “What is a horcrux?” She didn’t like it, where this conversation is leading. Narcissa answered: “A horcrux is a soul piece. Voldemort split his soul in six pieces by committing cold and remorseless murders using the victims as ritual material for the process of soul splitting.” Augusta really should have stopped herself from asking questions. This meeting is turning from one bad aspect to an even worse aspect. “Voldemort had created six horcruxes. The first horcrux is his diary that was given to my husband before his defeat. It was in Malfoy Manor. I ordered one of the house elves to bring it here, so that it can be destroyed. The second horcrux was a ring that once belonged to the Peverell family and was given to the Gaunts. The ring was considered as the original heirship ring of the Peverells until the Gaunts became unworthy due to their inbreeding. We can’t get access to the ring for the next six years. I will explain the reason later. The third horcrux was the locket of Salazar Slytherin.” The elders in the meeting were shocked. The locket once belonged to the Gaunt family, but it had been lost after Morfin Gaunt was thrown in Azkaban for the murder of a muggle family. “The locket was in a cave, but my youngest cousin, Regulus, had managed to get inside the cave and got the locket. He died, because of the poison that he had been drinking, in order to get the locket, and was protecting the founder’s relict from getting stolen. His last order to Kreacher was to destroy the locket, but Kreacher was unsuccessful since the locket was imbued with black magic that can’t be destroyed easily with house elf magic. Since I am also a daughter of the House Black, I managed to call Kreacher and requested him to bring the locket to me here in the bank, so that it can be destroyed. This horcrux like the diary is in the process of being destroyed.” Narcissa took a sip of her tea that was served in the conference room after the meeting started. She had seen the sad, dejected look from Darren Rosier. It must be hard for him to know, how his brother-in-law had died, but no one can reverse, what Voldemort and Dumbledore had done. Narcissa continued with a sad sigh: “The fourth horcrux is the legendary cup of Helga Hufflepuff. That horcrux is currently here and the only way to get access to that thing is through my grandfather. My grandfather has to disown Bellatrix from the Black family and retake the vault from her since the vault was Bellatrix’ dowery from the Black family. And inside that vault, there is the cup.” Everyone gasped at that. Disownments are not easy to commit, because it would strip the person from their family magics, sever all ties with the former family and strip the person from their name making them NoNames. Augustinus wished, he could do this to his great-nephews and that bitch, but he can’t do it since the House Lestrange would be extinct and he can’t afford this since he needed an heir. Apart from that, there is a marriage contract that is stopping him. Narcissa had seen many shocked faces. Even the elders are startled by this information. They also understood, why Arcturus Black wasn’t invited since everything was concerning his family. “I know that it sounds cruel, but can any of you tell me, if that woman deserves any leniency after what she had done.” Everyone shook their head. They knew, how much Bellatrix had damaged the reputation of the Black family with her actions. She doesn’t deserve a second chance. After she had seen, how many were agreeing with her point of view, Narcissa continued with the fifth horcrux: “The next horcrux is the lost diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw. That horcrux is hidden in Hogwarts in the Room of Requirement.” Many were shocked that the horcrux was in the near vicinity of children. “WHAT?! Does Dumbledore know about the horcrux?”, Augusta exclaimed in shock and fury. Narcissa understood her anger and said: “Yes, he did, but I will explain this later.” Everyone nodded reluctantly. “I have already a plan, how to get the horcrux.” Augustinus questioned: “And how? You know that the old fool would notice something amiss, and I have a suspicion that Albus knows about the other horcruxes and where they had been hidden, but kept silent, in order to play hero for the wizarding world. Tsk, the man thinks, he can replay the global wizarding war.” Many, who had witnessed the global wizarding war from 1925 – 1945, nodded in agreement. Narcissa smiled and said: “You don’t need to worry yourself, Lord Lestrange, because I have a failproof plan. You all know that Professor Slughorn is planning to retire from his positions as potion master and head of house and I have the brilliant idea that Severus should teach potions in Hogwarts since he has a potion mastery and is a former Slytherin like me. He also would be more competent than Professor Slughorn. I mean just look at the numbers of death that Slughorn had caused. Severus would be able to get inside Hogwarts and get the horcrux.” Everyone agreed and Cyrus assured everyone that Severus had a full pardon since he was a spy for the ministry and Cyrus had been running Severus’ case. But there was a tension in the room, and it is about the sixth and last horcrux. Narcissa had noticed, how tense the situation was. “The last horcrux was a human horcrux. The host was a toddler named Akira Kurusu or…”, Narcissa hesitated to tell them, who the sixth horcrux was. Everyone took a sharp breath and Narcissa finished: “formally known as Hadrian Potter-Black.”

“WHAT!?”

Everyone started to talk at the same time, asking all kinds of questions. What has happened? Why does the heir of the Houses Potter and Black have a different name? Had he been adopted or worse had he been disowned? Narcissa tried to speak, but her voice was suffocated by the others. “SILENCE!” Narcissa managed to silence the room. She turned to the other attendees and was making sure that no one is going to interrupt her again. “I know that everyone wants to know, what had happened to Hadrian Potter-Black and I will explain it later. The Potter heir is the sixth horcrux that was created by Voldemort during the attack in Godrics Hollow. The horcrux also proves that Akira Kurusu or Hadrian Potter-Black is the real boy-who-lived and not his brother Johnathan Potter since I think that Voldemort had targeted Akira and wanted to use his death, in order to create his sixth horcrux.” Everyone stared at her like she had two heads. The wizarding world was hailing the wrong boy as the one, who defeated the most feared dark lord in this century, and that monster planned to use the death of a child for another horcrux.

“Well, at least, we know that it had failed in a way. But how do you know that Hadrian is the real boy-who-lived and not John. I mean, Albus would never lie about something like this. Do you have any evidence?”, Augusta asked. Narcissa sighed, because Augusta is a Dumbledore sympathiser. She knew that her loyalties are not strong to Dumbledore, but she still believes in him. Regardless, the woman asked the perfect set-up ever. “Sadly, it is the case, and I am turning to the next topic about Dumbledore. He is the other man that I mentioned earlier.” Some like Augusta were getting confused, because they always heard from Albus that power doesn’t interest him and he also declined to be candidate for the minister position. “Dowager Longbottom, I need to tell you that it is the truth. Albus is really a power-hungry man. It may be true that he declined the minister’s position, but he has three other powerful positions like the Chief Warlock position in the Wizengamot, the position as Supreme Mugwump and representative of Great Britain and his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Albus also sees himself as the adviser of the minister. His sycophants are nothing better and I have the proof here with me.” Narcissa took out the inheritance test from Hadrian and showed it to everyone. “Do you now believe me that Albus and his followers are power-hungry cretins. You can see this as evidence, Dowager Longbottom. Look what they had done to Lord and Lady Longbottom’s godson and tell me, if this is the right thing to do.” Augusta looked at the inheritance test in shock. She couldn’t believe, how low Dumbledore and his sycophants like the Potters, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin would stoop, in order to control the heir of multiple houses. When Arthur took the inheritance test and read through it, the man was red like his hair. He never thought, what kind of monsters James, Lily, Sirius and Remus could be. Oh, he knew about Dumbledore and Molly, but he never thought, how low the Potters, Sirius and Remus could sink. Looking at the heir section, Arthur noticed two things. One thing is that Lily is not a muggleborn, but is descending from the Le Fay line and the Shafiq line. The second thing was that Hadrian or Akira is next in line for the Slytherin and Gaunt heirship through the rights of conquest. “Lords, Ladies, did you notice at the heir section that Lily is not a muggleborn, because she is descending from the LeFay and Shafiq lines.” Everyone took a closer look apart from the Notts. The attendees were surprised at that revelation that the Shafiq line was not extinct due to Grindelwald and his followers, but the Notts just smirked and Narcissa noticed that behaviour. She asked them warily: “What do you two know, what we don’t?” Everyone had their attention on the couple until Rachel Nott was the one to answer: “Well, Tarquinius and I found something out that would shake the wizarding world to their foundation.” Tarquinius nodded and continued: “For many years, the biggest question was, where do the muggleborns come from and the answer is as simple as a levitation charm.” There was a pregnant silence in the room until Amelia had enough. “Okay, no need to be dramatic, but what is the answer to this question.” Rachel took the lead and said: “We have the proof that muggleborns are actually squibborns. During my fifth year, I somehow managed to befriend this ice block that I call husband.” Tarquinius pouted at that and some managed to stifle their laughs. Rachel continued: “I always was a black sheep among the other muggleborns, because I wanted to learn about the culture of the wizarding world and the olde ways. Tarquinius at first didn’t want to help me, but with some well-made questions, I managed to nail him.” Tarquinius sighed in defeat. Oh, he remembered the first meeting with Rachel and she wanted to know about the culture and the olde ways in the magical world. At first, he refused, but his wife was back then stubborn and said that a pureblood like him should have more knowledge about the olde religion and traditions than the Hogwarts library, where he really couldn’t argue since Dumbledore removed all the books that were referring to the olde ways, when he became headmaster. There he gave up and started to teach her about the olde ways, religion and tradition and also the beliefs the dark lord was spreading about muggleborns. Rachel back than just said that the theory that muggles were stealing magic, in order to give the magic to their children, is stupid and there had to be another way, where the magic is coming from. As a result, Tarquinius later had to accompany her to the bank during the Yule holidays much to his annoyance and there she made an inheritance test. She told him the most logic theory that muggleborns are actually squibborns. At first, he found the theory stupid, but then, she questioned him, what the difference between a squib and a muggle is, where he couldn’t find an answer. She also told him that many squibs were abandoned in the muggle world and no one in the wizarding world knows, what has happened to them due to the bigotry towards squibs in their world. Tarquinius hadn’t had the energy to argue with Rachel since he couldn’t argue the point and when the inheritance test was finished, Tarquinius received another shock in his life. It seemed like that Rachel was correct with her theory about the fact that muggleborns are actually squibborns, because according to the inheritance test, Rachel was the next in line of the Blackwood title, which shocked him since the Blackwoods had seemingly died out, but it seems like the squib line remained in-tact. From her mother’s side, she was a Rosier, which explained many things, why Rachel was so accepting towards the dark agenda. Their marriage was approved by an old marriage contract between Heir Nott and a daughter from the House Rosier. Darren managed to put two and two together and had gotten an idea. “Let me guess, you are a daughter of my house, because after your wedding, Tarquinius, it can’t be a coincidence that I received a notification from my account manager that the marriage contract between the Nott and Rosier families had been strangely fulfilled.” Rachel nodded and Darren just grinned and shook his head. He was so happy to find out that he had another relative and he is glad that this relative managed to make his life easier since the Rosiers were not really famous for having daughters. Narcissa smiled, but Rachel continued: “And from my father’s side, I have inherited the Blackwood title.” Everyone was stunned. The Blackwoods were as notorious as the Blacks and were dangerous, if they are messed with. The last Lord Blackwood was killed by Grindelwald personally since the man was nearly undefeatable and killed many of his followers. “Well, that is surprising”, Adriana added to the silence. All stared at her like she had two heads. This is an understatement of the century. With the Blackwoods back, it would make things easier and more interesting in the Wizengamot. Adriana was unnerved by the stares at her and she asked: “And young Theodore will be the next in line of the Blackwood and Nott line, right?” Both parents nodded. Adriana said in a tight voice: “Let’s just continue, because the silence and the staring are really getting uncomfortable.” Many nodded their head mutely and retook their seats. Arthur changed the topic, when he had seen the wary glances towards Rachel Nott. “Here also stands that Hadrian or Akira gained the Slytherin and Gaunt heirships through magic and conquest. Does anyone know, what that means, because I am clueless about this?” Many younger lords and ladies were also confused. Augustinus knew about this very well and Augusta had heard about this once but couldn’t remember. The Lestrange lord cleared his throat, in order to get the attention. Everyone turned to him expecting, if he knew something. “I know, what this means. It is in case of an heir battle between two hostile families, where two heirs are involved in a magical battle. The winning heir will get the family magics transferred and all the titles, properties and the fortune from the losing heir. Everything will be given to the winner leaving the heir of the losing side with nothing apart from the family magics.” Everyone was shocked. Narcissa wanted to dance that Voldemort had lost nearly everything, because of the attack on Hadrian. Adriana said: “Well, at least, we understand, how Akira or Hadrian gained the Slytherin title. I really want to see, what Voldemort’s face would be, if he ever finds out that because of the attack in Godrics Hollow, he had lost everything apart from his family magics.” Narcissa shuddered in fear of that situation. The man would torture and kill everyone on sight and will try every way to track down Akira, in order to kill him, so that he can regain everything back. No, Voldemort will never find out, who the heir is, and it had to remain a secret until the man is dead like a door nail.

Arthur cleared his throat and said: “But back to the issue. I agree with Lady Malfoy, because Hadrian or Akira isn’t the only victim here due to Dumbledore’s machinations. I had been here in Gringotts, because I was layered with spells and potions by Molly and Dumbledore.” Taking out the inheritance test, Arthur showed everyone, what had been done to him by his wife and his former headmaster. The test nailed the distrust in Augusta and the Lovegoods since no one couldn’t believe, what Dumbledore had done to someone so kind as Arthur. From this point on all those present were against Dumbledore and Voldemort.

Narcissa continued with her speech: “You all see that we have two dangerous men in our society and this danger needs to be removed, so that our society can prosper. We need a strategic alliance, so that we can manage to stop those two men and his sycophants to take control of our world.”

Augustinus knew, where Lady Malfoy is going, and he hopes that it would be working. “I agree with Lady Malfoy. We need to make sure that we could combat Dumbledore and his sycophants and stop those terroristic death eaters and their crazy leader from damaging our world. I have a suggestion, Lady Malfoy, how we could deal with those fools.” Narcissa gave him a nod to let him know that he can continue. “First, we remain in our selected section. Lord Malfoy, Lord Rosier, Lord Nott and I will remain in the dark section. Your seat, Lady Nott, will be included in this. Lady Malfoy, do you want to add something?” Augustinus had seen that Narcissa wanted to add something even though she is not showing it. Narcissa nodded. “Yes, I will report Sirius’ treachery to my grandfather and I can tell that Sirius would be heavily punished for his actions against Akira. You can also count the Black seats in the dark section.” Augustinus nodded and continued: “Lord Greengrass, Lord Davis and Madam Bones, you will remain in the neutral section. And Lady Lovegood, Lord Weasley, Dame Prewett and Dowager Longbottom, you will remain in the light section. But we will stand united and try to limit Dumbledore’s control over the Wizengamot.” Everyone nodded apart from Arthur and Narcissa, who had hesitant looks about the idea. Augustinus noticed the looks and sighed. There would always be problems. “Lady Malfoy, Lord Weasley, you seem to have both a problem. What is it?” Narcissa glanced towards Arthur and he gave her the go-ahead. The woman took a deep breath and answered: “I have to add something else. I had no intention of hiding it, because I wanted to add it at the end. The point is that I am now the magical guardian of the Potter heir. This means, I am controlling the Potter seats. James Potter will only be able to sit on the seat, but he will not be able to vote however he wants as long as I am controlling the Potter seats.” Augustinus’ eyes lightened up at that and immediately changed his tactics, because this changes everything. He turned towards Arthur Weasley giving him the look, what problems he had. Arthur sighed and said: “My problem is Albus, because he is using my seats to push any laws he wants and if I make an appearance as Lord Weasley, he would immediately know that I am purged from all the spells and potions and will order my wife to potion and spell me again. And everyone should know, how devoted Molly is to Dumbledore.” Augustinus knew that risk too. But he had a plan. “I have a plan, how you two are going to go around Molly Weasley, Potter and Dumbledore as a whole.” Both nodded and were expecting his plans. “Lady Malfoy, you are going to allow Potter to vote, however he wants. Lord Weasley, you are going to do the same with Dumbledore. But it will be fruitless with what I have planned for Dumbledore and his sycophants and Voldemort’s followers since we would be controlling the Wizengamot through the shadows.” Adriana asked: “What is your plan? You are beating around the bush.”

Augustinus took a deep breath. “My plan is that each nomination or bill should be nominated by the neutral section. We all know that most members of the light and dark sections would vote with the neutral section and agree with them more than with each other. You two can declare the Potter and Weasley votes invalid, if they were going against our plan for the wizarding world and make sure that neither the Potter and Weasley votes are valid without your approval. This would annoy those two idiots to no end. Does anyone have an idea with what we should start?” Narcissa cleared her throat. Augustinus turned to the woman. He was intrigued, because the woman was the one, who called this meeting and made sure to turn so many powerful families against Voldemort and Dumbledore. “I have an idea. All families that had a convicted death eater in their family should take away their personal assets and vaults and transfer it into the main family vaults. Because in the next Wizengamot meeting, I am planning that one of you nominate that all the personal assets and vaults of the convicted death eaters should be seized by the ministry. This nomination should remain secret until it is too late, because with that we would be able to see, who could be swayed to our side and who not from the dark section. That money should be used to repair all the damages that have been done in the wizarding world. I have a list of all the families that have at least one death eater in the family.” Augustinus loved the idea. It would weed some of the dark fraction members from Voldemort’s base. Those, who would do it without hesitation, could be easily swayed and those, who are not going to do it, are his most loyal followers and they are going to lose a lot of money. “In case, the seized money would not be enough to repay for all the damages that had been done, the convicted death eaters should be sent to the goblin mines, in order to work through their high debts.” Augustinus loved the idea. Azkaban is a mercy that the death eaters do not deserve and there was also the risk of a break-out. Only a fool would attack the goblin nation by trying to break-out the prisoners.

Many agreed at the idea and they would make sure that the death eaters are going to pay adequately for their crimes. The goblin mines are brutal and those death eaters are going to learn, what it means to suffer. Narcissa continued: “We are going to have each time a meeting in a different location, in order to discuss our next plan and-“ Narcissa was interrupted, when a patronus came here. She heard the message: “Mother, bring back-up. Uncle Algie betrayed us. The Lestranges and Barty Crouch Jr. are in our house.” Narcissa recognised the voice. It was Frank Longbottom. Augusta was furious about Algie’s betrayal. She entrusted him the secret and Algie had the audacity to betray his own blood. She quickly stood up, but was stopped for a second by Augustinus. “I am coming with you. You need back-up. And you alone would not be able to deal with my great-nephews, that bitch and that cretin Crouch. I will deal with those fools on my own and don’t worry, they are no match for me, because even Grindelwald’s followers failed to kill me.” Augusta hesitated slightly, but she had to admit that Augustinus had a clear loathing of Voldemort and Dumbledore and the man had killed many followers of Grindelwald and Voldemort. She had heard that Augustinus was targeted by Voldemort and his minions since he was standing in the way of the lordship and the money of the Lestrange family. Augusta sighed and nodded. She can’t fight the death eaters alone and Augustinus was a war veteran. He knew, how to deal with those monsters and Algie.

Narcissa ended the meeting and prayed that Frank and Alice would be protected from the gruesome fate. Everyone left the meeting room in hopes that Frank and Alice would survive the encounter of Voldemort’s most dangerous death eaters. Arthur went back to the ministry. He needed to speak with Crouch. With these new revelations about the muggleborns being squibborns, he would be able to help Crouch with the problem of the extinction of the Crouch line. And maybe, he would gain a new ally for their cause. His next plan of action would be to deal with his wife appropriately.

Longbottom safe house

Screams could be heard from the safe house, where the Longbottoms were hiding. Bellatrix in a furious voice casted the Cruciatius curse and demanded to know, where their lord is, but Frank and Alice were unable to give them any answers since both had no idea, where Voldemort was, and their sanity was barely hanging. This angered Bellatrix even more and she crucified them even more. The Lestranges and Crouch tortured them too until unconsciousness and Neville much to his parents’ horror watched the whole scene. Barty was sent down to the living room, in order to guard the house, so that no one could enter. The toddler started crying, but Bellatrix just laughed and cooed at the boy: “Look, ickle, little Neville, what I am going to your mummy.” She casted another crucio at Alice, who was lying motionless on the floor. But the boy cried even harder. Unknown to his parents and the attackers, Neville had an eidetic memory and this would scar him for a long time.

Outside, Augustinus and Augusta quickly arrived at the safe house and saw Algie Longbottom grinning. The man believes that with his nephew and his family gone, he would be able to become Lord Longbottom. Augusta was ready to kill him, but Augustinus stopped her and told her quietly, so that the man doesn’t hear them: “Augusta, you get the aurors. I am going to deal with those fools.” Augusta nodded and said as quiet as Augustinus: “Alright. You are allowed to kill Algie. This man forfeited his life for what he had done.” Augustinus grinned. This is good. After Augusta went away, in order to cast the patronus for reinforcement, Augustinus quickly disarmed Algie and threw up a silencing ward around them, so that no one could hear, what he is going to do to the traitor. He threw then a blood-boiling curse, which made the man scream in pain and made his blood run out of his mouth. With some intricate movements that he used during his duels with Grindelwald’s and Voldemort’s followers, Augustinus threw many painful curses like the organ-liquifying curse, the dolor-curse, the conjunctivitis curse and many more. The man was a bloody mess until Augustinus had enough and threw a dark cutting hex aimed at his throat. Algie’s last thoughts before the cutting curse sliced his throat open were, how Albus’ plans had failed, in order to make him the next Lord Longbottom after the death of his nephew and his great-nephew. He was furious that now, he was going to lose his life. Algie died quickly after the cutting hex sliced his throat open. Augustinus quickly dispelled the silencing wards and made his way inside the house. There he threw the cruciatius curse towards Barty Crouch Jr., who guarded the living room. The man screamed in pain. The man smirked sadistically, when the younger Crouch started to beg him to stop, but he refused and continued with the torture until the man was unconscious. When he went to the nursery, Augustinus quickly put a sleeping charm on the Longbottom heir and disarmed the crazy bitch and blasted her away with a blasting curse. When she was thrown against the wall screaming, everyone heard the crack of her skull and she fell on the floor unconscious for a short time. Rabastan and Rodulphus tried to duel their great-uncle, but they were slowly overpowered and they nearly died under the man’s wand, when the man casted a crucio duo on them and started to break every bone in their body with bone-breakers. Both men screamed in pain and agony. At the end, they received dozen of kicks from their great uncle until they passed out, because of the pain inflicted on them. When Bellatrix tried to stand up and tried to reach her wand, in order to kill their attacker, Augustinus grabbed her and backhanded her until her cheeks were blood red and tears trickled down on her face. He crucified her until the proud Bellatrix Lestrange was begging him to stop, but Augustinus didn’t stop, because he continued to torture the bitch. Augustinus used slicing hexes until the woman fell unconscious on the floor, because of the blood loss.

Outside, Augusta informed the aurors, what had happened, and they quickly made their way to the safe house. Augusta and the aurors saw the mutilated corpse of Algie Longbottom and they had slight smirks on their faces. The man paid dearly for what he had done. Augusta had to give it to the Lestrange Lord. The man is brutal, but also vicious. Getting inside, they saw someone lying in the living room. They found Barty Crouch Jr., who was still twitching from the torture, he had endured. Everyone recognised the effects of the Cruciatius curse, but the aurors didn’t care since the man had tortured many victims including the Longbottoms and didn’t deserve any mercy. In the nursery, they found Augustinus Lestrange trying to heal the Longbottom couple from the spell damage. The aurors and Augusta saw the mutilated bodies of the Lestrange trio and they had to admit that Lord Lestrange was a force to reckon with. Thank Merlin, he was on their side and loathed Voldemort. They wouldn’t be able to fight a man like him.

Augusta didn’t care about the trio. Her family was more important. Turning to Augustinus, the man shook his head much to her sadness and sighed. “I am sorry, Augusta. I tried every healing spell, but it seems like that mentally your son and daughter-in-law are damaged. They need to be taken to St. Mungos, but I am not sure, if they would be able to heal the nerve damage that was done to them.” Augusta sighed sadly. She saw the sleeping form of her grandson. Augustinus turned to Augusta. “I put a sleeping charm on him. He will be alright. He didn’t see, what I have done to those idiots here.” Augusta sighed in relief, but deep down, she knew that Neville would remember this since he had an eidetic memory. She took her grandson from the crib. The woman needed help. Maybe her mother-in-law would be able to help her. She is the only person, who is still alive. One of the aurors said: “Thank you, Lord Lestrange. It must be difficult that your great nephews and niece-in-law did this monstrosity.” Augustinus didn’t need pity. He despised his great nephews and the bitch. He just snapped: “Take them away. I don’t want to see them ever again.” The aurors quickly followed his command and handcuffed the attackers. Augusta questioned: “Why don’t you disown them from the Lestrange family for what they had done?” Augustinus withheld a groan. “I wish I can, but the marriage contract between Rodulphus and Bellatrix is stopping even a disinheritance until an heir can be produced. Rabastan is another story.” Augusta understood the problem. Marriage contracts could sometimes be fickle and tricky.

Augustinus took out his wand. “I, Augustinus Octavian Lestrange, hereby call upon the family magics. I disown Rabastan Orpheus Lestrange from the Lestrange family. May the magic of our ancestor judge his action. If found unworthy, may the family magics be stripped from him. May he never bring shame and disgrace to the family’s good name. So, mote it be.”

Rabastan woke up for a short moment and started screaming in pain, when the family magics examined him and ripped themselves from him. From now, he is known as Rabastan NoName. He passed out again and the shocked aurors led him away to the ministry holding cells. The aurors thought that he had it coming. A healer would treat their injury even though, they didn’t deserve one, but they had to follow protocol since they needed to be presented in front of their trial uninjured and untouched.

“I will take my grandson to Longbottom Manor. I will call Callidora back and ask her to help me with Neville”, Augusta said. Augustinus nodded in understanding. Augusta needed help from all sides. He knew about Lady Longbottom and the woman would make sure her family would be safe. Apart from that no one, not even he himself, but he will never admit it in front of the woman, was brave enough to go against Callidora Longbottom neé Black. The woman was a Black after all and the Blacks can be vicious, if they were angered or their family is in danger. “I will return back home and try to find a way around the marriage contract between Rodulphus and Bellatrix.” Augusta had an idea. “How about you call upon Lady Magic, in order to judge it?” Augustinus was shocked. That sounded to be a good plan and why didn’t he think about this earlier? “Thank you, Augusta. This would make my life easier, but I believe that I will do it tomorrow in the bank. I need a witness for this. You know, how marriage contracts work, if you want to judge them.” Augusta nodded and said: “Callidora and I will be your witnesses.” Augustinus nodded. He was grateful, but he also knew that there was a slight interest, because in the best-case scenario, Augustinus would be able to kick Rodulphus and Bellatrix out of the family and stop a feud with the Longbottoms, but the consequence would be the end of the Lestrange line. But with the revelation of the muggleborns being squibborns, Augustinus had hope that there is a chance to revive the House Lestrange with the help of a squibborn. He hoped that his ancestors didn’t kill every squib born to his family, but he doubted it. A squibborn would be his solution. He prayed to Lady Magic that there was hope for the House Lestrange. In the other realm, Lady Magic received his prayer and smiled deviously, because Augustinus would get an heir and she knew, where the child was.

After saying goodbye to Augusta, Augustinus returned back to Lestrange Manor. There he made some arrangements with the bank, in order to prepare himself for the magical judgement of the marriage contract between Rodulphus and Bellatrix.

When Augusta returned back to the manor, she informed her mother-in-law about the actions of the Lestrange trio and Crouch Jr. Augusta also informed Callidora about Algie’s betrayal. Callidora Longbottom neé Black was less then pleased to hear, what one of her great-nieces had done, but not to expense, how furious, she was about her son’s action. She was absolutely furious, what her son had done. Callidora knew that her youngest son was always jealous of Howard, but she never thought that jealousy and greed would lead to this. She already informed Augusta that they are going to formally remove Algie from the Longbottom family tree post-mortem and they are also going to see, if his family was involved in this, in order to weed out possible traitors in the family. Callidora knew that her grandson, Jakob Longbottom, was overambitious and wanted to be Lord Longbottom and her granddaughters Agnes and Josephine were always dreaming of having the privileges of the main branch, but since Neville is still alive, their dreams would only be dreams. She quickly wrote a letter, where she is petitioning Arcturus Black for a meeting. She will not let this stand and heads are going to roll, if Arcturus refuses to do anything against Bellatrix. Callidora also included Charis’ grandson, Bartemius Crouch Jr. He wasn’t going to let him go since that brat was responsible for the torture of her grandson and granddaughter-in-law.

Augusta knew from the vicious look from her mother-in-law that heads are going to roll no matter, what would happen. Her son and daughter-in-law will get justice for what Bellatrix and the Lestrange brothers had done. Lord Crouch will deal with his own son. She was sure of that and if not, then she would use her influence to strip him from his position of power as the head of the DMLE, but she doubted the latter since Crouch loved power more than anything else and would not let anyone stand against his ambitions, not even his son.

Callidora send a patronus to her grandson and granddaughters. She needed to make sure to inform them about their father’s treachery.

The floo flared for a few minutes and Jakob, Agnes and Josephine stepped through the floo. Seeing Augusta and his first cousin once removed, he withheld a sneer of contempt. That brat is standing in his way of becoming Lord Longbottom. Agnes and Josephine just glared at the brat with hostility. They wished, he was gone, so that at least one of them can get the privileges of the main branch. Augusta saw the hostile glares and glared back at them. She never liked her nephew and her nieces since Algie was putting in their heads that Jakob would be Lord Longbottom and his daughters would get the privileges of being members of the main branch. Callidora had seen the looks and knows, how to deal with them accordingly.

Callidora started with a harsh voice: “I called you here since it is an emergency.” She looked at her grandchildren with her cold-silver eyes. “A great betrayal happened to our family. Greed and jealousy caused your father and my son to betray Frank and Alice. Thankfully, he was dealt with accordingly and with the approval of Dowager Longbottom, Algie Longbottom was killed for his betrayal.” Jakob barely managed to stand on his two feet. Agnes and Josephine were shocked and furious. Shocked that their father was a traitor and furious that their imbecilic aunt had allowed their father to be killed. Jakob was still processing, what was happening. What? This can’t be true. When his aunt came to tell Algie that she is transferring the secret towards him since she had a meeting to attend in Gringotts, his father told him that today, his dreams of being Lord Longbottom will become true. And now, he is dead and his dream isn’t fulfilled since his first cousin once removed is still there. Jakob’s shock turned to fury towards his aunt, when he managed to process the second part of what his grandmother had said. This old bitch allowed his father to be killed. What right did she have to do this?

“WHAT?! How dare you, aunt Augusta? How dare you allow my father to be killed. You will not get away with this!”, the man roared in rage and pointed his wand towards Augusta. Callidora quickly disarmed him and took the wand in her hand much to the man’s shock. “Enough, Jakob. You are in no position to speak like this towards your aunt. Your father betrayed the family and if he hadn’t been killed there, then, I would have dealt with him in Black family style.” Jakob swallowed hard. He knew that his grandmother would have killed his father without batting her eyelashes. No matter, what he will do, his father would remain a traitor. His reputation is in tatters, because of his father’s actions and his sisters are also going to be affected by this. Agnes and Josephine were enraged. This is a nightmare. Being daughters of a traitor would lower their standards and their marriage prospects.

Callidora continued: “Now, you are here to tell me the truth, if you had known, what your father had planned?” She looked at her grandchildren critically. All three shook their heads. They really were clueless, what their father had planned. Callidora examined them carefully and saw that they had nothing to hide and were telling the truth. “Good. You can now return to your children, Jakob. Augusta and I will take care of Neville.” All three left knowing that they were dismissed. They couldn’t believe, how foolish their father was. Dumbledore. He is to blame for this. They knew that their father had spent too much time with the man discussing, how to become Lord Longbottom and now, he is dead.

Black Manor

Arcturus Black was sitting in the informal dining room enjoying his dinner, when a letter was dropped in front of him. He glared slightly at the owl, but he took the letter regardless. Examining the envelope, he recognised the Longbottom coat of arms on the wax. It’s from the Longbottoms. More specifically from Callidora, one of his cousins. Breaking the seal, he took out the letter from the envelope and started to read it. When he was finished, Arcturus was completely furious. Bellatrix had gone too far this time. This time, he will disown her. There is no way, he was going to be connected to such a foolish girl. Then, there was Charis’ grandson. Arcturus knew that his cousin would be rolling in her tomb, what her grandson had done. He also knew that Barty’s mother would be catering for her son, but he will make sure to tell her that her son’s actions are inexcusable and he will remove the boy from the Black family. The excuse the woman would use that her husband had neglected her son due to work is not going to be enough. His father was the same and did he join Grindelwald, because of his father’s neglect? No. He fought him tooth and nail and managed to save thousands of people’s lives.

He quickly wrote letters to Cygnus, Narcissa, Sirius, Bartemius Crouch Sr. and his wife. There will be a meeting in his manor. Arcturus also wrote a letter to Callidora Longbottom to come here and a promise that he will deal with Bellatrix and Bartemius Crouch Jr. accordingly. Arcturus had plans to deal with Bellatrix before lunch, after lunch, Arcturus will have a private meeting with Narcissa since she wanted to speak with him about Sirius privately and before dinner, Bartemius Crouch Jr. would be dealt with since he knew that Lord Crouch would be finished with work before dinner. And finally, after dinner, Sirius would come since Narcissa wanted to meet with her cousin and speak with him.

After the letters were sent, Arcturus returned back to his food and mentally prepared himself for the headaches tomorrow.

Unknown to him the recipients received his letters and felt that something big would happen tomorrow.

Ministry of Magic

The aurors threw the Lestranges and Barty Crouch Jr. in the holding cells. The healers were called and they started to treat their injuries. Their trial would be at the end of the month since the Wizengamot meeting and the school board meeting had been rescheduled in the middle of November. The aurors were ready to celebrate that one of the worst and most feared death eaters had been captured. But suddenly, they realised that there was a problem. Who is going to inform Lord Crouch about his son’s arrest? The aurors swallowed hard, because the man would like to say some key words to his son and none of the aurors were brave enough to be in the crossfire.

Quickly drawing some straws like the muggles in the muggle world, the auror with the shortest straw would be the one to inform Crouch. When it was finished, the auror with the shortest went to the head of the DMLE’s office with dread on his face, in order to meet up with Crouch. This would not be pretty.

Bartemius Crouch Sr. was sitting behind is desk working on his paperwork again. Seriously, this paperwork never seems to end. He heard a knock on his door and the man perked. “Come in.” Crouch said in a neutral, but loud tone. The auror entered the office and Crouch could see the dread on his face. “What can I do for you, Auror Proudfoot?” The man sighed and Bartemius indicated to the man to take a seat. Mustering up his courage, Proudfoot reported: “Lord Crouch, we have bad news for you. We have arrested your son. We found him with the Lestranges torturing the Longbottom couple to insanity. According to Lord Lestrange, Dowager Longbottom and my colleagues, who have arrested them, he was in the living room guarding the house, so that no one can enter. But he didn’t count on Lord Lestrange, who had tortured him until he had passed out. The Lestrange trio were in the nursery. Lord Lestrange tortured and mutilated them, but they are still alive. And that traitor, Algie Longbottom, who had given up the secret to the Lestrange trio and your son, was tortured and killed. Dowager Longbottom allowed Lord Lestrange to kill the man.” Bartemius was shocked, furious and confused. Shocked that the infamous Lestrange trio had been arrested, furious that his son was involved in the torture of the Longbottoms and that he had been arrested too. He can kiss the position of becoming minister goodbye. Confused that Augusta Longbottom allowed Lord Lestrange to kill another family member, but if he had been in her shoes, he would have done the same thing or done it himself.

Bartemius was sitting still and thinking of many things, how he is going to deal with his only son, but the biggest question was, who is going to continue the Crouch line. He was the last of his line and with his son in Azkaban, the Crouch family would die out. Like Augustinus Lestrange, Bartemius Crouch Sr. faced the same problem. His line is dying out and there was nothing he could do. Bartemius was also sterile due to a castrating charm on him meaning that he can’t produce any heirs anymore. But first he will deal with his son.

Turning his attention back to Auror Proudfoot, he said in a deadly calm voice: “Thanks for the report. You are dismissed.” Proudfoot quickly left knowing that Bartemius Crouch Sr. was very dangerous, when he is in that state. It was the same state, when he was told that his son is a death eater.

Finishing up his paperwork, Bartemius made his way to the ministry holding cells. There would be hell to pay.

When Bartemius Crouch Sr. arrived at his son’s cell, the man restrained himself from torturing and killing the imbecile that was his son. But he knew, he couldn’t do that since an auror guard was there watching him. He couldn’t believe, what his son had done. With a sneer, Crouch said: “Are you proud of yourself? Are you proud, what you have done?” Barty twitched a little bit from the Cruciatius Curse he had received from the old Lord Lestrange. He didn’t have time to deal with his father. The younger Crouch hated him for all the years of coldness and neglect he had received from him. Crouch knew that it was pointless since his son was ignoring him. “Barty, for years, I may have made many mistakes with you, but this takes the cake. Becoming a death eater, spreading some superstitious nonsense about the muggleborns and being a follower of a mass-murderer, this was not the future, I wanted for you. But from what I see, you have chosen your path.” Barty wanted to yell at his father, but was interrupted by a new voice. “Lord Crouch, I wanted to see you for a short minute. I know it is inconvenient, but I believe that I have a solution for you.” The voice came from Arthur Weasley. Bartemius turned towards the red-head and noticed the ring on his finger indicating that the Weasley patriarch is aware of his heritage. Bartemius knew that according to the etiquette lessons he had with his own parents, he had to call Arthur Weasley, Lord Weasley. “And what solution do you have in mind, Lord Weasley?” Bartemius didn’t look away from his son, when he had asked the red-head the question. Barty narrowed his eyes at the blood traitor. He was furious that a blood traitor like Weasley had the audacity to be a Lord of a noble house. Bartemius noticed the furious glare directed to Arthur Weasley and smirked slightly. His son hated the man due to the status of the side branch. Bartemius had tried to teach his son that he should not confuse the side branch with the main branch but he didn’t listen. Before Arthur can continue, he was interrupted by Bellatrix Lestrange, who was furious that a Weasley was a lord of a noble house. “How dare you call yourself Lord Weasley! Your family lost the title and their fortune due to three broken marriage contracts. You are a blood traitor, who had lost everything, because of these factors.” Arthur just laughed and made Bellatrix even more furious. How dare that blood traitor laugh at her like that. He had no right to treat her like this. Arthur then turned towards Bellatrix with a vicious look that he inherited from his mother. Bellatrix felt uneasy, because she knew that look from some members of the Black family. She still cursed her great-aunt for marrying a blood traitor. “I can’t believe it and you are calling yourself the perfect example of a proper witch. Didn’t your parents teach you anything about the backgrounds of the other families? If you had known the truth, Lestrange, then, you should have known that the MAIN branch of the Weasley family that I am descending from didn’t break any marriage contracts and that the SIDE branch was the one responsible for the mess of the three contracts. The first two contracts costed the side branch their fortune. The third broken contract nearly caused a blood feud with the Malfoys. The main branch tried to make amends, but the Malfoy lord demanded an honour duel against Herbert Weasley, who was responsible for the third mess. When he didn’t appear at the Wizengamot, the Weasley name was dragged through the mud, because of his cowardly actions. At the end, Herbert Weasley was kicked out of the Weasley family and he was disowned for his stupid actions. But this caused a conflict between the main and the side branch of the Weasley family. Or have you forgotten about the background of the Weasley Massacre in 1841? You should have been aware of the massacre since the Black family helped the main branch against the conspirators and the side branch.” Bellatrix was livid at the reminder. She couldn’t argue now since it was the plain truth about the Weasley family. Barty Crouch Jr. grounded his teeth together, when he had seen that Bellatrix didn’t argue against Weasley’s claim of being Lord Weasley but it was still wrong. The man shouldn’t be a lord, but he can’t fight it since it would mean death, if he is questioning the nobility of a noble family. Arthur Weasley could kill him in that case and get away with it. So, he wasn’t going to risk that. His lord needs him.

Bartemius Crouch Sr.’s smirk grew a little bit, but it was also interesting to know about this aspect of the Weasley family. So, this explains, why the Weasleys were not stripped from their title and their entire fortune, because the main branch was not affected by the three broken marriage contracts. Arthur continued formally. “But this is beside the point. Lord Crouch, I have a solution for you. I don’t want to step in a familial matter, but I know for sure that your son would lose his titles in case he is convicted for his crimes.” Bartemius just nodded sourly. He knew the laws. No one with a criminal record can take up any titles. Not even a regency nor a proxy-ship can be taken by anyone, who had been sentenced to Azkaban. Barty paled at this. Drat it, he forgot about this problem. Now, he wouldn’t be able to help his lord politically. “But there is a solution to that problem that would help you.” Arthur paused a little looking at Crouch. Crouch gave him a nod to continue. “I am all ears, Lord Weasley.” Arthur smiled and said: “I had a meeting in Gringotts and I found out something interesting about the muggleborns. It seems like that all those that we are considering to be muggleborns are actually squibborns.” Bartemius was now curious while the four death eaters burst down laughing thinking that the theory is stupid. “Really, Weasley. This is ridiculous. A squib is as useless as a muggle. They can’t have magical children”, Rabastan said with a sneer and a mocking voice. Arthur just looked at him icily, which was a rare sight to someone, who was kind and humble. He also recognised that the man was struggling and looked weaker than usual. Arthur immediately knew, what had happened to Rabastan L-. Suddenly, he was stopped by magic to speak his full name. Arthur nearly laughed. The man is disowned. The Weasley patriarch responded in the same tone: “That comes from a man, who is disowned and is a NoName. Currently, you are in no position to speak to me like that.” Rabastan growled in rage. He wished to kill his ex-great uncle for this mess he is in. He was going to make him regret ever thinking, he can do this to him and get away with it. “But regardless, I would like to know, what is the difference between a squib and a muggle? I know that both are magicless, but in the past, we have abandoned squibs in the muggle world and no one knows, what had happened to them.” Crouch had to admit that Weasley is right. Most squibs were abandoned in the muggle world and they were not monitored. Arthur continued: “In Gringotts, I met a muggleborn witch, who did an inheritance test in her youth and found out that she was a relative of the Rosier family and was next in line of a title that I will not reveal. It seemed like that her parents were not muggles, but squibs.” Barty Crouch Sr. realised, what the difference is between muggles and squibs. It’s their blood. He answered: “I know, how this is possible. Even though squibs can’t use active magic, they still have magical blood in their veins. And that is how magical children are born in the muggle world. But it only works, if two squib lines meet.” Bartemius Crouch Sr. remembered reading a report stating the same, but he didn’t pay much attention to the report. Now, he believed it. Arthur nodded, but he didn’t know about the last part, but it is more likely that it would work with two squibs and not a squib and a muggle. Lady Nott’s parents were both squibs and that was how a magical child was born. Crouch grinned. He had a plan. The Crouches had some squibs, who were abandoned in the muggle world and maybe he would be able to find something. Barty Crouch Jr. on the other side was worried, because from his father’s face, he can see that he had a plan and he was going to suffer. Oh, how he wished to kill Arthur Weasley for this.

Arthur left the ministry holding cells. He was saddened, what had happened to Frank and Alice. Little Neville had to grow up without his parents and it was all Algie Longbottom’s fault. How could he betray his own family like this? But he was no stranger that greed and jealousy would lead to this. His wife and Dumbledore are an example of this. Arthur heard from some aurors on his way that the traitorous Longbottom had been killed by Augustinus Lestrange. He hoped, he suffered for his betrayal.

Arthur knew that squibs could be found in the family tree. He himself will make sure to look tomorrow, if there were any squibborns in the Weasley family, so that he can support them. Arthur already knew that the families in the meeting in Gringotts will also be in the lookout for any squibborns through the family tree in Gringotts. But first, he needs to deal with his wife.

He was interrupted, when he had seen Narcissa Malfoy making her way to the ministry holding cells. Arthur sighed sadly. The woman would never get any rest. Maybe she needs some support.

Narcissa received a letter from the ministry that her sister had been arrested. After that, she received another letter from her grandfather, in order to discuss a petition from Callidora Longbottom. She knew that she would be in a meeting with Lady Longbottom and her father since it is concerning her sister and her plight against the Longbottom family. This will not be pretty.

Seeing Arthur Weasley, she sighed. “Lord Weasley, what are you doing here?” Arthur just smiled. “I just met up with Lord Crouch, Lady Malfoy.” Narcissa nodded. Arthur asked: “Can you handle your sister on your own or do you need support?” The blond woman sighed deeply. She could have a little comfort, if things go wrong. Narcissa nodded and Arthur and she made their way to the ministry holding cell.

Bellatrix quickly recognised the form of her sister and quickly jumped up from her cot. “Cissy, what are you doing here? And why are you here with this blood traitor? Haven’t you forgotten, what mother had taught us?” Narcissa took a deep breath and answered: “Enough, Bellatrix. You know as I do that the main branch of the Weasley family had nothing to do with the status of the side branch. The Black family also assisted to help the main branch against the conspiracy of the side branch. I wished that you have learnt more about the other families before you are running your mouth like usual.” Bellatrix turned red in rage. “But this is not the matter, I came to see you. Bellatrix, I can’t believe it, what you have done. The question I am asking myself, why did you do this?” Bellatrix just grumbled: “I needed to find out, where my lord is, and those blood traitors were not answering.” Narcissa just stared at her sister like she had two heads. “And you thought that the Longbottoms knew, where the dark lord is?” Bellatrix just cocked her head to the right. Narcissa closed her eyes, in order to calm herself down. Opening her eyes, she looked up at the ceiling, in order to remain calm. “Bella, you are a Slytherin. You should know that when it was announced that the dark lord has been defeated, then, you should have questioned, how it happened and what happened, not go around attacking another family, who had no idea, what was going on outside like a reckless Gryffindor. And stop calling every light family blood traitors or do I have to explain, what a blood traitor is. Now, the biggest question is, what are we going to do now? Bella, Lady Longbottom had demanded an audience with our great uncle and there will be a petition against you.” Bellatrix just cackled much to Narcissa’s annoyance. “You mean that old biddy, Augusta Longbottom. Tsk, what can she do against me? Our great uncle will never side with her since she is allied with Dumbledore.” Narcissa had enough and snapped: “Bella, I am not talking about Dowager Longbottom. I am talking about Lady Callidora Longbottom.” Bellatrix stopped cackling and paled. This is not good. “What?” For the first time Bellatrix’ voice was subdued. “Yes, Bella. Lady Callidora Longbottom had made a petition with our great uncle against you. And you should not forget that Lady Longbottom was a Black before she married Lord Harfang Longbottom.” Bellatrix was paling. She never knew that that old bat Augusta Longbottom was not the Lady Longbottom, but a relative of her. Oh, she knew that this would end up pretty bad for her.

Arthur had never seen that the fearless Bellatrix Lestrange would be scared, but a Black is scared by another Black. And he knew that this would be messy. Narcissa looked at her sister critically. She knew that Bellatrix was going to suffer, when Lady Longbottom is done with her.

“Bella, I have to go back home, but I cannot tell you, how disappointed I am in you. You are nothing better than Andromeda. At least, Andromeda had not committed any crimes, but still she committed a plight against the Black family for breaking a marriage contract. And you committed a plight by attacking and torturing a distant member of the Black family. It shows that you would choose the dark lord over your own family and I am disgusted by this, because it proves that you are a blood traitor. You have become, what you hate most. Goodbye, Bella.” Narcissa let out a watery sigh and left the holding cells. Arthur remained and turned on Bellatrix, who was shocked that her own sister would turn her back on her. “She is right. I could compare you with my wife. Molly would have chosen Dumbledore over her own family and the same goes to you. You chose You-Know-Who over your own family. And you have the nerve to call me a blood traitor.” Arthur just shook his head and left the fuming woman. Bellatrix was going to torture and kill Arthur Weasley, but she also realised, if she had done something like this, she would have been left to deal with the Black family too since Arthur Weasley was a Black by blood too. Returning to her cot, she was thinking, what would happen to her, but unknown to her, her fate was already decided. Bellatrix would suffer and she would regret ever siding with the dark lord since her punishment would be painful.

Narcissa told Arthur that she was going back to Malfoy Manor, in order to see, how her son was doing. She hadn’t seen him the entire day and she hated the idea of leaving him alone with a house elf. Arthur had the same feelings regarding his trueborn sons since he didn’t trust Molly. With Ron and Ginny, Arthur wasn’t sure, what to do with them. They weren’t his, but Fletcher’s, but he was their father through the blood adoption that had been done. The problem that Arthur had was that the former Lord Weasley put a curse on the main line that any children of Herbert and his descendants would be abused and hated by the main branch. So, to sum it up, those two can’t remain with him since the curse would make sure that he was going to abuse the two youngest horribly. The public would understand the curse, but Molly would demonise him. So, he had no other choice, then, to let them stay with Molly.

After both parted their ways, in order to floo home, they were finished with their business.

Burrow

It was late in the evening and all the children were asleep apart from Molly, who was in the secret room, where she was making some potions. When the floo flared, Arthur didn’t get out of the floo immediately, but he examined the floo entrance and found an alarm spell. He quickly dismantled the spell without alerting his wife. Arthur put silencing charms on his feet and made his way to the secret room. He called upon the family magics to activate the secret of a family matter. With that he would be able to stop Molly from talking. Arthur knew that her mouth was destructive and he couldn’t allow this. He remembers before he was spelled and potioned that it was the room that Molly was using, in order to make the more illegal potions for Albus like love, compulsion, loyalty and submission potions. But he was going to put a stop to that. With a disillusionment charm, Arthur sneaked behind Molly and when he had a clear sight of her, Arthur stunned and restrained her. On a chair Arthur fixated Molly to make sure that she isn’t going to do something. He called one of the Weasley house elves. “Twinky!” A house elf popped in. “Master Arthur be’s calling Twinky.” Arthur smiled kindly at the elf and gave her his first order. “Twinky, I want you to sort through all the potions in the cabinet and try to find any potions in the house. All controlling potions should remain here since I am going to destroy them and this room in front of my wife’s eyes. All healing potions should be stored in the potion cabinet in Weasley Manor.” The house elf nodded and started to work. The house elf was happy that her master remembers his heritage and was happy that the control of nasty mistress Molly was broken.

Arthur called another elf: “Flopsy!” Another thin elf appeared in front of him. “Flopsy has been called!” Arthur gave him a kind smile. “Flopsy, prepare six bedrooms for me and my trueborn children. After that, you are going to serve as a warden to my wife and my… two youngest.” Arthur barely withheld a sneer of contempt. It seems like that even the mention of his two youngest is activating the curse from the main branch. Arthur had to hurry before things get worse and worse. The house elf nodded.

After the healing potions were removed from the room and all the potions had been found in the house and were stored appropriately. The potion in the secret room were going to be destroyed and all the potions in the manor are going to be used for healing. Twinky even casted a ward against wandless magic, in order to make sure that the nasty mistress was not going to use any tricks.

When Molly blinked her eyes open, she looked around and saw Arthur. What was he doing here? Why didn’t her alarm spell work that Arthur was back? And why was there a house elf? Looking at the house elf closer, she noticed the toga with the Weasley coat of arms and colours. Molly was shocked. That couldn’t be. Arthur couldn’t have broken through the potions and spells. There is no way. She was very careful. “Ah, look, who is waking up.” Looking at the shock on her face, Arthur just smiled. It seemed like that she hadn’t expected that he was free from her potions and spells. “What is going on?”, Molly tried to speak, but her voice was rough. Arthur answered: “Well, I will tell you, what had happened. When I arrived home, I found an alarm spell in front of the floo. I do not remember that I casted one and so, I have removed it, because we don’t need something like this. Then, I made my way to look for my wife. So, that was how I found this room and saw my wife brewing a potion. So, I stunned and restrained you.” Arthur said with a fake light tone. Then, his tone turned hard. “Molly, I am deeply disappointed in you. Today, at work, Lord Crouch called me to his office and told me that there is an anonymous tip that I am potioned and spelled. So, I was sent to Gringotts, in order to get tested and I found out about this.” Arthur took out his inheritance test out of his robe pocket. Molly paled, when she had glanced at the paper. How? How did this happen? How did Arthur find out? This can’t be happening. She curses Crouch and the person, who had sent the anonymous tip. They destroyed everything, but they will not get away with this. She will make sure that both pay for this trouble, they had caused for her. “Arthur, this is a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding. A misunderstanding! You call potioning and spelling your husband a misunderstanding. Are you delusional? Molly, what you have done, is a life sentence in Azkaban. You would be charged with illegal potion brewing, being in possession of illegal potions and the number alone would have sent you to Azkaban for decades. But the most grievous charge would be line theft since you spelled me to forget that I am Lord Weasley. And this final charge would be a life sentence with the other charges combined. Not to forget, what would happen to Albus.” Molly flinched. Albus would be in a lot of trouble and would end up in prison, because of Arthur. Their world would be doomed without Albus. “Molly, I am not sure, if I should hand you over to the aurors, but I am not going to take away the mother of my two youngest children. Apart from that, I can’t go against Albus right now. There is still time to get rid of him. For that reason, you are going to be put under house arrest. You will live here in the Burrow for the next five years with no contact from the outside world. The wards would make this property invisible towards anyone, who has not been invited by me. I will make sure that Albus never visits you, so that you can go to your old ways. Ron and Ginny will live with you since I found out that they are not mine, but Mundungus’ and since Mundungus is a descendant of Herbert Fletcher formally Weasley, they can’t remain with me due to the curse.” Molly was furious, what Arthur was planning, and she also felt the secrecy ward that was used, in order to hide familial secrets from non-family. So, Albus wouldn’t be able to help her. She needed Albus. He needs to fix Arthur, but any contact to the outside world would not be possible due to the wards. Then, she perked up, when he mentioned that stupid curse from the main branch. Molly knew about the curse, but she tried to get around the curse with potions and spells, in order to make sure that Arthur is the perfect father for her little Ronnie and her Ginny. Now everything is ruined and she can’t risk her two youngest to remain with Arthur since he and her older children would horribly abuse them and there is the risk that they would end up in Slytherin, because of that. No. Molly had no choice. Ron and Ginny need to remain with her until she managed to fix Arthur with potions.

Arthur had seen the planning look and said: “There is something else. This room here will be destroyed with the potions inside and you will watch, how I am going to do this.” Molly stared. No. He can’t do this. Without the potions, she wouldn’t be able to do anything for Albus. Before Molly can react, Arthur took out his wand and casted blasting hex on the potion cupboard and shattered all the vials. The potions land on the floor with a huge splash. Molly watched in horror, how the potion turned black on the ground and became useless. She screamed: “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?” Molly was furious. All those potions were necessary for the greater good and now they are destroyed and useless. But Arthur didn’t stop and started to destroy the other cupboards full of illegal potions and turned the cauldron into dust with a Reducto. The dust was later banished, so that Molly can’t repair the cauldron. Molly was horrified. She wished that this was a bad dream. “You don’t need the cauldron any longer since you, Ron and Ginny will get healing potions from the house elves from my manor. But for now, I will get my trueborn children out of this house and take them to Weasley Manor. You and your bastards will remain here.” Arthur turned his back on Molly and made his way to Charlie’s room, in order to start with the moving. Suddenly, he stopped walking and turned around. “Ah, I forgot something.” He took out his wand and started to chant: “I, Arthur Septimus Weasley, hereby call upon the family magics. I punish Molly Lucretia Weasley neé Prewett for her actions against the Weasley family. May she be barred from harming the family ever again. May she never leave the Burrow and may she never have any contact with the outside world for the next five years. So, mote it be.” The family magics swirled around Molly. With a swift, but painful shock, Molly was found guilty and she would be barred from ever leaving the Burrow and having any contact from the outside. She cried. This was unfair. She did the right thing. Why did the magic punish her and how dare the family magic punish her for what she had done for the greater good? The wards shook a little and made sure that Molly can’t get out. But Arthur wasn’t finished, because he chanted again. “I, Arthur Septimus Weasley, hereby call upon the family magics. I disinherit Ronald Billius Weasley and Ginerva Molly Weasley from the Weasley heirship due to their illegitimacy. So, mote it be.” With a swirl, the family magics gave the light to approve, which horrified Molly. She was enraged. Her baby will never get the title he deserves with the disinheritance and the worst thing is, she can’t do anything against the family magic’s judgement since she knew that Bill would be called home, in order to claim the Weasley heirship. Arthur turned his back on her finally and made his way to Charlie’s room. The house elf popped with Molly in tow in the living room. She was still kept restrained and bound on the chair and under a watchful eye of the house elf. Molly tried a wandless spell to free herself, but she failed. The house elf said: “You be’s a bad witchy. You cannot use magic. House elf magic will stop any spells even wandless.” Molly was furious. There was no escape and all of Albus’ plans are falling apart. Please, let this be a nightmare. Molly sobbed in the living room, because she failed Albus and the light.

Burrow/Weasley Manor

Charlie was silently sleeping in his bed, when he felt some movement, but he was too tired to see, what was happening. After he heard someone opening his closet, Charlie quickly shot up from his bed. Seeing his father and a house elf dressed in a toga, Charlie relaxed, but was confused. “Dad, what are you doing? And where did the house elf come from?” Arthur turned to his second eldest and said with a kind smile: “Charlie, the house elf is packing your stuff. We are moving to Weasley Manor.” Charlie tried to hide his shock. “Weasley Manor?” Since when do they have a manor? Seeing the look on his son’s face, Arthur chuckled. “Yes, Charlie, we have a manor and you are going to live there. I will explain, when you are older since it is adult stuff.” Charlie nodded and waited. The house elf squeaked: “Master Arthur, everything’s packed.” Arthur nodded in approval: “Good job, Flopsy. Now take my son and his staff to his new bedroom and another elf should unpack and look after my son.” The house elf nodded. Arthur turned to his son. “Charlie, you will take this.” He handed him a potion. “It is a normal sleeping draught.” Charlie nodded. With shaky legs, Charlie stood up and the elf grabbed him and his stuff and popped to his new bedroom. There Charlie laid down in his new and more comfortable bed. He found it brilliant. Charlie took the sleeping draught his father gave him and went back to sleep. Another elf was in the room to keep an eye on him and started to unpack Charlie’s things in his new and bigger closet.

Arthur made his way to the room next to Charlie. It was Percy’s. Flopsy returned back after getting another elf to look after his young Master Charlie, who was astounded about his new room, when she left. Both entered the room carefully and started to pack his staff. When they were finished, Arthur heard a shuffling in his son’s bed and saw that all the commotion woke up his five-year-old son. “Wha’ is going on?” He heard his sleepy son mutter. Quickly making his way, Arthur sat down on the edge of Percy’s bed and took him in his arms. “Shh, Perce. Everything is alright. You will be surprised, when you wake up.” Arthur managed to put him back to sleep. He quickly lifted his sleeping third eldest and carried him to the house elf, who popped them to Percy’s new bedroom. He laid his son on his new and bigger bed. Covering him in his silk sheets, Arthur silently left his son’s side and quietly called another house elf to look after his son and unpack his son’s belongings. Flopsy popped him back to the Burrow, in order to get the twins.

Arthur made his way to the twins’ room and when he reached their bed, Arthur took them in his arms. He put a sleeping charm on them since both could cause havoc, if they were woken. Their staff was prepared and the house elf popped them to the twins’ new room and Arthur laid them on their new bed. He chuckled slightly, when they hugged each other during their sleep and how much those two reminded him of his old friends Fabian and Gideon, who were inseparable until the day, they died, but he didn’t have time to lament about the past and called another elf to look after the twins and unpack their things. The elf was surprised about the prank products, the two three-years-olds got and Arthur just chuckled that his twins are going to be master pranksters like Fabian and Gideon. But he will make sure to have a stern talking with the twins that they should differentiate, what a prank and what bullying is. He doesn’t want another generation of Marauders, who are going to be cruel bullies. Arthur had seen, how James, Sirius, Remus and Peter, before his betrayal, have turned out and he didn’t want his sons to sink so low.

Returning back to the Burrow, Arthur made his way to the nursery, in order to see the two youngest. Both were sleeping in the cot. Arthur restrained himself from snapping at the two youngest, but still had a strong dislike towards them. The only thing that is stopping him from throwing curses at them was that his trueborn sons were in Weasley Manor and he didn’t want to hurt them yet. He quickly got out of the room and was on his way to speak with Molly. Arthur heaved out a sigh. He was going to check his five trueborn children tomorrow, if they had any illegal potions and compulsion spells in their system. And if there were any spells and potions, he was going to make Molly regret the day she was born. Arthur returned back to the living room, where Molly was still restrained. “Twinky, can you move her to the kitchen?” The house elf nodded and started to pop her from the living room to the small kitchen still restrained. Arthur sat down on one of the chairs and looked at his wife. “Molly, you are going to remain here for the next five years. You will have the chance to visit our trueborn children, but it would be restricted on the weekends. But this is dependent on you since we don’t have a regulating custody agreement, you can decide, if you want to visit them or not. After the five years are over, you can live with us in Weasley Manor, but there are some clauses in that. The first clause would be that the marriage contract between us would be judged and changed. You are going to accept the changes or you will remain here another five years. The second clause is dependant on the first clause and entails that we are going to give up Ron and Ginny to Muriel since she is the closest living relative of yours and she is not affected by the curse unlike me and our five older boys. And Molly, Muriel is aware of your treachery. She would have had some key words for you, but I promised her that I will deal with you appropriately and her assistance isn’t needed. You will get food and beverages from the elf market and I am going to send some clothes for you and the two youngest.” Molly was horrified. Over her dead body, she will give up Ron and Ginny to Muriel and she will not follow their new marriage contract. Molly will fight for this and she will make sure to show that Ron and Ginny were much better than the other boys in every aspect. Arthur saw the defiance and sighed heavily. Molly will fight this no matter, how fruitless it is. Arthur knew that he could divorce her by judging the contract fully, but he wanted to give their marriage a second chance. In case, she refuses to accept the changed marriage contract in five years, Molly will spend another five years here in the Burrow and if she refuses the changes in ten years, then, he will judge their marriage contract fully and break it. With that Molly would be a Prewett again and would lose the Weasley name. Then, she and the two youngest would be in the mercy of Muriel Prewett and he knew that Muriel would not have any mercy with Molly’s action. But he will tell her, when the time is right. Arthur finally left the Burrow and the place went into lockdown. The elf dispelled the bounds and left the kitchen, in order to be outside, so that he can do his job as a warden for his nasty mistress.

After the elf left, Molly quickly took back her wand and tried to use the floo, in order to call Albus, but it was locked. Then, she tried to get outside, but she met an ironclad wall. Molly tried to use every spell that could break the wards, but the wall didn’t break. She used even more dangerous spells, but the wall remained. Molly tried to use the patronus, in order to contact Albus or anyone from the order, but the patronus was repelled by the wards. She dropped on her knees sobbing. She can’t get out of here and she is isolated from the rest of the wizarding world. No one would be able to help her. She prayed that Albus or anyone from the order would come to her rescue, but unknown to her, this will only happen, when it is too late.

Weasley Manor

Arthur sighed deeply, when he sat down in his home office. It was hard for him to punish his wife, but she can’t get away with what she had done. Tomorrow morning, he was going to get Bill home due to a family matter. He already wrote a slip that he wants to see Bill during this weekend. He can’t tell Minerva why since he knew that his old head of house was one of Dumbledore’s more loyal sycophants. Arthur knew that she would report to Dumbledore that something is going on in the Burrow and the man would try to visit the Burrow, but it would not work and there he would find out that he had freed himself from her and her potions. And from there he knew that his old headmaster would try everything to get her free with his own way. So, he will try everything to stop Minerva and Albus paying extra attention to him and his family. Thankfully, Arthur had still the trust of the headmaster and his head of house with his kind, giving and humble behaviour. So, he would be able to evade any suspicions from him.

Arthur yawned. He needed to sleep. Tomorrow, he had work to do and he needs to stand up bright and early. Arthur already had written to Lord Crouch that he could only work half-time since he had to take care of his kids. The response was a new contract that would allow him to work in the office only for four hours and the other four hours at home as desk duty. It gives him more time to spend with his children in the afternoon and at evening, he would make sure to finish with his reports as fast as possible. Arthur sighed, but he also understands. Crouch Sr. had neglected his own son due to work and this bit him back hard. Arthur knew that his sons would understand, if he explains them kindly that as an adult, there is a lot of work to do. In Arthur’s opinion, Bartemius Crouch was too standoffish and cold to his son and that led to these issues. Arthur also learned something new, what neglect can do and what consequences a parent can face with neglected children. The same goes to abandoned children. He still gets angry, what the Potters had done to their eldest, but at least, the heir is safe and Arthur hoped that one day James, Lily, Sirius and Remus were going to suffer for what they had done to Akira. But he had to wait patiently. Tomorrow something would happen and it would be in their favour.

Speaking of Akira, Arthur didn’t mention him, because he was sure that Molly would have been unhappy, if she ever finds out that Ginny’s so-called future husband was not with his non-magical relatives and was far away from here. He was sure that his wife would have combusted in fury that the contract between their daughter and the Potter heir failed horribly, because his name was missing in the contract.

When tiredness started to take over, Arthur quickly prepared himself for the night and went to his bed. Before he fell asleep, Arthur ordered his son’s personal elves that if there is something wrong with his sons that they pop here in his room and inform him, if there are any issues. All elves bobbled their heads in excitement and went back to the elves quarters. Arthur made sure that five elves bonded with his sons, in order to make sure that they are safe. The twins have one elf since he knew that they would not separate from each other and would always stay together. He felt a bit sorry for the elf since the twins can be a little bit too exciting, but Tinky promised him that she would not be overwhelmed and in case, if the elf was overwhelmed, Arthur would give the twins another elf, so that he would not have any issues at the end. Now, sleep would be good. The entire day was tiring.

Malfoy Manor

Narcissa arrived home late in the evening. She was exhausted, because it takes a lot of energy to arrange all this and be the one to lead the meeting, but it was worth it. And there is Bellatrix’ arrest. Narcissa sighed sadly. Her sister is irredeemable and showed her true colour. Narcissa was sure that Bellatrix would have given her son to Voldemort as a sacrifice without a second glance. She still is trying to process that this week was turning into a complete nightmare. But there are also positive aspects of the last few days after the defeat of Voldemort. Now she had the major families on her side. Her husband is recovering a bit faster. The Malfoy account manager said that all the potions were removed from his system. Now, the only thing that was left was the imperio and the liquid imperio that was given to her poor husband. It would take a day to break the curse, but the liquid form of the imperio curse could take four days to be removed from the system. Narcissa swore that both men would regret the day, they ever messed up with her and her family. Dumbledore and Voldemort needed to be stopped and stamped out from their world, so that their world can prosper.

Narcissa also had a dying man in one of the bedrooms, but the house elves are going to take care of Abraxas and that miserable bastard would die painfully for all the pain he had caused to her husband. She doesn’t give a lick about her father-in-law. He is the cause, why her life had nearly fallen apart and if he had to die painfully, because of the dragon pox, then so be it. Narcissa made her way to her room, where there is her and her husband’s king-sized bed and in the middle of the bedroom, there was a crib with their son in it. Lucius and she had decided to have Draco in their bedroom since they were afraid that any of the other death eaters or worse her sister, her husband and her brother-in-law would have free access to their son, if he remained in his nursery. Every time there was a death eater meeting, Narcissa made sure that there was a house elf, who would take care of her son, and she would lock the room, in order to make sure that her son was neither accessed by Voldemort nor the other death eaters. She wanted her son safe from the bad environment he was in due to Abraxas and the first-generation death eaters.

Now, the danger was temporarily gone and she can sigh in relief that soon enough Lucius would be released from the healing chambers of Gringotts and they can be a family again. Narcissa went back to bed and fell asleep calmly, because next day, Sirius would suffer hell and the Kurusus would be leaving Great Britain. Akira would be safe from those monsters.

Malfoy Manor, November 3rd, 2001

Narcissa woke up and prepared herself for another long day. After she showered and prepared herself for the day, Narcissa put her son this time in a baby basket and made her way out of the house at 8 am. She had only one hour before the family meeting was supposed to start. Narcissa only needed to say goodbye to the Kurusus and she would make sure that if they needed help with a magical child, they should contact the child service department in the Japanese Ministry of Magic. She also would arrange to ask her great uncle to use one of the Black family properties in Japan, in order to make sure that in case the Kurusus needed to contact her, then she would be able to help them to the best of her ability.

The next matter would be before lunch, where her great uncle would deal with Bellatrix and her actions. Narcissa knew that this meeting would be uncomfortable. Her great-aunt, Callidora Longbottom, would not be a pleasant woman after Frank and Alice were tortured. Her father and she would be there to represent Bellatrix. Her grandfather wouldn’t be able to attend since he had fallen ill, but he gave them the green light that Bellatrix needs to be dealt with. Pollux Black had no love towards Bellatrix and Andromeda. Narcissa was his only favourite granddaughter since she had showed him that she didn’t need to be led, but that she had leader material. To sum it, neither Narcissa nor Cygnus would defend her for her actions. The next issue would be Sirius. Narcissa will speak with her great uncle after lunch about Sirius’ treachery against Hadrian. And after dinner, she knew that her great uncle would deal with Sirius and his atrocious behaviour.

This would be a long day.

Hotel Imperial

Narcissa apparated in the same corner, where there were no security cameras, and made her way to the hotel. The receptionist recognised her and greeted her. “Ms. Malfoy. Welcome back. Have you come to visit the Kurusus again. I have heard that they became parents overnight, but how did they manage to adopt a child so fast?” The receptionist had thoughtful look. Narcissa quickly answered, in order to defuse the situation: “The child’s former guardians have signed away their rights to them and that was how they became so fast parents.” The receptionist nodded in understanding. Another page boy came and led her to the hotel room. After the door was knocked, Toisho opened the door and the page boy went back to work. “Ah, Lady Malfoy. What a surprise? We were in the middle of packing.” Narcissa saw the suitcases. She had to admit, the suitcases are big. “I came here to have some words about Akira. It is important. Can I come in?” Toisho nodded and let her in. Aiko saw Narcissa and smiled. “Lady Malfoy, what can we do for you?” Narcissa smiled back. “I am here to give you some last-minute information before you return to Japan.” The Kurusus nodded and they took a seat. Narcissa started: “You need to be carefully for the next few years, because Akira can have fits of accidental magic and there is the risk that in a muggle neighbourhood, Akira’s exposition could endanger him. Apart from that, you need to have a lot of patience with a magical child’s accidental magic. The other point would be that today Sirius would pay dearly for what he had done to Akira. Now prepare yourselves. I believe that you have a long flight.” The Kurusus nodded and started to pack the rest of their staff. They bought yesterday baby clothes and many other baby articles and packed Akira’s stuff in their suitcases. Thankfully, it wouldn’t exceed the required weight in the airports and the articles were recorded yesterday at the airport, which would allow them to bring the baby articles with them since they were essential for a baby. After everything was packed, they made their way down to the lobby with Narcissa, where they gave the hotel keys to the receptionist.

Narcissa went out with the couple and their child. Seeing the black vehicle, Narcissa was again curious. She wished that the muggle study class was updated. It was another aspect that she didn’t know.

After the Kurusus were settled in the car and the suitcases were in the trunk of the vehicle, Toisho rolled the window down. “Lady Malfoy, thank you for your help. We will try to contact you and tell you, how Akira is doing.” Narcissa nodded. “You don’t need to thank me. I am looking forward to this.” With this statement, the window rolled back and after the cab driver had fastened his seatbelt and turned the vehicle on, they drove away. Narcissa had a sad look since she would miss Akira a little bit, but it is better that he remains with the Kurusus since he would be away from Dumbledore and his stupid greater good.

She left the place and made her way back to the street corner and apparated away. There was a meeting with her great uncle, her father and Lady Longbottom.

Black Manor

Arcturus, Cygnus and Callidora were sitting in Arcturus’ office waiting for Narcissa. The Malfoy lady send a message that she had a meeting before this meeting, but they were not concerned since Narcissa was neither late nor was she early. When they heard a knock from the entrance door, a house elf opened the door and led Narcissa to the meeting room. Cygnus smiled slightly, when he saw his youngest daughter. He needed a lot of support since it was about Bellatrix and her actions against the Longbottom family. The man had known that this meeting would be horrible since his aunt wasn’t someone, he wanted to make an enemy of. “Great uncle, I am here. I am sorry that you have to wait.” Her great uncle heaved out a sigh. “You are not late, my dear great niece. We still have time until the meeting starts, but we can start this meeting now.” Looking at everyone, all those in attendance nodded in agreement. Noticing his great-great nephew lying in the baby basked, Arcturus turned to Narcissa. “Narcissa, is it alright for you that during the duration of this meeting, your son should be taken care of by a house elf. I don’t want him to be in the crossfire of this meeting.” Narcissa sighed. “Alright, but he will be with us during lunch.” Arcturus nodded and Cygnus looked happy that his grandson would be here. Arcturus called Flippy and ordered him to take care of Draco for the time being until the meeting is over.

After the elf popped away with Draco to the nursery, The meeting began. Lady Callidora Longbottom started: “Arcturus, I am petitioning you to disown your great niece, Bellatrix Lestrange, from the Black family for her actions against my grandson and granddaughter-in-law. Even though Frank is distantly related to the Black family, he is still a member of the House Black and Bellatrix had no right to attack them in the name of this so-called dark lord. Bellatrix tortured Frank and Alice to insanity and my great-grandson had seen everything, which would mentally scar him since he had an eidetic memory.” Cygnus raised his eyes in shock. This is going to end badly for Bellatrix since she could be charged with child abuse. Narcissa was ready to kill Bellatrix herself. She couldn’t believe that her actions would mentally harm a child. Well, Bellatrix can kiss her support goodbye. Arcturus on the other side fumed, when he had listened to Callidora’s petition. When Callidora was finished with her petition, Arcturus turned his attention to Cygnus and Narcissa. Narcissa and Cygnus looked at each other and Cygnus started: “Lady Longbottom, I am formally apologising on behalf of my daughter for her actions. I know that Bellatrix’ actions are inexcusable and there should be no leniency for what she had done.” After Cygnus was finished, Narcissa added: “I agree with my father, Lady Longbottom, Bellatrix’ actions are inexcusable and there should not be any leniency for her actions. And I agree with you that Bellatrix made her allegiance clear with her devotion to the dark lord. She had clearly chosen to side with the dark lord in favour of her own family. I visited her in the ministry holding cell, where she was held, and asked her why she did attack the Longbottoms. Her answer was that she tortured them, in order to get information about the location of the dark lord. She didn’t bother that the current Lord Longbottom and the heir were distant members of our family even though it had been drilled into her head, who was related to the Black family, since we were children.” Callidora was a little startled by the fact that Lady Malfoy visited her sister, but she also gave her great niece a rare smile since it has been proved, what she had stated. Cygnus didn’t have the energy to defend his eldest daughter. The man just shook his head in defeat since he knew, what Bellatrix had done warranted a punishment. He wished, he had interfered with Bellatrix’ upbringing more, but his wife and his sister stopped any progress and now look, what had happened. His eldest child became the most notorious torturer and killer in wizarding history and there was nothing he can do against this reputation. Cygnus also didn’t doubt Narcissa’s words that Bella chose the dark lord over her own family, because he knew that she would be even willing to give up her own flesh and blood for the that man.

Arcturus had seen that it was clear that Bellatrix was not going to be defended by her own younger sister and father. It was now easy to deal with Bellatrix since both the petitioner and the guilty party came to an agreement. Arcturus took a deep breath and announced: “Are both parties agreeing that Bellatrix can’t go unpunished?” He didn’t need to be a seer, when everyone in the room apart from himself nodded in agreement. With this final confirmation, Arcturus stood up and took out his wand. He chanted: “I, Arcturus Orion Black, hereby call upon the family magics. I disown Bellatrix Violetta Lestrange neé Black from the Black family. May the family magics judge her actions. If found unworthy, may the family magics be stripped from her. May she be forever barred from besmirching the family’s good name. May she never bring shame and disgrace to this family. So, mote it be.”

“So, mote it be”, the other members in the room chanted at the same time. They all felt the Black family magics examine Bellatrix and then, the magics ripped themselves from her. She will not be known as Bellatrix NoName, but she would carry the name Bellatrix Lestrange formally Black and not ‘neé Black’ since she is no longer connected to the Black family any longer. Lady Longbottom was satisfied with the punishment and she can live with it. When everyone was prepared to leave, Narcissa quickly asked: “Great uncle what will happen to her vault?” Arcturus turned to his remaining great niece. “It will be taken back by the Black family. I will write a letter to Ironclaw.” Narcissa nodded. She knew that the goblins are going to destroy the horcrux in the cup and make sure that another horcrux of Voldemort was gone. Without this horcrux, only two will remain.

Lady Longbottom was satisfied. Cygnus and Narcissa sighed in sadness. It was over. Bellatrix was no longer a member of the House Black. Narcissa felt bad for her father. First Andromeda and now Bellatrix. Thankfully, she was there. When Andromeda was disowned, her mother took care of her father to get over his daughter’s treachery. Now mother is dead and father would be alone. It would be for the best that her father spends some time with her and Draco in Malfoy Manor for the time being.

Narcissa turned to her father. “Father.” Her father turned his attention to her. “Yes, Cissy.” Narcissa took a deep breath. “Father, I want you to come to live with us in Malfoy Manor for the time being until I am sure that you can live on your own. It would be for the best to spend some time with Draco.” Cygnus smiled sadly and hugged his daughter. He was happy that Narcissa was his only remaining daughter, who hadn’t turned against the Black family, and he would be ready to live with his daughter and grandson for some time, in order to recover from the mess that his former daughter had created. He also was not going to be in the near vicinity of his sister, Walburga. Cygnus knew that the woman was going to try to poison him, if she ever finds out that he had allowed Bellatrix to be disowned. Most of these meetings has a petitioner and at least one representative, who is a relative of first grade.

“Thank you, Arcturus. I hope, you have a nice day”, Callidora answered and left the Manor. Arcturus leaned back on his seat and rubbed his forehead since he can feel a headache coming. This is just the beginning, but he was interrupted by his nephew. “Uncle, if you excuse me, I am going to pack some things. I am going to live with Narcissa in Malfoy Manor for the time being.” Arcturus nodded. His nephew needed some time off. Losing two daughters was something that would cause a great deal of stress.

Britain

The disownment had many far-fetching consequences in the wizarding world since every member distant or close was alerted by the disownment.

Bellatrix screamed in pain and fury, when the magics had examined her and rip themselves from her. The woman was outraged that her grandfather would do something like this to her. She was a perfect example of a pureblood witch and her great uncle had the audacity to disown her from the Black family. How dare he? If she ever gets out, Bellatrix was going to show her great uncle, why it is wrong to mess with her. But her plans for retribution would never come since it was the start of this nightmare.

James, Sirius and John felt the family magics too. John started to fuss, but Lily managed to calm the boy down. James and Sirius weren’t sure, what had happened. At the end, James and Sirius shrugged it off since they never paid any attention to their families’ lessons and slacked off. Both couldn’t wait until the old Lord Black kicked the bucket, because Sirius had a list of members, he needed to disown for the light and to reinstate Andromeda from her unfair disownment that she didn’t deserve. They had to wait since killing Lord Black would lead to their direction and it could end badly. So, they decided to wait until the man died, which would not take long since he was so old. Unknown to Sirius, today would be his last day of being a Black since Narcissa would make sure to tell her great uncle about Sirius’ actions against Akira.

Cassiopeia Black felt the rip in her core too and she felt sadness. A member was disowned, but she wasn’t sure, who. The old, proper witch is going to speak with Arcturus about this. Pollux also felt the family magics, but he felt relieved that another disgrace was gone from this family. It was saddening for the man to see that he had only one granddaughter, who is worthy to remain a Black.

Akira felt the disownment in his still developing and healing core in the waiting area of the airport. The boy started to fuss, but Aiko took him in her arms and managed to calm him down by shushing him down. The woman felt that something big had happened, but she wasn’t sure what. Toisho was the same and he felt the same like his wife. Something had happened and it must be something great. The plane for Tokyo will come at 10 am and they had still half an hour left. So, there was some time to waste.

Bartemius Crouch Sr. felt the Black family magics in his office. He felt a lot happier than before. It seems like that one of the prisoners had been disowned from their family. When one of the auror guards from the ministry holding cells came into his office to report him that something had happened to Bellatrix Lestrange. Crouch quickly calmed the auror down and explained that he knew, what had happened, but he can’t tell it since it is a family matter. The auror left the office confused and when he came back to the cells, he asked the healer, what was wrong with Lestrange. The healer on the other side had a shining in her eyes, when she explained that Bellatrix Lestrange was disowned from the Black family, which brought a smile on the auror’s face, but also even more confusion, why his boss hadn’t explained it. The older woman explained the younger man that his boss’ mother was a Black and he must have felt the disownment. The auror understood, why it was his boss’ family matter since he was also a member of the House Black. Barty Crouch Jr. felt the rip too and was outraged that Bellatrix was disowned, when she dropped on her cot and started screaming in pain and agony. How could Lord Black do this? But Barty had to worry that he would suffer the same fate like Bella. And it seems like that this was the more likely case.

Weasley Manor

Arthur woke up. Today, there were many things he had to do. First, he had to get his eldest son home, in order to see, if he had any potions. After getting dressed and cleaned up, Arthur went down for breakfast, which the cook elves were preparing. Arthur was waiting until his children woke up. After some time, Charlie woke up and looked like he enjoyed his new bed and started eating his breakfast that the house elves finished. Seeing his son eating, Arthur will contact Muriel, so that she can teach his children wizarding etiquettes and wizarding culture. Afterwards Percy ran to the room like a mini-torpedo and the twins bounced into the room. Things were going to change since he was going to be a single dad with five children, but he hoped that he will manage that with the help of the house elves. Now, he needed Bill and he knew the role, he needed to play. He should play the clueless, humble husband of Molly. No one was allowed to know that he was purged and cleaned from all the filth Molly had fed him.

“Flopsy!”, Arthur called. The elf answered his call and Arthur started: “Flopsy, please keep an eye on the children. If it is too much for you, you can ask my son’s personal elves to help you.” Flopsy bounced happily and nodded vigorously. “I will do it, Master Arthur.” Arthur smiled kindly at his personal elf and flooed into the Burrow.

Burrow/Hogwarts

Arthur got out of the floo and with that the wards activated, in order to separate his wife and the two youngest from him. Thankfully, Molly was not in the kitchen since he felt through the wards that she is in the nursery. Quickly putting some glamours on his robes, in order to make sure that they look old and flicked and not new and expensive, in order to avoid any suspicions from him. Now he had to wait for Minerva. Arthur was terrified, because Minerva always inquired the reasons behind emergency meetings, so that she could report it to Albus. But he knew that she is easily to be manipulated and tricked, which was an advantage. Arthur only had to muster himself up and make sure that Minerva would not ask more.

Minerva was slightly startled, when she received a note yesterday evening from Arthur, who wants his son home, she didn’t know, what to make of it. But regardless, she can’t deny parental rights since she would be in a lot of trouble. Minerva can ask, but Arthur can only respond that he called him home due to a familial matter and this would be reason enough. Molly could tell, what was going on, but the problem is Albus didn’t hear anything from Molly since the contract was made. Maybe she should ask Arthur. He may know, what was going on. Minerva was happy that Harry was set to live a wonderful life as an auror and with Ginny as his wife. It would be perfect. She only had to wait an entire decade until Harry returned to their world and with some help of his parents, Harry would be a proud Gryffindor like his parents, godfathers, his brother for sure and the Weasleys. She was quickly interrupted in her thoughts by a knock on the door. With a come-in, William ‘Bill’ Weasley entered his office. “Mr. Weasley, good that you have come in time. Your father wanted you to come home for this weekend. I am going to floo call him that you are here in my office.” Minerva quickly stood up and went to the floo, in order to call Arthur.

Arthur saw the floo flare and made his way to the fireplace. Seeing the head of his old head of house, Arthur quickly mustered himself up and said: “Ah, Minerva. Thank you for answering my call. I hope that you have received my note.” Minerva nodded and said: “Yes, Arthur, but I have a question. For what reason does Mr. Weasley have to return? Has something happened?” Arthur shook his head. “No, nothing like this. I wanted to see my son only for this weekend and see, how he was doing.” Minerva nodded in understanding and ended the floo call. After some seconds, Bill flooed to the Burrow. “Hey dad. What is going on? Why did you call me home and where is mom?” “Everything would be answered, when we arrive to our new home.” Bill looked confused. He had always seen the Burrow as his home for the last ten years. What does his dad mean by their new home? Arthur instructed to go inside the floo and call Weasley Manor. Bill did that excitedly that they were living in a Manor now. When he disappeared through the green flames, he arrived in the floo room of a manor. Getting out of the fireplace, Bill looked around the room in awe until a house elf suddenly appeared in front of him. From behind, he heard the floo and his dad got out. “Master Arthur, Master William, yous bee back.” “Yes, Flopsy. I hope Bill’s room is prepared, where he will sleep from now on.” Flopsy nodded and Arthur led his son to his new room. Bill instantly fell in love, when he had seen the room and jumped on the big bed. It was beautiful and perfect since it was decorated in his favourite colours. Arthur smiled at his eldest son and waited until he was finished jumping around. Afterwards they went down into the informal dining room and he saw that his son’s were finished with breakfast. Arthur cleared his throat and started: “Good morning, boys. Bill is here.” Charlie, Percy, Fred and George quickly darted towards their eldest brother and had him in a death grip and hugging the daylights out of him. After some family time, Arthur cleared his throat and when he got the attention of all his children: “Boys, we are going today to the bank today, because I have to check-up something and it would take a bit longer than usual. The boys nodded and prepared themselves to get ready. After all the boys were dressed appropriately, all six flooed to the bank.

Gringotts

Callidora Longbottom left Black Manor and was on her way to Gringotts, where she had a meeting with Lord Lestrange. Today, the man was planning to judge the marriage contract between his great-nephew and his great-niece-in-law. Oh, she couldn’t wait, if there were any changes. Augusta told her in the morning that she couldn’t attend the meeting since Neville needs a lot of attention. So, she was the only one, who had to witness the judgement, but it should be enough. The Longbottom-Lestrange alliance is in jeopardy. Arriving at Gringotts, a goblin came to her immediately. “Lady Longbottom, Lord Lestrange is already in the office of the Lestrange account manager. He is waiting for you.” Callidora nodded and made her way to the office. The goblin knocked on the door and with a come-in, they entered the office.

Augustinus Lestrange was in deep thoughts. He was still thinking, what would happen, if the marriage contract between Rodulphus and that bitch was judged. What if the judgement fails and those two remain in the Lestrange family as a married couple? But he doesn’t believe that Lady Magic would be forgiving, what those two had done. When he heard a knock on the office door and his manager answered with a come-in, Lady Callidora Longbottom with a goblin entered the office. The account manager greeted the woman: “Lady Longbottom, may your enemies tremble in fear.” Lady Longbottom followed with a bow. “Account Manager Sharpstone, may your gold flow like a river.” Augustinus stood and bowed slightly. “Lady Longbottom, it is nice that you are here. I have received a letter from Dowager Longbottom that she couldn’t attend, because your great-grandson needs a lot of attention and I have no problems with that. Now, let’s get to business.” Lady Longbottom gave the man a curt nod and Augustinus turned to the goblin. “Sharpstone, I request the marriage contract between Rodulphus and Bellatrix Lestrange.” The goblin nodded and quickly made his way to the vault, in order to get it leaving Augustinus and Callidora alone in the office. Augustinus started: “I have heard through my contacts in the ministry that Bellatrix had been disowned. You had a hand in this.” Augustinus looked at Callidora with a smirk. The woman had a smug look on her face. “Consider it to be done.” Augustinus knew that Callidora is a very dangerous player in the wizarding world and no one was brave enough to fight this woman without suffering. This was going to be funny and Augustinus knew that they were doing this, in order to dismantle Voldemort and his followers.

Fifteen minutes later, the goblin came back with the marriage contract. It had taken some time since the contract was heavily guarded, so that the current Lord Lestrange couldn’t get his hands on the marriage contract, but it was fruitless since the head of the house has access to any document and the other members can’t hide anything from him. Augustinus asked: “Sharpstone, put the contract on the middle of the table, so that Lady Magic can judge the contract.” The goblin understood, what was going on. His client was going to magically judge the marriage contract, in order to break it. When Sharpstone had prepped everything, Augustinus took out his wand and chanted: “I, Augustinus Octavian Lestrange, ask Lady Magic to judge this contract. So, mote it be.” Callidora took out her wand and chanted: “I, Callidora Ophelia Longbottom neé Black, am Augustinus Octavian Lestrange’s witness. So, mote it be.” Lady Magic started to examine the contract and found out that the contract had violated many clauses. That would be reason enough to dissolve the contract completely. She also examined the Lestrange family magics and the deity felt that there is another younger member of the House Lestrange somewhere in the muggle world. She was going to inform Lord Lestrange about this after the contract is dissolved. With a final surge, the contract started to tear apart until the parchment pieces disintegrated into dust. With this final stage, the contract broke between Bellatrix and Rodulphus Lestrange and Augustinus was able to remove the bitch from the Lestrange family leaving the imbecile a NoName. When everything was settled, Lady Magic appeared in front of them.

Augustinus, Callidora and Sharpstone bowed in respect to the deity. Lady Magic smiled at them and bowed back for their gratitude. “Lord Lestrange, Lady Longbottom, Account Manager Sharpstone, you can rise.” They rose. “Good. I am here, because you, Augustinus Lestrange, have called me, in order to judge the contract and I judged the contract as invalid and I dissolved it, but I am here for a different matter. Lord Lestrange, I know your fear that House Lestrange has found its end, but you don’t need to panic that your line is ending with you, because through your family magic I was able to track down a young member of the House Lestrange that was forgotten by the younger generation, but not your generation. Account Manager Sharpstone, summon us the Lestrange family tree.” The account manager nodded in respect and with a flick of goblin magic, the family tree was summoned in front of the two human wizards and the deity. “Take a look at your family tree and tell me, what you see beside your father’s side?” Augustinus took a good look at the spot, where his father was, and noticed that there were two branches connecting to his father and not one branch like in the family tree at home. Augustinus recognised a girl on the tree and was unable to withhold a shocked expression. His father had a sister. Why didn’t he know? Under the girl, there was a plague, where the name of the girl was written in perfect calligraphy. Esmeralda Lestrange.

Augustinus questioned in shock: “Who is Esmaralda Lestrange?” The account manager looked through the cabinet and found an old file from the 19th century about Esmaralda Lestrange. Taking the file out, the goblin looked through the file and found an old health scan. There was also a report that the goblins tried to restore the girl’s magical core that was damaged due to abuse, but it failed and the girl became a squib instead. Reading the file and memorising the important facts, the goblin cleared his throat and answered: “Esmaralda Lestrange was the daughter of your grandfather, Marcus Lestrange, and your grandmother, Violetta Lestrange neé Yaxley. She was a member of the Lestrange family until she married and left the household. According to the health scan your aunt was abused by your grandmother and it damaged her core horribly. When your grandfather tried to get her to Gringotts, in order to save her magical core, the restoration ritual failed and left your aunt a squib. Your grandfather was in rage and sorrow that his daughter was a man-made squib. But this was just the beginning of the end. When the public became aware of the fact that your aunt was a man-made squib, it caused a scandal, which had led to the ostracization of your grandmother and her family. The Yaxleys disowned her due to the disgrace she brought upon the Yaxley family and in order to appease the Lestrange family. At the end, Marcus decided to raise your aunt since it was his wife’s fault that his daughter became a squib and managed to educate her with the help of some muggleborn tutors, how to survive the Victorian era in the muggle world. It was in one way to help your aunt to live in the muggle world and another way to humiliate your grandmother even further. Your father was very supportive of his sister much to Violetta Lestrange’s rage, but your uncle despised her squib status and the fact that her status brought shame and disgrace towards his mother. At the end, Esmaralda left the wizarding world, when she was eighteen and started a business in the muggle world with the support of her father. She became successful and made a fortune with her business. After she left, Marcus Lestrange dropped his mask of being kind and nice in front of the rest of the family and dragged your grandmother’s name through the mud. She was brutally disgraced and divorced from the Lestrange family leaving her a NoName since the Yaxleys had disowned her from their line. But your ex-grandmother swore revenge against her former husband, which had led to her death at the end, when she tried to kill her own daughter in front of her former husband, but it had failed and she was killed before she could do anything. Your uncle, where your great-nephews are descending from, turned his back on his family after his mother was killed by his own father since he couldn’t accept the fact that what his mother had done was wrong. Your aunt lived a happy life in the muggle world and was married to another businessman, with whom she had five children.”

Augustinus was stunned. That was a lot to take. He had an aunt and he never knew her. Maybe she was a painful reminder to his father, but what does his aunt have to do with helping him to revive the House Lestrange from extinction? She had married a muggle. So, there was no way, she would be able to have a magical child, but when he looked closer at the branch, he noticed that the branch was continuing to five other slots and saw that he had five non-magical cousins. Sadly, three of his cousins died in Word War I in the muggle world. And it went on until 1996, where a girl, named Penelope Clearwater, was born to Jeremy and Claire Clearwater. When he looked at the branch of Claire Clearwater, he noticed under her the crest of the Malfoy family. Augustinus nearly jumped in joy. Another squibborn and the girl is descending from his line. The man was ready to dance. Callidora looked at the scene in amusement. She was glad that Augustinus had now had an heir. It would make sure that a new page could be opened in the House Lestrange.

Augustinus had many plans for his heir, but he had to get rid of an inconvenience. Taking out his wand, he chanted: “I, Augustinus Octavian Lestrange, disown Rodulphus Mattheus Lestrange from the Lestrange line. May the family magics judge his actions. If found unworthy, may the family magics be stripped from him. May he be barred from further besmirching the families’ good name and may he never bring any shame to this family. So, mote it be.”

“So, mote it be”, Lady Magic announced. She and Augustinus felt the family magics examine Rodulphus Lestrange and with a rip, they knew that the man is disowned from the Lestrange line. With that, Augustinus realised that his uncle’s line came to an end, but thankfully, his aunt’s line would continue the Lestrange family. He just needed to contact the family, where his aunt’s descendant is living. Looking at the goblin, Augustinus asked: “Can you give us an address, where my aunt’s descendent is living?” The goblin shook his head much to Augustinus’ displeasure. “But I would suggest to hire a squib private detective, in order to find out about your heiress.” Augustinus sighed. There was nothing he can do. “Fine. It would be done.”

Callidora had a slight smirk. “This was a good decision, Lord Lestrange. I would have hated the idea of declaring a blood feud against one of my allies, but we could renegotiate a new alliance between our two houses, when you find your heiress.” Augustinus nodded in agreement and told her that they could meet each other on the next week, in order to rehabilitate the Longbottom-Lestrange alliance.

Callidora had also another thing to do here in Gringotts and it was in concern of her youngest son. She was going to disown the man post-mortem. It would ban Algemon from the Elysium of the Longbottom family and he would be known as Algemon NoName, if he was going to be buried. “If you will excuse me, I have to attend another matter regarding my youngest son.” Her voice grew cold at the end. Augustinus knew, what was going to happen, but he didn’t care. That piece of shit will get, what he deserves.

After Callidora left, she went to the Longbottom account manager office. There she met with Otrix, the Longbottom account manager. The goblin noticed the woman and after the greetings were finished, the woman sat down and requested: “Otrix, I need you to summon the Longbottom family tree. There is something that needs to be done.” The goblin nodded and with a wave of his hand, the tree was summoned. “Thank you. I need to cast out a family member from the family line post-mortem.” The goblin understood, who the woman meant to cast out.

With a sudden movement, Callidora stood up and chanted: “I, Callidora Ophelia Longbottom neé Black, call upon the family magics. I disown Algemon Marius Longbottom from the Longbottom family post-mortem due to his betrayal against the Longbottom family. May his actions be judged. If he is found unworthy, may the family magics be stripped from him. May he forever be barred from besmirching the family`s good name. May he be banished from the Longbottom Elysium for his actions and may he never bring shame to the family’s good name. So, mote it be.” The magic reacted and Callidora noticed that Algie’s face was burned from the main family tree. She was saddened and happy. Saddened that her own son turned into a monster due to his ambitions and happy that he would suffer adequately for his actions.

After some last-minute things, Callidora left the account manager’s office and made her way back home, where she was going to help her daughter-in-law to take care of her great-grandson. Augusta was old and she is not really ready to take care of a toddler since a toddler needs a lot of attention. Callidora may be old too, but she would be able to help Augusta.

In the main bank lobby, Arthur arrived at the bank. Looking around, he saw no one, who would report him to Dumbledore. Arriving at one of the tellers, he quickly managed to get his attention and greeted him politely. “Lord Weasley, what can the bank do for you on this fine day?” Arthur requested: “I need five inheritance tests for my boys that are with me, today. Can you bring me to my account manager’s office, because I don’t want anyone to see me here?” The goblin understood and quickly led Arthur Weasley from the main lobby to the office of the Weasley account manager. After they finally arrived, the teller knocked on the door and with a come-in, he led the red-heads inside. Bonecrusher was surprised that Arthur Weasley came with the boys, but thankfully, they were here. After greetings were done, Bonecrusher started: “Lord Weasley, I am surprised to meet you. What can the bank do for you today?” Arthur requested: “I need five inheritance tests for each of my boys.” Bonecrusher looked a bit sheepish, but started to collect the needed ingredients regardless, but in a bigger quantity since there were five boys that needed an inheritance test. Arthur knew that it costs a lot of money, but he knew there was enough money in the Weasley vaults to cover the costs. Before he had to be careful with how he was handling money, but now he had to be careful, how to invest money, in order to stop any tricksters and thieves stealing the family fortune. After the potion was finished, Bonecrusher began: “Well, I need the blood from all five boys. We will start from oldest to youngest.” Arthur agreed and Bill started first. After Bonecrusher took the potion-soaked parchment out of the cauldron, the goblin told Bill that three drops of blood were needed. Bill cut his finger and the three drops were added on the parchment. And now, they had to wait for a bit. The process was repeated by Charlie, Percy, Fred and George. After George’s blood was added, Bill’s inheritance test was finished. Reading the results, fury overtook Arthur. It had taken some calming draughts from the account manager’s personal stock to calm him down and stop him from killing his wife, the headmaster and deputy-headmistress.

Name: William Arthur Weasly

Father: Arthur Septimus Weasley (Alive)

Mother: Molly Lucretia Weasley neé Prewett (Alive)

Siblings:

Charles Septimus Weasley (Alive)

Percival Arcturus Weasley (Alive)

Frederick Gideon Weasley (Alive)

Gregory Fabian Weasley (Alive)

Ronald Billius Weasley (Alive)

Ginerva Molly Weasley (Alive)

Godfathers:

Amos Alexander Diggory (Alive)

Xenophilius Julius Lovegood (Alive)

Godmother:

Catherine Amanda Diggory (Alive)

Pandora Selene Lovegood (Alive)

Titles:

Weasley (Heirship; claimable at 7)

Prewett (Heriship, unclaimable due to a clause in the claim of the Weasley Heirship)

Abilities:

Mage Sight 85% blocked (Molly Weasley)

Spells/Potions:

Loyalty potions towards Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Weasley Family, the Light, Order of Phoenix, Gryffindor House

Submission potions towards Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Order of Phoenix, the Light

Compulsion potions towards Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley, Minerva McGonagall, Order of Poenix, the Light

Distrust potions towards Slytherins, the Dark, Muriel Prewett

Blocks/Leeches:

Core Block 35% (Albus Dumbledore)

IQ-Block 45% (Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall)

Soulmate Block 100% (Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley)

Soulmate (Creature): Fleur Apolline Delacour (Alive)

Arthur was trying everything not to go and kill Molly, Albus and Minerva painfully for what they had done to his son. Bonecrusher felt the heat from Arthur Weasley and know that this wizard was going to kill some people, if he didn’t stop this. “Lord Weasley, I know that it is infuriating to find out, what Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and your wife have done, but you need to think about your children and be there for them. It would not be beneficial to kill your wife, the headmaster and deputy-headmistress, for what they had done to your son, and end up in Azkaban.” Arthur took his account manager’s words into consideration, because killing them would just be an immediate trip into Azkaban and he can’t afford this. Looking at Charlie’s finished inheritance test, Arthur nearly got a heart attack, when he read the parchment.

Name: Charles Septimus Weasley

Father: Arthur Septimus Weasley (Alive)

Mother: Molly Lucretia Weasley neé Prewett (Alive)

Siblings:

William Arthur Weasley (Alive)

Percival Arcturus Weasley (Alive)

Frederick Gideon Weasley (Alive)

Gregory Fabian Weasley (Alive)

Ronald Billius Weasley (Alive)

Ginevra Molly Weasley (Alive)

Godfathers:

Amos Alexander Diggory (Alive)

Xenophilius Julius Lovegood (Alive)

Godmothers:

Catherine Amanda Diggory (Alive)

Pandora Selene Lovegood (Alive)

Titles:

Weasley (secondary heir, claimable upon death or abdication of William Arthur Weasley)

Prewett (primary heir; heirship claimable at 7)

Abilities:

All-Speak 100% blocked (Molly Weasley, Albus Dumbledore)

Spells/Potions:

Loyalty potions towards Weasley Family, Albus Dumbledore, Order of Phoenix, the Light, Gryffindor House

Submission potions towards Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Order of Phoenix, the Light

Compulsion potions towards Molly Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Order of Phoenix, the Light

Distrust potions towards Slytherins, the Dark, Magical Creatures, Muriel Prewett

Blocks/Leeches:

Core Block 45% blocked (Albus Dumbledore)

IQ-Block 53% blocked (Minerva McGonagall, Albus Dumbledore)

Soulmate Block 100% blocked (Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley)

Soulmate:

Cedric Octavian Diggory (Alive)

Arthur was shocked that his son inherited All-Speak, but his shock turned into fury, when he saw that the ability was blocked by Molly and Dumbledore. He wished to kill this man painfully since he knew that the man was a puppet master and was the one responsible for all this mess. Without this man, the light would crumble and would have had no leader, but he had to be patient. He can make him suffer at the Wizengamot and school board meetings with Lord Lestrange’s plan. The next readings gave Arthur another shock about his children.

Name: Percival Arcturus Weasley

Father: Arthur Septimus Weasley (Alive)

Mother: Molly Lucretia Weasley neé Prewett (Alive)

Siblings:

William Arthur Weasley (Alive)

Charles Septimus Weasley (Alive)

Frederick Gideon Weasley (Alive)

Gregory Fabian Weasley (Alive)

Ronald Billius Weasley (Alive)

Ginevra Molly Weasley (Alive)

Godfathers:

Amos Alexander Diggory

Xenophilius Julius Lovegood

Godmothers:

Catherine Amanda Diggory

Pandora Selene Lovegood

Titles:

Weasley (third in line upon death or abdication of William Arthur Weasley and Charles Septimus Weasley)

Prewett (secondary heir upon death or abdication of Charles Septimus Weasley)

Abilities:

Eidetic Memory 20% blocked (Molly Weasley)

Natural Occlumens 95% blocked (Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley)

Spells/Potions:

Loyalty potions towards Albus Dumbledore, Weasley Family, Minerva McGonagall, Order of Phoenix, the Light, Gryffindor House

Submission potions towards Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Order of Phoenix, the Light

Compulsion potions towards Molly Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Order of Phoenix, the Light

Distrust potions towards Slytherins, the Dark, Muriel Prewett

Compulsion: rule-loving

Blocks/Leeches:

Core Block 29% blocked (Albus Dumbledore)

IQ-Block 15% blocked (Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall)

Soulmate:

Penelope Ariana Clearwater (Alive)

Arthur was surprised that Percy’s soul bond was not blocked, but seeing that his son’s soulmate was a squibborn since he didn’t recognise the name in the Wizengamot, Arthur had a feeling that Dumbledore would try to get his claws on the girl. But there was also the blind rage that Molly, Albus and Minerva blocked his boy’s magic and his unique abilities. Arthur turned to Fred’s test.

Name: Frederick Gideon Weasley

Father: Arthur Septimus Weasley (Alive)

Mother: Molly Lucretia Weasley neé Prewett (Alive)

Siblings:

William Arthur Weasley (Alive)

Charles Septimus Weasley (Alive)

Percival Arcturus Weasley (Alive)

Gregory Fabian Weasley (Alive)

Ronald Billius Weasley (Alive)

Ginevra Molly Weasley (Alive)

Godfathers:

Amos Alexander Diggory (Alive)

Xenophilius Julius Lovegood (Alive)

Godmothers:

Catherine Amanda Diggory (Alive)

Pandora Selene Lovegood (Alive)

Titles:

Weasley (fourth in line upon death or abdication of William Arthur Weasley, Charles Septimus Weasley and Percival Arcturus Weasley)

Prewett (third in line upon death or abdication of Charles Septimus Weasley and Percival Arcturus Weasley)

Abilities:

Natural Legilimens 100% blocked (Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley)

Spells/Potions:

Loyalty potions towards Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Weasley Family, Order of Phoenix, the Light, Gryffindor House

Submission potions towards Albus Dumbledore, Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Minerva McGonagall, Order of Phoenix, the Light

Compulsion potions towards Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Molly Weasley, Order of Phoenix, the Light

Distrust potions towards Slytherins, the Dark, Muriel Prewett

Compulsion spell to prank Slytherins (Albus Dumbledore)

Blocks/Leeches:

Core Block 35% blocked (Molly Weasley)

IQ-Block 40% blocked (Albus Dumbledore)

Magical twin bond 100% blocked (Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall) (failed)

Soulmate Block 100% blocked (Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley)

Soulmate: Makoto Niijima (Alive)

Arthur was absolutely furious, when he found out that Dumbledore and McGonagall tried to block Fred’s and George’s magical twin bond. This is the most disgusting and vilest act ever done towards magical twins. Thankfully, it failed and he hoped that one day, Molly, Albus and Minerva would suffer, for what they had done. There was also the soulmate block again. He swore that one day those three were going to suffer a painful and slow death. The next parchment was from George and it showed the same thing. He asked himself, who Makoto Niijima was. Arthur knew that the girl must be from Japan, but who she is and how the girl looked like was beyond him. Maybe his boys will meet her one day per luck, but unknown to him, they will find her, when they start school.

Looking at the inheritance tests, Arthur requested to purge his boys from all the potions and spells. The goblin nodded and led Arthur and the boys to the healing chambers in Gringotts, where five beds were prepared. It will be a long day. The goblins promised that everything would be alright. They started from oldest to youngest and removed the potions, spells and blocks. This would make sure that his boys were safe now from Molly and her potioning ways.

Arthur took a look at the financial aspect and saw that on the day, when he forgot about the Weasley Lordship, the business stopped and the investments were halted. This is good since he would have surely ended up broken. When the children started to wake up after the purge, Arthur made his way to the floo in Bonecrusher’s office to return home with his children in tow. Tomorrow, he was going with Muriel to claim the heirships of the Weasley and Prewett families.

Longbottom Elysium

Algemon Longbottom received many hateful glares from his deceased relatives, for what he had done. His brother, Howard, was the most vocal: “You are no brother of mine. You should rot in hell and not pollute this sacred place with your presence, for what you have done?” His father was even worse. Harfang glowered in fury: “You are no son of mine. You betrayed our family out of jealousy and ambition. I should have smothered you in your crib, if I could travel back in time, when you were born. You are a disgrace, a taint and a shame to the Longbottom family. I wish, there is a way to get you off this island, but since you died a Longbottom, there is nothing I can do. I am glad that Lord Lestrange tortured and killed you for your treason. You don’t deserve nothing less.” Algie’s heart broke, when his father said those words, but things didn’t get any better for him.

After his father’s rant, Algie collapsed on the sandy floor screaming in pain, when the Longbottom family magics were ripped from him. Suddenly, Death and Lady Magic appeared on the island. “Algemon NoName, you are coming with us. You are no longer a Longbottom, because you were disowned post-mortem by your mother, Callidora Longbottom. From this day on, the protection from the Longbottom Elysium on you are gone. You are going with me straight to hell, where you belong”, Death said. Algie was shocked, scared and furious at the same time. How could his mother do this to him? “No, please. You can’t do this to me. Have mercy?” Death laughs at him and said in a mocking tone: “I should give you mercy after what you have done to your nephew and niece-in-law. You don’t deserve any mercy at all. Traitors and vermin like you belong to hell, where they truly belong and I would have great pleasure in watching your suffering.” Algie turned to his father and brother desperately. “Father, Howard, please, help me.” They just smirked evilly and Harfang said harshly: “Take that piece of shit away from here. He is no son of mine any longer. Thank Merlin. And I am glad that Cally did something to fix this disgrace.” Howard nodded in agreement. The last sentence was spoken softly since Harfang missed his wife and hoped that one day, they would reunite again.

Algie was furious and betrayed. How dare they? How dare they do this to him? He did the world a favour, but how does he get repaid? Oh, yes, by getting sent to hell. He hated his family even more now. He hoped that one day, someone would kill his mother, Augusta and that imbecilic brat of a great-nephew, but this wish would never be fulfilled since he was going to suffer pure hell.

Death and Lady Magic with Algie in tow reached the pits of hell and Death said: “Well, Algemon NoName, this is your new home.” Algie was dragged by Death to the cliff and was thrown in the flames of abyss. The man screamed in pain and fury, when the flames touched his skin. It was a living nightmare. And when he landed, he was met with an intense pain that was unbearable. Algie wasn’t able to stand up for an hour and when he was able to move, he looked up, from where he was thrown, in order to find a way to escape, but it was impossible since the walls were too flat and impossible to climb. Suddenly, he was surrounded by demons and other evil spirits. Algie was terrified since one of them had an open slave collar. He tried to run, but the demon restrained him and put the collar around his neck. The demon gave him an evil chuckle. “This is your new life, slave. Now, get to work.” The last part was growled and the former Longbottom was dragged to a town full of demons, evil spirits and other enslaved sinners, who have betrayed their families and friends, and families, who committed great crimes, where he was ordered to do a lot of dangerous chores that could kill a mortal, but since Algie was already dead, he would only feel gruesome pain.

Algie was ready to cry. This is a nightmare. Why did his mother do this to him? He wished, she was killed by Grindelwald, but no, the man let her live to suffer his father’s death. What Grindelwald didn’t realise, was that father’s death made her stronger and not weaker. She was a Black after all and even though she mourned like any other widow would, she still didn’t give up and fought back against Grindelwald and his followers. And now, she made his life literally a living nightmare.

Ministry

In the ministry holding cell, Bellatrix hollered in pain and agony, when the Lestrange family magics were stripped from her after the marriage contract with Rodulphus was broken. She was going to kill her former great-uncle-in-law painfully and slowly. But now, she was a NoName. Bellatrix was ready to cry. This was a nightmare. She was not only disowned from her birth family, but also from her married family. She hoped that this nightmare would end soon.

Rabastan felt bad for Bella, but he knew that his great-uncle had his hand in this. How many lives was his great-uncle going to make miserable? Only Rod remained in the Lestrange family, but he wasn’t sure for how long.

After Bellatrix recovered, Rodulphus started screaming in pain and fury, when the family magics examined him and then, rip themselves from him. The man was furious. First his wife was disowned and kicked out of the Lestrange and Black families and now he himself was disowned by his own family. This was a nightmare. They were now NoNames. His ex-great-uncle was going to suffer for all this pain, but his retribution will never come.

Barty Crouch Jr. was shocked, what had happened. First Rabastan and now Rodulphus and Bella were disowned. He wished the dark lord was alive. The dark lord would have dealt with Augustinus Lestrange appropriately, but now he was gone and his comrades were disowned from their respectable families.

The auror guard was stunned, what had happened. She wasn’t sure, how the headmaster was going to react to this. Unknown to Bartemius Crouch Sr., this auror guard was one of Dumbledore’s pawns and anyone can bet that she would be running to the headmaster, in order to inform him about the development. But first, her shift needs to end.

Headmaster’s office

Albus was sitting behind his desk plotting and popping lemon drops. He was happy that all of his plans are working perfectly. He is hoping that everything is set. Now, he had to wait patiently until the oldest Potter brat starts Hogwarts and he would be able to use the political power to his favour. James and Lily are strictly in his pocket. Sirius and Remus too. And the Weasleys are on his side. With all that power, he would have complete control over their world. But Albus would realise too late that the power he thought he had, would only be a dream.

The floo flared green and Jakob, Josephine and Agnes came through. Albus was a little bit surprised to see those three here. He had heard about the attack on the Longbottoms and Albus had made new plans to get access to the Longbottom heir, so that Albus can manipulate the boy to be on his side. Albus knew that Augusta would be troublesome, but he was sure that Algie would be able to find a way to get rid of the old battle axe. And he also hopes that there was a way to dispose of Lady Callidora Longbottom. That woman had been a thorn to his side since she married Harfang Longbottom.

Jakob sat furiously on his seat. He barely restrained himself from punching the old man across the desk. Josephine and Agnes glared at the old man angrily. Albus wasn’t sure, what was going on and why the three were glaring at him angrily. Albus questioned: “Jakob, my boy, Josephine, Agnes, my dear girls, lemon drops?” None of the three wanted any sweets. “No thanks, headmaster.” Jakob gritted out. Albus wasn’t sure, what was going on. “What can I do for you?” Jakob calmed down. It seems like the old fool was clueless, what had happened to his father. “I am here to tell you that I am no longer going to support you or your order.” Albus nearly choked on his lemon drop. He can’t do this. He needed Jakob, so that he had a link to the Longbottom family. “Come on, my boy. What is the reason behind this move?” Jakob fumed. “It is you that had whispered in my father’s ear that he is going to be the next Lord Longbottom.” Albus knew that he couldn’t deny it. “Well, my boy, he told me that young Neville is a squib and the main line is ending. So, the lordship would go to your father.” Albus lied. He knew that Neville is not a squib since he was still in the Hogwarts registry much to his annoyance, but he had other plans. Jakob looked at the fool like he was dealing with an idiot. He glowered in rage: “Well, Albus, I can tell you that my father was incorrect. Neville is unfortunately a wizard and his ambitions to become Lord Longbottom got him killed, when he betrayed Frank and Alice to the Lestrange trio and Barty Crouch Jr.” Albus spluttered. What did Algie do? He told the man that he needs to be carefully, if he wants to get rid of Frank and Alice and seal Neville’s magic, in order to make him a squib, so that Algie can claim the lordship of the Longbottom family line. He would have found a way to get rid of Augusta and Callidora and made sure that the current main branch of the Longbottom family was gone and the side branch under the guidance of Algie Longbottom, who was loyally following him, becomes the new main branch, who would help him greatly in the Wizengamot. But now all of his plans regarding the Longbottoms were halted. Jakob continued, when he had seen the shocked expression on Dumbledore’s face: “And to make matters worse, now everyone would know that my father is a traitor and a monster. Our lives are ruined.” Albus quickly answered in a patronising manner: “Surely, you are exaggerating, my boy. No one would know.”

But much to Albus’ misfortune, the newspaper was delivered. When everyone looked at the headlines, there were mixed reactions. The first headline was “ALGEMON LONGBOTTOM BETRAYS LORD FRANK AND CONSORT ALICE LONGBOTTOM! BOTH LONGBOTTOMS TORTURED TO INSANITY BY BELLATRIX LESTRANGE, RODULPHUS LESTRANGE, BARTEMIUS CROOUCH JR. AND RABASTAN LESTRANGE!” Albus paled. Algie couldn’t have been that stupid to do such a bold move. There was nothing he could do to fix this mess. Jakob, Josephine and Agnes were absolutely furious. Now the public knew and their lives would take a nosedive, because of their father’s ambition. The next headline brought more problems to Albus’ plans. “RABASTAN LESTRANGE DISOWNED BY LORD LESTRANGE FOR HIS ACTIONS AGAINST THE HOUSE LONGBOTTOM!” Albus was startled that Augustinus had disowned one of his great-nephews, but this is something that he didn’t need right now, because Augustinus would be able to rehabilitate the image of House Lestrange by disowning the death eaters from the family line. He can’t allow this, but Albus also knows that he can’t interfere without getting killed by Lord Lestrange. But at one aspect, Lord Lestrange will fail and this would be the marriage contract between Bellatrix and Rodulphus Lestrange. From what his spies had told him, he had managed to find out that the contract would stop Augustinus Lestrange from disowning Rodulphus and Bellatrix Lestrange from the family line until they had an heir, which was impossible since Bellatrix had no interest in fulfilling her duty as Rodulphus’ wife and give birth to children.

But Albus would receive even worse news. Suddenly, the floo flared and the auror guard stepped out. The woman was a bit out of breath, but she managed to come. Albus knew that it was one of his pawns in the DMLE. It was Hestia Jones. The three Longbottoms were confused, what she was doing here, but they returned their attention towards the headmaster almost ignoring the presence of the woman. Albus turned his attention to the auror and said with a jovial tone: “Hestia, my dear, what are you doing here?” After calming herself down and sitting down, Hestia looked at the headmaster with glee in her eyes temporarily ignoring the other attendees in the office. “Albus, you wouldn’t believe, what had happened today at the holding cells.” Hestia was hyper. Albus smiled slightly and nodded at her to continue. Maybe there were some good news. “Rodulphus and Bellatrix Lestrange are officially disowned from the Lestrange family line. They are from now on Rodulphus and Bellatrix NoName.” Hestia smiled brightly. Jakob, Josephine and Agnes were shocked. Two further disownments in this week. What was going on? It seems like that Augustinus was cleaning the House Lestrange from those that brought down the reputation of the House itself. Albus was trying everything to force down his fury. That man destroyed so many plans regarding the House Lestrange with those simple acts. But he can’t do anything. He also can’t demand from the man to reinstate them back since the public would question him, why he would want something like this. He needed those three connected to the House Lestrange, in order to make sure that he had an example of a death eater house, but now the connection was gone, because of the disownments and Augustinus destroyed all of his plans that he had for the House Lestrange.

Turning back his attention to Hestia, he smiled and said in a fake, kind voice: “This is wonderful to hear, Hestia. Can you keep me informed, if something else is going to happen?” The woman nodded vigorously and went to the floo, in order to floo back to the ministry.

Jakob looked at Dumbledore, who was still recovering from the shock of that information. With a sneer, Josephine said: “Congratulation, Albus. The House Lestrange has now a better reputation than us.” Agnes continued for her sister: “Thank you, Albus. You ruined everything, when you decided to convince our father that he was going to become the next Lord Longbottom. Now, our futures are jeopardised, because of you.” Albus was furious, but he couldn’t argue since it was partially his own fault that he had whispered into Algie’s ear that he will become Lord Longbottom, if he follows his plans. Now, everything went out of control. Algie was dead and his children are severing all ties with him since they were blaming him.

After that, the three Longbottoms left the office through the floo leaving an angry Albus, who had started to lose some of his allies, but this would just be the beginning of the end for the manipulative, old fool. Albus will keep this quiet for a while and will tell the order about this next week since he didn’t want to deal with a bigger headache now. Now, he needed to focus, how to regain their trust again, but from what he had summarised, it would be slim to regain their loyalty for now. Maybe after Tom returns, they would come back crawling to him since he was the only one, who knew, how to deal with Tom, and he was also the only one, who would be able to lead their world to a brighter and better future.

Black Manor

After lunch was finished, Cygnus took Draco with him in the gardens, in order to look after him and spend some time with his grandson since Narcissa wanted to speak with her great uncle privately. After she and her great uncle were alone, Narcissa started: “Great uncle, I am here, because of Sirius and his actions against the heir of the Black family, Hadrian Potter-Black.” Arcturus was sitting tensely. He wasn’t sure, if this was a way to make Draco heir Black, but Narcissa explained that it was about something Sirius had done against Hadrian, which would not make any sense, if she was after the title. “And that would be, Narcissa?”

Narcissa took a deep breath and took out the inheritance test out of her robe pocket. She gave her great-uncle the sheet of parchment and told him: “Go over this and everything would be explained.” Arcturus was going over the inheritance test and was absolutely furious. He hoped that his grandson was unaware of what the Potters had done, but since Sirius blocked the heir’s metarmorphmagus abilities and his ability as natural occlumens, Arcturus came to the conclusion that he was aware of what those imbeciles had done.

Then, Narcissa explained: “They also abandoned him to magic-hating muggles and I am not doubting that Sirius was involved in this.” Arcturus was in an apoplectic fury. His grandson was going to suffer for this monstrosity. He doesn’t care about that disgrace any longer. He was also going to invite Walburga to this meeting since she is his mother, but Arcturus wasn’t sure, if he wanted to deal with that woman, but maybe she would like the idea that her oldest is going to be disowned for his actions. Arcturus didn’t see another solution for this mess.

The old Lord Black looked at Narcissa and said: “I am going to deal with Sirius appropriately. He is not going to get away with this.” Narcissa nodded and was happy that she managed to sway her great uncle to her side. “Apart from that, what has happened to the heir of the Black family, Narcissa?” Narcissa smiled much to Arcturus’ relief and explained everything, what had happened in the last two days. She trusted her great uncle that he will not betray her secrets. Arcturus looked at his great niece like she had two heads. This was a lot to take in, but he was proud of his great niece that she had helped the heir and that she was destined to revolutionise the wizarding world. Arcturus doesn’t have high opinions about muggles, but all the developments that the muggles had done in the last century were really interesting. And he didn’t have anything against the idea of having muggle technology in the wizarding world. It would move their community from the middle-ages to the modern age. He also wasn’t sure, who would be leading the family from now on since Sirius was not to be trusted due to his actions. Looking at the rest of his family, Arcturus came to a realisation that there are only a few, who could lead the family, but they were as old as he was. Cassiopeia, Callidora and Pollux were too old to deal with the younger generation of Lords and Ladies in the Wizengamot especially those aligned to the light section. Lucretia would be a good regent, but she is also getting too old and had her own problems after the death of her husband. Walburga couldn’t be trusted with the regency since the woman had a bad temper. From the younger generation, he had only Narcissa. The girl was cool, collected, cunning and was taught in politics like all the other members of the Black family. ‘Yes, she would be a perfect regent’, Arcturus thought.

Arcturus brought himself back from his thoughts and asked his great niece: “Narcissa, are you ready to be the Regent of the Ancient and Noble House of Black?” Narcissa was momentarily stunned. Her great uncle is asking her to be basically the head of an Ancient and Noble House. When Narcissa thought about this, she came to a conclusion. “Yes great-uncle. I will take the position as Regent. I should also mention to you that I am also the magical guardian of Hadrian. The muggle couple that saved him announced me to be the heir’s magical guardian.” Arcturus nodded happily. Dumbledore wouldn’t be able to claim the magical guardianship over Hadrian like with the other muggleborns or muggle-raised halfbloods and try to force him with the Potters, his grandson and the wolf. Now, he needed to deal with his traitorous grandson.

Quickly he wrote a letter to Sirius that his presence is demanded after dinner, which was replied with an impolite approval. He will teach that little shit to respect him better, but he knows, how to make him suffer. But what kind of pain Arcturus had in mind for Sirius was nothing in comparison, what Narcissa was going to do. Narcissa was planning to shatter the godfather-godson bond between Akira and Sirius with Lady Magic’s judgement. She wanted to make him suffer for his actions. It may be going too far, but Sirius doesn’t deserve anything else. She now had to wait patiently until dinner is over.

Ministry/Black Manor

Bartemius Crouch Sr. was making his way to the floo terminal in the ministry, in order to floo to Black Manor. Even though, he isn’t a Black by name, he still had the blood of the Blacks through his mother. He sent a letter to his wife, in order to tell her that there was a meeting in Black Manor. He was less than pleased with his wife over these past days. She still makes excuses for Barty and blames him that their son had joined the death eaters. Bartemius was not happy, but he had to live with these accusations since it was also partially his fault that his son became a death eater, but mainly his son was to blame since he decided on his own free will to join those terrorists. Bartemius hoped that Lord Black would open her eyes that Barty has no one else to blame than himself for his own actions.

When he flooed to Black Manor, he arrived at the floo room, where he met a less than pleased Wilma Crouch. Barty knew from her face that she is unhappy, but regardless, they had to go through this. An elf appears in front of them before any of them could say a word. “Master Arcturus’ awaiting you. Follow Blinky”, the elf squeaked.

The Crouch couple was led to Lord Black’s office, where Arcturus was sitting behind his desk waiting for the couple to come. Callidora Longbottom was also present and had a cold, pinched expression on her face towards them. Bartemius had to be carefully regarding his aunt since she was known for being vicious and cruel towards her enemies. “Lord Crouch, welcome in Black Manor. I hope your stay would be comfortable.” Crouch nodded trying to ignore the cold glare from Lady Longbottom. “Lord Black, thank you for your invitation. We will find comfort in your home as long as we are safe.” Arcturus nodded and summoned two other seats to sit down. Callidora was remaining silent for the time being, because she already explained Arcturus about the attack on her grandson and granddaughter-in-law, when she made the petition about Bellatrix.

The old Lord Black went directly to business after the pleasantries were done. “Lord Crouch, I have invited you here, because Lady Longbottom has made a petition that is concerning your son and heir, Bartemius Crouch Jr. From what Lady Longbottom stated, your heir attacked Lord Francis Longbottom and his consort Alice Longbottom and tortured them into insanity. I should mention to you that the heir, Neville Longbottom, had seen everything and would be mentally scarred since he has an eidetic memory.” Bartemius knew that his son took a child’s parents away, but he never considered the fact that he ruined a life like this. Wilma was getting more and more nervous. She can’t really defend her son with all those facts out and she didn’t know, how to feel about her only son. He had tortured the Longbottom heir’s parents to insanity and the boy will be mentally scarred since he would remember everything, what had happened. This was getting worse and worse from her perspective, but things will get not any better with the next announcement. “I am going to remove the Black family magics from your son, Lord Crouch. He attacked a distant member of this family and for that reason, he needs to be punished.” Wilma paled. Lord Black can’t just do that, but there was nothing she could do since he is Lord Black and she had no control over this situation.

“It is your fault, Bartemius. It is your fault that our son had turned into a monster. If you hadn’t neglected him, then nothing like this would have happened”, Wilma snapped. Bartemius sighed. Not now and not in front of Lord Black. Arcturus eyed the woman dangerously and glowered her in submission, which worked: “Listen to me very carefully, Lady Crouch. Your husband may have made mistakes, but do you think everyone had a perfect childhood. Take me as an example. My father had neglected me and my siblings in favour of work and did I join Grindelwald and his sycophants?” Both shook their heads knowing that Lord Black fought Grindelwald tooth and nail. “Then, Lady Crouch, you should not talk about something that I had experienced already.” Wilma held her head in defeat and Bartemius just inhaled and exhaled. When Arcturus noticed that no one was going make a fuss, he took out his wand and chanted: “I, Arcturus Orion Black, call upon the family magics. I disown Bartemius Cornelius Crouch from the Black family. If he is found unworthy, may the family magics be stripped from him and may he forever be barred from besmirching the family’s good name. So, mote it be.” Bartemius Crouch Sr. felt the Black family magic inside his core test his son and felt a weaker rip. The disownment of distant members of a noble family is either less or not at all painful. So, Barty will not feel a lot of pain unlike the former Lestrange trio with their disownment from their respectable families, but it would make his son weaker and his duelling skills would decrease.

Wilma was enraged, but thankfully, it was a disownment from a distant family. She hoped that Bartemius was not going to do something stupid, but soon enough Wilma would realise that Bartemius would abandon his son in his direst situation.

Potter Manor

Sirius had been carrying John around and made sure that the toddler was giggling. He didn’t regret the abandonment of Harry since he would be safer in the muggle world with Vernon and Petunia Dursley than in the wizarding world. Sirius knew that Harry would have it rough, but he is Marauder legacy. He would know, how to fight back. Sirius also didn’t regret the potions, spells and blocks since they wanted to make sure that Harry remains on John’s side and never betrays the light, if he had too much power. But soon enough, Sirius would pay dearly for his mistakes, because he received a letter from his grandfather, who wants to discuss with him some family matters. He didn’t know, what was this about, but he had an idea.

Sirius had planned to break the marriage contract between his cousin, Narcissa, and her disgusting death eater husband, Malfoy. He needed to free his cousin from that marriage. Sirius wasn’t sure, what to do with the Malfoy heir, but he had plans to raise the brat among John and later Harry, because he was sure that Lucius Malfoy was going to be convicted for his actions since he had heard that the man had been arrested. Some potions and spells and Narcissa’s son would be easily controlled. And if Narcissa proves to be difficult, he would kick her out of the family since she is a dark witch and doesn’t deserve to remain with his family, but that can only be done after his grandfather dies. Sirius also plans to reinstate Andromeda and her daughter into the Black family after his grandfather’s death and disown other members of the family. With that he would have the Malfoy seats in the light section for the headmaster and they could weaken the dark section.

But now he had to attend this meeting. Sirius quickly gave John to Lily and turned to James: “Prongs, I have to go. My grandfather wants to see me.” James nodded and Remus asked: “What does he want?” Sirius wasn’t sure, because the letter was short. “Well, he wants to discuss some family matters with me. So, it will maybe take an hour or two.” James nodded and Sirius quickly flooed to Black Manor not realising that his days as a Black are numbered.

Grimmauld Place 12

Walburga Black was annoyed, when she had received a letter from her uncle or father-in-law. She didn’t know, what was happening this day, but today, she felt the family magics twice. Once before lunch and another time before dinner. Walburga was clueless, what had happened, but she hoped that she would get the answers from her father-in-law.

She received in the afternoon a letter that there was a meeting regarding her eldest. Walburga was less than pleased since she hated her firstborn, because he had no respect for anything, what the Black family is standing for, and is ignoring the path of the dark lord. Walburga was a devout follower of the olde ways and Voldemort and that her son turned out to be quite the opposite was a shame to the dark lord’s order. But today, Walburga would realise, how foul and disgusting Sirius is, and she would be shown, how much alike they were.

Walburga quickly made her way to the floo, but first she ordered her private house elf, Kreacher: “Kreacher!” Kreacher popped in front of his mistress: “Mistress, be’s calling for Kreacher?” Walburga gave him a stern look and said in a commanding tone: “I have to go to Black Manor. For the time being you are in charge of keeping this place clean and if there are any problems, you come straight to me, so that I can deal with it.” Kreacher nodded in compliance to his mistress. He will not disappoint his mistress.

Black Manor

Sirius arrived at the floo room and made his way to the home office of his grandfather. He already is dreaming that this manor would be his after his grandfather dies and he was going to give Headmaster Dumbledore some books from his family he needs for the greater good. Arriving in the home office, he went in without knocking, which was annoying to Arcturus and Narcissa, who was present for this. Sirius smirked, when he saw his cousin, who was icily glaring at him. Soon she would be free from Malfoy after his grandfather kicked the bucket and would respect him. He was done allowing Narcissa and her disrespect towards him. Sirius heard a knock behind him and when his grandfather answered a ‘come-in’, Walburga entered the room. Sirius didn’t understand, what his mother was doing here, but he hopes that things will go fast since he can’t tolerate the woman.

Walburga looked like she smelled something nasty, when she had seen Sirius and was pretty sure that this meeting would be really pointless. Arcturus summoned a seat for Walburga, but Sirius would stand since this would be short. Walburga sat down and sighed. She noticed the icy glares from her sweet niece Narcissa and Arcturus that were directed towards her son. Walburga would be surprised by this meeting since it would be just the downfall of her disgraceful son.

Sirius was unnerved by the glares, but he ignored them. He had lived with his mother, who had been basically running the household for so many years that the glares didn’t bother him anymore. Arcturus started: “Sirius, I called you here, because Narcissa is petitioning your disinheritance and disownment from the Black family.” Walburga just sighed. She tried to have her son disinherited since he was sorted into Gryffindor, but it failed since Arcturus was stubborn. Walburga did question herself, why her niece was thinking that she would manage it. Sirius just bristled and turned to Narcissa: “What are trying to do Cissy? Trying to usurp the rightful heir to the Black titles? You know that your son will never become heir Black as long as my godson is still the heir.” Narcissa just smiled sweetly and turned to her great-uncle, who gave her the go-ahead. “I am not trying to do something like that. My son will have a lot of responsibilities as Heir Malfoy and doesn’t need another title, but since you yourself are mentioning your godson that is the reason why I am here petitioning your disinheritance and disownment. Sirius Orion Black, explain this monstrosity.” Narcissa nearly roared in rage, when she took out a copy of Akira’s inheritance test and gave it to Sirius. The seal of silence was put on place immediately. Sirius felt it, but he didn't understand for what reason. The Black Heir looked at the inheritance test and was ready to faint, when he had seen that it was Harry’s inheritance test. How did Narcissa get her hands on that. This means that he can’t say anything about this meeting to anyone not even his best friends. This is not good. He wished Albus was here. Walburga thinned her lips into a thin line. She didn’t know, what was happening or what was in the parchment, but from her uncle’s and Narcissa’s faces, it must be something bad. Narcissa saw the clueless look on her aunt’s face and gave her another copy of the inheritance test. Walburga looked through the parchment and was momentarily stunned beyond belief, what her son, that filthy halfbreed Lupin, that blood traitor Potter and his mudblood whore had done. Well, Sirius wasn’t going to get away with this and she was disgusted, what her son had done and allowed. Magical children were precious and that is what Sirius is doing to a magical child. This is abuse plain and simple and suddenly, Walburga realised, how much alike Sirius and she were. Walburga was woman enough to admit that she had not treated Sirius well and abused him and now Sirius is doing the same thing like her only it is with potions, spells and blocks. The woman immediately let her head fall down knowing that she made a lot of mistakes with Sirius and she can admit that he is following in her footsteps, which was something that he shouldn’t have done. Walburga can only congratulate herself, how Sirius turned out.

Sirius was opening and closing his mouth. He didn’t know, what to say. He still was berating himself, how Narcissa got her hands on this. Arcturus snapped him out of his thoughts: “Explain yourself Sirius. Why would you do something like this to your own godson? Why were you and your ‘friends’ potioning and spelling the boy with loyalty, submission, compulsion and mild love potions and blocking the boy’s magic and abilities?” Sirius tried to excuse himself, but the excuse was weak: “It was for the best. John didn’t get the metarmorphmagus ability, when I have blood-adopted him, and James, Lily, Remus and I thought that blocking those abilities would stop John from becoming jealous. We were terrified that John would resent his brother and start to tear himself away from the family. There was also the fact that Harry was a parseltongue. He would have been outcasted by the public, if someone found out about Harry’s ability to speak with snakes.” Arcturus glared at his grandson. This was a flimsy excuse. Elladora Black had the metarmorphmagus ability and her siblings were not jealous, but praised her, and parseltongue is maybe not common in Europe, but East Asia and India were revering the snake language as sacred. The prejudice only exists here in Britain, because of Voldemort, who was assumingly the only parselmouth in the UK. Those fools here should travel around the world and see how well the other magical cultures are treating parselmouths. Narcissa snarled: “This is the worst excuse I have ever heard from you. First, you should not forget that Elladora had the metarmorphmagus ability and her siblings were not jealous of her ability, but were praising her. Second, parseltongue is only disliked here in the UK since Voldemort was one, but if you travelled around the world in East Asia or India for example, you would see that parselmouths are revered in those countries.” Sirius swallowed hard since his cousin is telling the truth. But Narcissa continued without giving Sirius time to defend himself: “Then, you allowed Hadrian to be abandoned to magic-hating muggles. I know about the Dursleys, Sirius, and I also know about their views regarding magic.” Sirius paled. Where does Narcissa know this? They had made sure to hide it well, but how did his cousin discover this? She had seen the confused and terrified face of Sirius. “You are asking yourself, how I know about this. Then, I will tell you it and I am happy that you won’t be able to tell anyone, what is happening in this meeting.” Sirius gulped down knowing that things would get worse and worse from his perspective. “The abandonment failed. Hadrian was found by another muggle couple and was taken in after Petunia Dursley had allowed the couple to take the boy with them since they didn’t want to deal with a magical child.” Arcturus fumed in rage that those bastards would abandon a magical relative of his to some strangers, but it is better than those cretins. Sirius became enraged. Those fools did what? How could they? They were supposed to raise his godson, not give him away to some strangers. But Narcissa continued: “From an anonymous source, I got the information that your heir was living with muggle tourists and I made my way to check myself, how he was doing and if he was alright. Thank Merlin, he was fine. The muggle tourists treated him well and informed me that the Dursleys wanted to sign away their rights to them. At first, I thought that I should take the heir with me and obliviate the muggles, but I changed my mind since Hadrian would grow up in a loving home far away from you, Dumbledore, his sycophants and Voldemort’s followers. Two days ago, the Dursleys signed away their rights and now, they had flied back to their home country with Hadrian.” Sirius was completely furious. Please, let this be a nightmare. His godson had been taken away by some muggles and is outside of Britain and maybe outside Europe. He needed to find him. He still can use the godson-godfather bond, in order to track down his pup, get him back and make the muggles pay for taking away his pup. Narcissa had seen the look on Sirius’ face and knew that he was going to use the godson-godfather bond, in order to track Akira down, but Narcissa will stop this.

Narcissa turned to her great-uncle, who looked ready to kill Sirius. The man was barely holding his rage and she knew that Sirius was going to suffer painfully. Walburga was gaping in an undignified manner. She still was trying to process, what her eldest had done, but she wasn’t able to process it. Her eldest brat allowed his godson to be abandoned to magic-hating muggles. Walburga wasn’t going to defend Sirius, for what he had done. She knew that her niece and her father-in-law would kill her, if she tries to defend Sirius’ actions. The shocked expression turned to a slight smile that she was hiding behind her neutral expression. Finally, there was a way to get rid of her eldest son once and for all.

Arcturus managed to collect himself before he could lash out and kill Sirius. “Sirius, you are a disgrace to the Black family. What you have done to the poor boy is monstrous and cruel. For that reason, I have no other choice then to disinherit and disown you. I can’t allow you to remain a member of the Black family.” Sirius raised his eyes in shock. “Grandfather, please, don’t do that!” But Arcturus shook his head and started to chant: “I, Arcturus Orion Black, call upon the family magics. I disinherit and disown Sirius Orion Black III from the Black heirship and the Black family as a whole due to his betrayal against the heir of the Black family, Hadrian James Potter-Black. May his actions be judged by the family magics. If found unworthy, may the family magics be stripped from him. May he be forever barred from ever besmirching the family’s good name. So, mote it be.” Sirius tried to stop his grandfather, but he collapsed on the floor, when the chant ended and the family magics started to examine him. Sirius started screaming and trashing in pain and agony, when the family magics examined him and then, rip themselves from him. The heir ring disappeared from his left ring finger during the disownment. It felt like he was under the Cruciatius curse for half an hour. But now a realisation hit him, he is a NoName now. Sirius wanted to cry. This was unfair. It wasn’t supposed to end like this. But Arcturus wasn’t finished, when he made an announcement that would pain Sirius even more. “From this day on, Narcissa will be the new Regent of the Ancient and Noble House of Black.” Walburga smiled proudly at her niece knowing that she deserved the position even more than Sirius since she had a son, who would continue the Black family. Sirius sobbed harder. This must be a bad dream. This can’t be happening. How could everything fall apart? But he will fix this, he is still the godfather of his pup and with the help of Albus and the order and the godson-godfather bond, Sirius would be able to track down his pup. He just had to use the bond, in order to find him and Sirius was sure that he will track down his godson through the bond he had even though he is outside Europe. Sirius will save his pup. Then, he would be able to make his grandfather regret ever thinking he could do this and get away with it.

Sadly, for Sirius, Narcissa had seen the planful look on his face and she knew that Sirius would be using the godson-godfather bond, in order to find Akira and the worst thing in Narcissa’s mind is that he could succeed in tracking down Akira and his parents. She needed to stop him. Narcissa cleared her throat. “And Sirius, before you are kicked out of this house, I want to say something.” Narcissa smirked at the glare from Sirius, but the man said nothing since he blamed her for his situation. Narcissa continued with a wider smirk: “I am Hadrian’s magical guardian.” Sirius was paling. No. No. No. This was not happening. How is she the magical guardian? James and Lily are since they were his parents and were magical. So, Narcissa must be lying, but the next words that came out of Narcissa’s mouth made Sirius even more furious. “The muggle couple asked me to be the magical guardian of Hadrian after the rights were signed away. With a goblin portkey, we went into Gringotts and there I signed the required paperwork for the magical guardianship. I was immediately accepted and I am officially under control of the House Potter. Too bad, you can’t tell anyone due to the seal of silence.” Sirius was shaking his head believing that this must be a nightmare, but sadly, it was the reality. Narcissa continued: “Now, I have to make sure that Hadrian is safe from you since I know that you are going to use the godson-godfather bond, in order to track Hadrian down.” Sirius didn’t know, what she was planning to do, but he hoped that it was going to fail, because he would not survive this.

Narcissa took out her wand and started to chant: “I, Narcissa Druelle Malfoy neé Black, call upon Lady Magic. I request from you, Lady Magic, to judge the godson-godfather bond between Hadrian James Potter-Black and Sirius Orion NoName. If you find the bond unworthy, then dissolve it. So, mote it be.”

Lady Magic was happy that she was summoned again and started her work. She cut the godson-godfather bond in Akira with a quick and painless cut during the landing in Japan. The toddler woke up a bit, because of the cut, but fell back asleep since he was tired. Lady Magic smiled at her champion and quickly disappeared, in order to deal with the former Black.

Lady Magic stood in Lord Black’s office smiling softly at her children. Arcturus bowed to the deity and the others followed suit apart from Sirius, who was still in pain and didn’t have the strength to bow. With a nod from Lady Magic, all three rose and Lady Magic turned her attention towards Sirius. She had a grim look on her face, when she was looking at the former Black heir. She said with a lyrical, but hard voice: “Sirius Orion NoName. I have watched and seen you, what you have done to your godson, and I am disgusted with your actions. For that reason, I find you unworthy of being the godfather of your eldest godson and hereby dissolve the godfather-godson bond. I hope that you will see your godson nevermore and learn that, what you have done, is wrong.” Sirius had tears streaming down his face. She can’t do this. He is Harry’s godfather and needs to remain his godfather, in order to guide him to the right path. Lady Magic can’t take away this opportunity from him. The deity knew, what the man was thinking, and explained: “You seem to think that I can’t do this. Well, Sirius Orion NoName, I can do this. The godfather-godson bonding ritual can be dissolved either by the magical guardian of the child or by the child itself. And for that reason, I can do this and do not think that you can use the excuse that James and Lily Potter are Hadrian’s magical guardian. I see and know everything.” Sirius was trying to find a way around this, but before he could do anything, Lady Magic thrusts her hands into Sirius’s magical core and he felt the godson-godfather bond between him and Harry being touched by Lady Magic’s hand. Suddenly the grip on the bond hardened and Lady Magic started to squeeze the bond painfully. Sirius was crying and begging that she should stop, but Lady Magic didn’t listen his pleas and started to squeeze the bond until Sirius felt the first cracks. Sirius started screaming in pain, when the bond started to crack, but Lady Magic continued regardless. She squeezed the bond so hard that more cracks started to form and with a final squeeze and a surge of her own magic, Lady Magic shattered the godson-godfather bond into pieces. Sirius screamed his throat sore since it was gruesomely painful. Blood was coming from his mouth and Sirius’ legs gave up underneath him crashing on the floor. He never felt so much pain in his entire life.

Lady Magic quickly took her hand out of the man’s core and left him on the floor barely conscious. Sirius couldn’t believe, what had happened. That bitch of a cousin took everything away from him. First, she is the reason, why he was disowned from the Black family and now she is responsible for the shattered bond between his eldest pup and him. He didn’t understand why Lady Magic sided with Narcissa. Sirius did everything for the greater good and how does he get repaid? Oh yes, he is disowned and he lost his connection to his pup.

“Lady Malfoy, your former cousin was found unworthy to carry the godson-godfather bond and I hope that Hadrian would be safe from the likes of him”, Lady Magic said with a soft gesture. Sirius sobbed quietly on the floor, when she had said that. “I am now returning back and I hope that you will guide Heir Potter to the right path.” With that Lady Magic disappeared in thin air. Sirius sobbed even harder that his cousin was chosen to guide Harry. Narcissa will guide him to the path of darkness, but it seems like that Lady Magic trusts his cousin more than him. It was unfair.

Everyone was shocked, but they recovered quickly. Walburga smirked that Sirius suffered painfully and cruelly. She tried for years to have him disowned, but now he was disowned and the godson-godfather bond was broken as an insult to injury. Narcissa smiled. Now, Sirius was punished dearly for his actions and she hoped that Akira would be safe from him. Arcturus sighed deeply. Another family member gone, but there was no other way to act. With finality, Arcturus said: “Sirius, you will pack your stuff and leave this Manor. I don’t want to see you anywhere near this building or the other Black properties or I will kill you painfully and slowly.” Narcissa quickly stopped that and said: “No, great uncle. He doesn’t deserve to take anything from this home since all the belongings from Sirius belong now to the Black family. Kick him out and teach him, how does it feel to be abandoned by family.” Narcissa’s voice was icy cold. Arcturus was startled by this, but he couldn’t disagree with her since she was right and Sirius would learn a good lesson, what it means to be abandoned by family. Walburga was shocked by Narcissa, but she wasn’t surprised, how ruthless her niece could be.

With a wave of Arcturus’ wand he changed the Black family wards and Sirius was excluded from the wards, which led that he was thrown out in front of the entrance gates of Black Manor. Sirius suddenly appeared on the ice-cold asphalt and started to freeze. It was really a cold November night and Sirius was freezing. He tried to stand up, but he couldn’t since it hurts like hell. He screamed in pure pain, agony and betrayal. Why? Why did his grandfather do this? Didn’t he understand that it was for the greater good? How dare Narcissa do this to him? Sirius was going to make her pay for the pain she had caused to him. He was also going to make his grandfather regret ever thinking, he can do this to him and get away with it. Sirius tried to apparate, but hadn’t had enough magic to execute it. He dropped on his knees and was crying. Sirius didn’t know, what he was going to do. He will die here, but he can’t let this happen. Sirius needed to be with his remaining pup, John, and inform James and Lily about the fact that Harry was… Suddenly Sirius couldn’t continue to think since the thought was blocked. He was furious. His evil family blocked this part of his memory. This meant that he can’t tell his best friend and his wife about what had happened to Harry. Sirius shed even more tears. This was going to be his punishment. He would watch, how James and Lily are going to talk and dream about a family reunion with Harry and he would watch this daily. He would be the only one, who will know the truth that this reunion will not happen. This is cruel and monstrous, what Narcissa and his grandfather had done to him.

Stepping further with shaking legs, Sirius stepped on an old article of the Daily Prophet and from there, he had an idea, how to get help. Albus gave the order enchanted parchment, in order to contact the order in case of an emergency. Quickly searching through his pockets, Sirius found the parchment to the headmaster and wrote a short note. ‘I need help, Albus. This is an emergency. Sirius.’ The sentences disappeared and Sirius waited. He hoped that Albus would come to save him.

Hogwarts

Albus was sitting in his office speaking to Minerva about the happenings of the last few days and discussing new plans. Albus always liked Minerva to be his sounding board about his plans and ideas. Gellert was the same, but Albus hated his questioning. Minerva on the other side was following him without question. The stern transfiguration teacher asked: “Will You-Know-Who return?” Albus said with a concerned tone: “I know that he will. For now, he is vanquished and had lost his body for a while.” Minerva nodded. When the time comes, she needed to make sure to prepare her lions to fight against You-Know-Who and his followers. But Minerva also heard that the Lestrange trio was disowned and she didn’t know, who needs to be fought. She was sure that attacking Augustinus Lestrange would be a death sentence. She was furious that Algie Longbottom was dead. Albus and Minerva found out through their contacts in the ministry that Augustinus Lestrange tortured, mutilated and killed Algie Longbottom, a very loyal order member, and got away with it, because Algie had betrayed Frank and Alice. The worst thing was that Augusta allowed it and Callidora Longbottom didn’t give two shits about her son since she made sure to tell them that she would have done the same thing only in Black family style. Minerva knew that regardless, if Algie had survived, he would have been executed by the ministry, killed by the aurors due to Frank’s and Alice’s standing in the DMLE or Callidora Longbottom, who would have killed her own flesh and blood for his betrayal against the Longbottom family. Algie’s betrayal made a hit to the order’s reputation, but Algie wasn’t the only one, who damaged the standing of the order. Peter Pettigrew was another person, who really brought ruin to the reputation of the order. She couldn’t believe that Pettigrew, a boy she had protected from Slytherins and the dark, turned out to be a snake in lion fur and a dark wizard. That man betrayed James and Lily to Voldemort. She shook her head in disgust. Many death eaters were arrested and a great number of them are going to bribe their way out since she knew that some ministry official like Fudge would be easily convinced, if you give them enough gold. Minerva was disappointed about these ministry officials since most of them were her lions and were easily to be bribed. In her opinion, they were spineless and cowards. How they ended up in her house was beyond her. She didn’t know, what had happened to Lucius Malfoy, Severus Snape, Augustus Rookwood and Thorfinn Rowle, but it seems like that those four have disappeared and Albus and she were wondering, what has happened to them. “I still can’t believe, what Algie and Peter had done.” Albus sighed. One had done his plan perfectly since Voldemort marked the prophesied child and Albus knew that Johnathan Potter would be the one to save the magical world from Voldemort. He himself would be immortalised since he was the boy’s mentor that had guided the boy to defeat Voldemort and would guide the world to a better and brighter future. He also needed Peter, in order to revive Voldemort. So, he was already planning his break-out from Azkaban and he knew the perfect timing. The other had made a slight damage and it would take a few months until the order’s reputation was fixed. Everyone would forget about Algie’s betrayal, but his plans regarding the House Lestrange were destroyed, because of Augusta allowing Lord Lestrange to kill Algie and dealing with Bartemius’ son and the Lestrange trio. The disownment of Rabastan Lestrange improved the reputation of House Lestrange and he knew that the disownment of Bellatrix and Rodulphus would make sure that House Lestrange was seen in a better light, which was not supposed to be in his plans. Some things didn’t go his way, but he hoped that everything would be fixed, when Voldemort returns.

“I know, Minerva. But not everyone is immune towards their inner darkness. Sometimes this darkness overtakes your rational senses and even a light wizard or witch goes a dark path.” Minerva understood and she was going to make sure that her Gryffindors were not going the same path like the Slytherins. She knew Albus’ plans and she agrees with him that Harry needed to be controlled for his own good since he could go a dangerous path and their world would be doomed, if the next Lord Potter sides with the dark. She was still miffed that Charlus had stripped James from the Potter Lordship, but she was sure that Dorea was the one, who influenced her husband to do something like this since she had an unreasonable dislike towards Albus and her husband had also the same dislike, which Minerva didn’t understand. Thankfully, their son had turned differently, but it costed him the family’s headship and Harry was announced to be the next Lord Potter and for that reason, they needed to control Harry, so that the House Potter remains light.

Minerva also knew that they had to wait until the old Lord Black dies, so that the House Black changes his path to the light. With that the light side would be ruling and the dark would never be able to oppose them. Both were discussing the Wizengamot meeting in the middle of November. But they were interrupted by one of Albus’ enchanted parchment that was connected to his pawns. Reading the note, he dismissed Minerva saying that Sirius is in danger. She quickly left praying that her lion is alright.

Albus quickly sent a patronus to James and Remus. After a while, he heard the floo flare and James and Remus stepped through. James asked: “Albus, what can we do for you?” Albus stood up and said: “It is about Sirius. I received a note from him that it is an emergency and he needed help.” James and Remus were shocked. What had happened? Sirius just went to attend a meeting with his family. Did something happen to him on the way? But the old Lord Black would have contacted them, if Sirius didn’t come. Or did something happen during or after the meeting? There, they were not sure. James knew that the Black family was notorious and not to be messed with, but Sirius was capable of dealing with his family. But James and Remus couldn’t leave their friend, if it is an emergency. “Let’s go, Albus. Sirius could be in danger.” Albus nodded and all three made their way to the apparition area of Hogwarts, where they apparated to Sirius’ location.

Prince Manor

Unknown to Minerva and Albus, Lucius Malfoy was still in Gringotts to be healed and Severus Snape, Augustus Rookwood and Thorfinn Rowle were in hiding. Severus was hiding in Prince Manor waiting until the furor had died down and was working on his DADA mastery that he started with the potion mastery. Severus was glad that he was finished with the hours in his DADA mastery since he worked as a ministry spy and had gained great knowledge in the dark arts and how to combat that kind of magic. Alastor Moody was the best mentor Severus had received and the old auror also knew, how Severus’ mind worked since Alastor was a Slytherin himself and they both with the help of Augustus, Thorfinn and Evan had the best plans, how to combat Voldemort and his death eaters. Sadly, Evan died during the war since he was revealed to be a ministry spy by one of Dumbledore’s order members. Severus remembered that it was Julius Podmore, who was tortured and killed by Severus personally, when he wanted to report him to Dumbledore that he was a ministry spy too, so that Dumbledore can use it for his own gain. Severus hadn’t had a choice, because he tried to obliviate him, but Podmore told him smugly that Dumbledore put protections on his mind. When Severus sent a patronus to Alastor and Bartemius Crouch, they quickly arrived and told him to get rid of him and make sure that it looked like a death eater attack. Severus was shocked, but smirked, because it would be the perfect revenge, for what Podmore had done to Evan. Julius Podmore was shocked and betrayed that the ministry is getting rid of him, in order to help Snape to keep his cover as ministry spy. The man begged Severus not to kill him and promised that he will never tell anyone, but Severus just sneered at him and told him that he hadn’t had a problem with exposing Evan Rosier. From there, Severus started to torture the man until the idiot screamed his throat sore. Severus then used many technics that he had learned from the death eaters until the man was a bloody mess. At the end, Severus threw the killing curse at the man ending his life and leaving his body behind. Thankfully, the death of Julius Podmore was swept under the rug by Bartemius Crouch Sr. and Alastor Moody as a death eater attack since both men were furious that they had lost a spy due to a delusional order member. From there on, Lord Crouch with the support of the minister gave them the dispensation to kill order members, if they were threatening their cover. From what Severus had counted, he, Augustus and Thorfinn had killed fifty order members, who wanted to report them to Dumbledore that they were ministry spies and were blind followers of the man. They removed many memories from many people, who would have reported their positions to Dumbledore’s pet aurors. And some people like Cyrus Greengrass, Marlene McKinnon and Dorcas Meadow were under secrecy oaths not to reveal them to Dumbledore since they knew that their positions would be endangered, because of the man. But back to Reggy. Severus felt bad for Regulus. His friend fell in love with Evan Rosier, but became furious, when his mother and his maternal aunt announced that Andromeda was going to marry Evan. Only his father and his uncle understood his fury and hate towards his aunt and mother and knew that Regulus had a poorly concealed crush on Evan. Thankfully, Andromeda was a staunch follower of Dumbledore like Sirius Black and refused to marry Evan since she had a clear hatred towards anything dark. Andromeda disgraced herself, when she married and got pregnant by Ted Tonks, a muggleborn that followed Dumbledore blindly and tried to take over his case, but wasn’t able to since the case was handled by Cyrus Greengrass much to the man’s annoyance. Later he heard that she was disowned, which led to a falling out between Sirius Black and his grandfather. With glee, Regulus offered himself to marry Evan, which was supported by their grandfather more than the announcement that Andromeda was going to marry the younger Rosier brother even though he had one year of Hogwarts left. Severus was told, how the others reacted. Walburga and Druella were bitter, but supported it regardless, because Regulus was a male bearer, and Cygnus and Orion tried to discourage Regulus first to marry Evan so early and that he should finish school first, but the Rosiers wanted restitution for Andromeda’s actions and Arcturus didn’t see another choice, then to allow the marriage to take place during Ostara 1999. The wedding in Ostara was beautiful. There were many Lords and Ladies, who congratulated the young couple and the bonding took place on a beautiful spring day. Thank Merlin, the dark lord wasn’t invited since Arcturus Black was there and had a clear dislike towards the dark lord. And the dark lord wasn’t completely insane enough to attack the old Lord Black, who was skilled in duelling and was up to par with Grindelwald. Others, who didn’t come to the wedding, but were invited, were Sirius Black, Andromeda Tonks, the Potters and some Lords and Ladies, who were sadly in Dumbledore’s camp. Before school started again, Severus was stunned, when Regulus wrote to him a letter that he was pregnant and was expecting a child in December. Severus was the only one outside the family apart from Sirius and Andromeda that knew that Regulus was a male bearer and he was happy that he was going to become a father. But tragedies struck Regulus. First in the fall of 1999, his father died. In November 1999, Evan was reported dead, because of Julius Podmore and Regulus went into early labour, because of the tragedies. After he had recovered from giving birth, Regulus gave his son to the Rosiers, because he found something that would stop and even kill Voldemort. From that point, Regulus disappeared in thin air and never had returned. In December, he heard rumours that Regulus had died a traitor and Severus checked with the goblins about Regulus’ status using his position as Regulus’ friend. Much to his sadness and rage, Severus found out that Regulus had died. He informed the Rosiers about Regulus’ death and it really caused that the Rosiers turned their backs on the dark lord and cut all ties with the man much to the dark lord’s fury. Severus was happy that Orion Rosier-Black would live with a loving uncle and cousin and would never have any contact with the dark lord. Severus heard that Walburga tried to get custody of Orion, but she was refused since Evan’s will stated that she will never have custody due to her beliefs and her mental state. Severus enjoyed watching the woman’s furious face and quickly fled, when she looked for a scapegoat, who would suffer her rage. Even Regulus stated in his will that Walburga Black should not have custody of her grandson. But his reason was different since Regulus said that her age and illness would make it difficult for her to raise his son. Well, from there Walburga calmed down since she couldn’t argue that her age and her health would make it harder for her to raise her grandson. So, she accepted defeat and allowed the Rosiers to raise the child.

Now he had to work on the theory part and it would take another year since he was finished with half of the DADA mastery curriculum. Severus hoped that he can finish the papers early, but he was interrupted, when he received two letters. One envelope was thick. The other was thin. He opened the thick envelope and found a letter from Crouch stating that he, Augustus and Thorfinn received full blank immunity and all his arrest warrants were dismissed. There was also a certification for his good deeds during the war and he was also invited to get his Order of Merlin First Class due to their war effort in a closed session in the Wizengamot. Severus grinned and he knows that the dark lord will never find out that he had been a spy since a closed session will have a seal of silence that will stop the dark lord’s supporters from reporting him back to the dark lord. This will be funny, how Dumbledore and his order of chickens were going to react to that.

Then, he turned his attention to the other letter, which turned out to be a letter from Hestia Jones, who was demanding from him to turn himself in for his crimes and face justice. Severus couldn’t believe, how delusional the woman was, but she was one of Dumbledore’s stooges. He ignored the letter and ripped it into pieces. Severus turned back to his work rolling his eyes. That woman sounded like Lily, who was once a dear friend of him, but later turned out to be someone, who he didn’t want to be associated with. In his first year, his cousin, Ryan Prince, who was a known blood-supremacist, reported his father that he was attending Hogwarts and it went to his grandfather, who immediately tried to contact him, but wasn’t able to since the mail was redirected to his mother, who had destroyed the letters. It went on for two years until his grandfather made an appearance at Hogwarts, in order to speak with him personally since Ryan reported his father that Severus didn’t get any letters from grandfather. Severus knew that Dumbledore tried everything to stop the meeting, but his grandfather used the clause of being the head of the Ancient and Noble House of Prince to meet with Severus. He may have disowned his mother, but he never disowned him. The meeting was really uncomfortable and his grandfather noticed that he was malnourished and looked unhealthy. Using his position again, his grandfather told him that he is coming with him to St.Mungos. Dumbledore tried to protest like usual, but was rebuffed by his grandfather like a child since it is a family matter and as the headmaster, he had no right to interfere in family matter without paying his own life, which terrified Dumbledore. With that Albus was defeated.

Severus was examined and they found many issues. First, he had malnutrition and his nose was broken. He also had some broken bones that were not completely healed and his growth was stunted. But the most startling thing was that he was potioned and spelled by his mother and his so-called best friend, Lily, with loyalty, submission, compulsion and even mild love potions that were focusing on Lily. Severus was furious and betrayed by the fact, what his mother and his ‘friend’ had done after the purge and he wanted to make them pay, but he calmed himself down and swore that he was going to make Lily and his mother pay dearly. He also swore that he was going to destroy Lily’s base of friends and he knew the perfect timing, when it would be perfect, where the girl would lose everyone. His grandfather promised him that his mother would be dealt with since he temporarily took custody over him as Lord Prince and pressed charges against her. Severus wouldn’t be surprised that his mother was a blind follower of Dumbledore, but there was no proof.

From there his life changed for the better. Severus hated his mother, but he had pity with his father. It was later revealed during the arrests of his parents that his father was tested and there they found out that he was given potions that encouraged him to drink, abuse him and his mother and hate magic. The goblins managed to purge the potions out of his system, but sadly, his father hadn’t been able to survive since he was a muggle. Severus still remembered like it was a fresh wound that his father on his death bed was seeking forgiveness for what he had done to him. Severus just responded that it wasn’t his fault for the abuse he had endured, but his mother’s, and that his mother should be the one, who should beg for forgiveness for what she had done. He laid down with his father the final time on the bed before he breathed his last breath. The last words of his father were still fresh on his mind and always brought him to tears. Severus always could remember that his father’s last words were, how much he loved him and how proud he was that he was strong during those painful years. Severus will always miss his father and it was hard to get him off his father’s corpse, when the man finally died. It was painful since it was the first time, he missed his father and cursed fate for taking him away from him before he could know the real man, who his father was.

His father received a good funeral that was paid by his grandfather, who was furious about his daughter’s actions. He also felt pity that his grandson lost both parents. One to criminality and the other to death due to the potions his daughter had fed him. After the funeral, Eileen Snape was arrested and thrown in a ministry holding cell. The headmaster tried to get her free, but failed since the charges couldn’t be dismissed. At her trial, she was found guilty and was sentenced to life in Azkaban for child abuse, illegal potion-making, manslaughter, child neglect and child endangerment. It was a short trial since she pleaded guilty. Returning to school had his advantages and disadvantages. Potter had tried to vilify him by spreading the rumour that he and his dark family threw his innocent mother into Azkaban not knowing that his father was a muggle and not a dark, pureblood wizard until the newspapers were delivered and revealed everything about what his mother had done to him and his father. Severus enjoyed, how Potter managed to inflict a blow onto his own reputation since he was running his mouth without checking the facts about his family. The Ravenclaws and the Hufflepuffs turned their backs on James Potter and the three Marauders. And nearly half of the Gryffindor House sent him distasteful looks. Even the staff apart from McGonagall and the headmaster were giving James the stink eye. James on the other hand was absolutely furious, how the Ravenclaws, the Hufflepuffs and a half of his own house turned their backs on him and he couldn’t believe, how they had treated him for the entire year since normally, when he and his friends were pranking him, they got an alibi right away, but from there on they were immediately sold out and were punished harshly. Even Slughorn, who was seen as a humble man, was harsh with his punishments towards the Marauders. Potter’s head of house tried to have the punishments minimised or dismissed, but the other three heads were bullying her into submission by blackmailing her that they are going to sell all those attempts to the press, where she had to accept defeat since she could lose her position as the head of house of Gryffindor and deputy-headmistress. This annoyed the Marauders even more that their head wasn’t able to fight back against the other three heads of house since her reputation was more important than them. Severus knew that from there Potter and his three friends had a strong dislike towards the other two houses, but they had to keep it quiet since Dumbledore warned them that Minerva could lose her position as their head of house and as deputy-headmistress, which would be bad for the light side. The Marauders had to swallow the bitter pill and keep their heads down. The only ones, who remained on James’ side were Sirius, Remus, Peter and the more fanatical Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws but the number was starting to dwindle down, when they felt the slight isolation from the other houses and their own houses. Severus from there on pretended to be Lily’s friend and noticed many changes. Lily with her three best friends as support tried to tell him that he should leave his dark family and let the charges against his mother drop. He had seen Mary McDonald nodding in agreement and he knew that the McDonalds were blind followers of Dumbledore. Severus was ready to snap at her callous behaviour, but Marlene and Dorcas quickly turned on their two friends and demanded, why he should do something like this since the woman had pleaded guilty. Lily remained silent not believing that two of her best friends would turn on her like this. They were supposed to be on her side, but it seemed that only Mary remained on her side. Sadly, the girl retreated once Marlene and Dorcas turned on her. Dorcas also heard from her mother, who was a healer in St. Mungos, that Snape’s scan was bad and if Mrs. Snape was charged with child abuse, child neglect and child endangerment, then the charges can’t be made-up, if a healer had confirmed it. The only thing, they didn’t understand was the manslaughter and illegal-potion-making charges. Severus just explained, what his mother had done to his father and him and explained them that he was a muggle. For that reason, his father didn’t survive the purge of the potions and died. Both girls teared up, when they heard, what had happened and what the woman had done and cursed her that she was even worse than a death eater, which enraged Lily and McDonald. Severus could see that from Lily’s perspective, there was nothing she could do than to agree, because she didn’t want to lose her two best friends, because of him.

For the entire year, Severus had to deal with Lily and her potioning ways. She tried to potion him, but thank Merlin, he got jewellery from his maternal family. He had enough, when she tried to potion him with amortentia and then had the audacity to spread rumours that he is in love with her, which led that Potter was instigating fights with him that were fruitless, because the idiot got detention after detention. One day, he made copies of his inheritance test from his third year and gave the copies to Lily’s friends, who were disgusted and furious, what Lily had done. When Lily came to her group of friends, everyone broke off their friendship. Even Dorcas and Marlene didn’t want to be friends with the red-headed girl anymore since they couldn’t believe, how pathetic she was, and they also broke of their friendship with Mary, who had tried to defend Lily’s actions, but failed and lost everyone, who was close to her. Even her childhood friends didn’t want to be associated with her. At the end, Severus ended his friendship with her, but he made sure to tear her a new one, for what she had done and that she should be grateful that he was not pressing charges against her, which made her pale since she knew that she could end up in Azkaban. She also was horrified, when he informed her that he found out about the amortentia in his food and drink and had made sure to tell her that only a pathetic person would use something like this. He also made sure to call her a mudblood publicly since she was lower than dirt, for what she had tried to do and for what she had done in the past. The worst thing was that many agreed with him. Lily ended up crying that she had lost everyone, but this was the beginning of the end. She was called a liar and everyone stayed far away from her and her close friend Mary, who had remained at her side even though the others abandoned her and her best friend. Lily and Mary stayed close with Dumbledore’s followers, who accepted her and were furious, how Lily was treated by her former friends. Especially, James was angry that his girlfriend was treated like trash by the other students. Severus became friends with Lily’s former friends and had his own base of friends that he took away from Lily much to the read-head’s pain. Mary was on the other side furious that all of her former friend became friends with Snape. She swore that one day, she would get revenge, but that never happened. Severus knew that it was petty, but those two girls didn’t deserve anything less. From there, he had some protections against the Marauders since Dorcas and Marlene were too influential in Gryffindor and could turn three-quarter of the school against the Marauders, which angered James to no end since he couldn’t prank him for what had happened to Lily. So, he targeted his cousin more than him. Another point was that his uncle had taken the dark mark, which infuriated his grandfather to no end and when he was arrested, his grandfather didn’t help him, but he disinherited and disowned him from the Prince line, which led to a rift between his grandfather and Ryan, who was also a pureblood supremacist and a strong believer in Voldemort.

In fifth year, his cousin started a campaign about pureblood supremacy and this made Antonius Prince furious since he didn’t believe in Voldemort’s gospel. Antonius had seen, what his daughter had done to that muggle and his beliefs were a bit shaken. The man didn’t support Ryan with his campaign and made sure to send him a howler that he should stop this madness. There was also a clear rift between Severus and Ryan since Severus is a halfblood and nearly everyone apart from Dumbledore’s blind fools was able to see the growing tensions between the two cousins. Severus was also annoyed that Lily and Remus were perfects, but what had surprised him was that he was a perfect too. He never thought that Professor Slughorn was making him a perfect. He thought Ryan would be the Slytherin perfect, but it seems like that his head told him that Ryan’s pureblood supremacy ruined any chances. The problem he had was that Lupin and Evans were trying to get into his good graces since they knew that James and Sirius would be in a lot of trouble, if they were messing up with him. And how right he was. The term didn’t even start and he had to assign detention to Black and Potter, when they tried to assault him, but failed and attacked the head boy, which made things worse for them. He knew that Dumbledore and McGonagall tried to dismiss the punishment, but the threat of Severus’ grandfather and the head boy’s father was enough to make sure that they were backing away, which annoyed Black and Potter. At the second term of their fifth year, his grandfather disinherited Ryan and secretly announced him heir. He also changed his name to Severus Snape-Prince legally and secretly, in order to avoid the attention from Voldemort’s followers and Dumbledore’s stooges in the school. He still went under the moniker Severus Snape, but his closest friends knew about the fact that he was heir Prince, but they kept silent. Then, there was the night, where Sirius Black tried to send him to the Shrieking Shack, when he had rounds. It was the worst prank attempt he had ever seen. The idiot thought that Lily broke off their friendship and not the other way around and believed that he was trying to apologise to Lily and try to get back in her good graces. What an idiot and a fool at the same time? He sent him a note, where Lily will forgive him, for what he had done to her and that he can meet her in the Shrieking Shack. Severus really wondered, if Black had any brain left or if he had been dropped as a baby. He kept the note for later and went to bed since it was late and he was finished with his perfect duties. Severus didn’t want to lose his perfect badge, because of a stupid prank. The next day, he wondered, if he was in a mental institution or in a school. He was called to the headmaster’s office again. Severus took the note from Black and his inheritance test made his way up to the headmaster’s office with his head of house. When they arrived at the office, Severus withheld a snarl, because there were McGonagall, Potter, Black, Pettigrew and Evans. Being surrounded by so many Dumbledore followers and being in the vicinity of the puppet master himself was not funny. Severus remembered that Albus told his head of house that he supposedly broke curfew witnessed by Black and Potter and there must be consequences, but the old man received a long tiring lecture that none of his snakes left the common room and showed him through the protocol that the last two persons, who entered the common room five minutes before 11 pm last night, were the seventh year perfects for this school year, who were finished with their perfect duties and since then, no one left the common room since he would have been notified, if someone snuck out of the common room. Albus had looked like he swallowed an entire lemon and turned to Black and Potter, who had tightened their jaws since they couldn’t believe that their potion master would give Snape an alibi. After that he was dismissed without any punishment, but before he went to the great hall, he gave his head of house the note from Black and the man’s ire was turned towards the idiots in the office, who were paling. He didn’t know, what was discussed in the headmaster’s office, but from McGonagall’s, Black’s, Potter’s, and Evans’ faces it wasn’t good for them. Later during a perfect meeting, Severus was informed that Lupin and Evans lost their perfect badges. It seems like that Professor Slughorn managed to force Dumbledore and McGonagall to remove them as perfects since both were not eager to mess with Slughorn due to his connections.

The last two school years were peaceful. The only thing that was worth mentioning was that the headmaster tried to make James and Lily head boy and head girl, but again Slughorn protested and pointed out the disciplinary record from James and Lily. In Lily’s case her disciplinary record from the last three years and in James’ case the last six years. James’ grades were also too average and he can’t have the head boy position. With that the entire staff apart from Minerva protested the decision and with a majority vote Severus was made the first Slytherin head boy in decades and Marlene was made the head girl. Severus remembered Lily’s reaction very well since his former best friend screamed at Marlene for stealing the head girl badge from her. Thankfully, he defended his friend by assigning her detention and deducting points, when she became vulgar and started to insult Marlene. The Marauders stayed far away from Severus much to their fury and left him with his own devices since messing with the head boy would be bad. Severus still couldn’t believe, how much his life had changed due to a magical relative, but he was grateful.

After graduation, he started with his mastery in potions and DADA and began to work in the ministry as a spy since Voldemort was in need of someone, who had skills in potions, and Severus volunteered. His friends tried to discourage him since it was really dangerous and a suicide mission, if he is found out, but Severus argued that Voldemort had him in view since he started to work on his masteries, and he really didn’t want to be put under the imperio, which sealed the deal. He was branded and he started to multitask. He was involved in raids that were stopped beforehand by him, Evan, Augustus and Thorfinn, was learning new dark spells and how to defend against those spells and brewed many potions for the dark lord and the ministry. It was a lot of work to be done and he had little free time. But it was worth it since he got his potion mastery in only two years, which made him the youngest potion master in this century. He knew that his potion mastery was paid by Voldemort, but he had no problems to sponge off the dark lord for his two masteries and the leftovers for charity for the victims of the war. Severus also remembered the jealous looks from the Marauders and Lily, but he ignored them since they were not worth it. He also knew that he made the dark lord proud and it allowed him to rise in his ranks. Severus was one of his inner circle and had played a dangerous game with the man. The only mistake he made was the prophecy part, because he expected the dark lord to look for the child of prophecy, whereas he was losing the war strategically, but he didn’t expect that he would target the Potter family, but he had the suspicion that Dumbledore had a hand in this. His plan worked, but he didn’t expect this outcome. Now, he had to focus on his mastery. Augustus and Thorfinn sent him a message that they were hiding in the DoM until the furor had died down. So, they had to wait. He also received a message from Narcissa, who wanted to speak with him, Augustus and Thorfinn. He hoped, she was alright. Severus had known, what Abraxas and the dark lord had done to his first friend and he had been ready to kill them himself, but he only managed to get to Abraxas Malfoy. He slipped the old Lord Malfoy the liquid substance of dragon pox and Severus knew that it was going to kill the man slowly and painfully since it was modified. The modified version of dragon pox had no cure and Abraxas would die, for what he had done. He will meet Narcissa after the furor had died down and wrote her a letter stating so. Now, he needs to focus on his DADA mastery since there was still a lot of work involved into getting a mastery. He was thankfully that his hours as ministry spy counted for his practical DADA and potion masteries.

Black Manor

After some time, James, Remus and Albus arrived at the spot from where Sirius’ message was sent. James frantically casted: “Point me to Sirius Black.” The spell dispelled quickly and James was confused, why the spell dispelled itself, and were looking through the place, when they had heard a moan of pain and agony. Thank Merlin, the street was empty. Following the moan, they managed to find Sirius lying on the floor in agony. James saw traces of blood on his mouth and quickly skipped to Sirius, in order to see, if he was alright. Checking him up, James saw that Sirius was still alive, but in a lot of pain. He didn’t understand, what was happening, but he hopes that the healers have any ideas, what had happened to him. “Albus, I found him.” Albus and Remus were on their way and saw Sirius lying on James’ arms. “But we need to bring him to the hospital. There must have been a death eater attack.” Albus quickly examined Sirius, what was wrong, and paled, when he had seen the results. Sirius had lost a lot of magic and one of the godson-godfather bonds was shattered. This was not good. Whoever did this must be someone, who knew about the godson-godfather bonding ritual. There was a counter ritual, but whoever did the counter ritual must be someone dark since the ritual required banned materials that only the goblins can provide with.

Albus quickly said: “No, James. We need to bring him to the hospital wing in Hogwarts. I know, what has happened to him, but we don’t want the public to know, because it would ruin us.” James nodded. He grabbed Sirius and all three men with Sirius in tow apparated to Hogwarts.

After Sirius was kicked out, Narcissa knew that they needed to make the disownment public, in order to eliminate the consequences and she knew the perfect reporter for this, Rita Skeeter. Narcissa and Rita were best friends during their time in school and the woman had a clear dislike towards Dumbledore, Voldemort and their followers. She can count on Rita to make sure that the Potters can’t try to make them out to be the bad guys and at the same time, they can drag Sirius’ name through the mud without mentioning Akira. “Grandfather, we need to make Sirius’ disownment public with Bellatrix’s disownment and make sure that we equalise the damage. I know that Bellatrix’s disownment would bring closure and would put the Black family in a positive light, but Sirius’ disownment could potentially bring us in a negative light, if we only use the excuse that the family magics found him unworthy, because the public would demand a reason.” From this aspect it sounded to be a good plan, but they needed to be carefully since Dumbledore and the so-called light side would make things difficult with demanding the reason for the disownment. Arcturus sighed. “I agree with you Cissy, but what do you plan? We can’t involve Hadrian or Akira since the Potters and Dumbledore are going to know that the boy isn’t with those muggles and will try everything to get him back.” Narcissa knew that and explained: “We don’t need to involve Akira since he is only the tip of the iceberg. When I read the Black family charter, I found out that you can even disown a member of the family, if he is not chaste and lost his virginity. I know that Sirius slept with nearly three-quarter of the female population in Hogwarts during his time in school and this made him unmarriable since every witch in the UK saw him as a playboy, who treated woman like things.” Narcissa regretted saying this part since she felt the magic around her great-uncle crack. The man was pissed. Walburga and Narcissa looked at each other and quickly fled the home office since they knew that the man was going to allow his magic to lash out and destroy his office. Neither women wanted to be there for that. From the outside, they heard, how the home office was destroyed and they heard Arcturus cursing Sirius’ name at the top of his lungs.

After everything quieted down, Narcissa and Walburga entered the office carefully and found Arcturus sitting on his armchair with a calm expression. Beside the armchair, there was a small table full of empty potion bottles that both women recognised as calming draughts. Both knew that Arcturus needed a lot of time to calm down, if he was enraged. Narcissa made her way to the floo. “Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet.” After some time, Rita’s head popped up and saw, who disturbed her. “Cissy, what a surprise? What do you need?” Narcissa smiled at her friend. “Come through the floo, Rita.” The head nodded and the blond reporter came through the floo. Seeing Lord Black and the dowager, she bowed slightly out of respect. Looking at the state of the home office, Rita was a bit surprised, what has happened. Turning to Narcissa, she asked: “What had happened here? It looks like a muggle bomb was detonated here and exploded.” Arcturus massaged his temples. There was no time to explain the mess here, but Narcissa just smiled sweetly and said: “Ah, nothing. No one was injured. It was only my great-uncle, who had been furious at Sirius.” Rita didn’t know, why she was called, but she knew that Cissy would never waste her time. Arcturus started to explain himself: “Ms. Skeeter, you knew our motto.” Rita nodded and answered: “Toujours Pur or in English ‘Always Pure’.” Arcturus was mildly surprised that she knew the motto. “And how would you interpret ‘Toujours Pur’, Ms. Skeeter?” Rita was thinking a little bit longer since she knew that many would always interpret the motto with blood purity, but in reality, the motto had a deeper meaning. After some time, Rita answered: “Many would interpret the motto with blood purity, but it had a deeper meaning. It means that your actions, your reputation and your chastity need to remain pure.” Arcturus was never really surprised that someone knew the true meaning of the motto, but the woman was right. “Yes, this is correct and what do you think about Sirius’ actions, reputation and his chastity?” Rita barely withheld her snort and answered: “Please, he was a bully and had the reputation of a bully. Anyone, who was a Slytherin was attacked without any hesitation and the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were insulted by him. Then, the point about his chastity. Lord Black, I have a small booklet of all the girls in Hogwarts that he had slept with and I can tell you the list is really long.” Rita took out the booklet out of her bag and gave it to Lord Black. Arcturus nearly suffered a heart attack, when he went through the list. “How did you manage to get that information?”, Arcturus asked in shock. Rita just crossed her arms and answered smugly: “I have my sources everywhere, Lord Black.” Arcturus stared at the names and the worst thing was that it was in a time, where he and Orion supported the lad as heir Black against Walburga’s wishes for his disinheritance and disownment. Turning to Walburga, Arcturus snapped: “Did you know about this?” Walburga didn’t know, how to respond to this, when Arcturus shook the booklet in front of her face. She was speechless. What the hell did she raise? Well, the answer is clear. She raised a man-whore out of all things. Seeing the speechless face of Walburga, Arcturus knew that his daughter-in-law/niece had no idea, what Sirius had been up to during his time in school and he wished to revive Charlus and Dorea, so that they can tell him, what Sirius had been doing in his last two school years after he ran away from home. Why didn’t the school notify Orion and Walburga about Sirius’ exploits? Ah, yes, Dumbledore. Rita didn’t know, what was going on, but the angry look on Lord Black’s face and the speechless face of the dowager was uncomfortable. Narcissa quickly brought her friend up to date, what had happened in these past days and she was shocked to hear about this. Rita summed it up perfectly: “And you need someone to write an article about Sirius’ disownment without endangering Hadrian or Akira and without destroying the reputation of the House Black?” Narcissa nodded and answered curtly: “Yes.” Rita just smiled at her friend and said: “I am in. But I can tell you that it would be slightly difficult. The wizarding world is like a flock of sheep that need a shepherd. If you have something that would bring your family’s reputation in a positive light, then, everyone would be distracted by the positive side of my article.” Narcissa just smiled and answered: “We have the disownment of Bellatrix. This could be useful since she was also a member of the House Black and her disownment is clear as day.” Rita grinned. This is perfect. With this information, she would be able to spin the story in the right direction. She would be able to equalise Sirius and Bellatrix making the public believe that both were equally bad and for that reason Lord Black disowned them. Apart from that, the long list of the girls would be enough to excuse the Black family’s reason for casting the former heir regent out of the family due to the chastity rule.

Walburga was shocked and furious. Her sweet niece Bellatrix had been disowned. The dowager turned her ire to Arcturus, but the man ignored her. “Arcturus, I demand to know, why Bellatrix is disowned?”, the woman hissed silently in rage, so that the reporter doesn’t overhear them. Arcturus turned to his angry niece and answered with a growl: “Because of her actions. She tortured and killed so many innocent people and brought ruin to the House Black and the House Lestrange with her actions. The torture of the Longbottoms was the tip of the iceberg since Callidora came here and made a petition to remove Bellatrix from the Black family or she would have severed all ties with the Black family and took out a large chunk of the Black family fortune for what the girl had done. If you want to complain about this, go to Callidora. I wish you good luck to convince her that the disownment was a mistake.” Walburga seethed. She knew that there was no way to fight against aunt Callidora and she had to swallow the bitter pill.

After some time, Rita left Arcturus’ study and made her way to the Daily Prophet, in order to write the article. It would take the entire evening and the night to write the article, but thankfully, Rita had started her night shift. This article would shake the wizarding world to their foundation.

Hogwarts

James landed with Sirius in his arms and levitated him to the hospital wing. Laying him on one of the beds, Madam Pomfrey quickly checked out, what kind of commotion is happening. Getting out of her office, she was met by the headmaster, James, Remus and a barely conscious Sirius. Her healer instinct kicked in and was standing beside Sirius’ bed. “Albus, what is going on?” Albus sighed trying to hide his frustration. “Sirius had been found like this in an alley in the near of Black Manor. We are not sure, what has happened to him?” Poppy started to examine him and found out that he had no physical issues, but then, she checked his magic and saw that a large chunk of his magic was gone and his magical core was recovering. She knew, what has happened. The man was disowned. Going into more detail she noticed that one of the two godson-godfather bonds was broken. Poppy examined the bond closely, but didn’t find anything. “Albus, do you have inheritance paper, because with that I would be able to find out, what has happened to Sirius?” Albus nodded and quickly left the hospital wing, in order to get to his office. James and Remus were confused , what was happening and were trying to comfort Sirius, who was still moaning in pain and was clearly suffering hypothermia. Poppy gave him some potions, in order to help him through the hypothermia, but she wasn’t able to help Sirius with his depleted core since it needs time until the core is refilled with magic.

After twenty minutes, Albus arrived back at the hospital wing and gave Poppy the inheritance paper. She put the parchment under Sirius’ hand and the medi-witch prickled one of his fingers, in order to get three drops of blood. After the blood was on the parchment, she waited a few minutes and gave him some potions, in order to make sure that his immune system was not susceptible to any illnesses. She also healed the cut on Sirius’ finger. When the inheritance test was finished, Poppy took a closer look and nearly dropped the parchment on the floor.

Name: Sirius Orion NoName (formally Black)

Father: Orion Pollux Black (Deceased)

Mother: Walburga Oreana Black (Alive)

Godfathers:

None

Godmothers:

None

Godchildren:

Johnathan Sirius Potter (blood-adopted godson, bond active)

Hadrian James Potter-Black (blood-adopted godson, bond dissolved by Lady Magic)

Titles:

Black (Heir Regent; Disowned)

Potions:

None

Spells:

None

Blocks:

None

Marriage Contracts:

None

Poppy was shocked, when she finished reading the inheritance test and looked at Albus. She gave him the parchment and the man started to read the test. Albus paled, when he was finished reading. This couldn’t be happening. With that, he lost control over the Black family. Why? Why did Arcturus disown him? Doesn’t the man understand, how many plans, he had ruined? Blast it all, he had to rework his plans for the first time. Without the Black family, his grip on the Wizengamot isn’t strong enough to render the court useless. Albus sighed. This was a great loss and he wasn’t sure, if he should go against the Black family since Arcturus disowned Bellatrix. Albus also knows that Arcturus could argue that the family magics found Sirius unworthy after the magics examined him and ripped themselves from him. The only thing that is confusing him is, how the godson-godfather bond was dissolved by Lady Magic. He knew that this was another way to dissolve a godson-godfather bond, but why did Lady Magic do this? Albus sighed. It doesn’t matter, because he will fix this after Harry starts Hogwarts and had him under control.

Albus was interrupted in his thoughts. “Albus, what has happened to Sirius?”, James asked concerned, what has happened to his brother in everything, but blood. Remus was silently looking at the headmaster for answers. Albus sighed since he knew that it would be explosive. “James, Remus, Sirius had been disowned from the Black family by Arcturus.” James was shocked and furious and Remus raised his eyes in shock. “WHAT? Why did the old Lord Black do this?” Remus nodded in agreement looking at the headmaster as if he had all the answers to their problems. Albus answered with a sigh: “I don’t know, but he was not only disowned. Sirius’ godson-godfather bond with Harry had been dissolved by Lady Magic.” Remus and James became absolutely furious. No wonder, Sirius had blood running down his mouth. This must have been painful. James was beside Sirius’ bed and Remus was on the other side. Their friend suffered so much under the Black family through the disownment and Lady Magic, who stripped him from the godson-godfather bond. James had an idea. “We need to reveal this in front of the press. The Black family will pay, for what they had done to Sirius.” Albus quickly discouraged them since he knew Arcturus. He will make it public that the family magics found Sirius unworthy after he was examined and the magics ripped themselves from him and there is also the fact that Lady Magic dissolved the bond and it would be questioned why. The public would believe Arcturus and Bellatrix’s disownment would make Arcturus a darling to the public and no one would backtalk against Arcturus and his role in Sirius’ disownment. “No, James. I know Arcturus and he will make it public that Sirius was disowned since the family magics found him unworthy and he was stripped from his titles and the family magics. Apart from that James, how are we going to explain the dissolved godson-godfather bond through Lady Magic? The people are not going to believe that Lady Magic made a mistake. Additionally, we have the problem that Arcturus also disowned Bellatrix Lestrange from the Black family. No one is going to question the disownment of Sirius since everyone would believe that Sirius had been as bad as Bellatrix, when the family magics had found him unworthy.” James hanged his head in defeat, but became exciting, when Albus continued: “But we will wait until Harry starts Hogwarts and since Harry is now the Black heir, we would be able to pressure the Black family to reinstate Sirius and fix the bond.” Everyone agreed. The Black family will not get away with hurting a Marauder without any repercussion.

Remus asked: “Can we take Sirius to Potter Manor, where he can recover from the disownment and the broken bond? We don’t want anyone to find out, what had happened to Sirius and why he was disowned.” Poppy looked at her scan and answered: “Yes, since magical disownments and a broken bond can only be healed by time. Sirius can remain with you.” With that Poppy left the hospital wing. She didn’t know, why Sirius was disowned, but she also knew that disownments were not taken lightly since they can also bring consequences to a magical family, if you disown a member that did nothing wrong. Poppy wasn’t an idiot, because Lord Black must have a good reason to disown Sirius and she can tell that Albus, James and Remus were hiding something that must be the reason behind the disownment. There was also the broken godson-godfather bond, because if it was dissolved by Lady Magic. It means that Sirius had done something terrible against Hadrian and the disownment can be backed up by the fact that Sirius’ godson-godfather bond had been dissolved by Lady Magic. For now, she had to let the topic go since she didn’t have any proof and didn’t want to interfere in family matters.

Returning back to her office, Poppy continued to work on the paperwork.

Potter Manor

When Sirius was brought to Potter Manor, he was laid down in his new bed. Lily was horrified, when she had seen Sirius’ state. “James, what has happened to Sirius?” After he was laid down, James and Remus explained, what had happened. Lily was furious. How could Arcturus Black do this to his own grandson. Then, there was the broken godson-godfather bond. How could someone do this to Sirius? They trusted him with their children and his bond gets broken. She was grateful that the godson-godfather bond remained with her Jonny, but the bond with Harry was gone. Now, they had to wait ten years until they can get back Harry in the wizarding world, so that they can fix the bond between Sirius and Harry. She also swore to make the Blacks pay, for what they had done to Sirius. Quickly taking John to bed, Lily returned back to Sirius’ bed with James and Remus. It was painful to watch the man, who had endured so much pain, because of his family.

“James, what are we going to do? Sirius will remain nameless unless he gets a new name. We need to do something. Sirius’ life would be ruined, if someone finds out that he is a NoName”, Lily said. James nodded in agreement. Nothing is worse for a witch or a wizard then being called a NoName. James had to find a way to save his friend’s face and reputation and the only way would be to adopt him as Regent Potter in the Potter family. Sadly, it can be done since the Regent is temporarily the head of the house with restrictions and he can magically adopt a NoName. The only thing that James can’t do is to choose a new heir and disinherit and disown anyone from the family. James answered: “Lily, I am going to adopt Sirius. The Potter Family Magics can help to regenerate his magical core from the depletion that he had suffered from the disownment.” Lily nodded and James started to chant: “I, James Charlus Potter, hereby call upon the family magics as Regent Potter. I adopt Sirius Orion NoName into the Potter family by blood and magic. May we welcome a new family member. So, mote it be.” The family magics started to infuse into Sirius’ depleted core reluctantly and started to fill him up with the missing magics that had been taken due to the disownment. Visibly Sirius looked more alive and didn’t look like a corpse. His hair became messy and his looks changed to a Potter making him look like a twin brother of James Potter.

James was happy that the Potter family magics managed to help Sirius and save his friend from disgrace. He was also happy that Sirius was now a member of the House Potter.

Hogwarts

Albus was sitting behind his desk thinking, how this day had turned out. After the attack, Albus thought that his plans have worked and he had control over the Wizengamot with the help of the Potter and Black seats, but now some things are standing in his way. The first thing was that Jakob, Josephine and Agnes Longbottom were severing all ties with him. With that Albus lost his connection to the Longbottom family and his order suffered, because of Algie’s actions and his loss. His death was a setback since he needed the man, in order to make sure to control Augusta and Neville after Frank and Alice were indisposed and cut all contacts with Callidora, so that the woman doesn’t have any contact to the heir, but everything went into the opposite direction. Callidora became active in young Neville’s life and the woman was going to help Augusta with the raising of her great-grandson. This wasn’t supposed to happen since Neville would be swayed to the dark and without his guidance, Neville was going to become too independent and defiant. This was a great loss. He still curses Algie’s stupidity and idiocy. Because of that Albus lost control over the Longbottom heir and the remaining members of the Longbottoms were not going to listen to him since neither Augusta nor Callidora trusted him. He growled in frustration. This was the first time, where he had lost control and he can’t regain it back.

Another thing that was bad, were the disownments. The disownment of the Lestrange trio and the disownment of Bellatrix from the Black family was another setback since he needed them, in order to have examples of a family full of evil and dark witches and wizards to show the muggleborns and the muggle raised, how evil the dark can be, but this was destroyed by Augustinus Lestrange. Albus was questioning himself, how Augustinus was going to continue the Lestrange line without Rodulphus, Rabastan and Bellatrix, but Albus knew that the man would know many ways to get an heir. The disownment of Sirius was his greatest loss since he had lost control over the Black seats for the next ten years. The only way to regain control would be to use Harry and that would be perfect, but unknown to Albus, everything would fail since his plans were going to be destroyed.

Another thing that was concerning him was Severus Snape, Thorfinn Rowle and Augustus Rookwood. All three men disappeared after the war. His main concern was Severus. Albus needed that man under his control due to his potion mastery and potentially his DADA mastery. There are also the Prince seats and Albus needed those seats in his power base, but he wasn’t sure, if Severus was Lord Prince. He knew that Ryan Prince had been arrested and sentenced to life in Azkaban for the murder of his own grandfather. Albus also saw that during the trials, the former Prince heir was disowned by the new Lord Prince, who he suspected to be Severus, but he didn’t have any proof. But the question was, how to gain control over the man. During Severus’ school years, he thought, he had control over Severus through Lily and Eileen, but things derailed, when that bastard Antonius Prince came in and messed up everything. Severus was sent to the hospital since Antonius had seen the state of the boy and the healers checked him up through an inheritance test, where they found a lot of potions and spells on the boy and purged him and treated his injuries. Later, Eileen and her husband have been arrested. First, they did an inheritance test on both since there was the suspicion that maybe both parents were potioned or spelled like their son. Eileen had a clean bill, but Tobias Snape was dosed with potions that encouraged his drunk and abusive nature. All the magical signatures of the potions and spells led to Eileen and she was arrested. Her husband was purged, but he died, because of the after-effects of the purge. He tried everything to save Eileen from prison, but it was fruitless since the evidence was clear and the blasted woman pleaded guilty. He later found out that Eileen died in Azkaban and Severus’ custody went to Antonius Prince, which was a setback. He ordered Lily to try to give him potions, so that Severus separates himself from his grandfather and the rest of his maternal family like it was done with Sirius only without potions since Sirius had loathed his family and the dark, but it failed, because the brat wore protective jewellery. But Lily tried regardless and spread the rumour that Severus had an unhealthy crush on her, which led to that little shit to snap and give Lily’s friends his inheritance test, where it was proved that Severus was given love potions by Lily. This was a painful strike for Lily since she had lost most of her friends to Severus and was hated by the majority of the school. Albus was furious since he didn’t know about that and he was furious at Lily, why she didn’t come to him for help. Then, there was the Shrieking Shack incident. Albus thought that a life debt would make sure that Severus was under his control, but it failed horribly. He overheard, how Sirius was planning to prank Snape by revealing, what Remus really was during the full moon and he knew, how to do it. But things went absolutely wrong since Sirius thought that Lily had ended her friendship with Snape and not the other way around and forged a message from Lily, so that Severus comes to the Shrieking Shack and can apologise appropriately. Remus was set free because of Sirius and the boy nearly died under the hands of a werewolf hunter. Thank Merlin, he saved Remus from being killed making the werewolf more loyal and devoted to him. The next day, he ordered the other three Marauders, Minerva and Lily into his office and explained them, what had happened to Remus. James, Peter and Lily screamed at Sirius in fury and Minerva started to scold him. The boy instead of blamed Snape since he didn’t appear in the Shrieking Shack like he had planned for his greatest prank that was his greatest failure. Sirius thought that Lily broke up her friendship with Snape and everyone looked at Lily, who confessed that Severus broke up his friendship with her since he found out about the potions in his system. Albus was furious that one of his pawns was keeping secrets from him and didn’t tell him, what had happened. James and Sirius told the headmaster that Snape broke curfew since they saw him sneaking around in the middle of the night. For that reason, Albus called the boy up to his office, in order to punish him and remove him from his perfect position, but he received a long and tiring lecture from Horace that no one had left the common room according to the protocols and Albus had restrained himself from cursing James and Sirius for the blatant lie. Before Snape left his office, he gave Horace a piece of parchment and the man turned his ire towards the Marauders. Horace demanded an explanation and when Horace had been informed, what had happened, the man was furious. For Albus, it was painful, when the lecture was finished, but it had to be done. He removed Lily and Remus from their perfect positions and gave the positions to Marlene McKinnon and another Gryffindor boy. Lily had begged him not to do this, but Albus shook his head in defeat and Horace scolded her that she should be grateful that she was not expelled and convicted, when Severus gave him his inheritance test additionally to the note. This was the first time, Albus was unable to help his pawns and do anything to protect them since Horace is too well connected and could destroy his reputation. Albus also knew that most of his connections were from the light side and with some revelations, he could have turned the entire light side against him. Horace was a light-cored wizard even though he was a Slytherin and he would have been able to take away most of his followers, which would destroy his power base. So, Albus hadn’t had a choice, but it was also a perfect punishment for Lily since the girl failed to recruit Severus and he lost control over the boy. Remus was too weak and pathetic. Many took advantage of the weak werewolf and when the Slytherins started to take advantage of Remus, Albus didn’t have a choice, then to take away his badge since he didn’t do his duties appropriately. But from there, he lost Severus and he wasn’t able to regain control over him. But it wasn’t a heavy loss. One day, he will make sure that Severus falls in line, when the light is ruling.

The last thing that was eating him was where Lucius Malfoy is and what has happened to him. He wasn’t in one of the ministry holding cells and neither Alastor nor Kingsley were able to tell him, what had happened since they had sworn an oath of secrecy. Albus didn’t like it one bit, but his contacts in the ministry were clueless, what had happened to Lucius Malfoy after he was dragged into the interrogation room. For now, he had to focus on the Potters and their fame since he was going to profit from it.

Kurusu House, Inaba

The Kurusus arrived back home exhausted after their taxi drove them back home. The trip was tiring and they couldn’t wait to go to bed. Akira was not as troublesome as other toddlers could be since he was still sleeping peacefully in his basket. After they paid their taxi and got their suitcases, they went into their house and laid their stuff in the living room. They are going to unpack tomorrow morning. Tomorrow, they had to do a lot of arrangements. Aika and Toisho are going to work part-time since they are now parents of a child and they had to take care of Akira. Then, they were going to see their neighbour, who they have tasked to take care of the mail, and at the end, they have to buy a crib, baby food, baby material, a baby stool, changing table and clothes for Akira. Thankfully, Akira can walk and didn’t need any help with that. Tomorrow would be a long day, but it would be worth it.

Preparing themselves for bed, they put the sleeping form of Akira in the middle and immediately fell asleep. Tomorrow would be a long day and they hope that they would be living a peaceful life with their son. But unknown to the Kurusus, Destiny was giggling like a maniac terrifying her other siblings that their lives would be peaceful for the next five years, but then, it would be entertaining. Like a villain, she was rubbing her hands, because from there on, the next two decades would be entertaining for her to watch Dumbledore’s and Voldemort’s worlds to fall apart.

Lady Magic, Time, Fate and Death watched in fear, how Destiny was rubbing her hands and grinning like a maniac. Oh, they knew that they should be happy that Lady Magic interfered. If she didn’t intervene, then the magical world would have been destroyed by Dumbledore and his blind followers. For now, they can predict that Dumbledore’s world would fall apart piece by piece until he had no one left to help him. The same thing would happen to Voldemort. The so-called dark lord was going to lose follower after follower and would die at the end. Now, they had to entertain themselves and watch the light’s and the dark’s doom.

Weasley Manor, November 4th, 2001

Arthur woke up with a groan. Today would be another long day since his eldest son Bill will claim the Weasley heirship and Charlie will claim the Prewett heirship. Muriel will come to visit today, so that Charlie can claim the Prewett heirship. Arthur sighed deeply. Muriel can be really insistent and difficult, if she doesn’t like something. Molly is an example of everything Muriel doesn’t like since she followed Dumbledore blindly and Muriel hated Dumbledore since she had known him during her school years. Her reason was that Dumbledore was jealous of her perfect position and he tried to undermine her every time. He knows that the hatred deepened after the deaths of Fabian and Gideon and Arthur knew that Muriel would have liked to rip Dumbledore into pieces since her nephews followed Dumbledore and were members in the Order of Phoenix. Arthur knew that he should have been wary of Dumbledore, but he knew that the man needed him for his so-called greater good. Going down to the breakfast table, Arthur saw that the table was prepared and a perfect English breakfast was finished. He made his way to his older children to get them for breakfast. When he arrived at the breakfast table last, Arthur saw his children already eating the food. When Arthur started to eat his breakfast, one of his house elves came in and informed him that Muriel Prewett was here. Arthur told the house elf to bring Muriel here.

A few minutes later, Muriel arrived at the breakfast table. Arthur smiled at her: “Muriel, come take a seat. Would you like to join us?” Muriel was reluctant, but Arthur indicated to take a seat on the table with his sons. With a sigh Muriel sat down since she came here without eating breakfast and started to dish herself something to eat. Arthur knew that Muriel was uncomfortable, but she shouldn’t be since she is his sons’ great-great aunt and is considered as family. “Come on, Muriel. There is no need to be uncomfortable. You are family and from the look on your face, you didn’t eat any breakfast.” Muriel huffed and started to eat her food. “Well, thank you, Arthur. Normally, I would have eaten breakfast at home, but when you told me that you are going to take young William to claim the Weasley heirship, I came here as fast as possible, in order to make the same arrangement for Charles.” Arthur nodded in understanding and he also knew, why Muriel came since she wanted to spend time with all of his trueborn children. He also knew that Muriel was going to avoid Ron, Ginny and Molly due to their parentage and Molly’s actions. Muriel took a deep breath. “I still can’t believe, what Molly and Albus have done to you and your children.” Arthur nodded in agreement. “Yes, Muriel, you are right, but those two were not the only ones, who did this. I went yesterday with Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George to Gringotts, in order to test them and found out that Minerva was involved in this plot too.” Arthur took out his boys’ inheritance tests and Muriel looked at them carefully. There is another person that needs to suffer, but they were going to make Dumbledore and his sycophants pay for their actions. “You need to be carefully around her, Arthur. William is in her domain and she could be dangerous, if she caught him making friends with the other houses especially the Slytherins.” Arthur nodded in agreement, but argued: “I know, Muriel, but I hope that the heirship ring would protect him from Minerva and Albus.” Muriel nodded in agreement. For a while it was quiet until Muriel scolded the children to call her aunt Muriel and not great-great aunt Muriel since it was too mouthful and she sounded really old like she is already over one hundred years old, which is true. That earned her an eyeroll and a chuckle from Arthur, which earned him a glare from the formidable woman.

Afterwards they continued to eat their breakfast quietly and when they were finished, they made their way to the floo, in order to floo to Gringotts.

Gringotts

The floo flared and Arthur, Muriel and the five boys left one of the fireplaces in Gringotts. One of the goblin tellers greeted them and asked them: “Lord Weasley, Dame Prewett, what can Gringotts do for you today?” Arthur smiled at the teller and greeted back politely. He answered: “I wish to see my account manager since today my son is going to claim the Weasley heirship.” The goblin nodded at that and told them to follow him. After that, they made their way to the office of the Weasley account manager. When they arrived and the door was opened for them, Muriel added to the teller: “Please bring the Prewett account manager here with the Prewett heir ring. Today, my great-great nephew Charles Weasley will claim the Prewett heirship.” The teller nodded and made his way to the Prewett account manager’s office.

Bonecrusher saw Lord Weasley, his boys and Dame Prewett. He summoned seven seats, so that they can sit down. “Lord Weasley, what can I do for you today?” Bonecrusher knew that those visits became daily. Arthur answered: “I am here for the Weasley heir ring for my son William.” The goblin nodded and quickly wrote a note to a teller to get the heir ring from the main Weasley vault. They waited patiently until they heard a knock from the door. Bonecrusher turned to the door. “Come in.” When the door opened, it revealed Ixor, the Prewett account manager. Bonecrusher was surprised by his visit. “Account Manager Ixor, what can I do for you?” The goblin had a stoic face. “I am here due to the call of Dame Prewett.” Muriel recognised her account manager and asked: “Ixor, have you brought the heir ring of the Prewett family as I have requested?” The goblin nodded and revealed a small reddish-brown box. Muriel turned to Bonecrusher. “Is it alright that today Charles Weasley is claiming the Prewett heirship as he is the legal heir of the House Prewett?” Bonecrusher waved away the concern and answered: “It is mandatory since I need to be present, because of the fact that it is concerning a Weasley and one of the sons of my client.” Muriel nodded in understanding and Ixor entered the Weasley account manager’s office. When laid down the box with the heir ring on the desk, Ixor turned towards Arthur Weasley and his colleague. “Lord Weasley, Account Manager Bonecrusher, if Charles Weasley accepts the heirship, then there is a need for a name change.” Arthur was a bit wary of the idea, but Bonecrusher wasn’t moved at all since he knew, what was going to happen. Seeing the worry on Lord Weasley, Bonecrusher assured: “Lord Weasley, there is no need to worry since your second eldest son will have the name Prewett added on his last name. He would be called Charles Septimus Weasley-Prewett.” Arthur nodded relieved and Ixor agreed with his colleague on this.

With this, the box was opened and the ring was taken out. Arthur and Muriel explained Charlie that he will not be hurt, but that he had to put a ring on his finger, so that he can be tested. The insecure nine-year old boy took the ring and put it on his left ring finger. Charlie suddenly felt the family magics on himself since the family magics examined him. After a while, the family magics found him worthy and the ring resized on his finger. From that day, his name would be Charles Weasley-Prewett according to the Gringotts records, but he will go as Charles Weasley since they don’t want to arouse the suspicions of Albus Dumbledore. So, the Gringotts records would be hidden and cut away from the ministry and Hogwarts. The goblins can only do that in case of a dangerous situation or an emergency. And it is the case of a dangerous situation, because Molly Weasley neé Prewett, Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall had potioned and spelled the boy and put blocks on his magic and his abilities. So, it can be hidden. Arthur will make sure that the ring on Charlie’s finger will be invisible, when he starts Hogwarts, so that no one can see it and it is possible since the family magics would hide the ring and not even Dumbledore would be able to see through the invisibility spell casted by the family magics.

When Charlie was finished with his test, the teller came with the box that had the Weasley heir ring for Bill. The box was laid on the desk and the account manager opened the box and showed Bill the ring. “Mr. Weasley, it is now your turn. Like your brother put the heir ring on your ring finger.” Bill nodded and took the ring. He put the ring on his left ring finger and the family magics started to examine him. After some time, the family magics found him worthy and the ring resized perfectly meaning that the family magics accepted it. Arthur was proud that his son had passed the family test. With a wave of the family magics, the ring became only visible to Muriel, the boys and Arthur. Arthur looked at the goblin. “Thanks, Bonecrusher. May gold flow to you like a river.” Bonecrusher thanked and said: “May your enemies be crushed to dust.” Muriel did the same to Ixor and everyone left to go home apart from Ixor, who went back to his office.

Bonecrusher felt changes coming and the goblin nation can feel that those changes are going to be profitable and good.

Inaba

Aika and Toisho had a day off work and sat down to eat breakfast with their son. Akira was sitting on his mother’s lap and was fed by his father. Both needed a baby stool even though Akira was sitting calmly on his mother’s lap. Thankfully, the boy was not picky and ate, what was given to him. Toisho and Aika had never dealt with a toddler that was so well-behaved, but they should be grateful since they heard horror stories about toddlers, who had screamed non-stop through the night and had thrown food around the kitchen. Thank the god, Akira wasn’t like the other babies. After breakfast was finished, Aika put Akira in the baby basket and set the baby basket carefully and safely in the car. She put the seatbelt on the basket, so that Akira doesn’t fall off the seat, Aika quickly sat down on the driver’s seat of her car and drove away to the mall, in order to buy baby food and baby materials and order a stool for a toddler, a stroller, a changing table and a crib.

Toisho on the other hand went to his neighbour, in order to get the mail. Knocking on his neighbour’s door, the door opened and revealed his neighbour, Tanaka Hijiro. The elderly man greeted Toisho happily: “Ah, Toisho, what can I do for you?” Toisho smiled at his kind and humble neighbour. “I am here for the mail, Hijiro.” The man nodded in understanding and invited him in. Toisho sighed, when he went in. His neighbour always invited him inside even for the smallest thing like getting the mail. When he took off his shoes, Toisho went in and followed the man into the living, where he had prepared some tea. It would be impolite to refuse, so Toisho sat down in front of the small table on the pillow and took a cup. His neighbour went to a shelf and gave him the mail. He said: “Well, Toisho, it was the usual stuff apart from these two. One letter is from the British ambassy and the other is from our local child services. What had happened during your vacation in the UK?” Toisho took the letters and explained: “We adopted a boy.” Hijiro’s eyes went wide. “How? How did you manage to adopt a child so fast without dealing with the devil that is called bureaucracy?” Toisho chuckled. He couldn’t agree more. Bureaucracy is the worst thing, you could face in their society. “Well, he was abandoned on a doorstep of a house in a very cold November night by his parents.” Hijiro looked now serious. “You are joking, Toisho.” But Toisho’s face was stoic and a bit angry. Hijiro seethed silently since he couldn’t believe that parents would do that. “You can continue.” Toisho nodded. “Well, later, it was revealed that the house belonged to our son’s biological aunt and uncle, who willingly signed their rights away to us. And now we are the boy’s parents. I hope, we do not have any troubles with his biological parents.” Hijiro just huffed. “I hope not Toisho, but the distance will stop them from causing any problems.” Toisho nodded in agreement. Hijiro perked up noticing that Aika and the newly adopted Kurusu is not here. “Where is Aika and where is your newly adopted son, so that I can see him?” Toisho chuckled. Of course, Hijiro would be interested about his son. He answered: “Aika went with Akira to buy baby food, materials, a baby stool, a changing table and a crib.” Hijiro just nodded in understanding. He knew that a toddler needs a lot of attention.

Aika’s time in the mall was a bit stressful. She was carrying three full bags of baby materials, food and clothes in one hand and had the baby basket in another. She was finished with everything. “Aika!” She heard a well-known voice from afar and just sighed. Turning around, she saw her best friend, Mizuki. “Mizuki, what a surprise?” The woman just smiled and offered a hand to help her with the bags. Looking down at the toddler, Mizuki pursed her lips and asked: “Aika, where did you get a toddler?” Aika just sighed deeply. “We adopted him in Great Britain. He was abandoned by his parents on the doorstep of his biological aunt. His aunt gave up all rights to us and now, Akira is a new member of our family.” Mizuki just squealed happily. “I am so happy with you. Do you need some help? Some advice? Or do you need a babysitter, if you are at work?” Aika just shook her head. “Nothing, Mizuki. My husband and I decided to work part time.” Mizuki nodded and both started to talk about, what had happened in the last week since they were gone. She was happy that they had returned back home. The crib, the changing table, the stroller and the baby stool would come tomorrow afternoon, which meant that Akira had to sleep in his basket for this night. Then, everything would go smoothly afterwards.

Next, they would change one of the two guest rooms in their house to a nursery, where Akira would sleep and be taken care of. There was a lot of work in front of them.

Great Hall

Albus was eating breakfast, when the newspaper and the mail started to arrive. After Albus was finished eating his breakfast, he opened the Daily Prophet and his eyes nearly popped out. The first headline was: THE ENTIRE LESTRANGE TRIO DISOWNED FROM THE LESTRANGE FAMILY! THERE IS A NEW HEIR ACCORDING TO THE GOBLINS AND LORD LESTRANGE! Albus barely restrained his panic. This was bad. This was beyond bad. If Augustinus Lestrange found his heir, then he would face problems since this would mean that the Lestrange family would get out of the death eater mess and open a new page. Albus should have got rid of Augustinus Lestrange, but he knew the man was too dangerous. He tried it back then, but his followers suffered at the end since everything he did nearly led to his pawns to die or being arrested. So, he stayed away from him since he was not going to lose more pawns, because of that man.

The other headline was: SIRIUS BLACK AND BELLATRIX LESTRANGE DISOWNED FROM THE BLACK FAMILY! FOUND UNWORTHY BY THE FAMILY MAGICS! Albus thought that this article was going to come out, but he never thought that it would come so soon. In the article, it was clear that the reason behind Bellatrix’s disownment was her actions against the Longbottoms and the other families that she had tortured and killed. So, her disownment was clear as day. The disownment of Sirius brought many questions that were uncomfortable since it brought up the fact that Sirius wasn’t chaste since his fourth year. Rita provided a booklet full of girls that Sirius had slept with. There were even some statements about Sirius’ bed activities from the mentioned girls in the booklet and explained that everything took place in Hogwarts. Albus wanted to curse Sirius and his manhood. There were even questions, why the Hogwarts staff didn’t do anything about this and if he was aware of Sirius’ activities. Albus knew one thing, the board and his staff apart from Minerva, who was aware of Sirius’ adventures, are going to demand answers from him and Minerva.

The reason behind Sirius’ disownment was that the clause of chastity was clearly broken. Every member of the Black family needed to be chaste until they are married especially the heir and this clause needs to be followed strictly until the member is married. Albus couldn’t argue about this since he had his own problems to deal with, when he heard a knock on his office door. Albus sighed. “Come in.”

The door was opened by Promona, who was red-faced and was holding the article. Albus wanted to groan, when Filius, Aurora, Septima, Bathsheda, Horace, Minerva and Rolanda entered his office. Standing in front of his desk, Filius started turning his attention to Minerva and Albus: “Albus, Minerva, did you two know about this?” Filius raised his bushy eyebrow at his colleague and his employer pointing to the article. Albus and Minerva looked at each other and knew that they can’t deny it. Albus was the first to respond: “It is a slight misunderstanding. Sirius had been a little adventurous during his time here.” The other staff members stared at Albus like he had two heads. Promona started with a snort: “A little too adventurous? Albus, Sirius slept with nearly every girl here in Hogwarts and we didn’t know anything about this until now. This is irresponsible. What would have happened, if one of these girls was impregnated? You should know, Albus, that one of the headmasters was fired, after the board found out that one of the students became pregnant. You not only risked that, but you also risked your position. Apart from that, this is a school, not a brothel. Care to explain this?” Promona crossed her arms and had a demanding look on her face. Albus flinched, when Promona was finished. If Sirius had really impregnated a girl, then he would have been screwed, if the board found out. Not only would he be fired, but his name would be in tatters. The last headmaster had really been fired, because of the pregnancy. He really should have made sure to tame Sirius’ lust. Now, he was disowned, because he had lost his chastity during his school years. This was a painful strike since legally Sirius can be disowned through his sexual escapades.

The other teachers started to berate him and told him that they needed tighter regulations and rules regarding this issue. Albus on the other side couldn’t blame anyone, but Sirius for his disownment. If he had stopped him back then, then, Arcturus wouldn’t have used this as a reason to disown him. After they finished, Albus promised them that he was going to address this issue at the next board meeting. He sighed, when the other members of the staff left apart from Minerva.

Minerva was saddened and shocked, what had happened to one of her lions. She will not forgive Arcturus Black for his monstrosity and cruelty towards Sirius. She wished to give the man a piece of her mind, but she also knew that Arcturus was dangerous, if angered. The man killed many of Grindelwald’s followers and was able to stop Grindelwald’s expansion to Stalingrad with the help of Charlus Potter. There was no way in hell that anyone would accuse the man of being a supporter of Voldemort, when he fought against a dark lord during the global wizarding war and had a clear dislike towards You-Know-Who. But she also had to admit that if she had paid more attention to Sirius during his school years, she would have been able to avoid this mess. Now he was disowned and stripped from his name. She also heard that the godfather-godson bond with Harry was broken, when he was examined after he was found. She didn’t understand, why Lady Magic would do that, but Minerva long lost faith in that deity since she did nothing for them. Now she despised her, because of her actions against Sirius. Minerva knew that they did the right thing. She didn’t understand, why Lady Magic destroyed the bond.

Unknown to Minerva, Lady Magic was furious. She couldn’t believe the woman that she still thought that abandoning children to be abused was excusable. With a snap of her finger, she cursed Minerva with the bad luck charm. Lady Magic did the same with Albus only it would be worse than with Minerva. The deity wishes them good luck, because of that charm many witches and wizards lost everything. Even their lives.

Great Britain

The newspaper article brought shock, happiness and excitement in the magical world. Happiness that the infamous Lestrange trio was disowned by the Lestrange family and Bellatrix’s disownment from the Black family. There was also the excitement that there was a new heir to the Lestrange family, who would improve the image of House Lestrange. Augustinus had many plans for his heiress and the future Lady of the House Lestrange. He was going to execute his plans. From the goblins, Augustinus received a folder full of private detectives in the muggle world, who were aware of the magical world and would help him to track down the girl and her family. Voldemort’s loyal followers were furious about Lord Lestrange’s actions and were planning their own form of revenge against him, but the question was how since no one was brave enough to challenge the old Lestrange lord to a duel.

The shock was coming from the disownment of Sirius Black, because they didn’t understand, why he was disowned, but when they read the article that Sirius was disowned, because he was found unworthy by the family magics like Bellatrix, they thought that he was disowned, because of his bullying and the fact that he didn’t give two shits about his chastity that was cherished in the Black family since the Black family motto is “Toujours Pur” or in English “Always Pure”, which meant that you have to be pure about your actions and your standing. But everyone knew, how Sirius threw everything away like trash since his fourth year, where he started to sleep with nearly the entire female population of Hogwarts. At the end, no one cared since the disownment was justified, which was an insult to the order, who felt sorry for Sirius.

James, Lily and Remus burned in rage, when they finished reading the article and saw the reaction or better the lack of. It made them furious to no end that no one questioned the Black family for their actions, but they had to remain quiet since it would lead to questions and the magical world could find out, what they had done to Harry and that they had abandoned him to magic-hating muggle. They would lose everything and their reputation would be destroyed. Much to their fury, they had to remain quiet. What was worse was that James received a letter from Bartemius Crouch Sr. informing Sirius that he was being dismissed from his position as an auror since he lacked the magic due to his disownment and his sexual escapades during his school years. James was completely furious since he knew that Crouch only fired his best friend, because of his disownment and his reputation in school. The man was an elitist. James would have liked to tear Crouch a new one for the mess, he left him, but he couldn’t since the man would demand answers about Sirius and the reason behind his disownment. He felt bad for Sirius since his disownment costed him his job and his good image. The only positive side is that in four days, Sirius would wake up from his comatose state and he was dreading, how Sirius was going to react to the fact that he was fired and thrown away like trash by the public. This would be bombastic since he knew Sirius’ temper and the man would storm the ministry to demand his job back and make sure to make his family suffer for what had happened to him. James had his work cut, in order to fix this mess. The article about Lord Lestrange’s disownment of the Lestrange trio was also frustrating since he would have loved to get a search warrant against Lord Lestrange, in order to find some dirt against him, but the man washed his hands from the death eaters and he knew that it would be harder to get a warrant. James is facing the same situation with the Prince family since the unknown Lord Prince disowned Ryan Prince from the Prince family. He had known Ryan during his time in school and had always confused him with Snivellus, because both looked like twins and he had always called Lily a mudblood, which set James off every time since she was his girl. He hoped to get inside of Prince Manor and get some dirt against the Prince family, but sadly, Ryan was disowned and all ties with the Prince family was severed. Crouch refused to give him a search warrant for Prince Manor and his mentor Alastor refused to help him. They informed him that Ryan killed his own grandfather and the disownment is clear as day that his betrayal should not go unpunished. It was frustrating since both told him that disownments are throwing arrest and search warrants out of the window before they were made. James nearly snapped at them, but had been forced to accept defeat since there was no point in arguing with his superiors.

Remus and Lily wanted to go to Black Manor and fight Lord Black, but both knew that it was like asking for death to go against an old war veteran. Not to mention, what the other members of the Black family would do. Many may be old, but they were dangerous duelists. And fighting them would be a bad idea. They have to allow this mess, but they have to be ready, when Sirius wakes up.

Weasley Manor/Hogwarts

It was a stressful evening in Weasley Manor. For Arthur, it was difficult since Bill is required to return back to Hogwarts and attend his classes. He didn’t want that, but there was nothing, he can do since Bill was required to attend classes and he can’t take him off the school, in order to homeschool him since it would raise the headmaster’s attention and he would find out that he had found out about their treachery. He led Bill to the living room and started: “Bill, I need to give you some warnings and some revelations about your mother, your headmaster and your head of house.” The boy nodded. His dad was angry, when they had visited the bank yesterday and he knew that something went bad. His mind felt clearer and freer after the visit. Arthur took out the inheritance tests and gave it to Bill. Bill looked at his own, his brother’s and his father’s inheritance test and couldn’t believe, what his mother, the headmaster and McGonagall had done. There were many illegal potions and spells on their mind, system, core and abilities. When he had seen that his own mother, his headmaster and his head of his house were responsible for that, Bill was terrified, because he was in McGonagall’s house, and he fears that she could potion him again and block his magic or abilities. Then, there is the headmaster. Bill knew that the headmaster is in charge of the school and himself since he is a student and he is terrified that he would do it again. So, he had to be carefully around Dumbledore and McGonagall. Bill is aware that he is safe from his mum, but the headmaster and Professor McGonagall are still dangerous. Seeing the fear on his son’s face, Arthur calmly said: “Don’t panic, Bill. You are protected through the heirship ring, but I need to warn you that you are not allowed to tell anyone about the ring, so that Dumbledore and McGonagall are not paying any special attention towards you. Not even your friends since it could get back to the headmaster and McGonagall. Do you understand me, Bill?” Bill nodded with a courageous expression. Arthur nodded with a sad smile and stood up. Bill followed his dad and both father and son made their way to the floo room, so that his son can floo back to Hogwarts.

Before Bill went to the floo, he gave his father a hug and waved goodbye with some tears trickling down his face, before he threw the floo powder and called: “Hogwarts. Professor McGonagall’s office.” After Bill was gone, Arthur stood for a little longer, before he went to see his boys. He hoped that Minerva was not going to pay any attention to the changes Bill went under, but Arthur also knew that the woman was going to ignore Bill like the other students since she would be too focused with the defeat of Voldemort, the house cup, the quidditch cup, her duties and the Potter’s newly gained fame. The redhead still couldn’t believe about the last part, but he had to live with it. If someone found out the truth, the Potters would be the most hated couple in Great Britain, but Arthur knew that he had to wait for the right time.

Going into his room, Arthur prepared himself for bed and started to read a book before he had to go back to bed. He hoped that his son is safe.

Bill arrived at his head of house’s office and saw her sitting behind her desk correcting and marking some assignments. Without looking up, she said: “Ah, Mr. Weasley, you are back. I hope your weekend was good.” Bill just nodded with a well-mustered smile even though he distrusted the woman in front of him. “Yes, mum and dad just wanted to check, how I was doing in school?” Bill said. He knew that it was a half-lie, but regardless McGonagall will not question it since it is normal that in November the students were taken off the school and were asked by their parents, how they were doing in school. Minerva nodded and sent him off to his dorm since she was too focused on the assignments that she had to correct. Bill quickly left his head of house’s office and made his way to his dorm room that he is sharing with three other students.

After he dressed himself in his pyjama and brushed his teeth, Bill made his way to his bed and laid down. He couldn’t believe, what had happened during this weekend. Bill still didn’t understand, why his mother would choose to potion and spell him? There was also the question, why she would block his magic and his abilities, but he would understand, if he gets older. Bill fell in an uneasy sleep since he was in Gryffindor. He hoped that McGonagall would not find out since Dumbledore would be informed immediately and everything would go to hell, but this would happen, if he isn’t carefully.

Malfoy Manor

Narcissa invited Severus, Augustus and Thorfinn to have a meeting in Malfoy Manor. All three accepted the invitation and were on their way. Narcissa knew that Lords Rookwood and Rowle are going to floo from the Department of Mysteries and Lord Prince would be flooing from Prince Manor. She needed their help against Voldemort and Dumbledore. Narcissa knew that all three had a clear dislike towards the headmaster, but she didn’t know about their stand about Voldemort. It is important to sway them to their side, in order to make sure that they got the majority. Narcissa also knew that Akira is safe from Dumbledore and his followers. She could reveal that the boy is not here and Dumbledore and his followers would try everything to find him, but it would be fruitless since Akira is in Japan and Japan is too far away for any tracking charm to work from Britain. He wished Albus Dumbledore good luck for the next few years since she had plans to annul all the Potters’ vote since she knew that James is going to vote with Dumbledore on everything. Narcissa chuckled lightly. Dumbledore would learn a new world of pain and this pain would be mentally and not physically.

Severus Snape-Prince was confused, when he arrived at Malfoy Manor. He didn’t understand, why he was called and what Narcissa wanted from him. But he wasn’t the only one, who flooed to Malfoy Manor, because he heard the floo flare green and Augustus and Thorfinn stepped out. “Ah, Augustus, Thorfinn, what a surprise. You too are invited.” Both nodded curtly. Augustus started: “Yes, Severus. I do not know, what Narcissa wants, but I know that it must be important since a Black would never waste our time.” Thorfinn agreed and Severus knew that if Narcissa was calling for a meeting, it must be important. In a second, a house elf appeared, when she felt a commotion in the floo room. So, she went to check and got their attention. “Mistress Narcissa be’s waiti’ for you in the livin’ room. Please follow me.” All three nodded and followed the house elf to the living room. Reaching the door to the living room, the house elf snapped with her finger and the door opened revealing Narcissa sitting on the couch drinking a glass of wine. Confused all three men entered the living room. Narcissa looked at them and offered them to take a seat on the armchairs. All three men sat down and Narcissa started: “Do you want some wine or something stronger?” Severus, Thorfinn and Augustus looked at each other and internally agreed on wine. “A glass of wine would be alright.” Narcissa nodded taking another sip from her wine glass. All men were served a glass of wine by a house elf and Narcissa leaned herself on the couch. She began: “Gentlemen, I have called you here, because I need your help with an insane maniac and a manipulative fool.” All three knew, who she was referring to. The dark lord and Dumbledore, but they didn’t interrupt. “Both men are hellbent on destroying our world with their bigoted ways and for that they needed to be stopped. Voldemort wants to kill off wizarding bloodlines here in Britain with his policy of inbreeding and his adamant ways to kill off muggleborns, who are actually squibborns since it is impossible for two muggles to have a magical child, but two squibs could give birth to a child with an active magical core.” All three nodded mutely knowing that it was the plain truth. One of the death eaters presented that idea in front of the dark lord and his followers. The dark lord and his fanatic followers tortured the man to death for that implication not believing that those with dirty blood were actually purebloods or halfbloods in case one or two of the grandparents were muggles, but those, who were saner, thought about the theory and the more they thought about the theory, the more she made sense since many squibs were abandoned in the muggle world and it is unknown, how many squibs are currently living in the muggle world. It is another mystery that was unsolved.

Narcissa continued: “Then, there is Dumbledore. Dumbledore wants to ruin our world with those ridiculous restrictions against the dark. I mean, the man banned our rituals and traditions like the Samhain ritual, the Yule ritual, Ostara, Imbolc and many other. He wants to force us to get used to Christmas, Halloween and Eastern. I read specifically that without our rituals, where we are refreshing our magic, the magical world here in the UK would grow weaker and weaker and at the end magic would die. Then, there is the fact that he is downplaying everything with a slight misunderstanding and favouriting the Gryffindors. We need to do something against that so-called light lord, who would just bring doom to our world. Look, what he had done to the Potter heir.” Narcissa slammed the inheritance test on the table. All three men took a look on the paper and had mixed reactions. Augustus and Thorfinn wanted to torture and kill Dumbledore, the Potters, Sirius Black and Lupin. Severus was angry, but not surprised. He knew their tricks and he also knows, how to evade them. Narcissa had seen the pensive look on Severus’ face and knew that Severus didn’t seem to be surprised. “Sev, you are not surprised about these revelations.” Severus snapped to attention, when the eyes were on him. He drawled: “I am not surprised, because Lily and the Marauders did the same thing to me, when I was in school. When I was in my third year, I found out about Lily’s potioning ways through an inheritance test. She and my mother were involved in this. My grandfather was furious and threw that woman that I had to call mother into Azkaban, where she died, and took custody of me. From there on, Lily tried to potion and even spell me, but it hadn’t worked since I had protective jewellery. I had enough in my fourth year, when she tried to use amortentia and tried to spread a rumour about how I have an unhealthy crush on her trying to turn the whole school against me. I showed everyone the inheritance test and from there on Lily lost her friends in one row. The Marauders tried to throw compulsions towards me, every time they managed to track me down and prank me. But it didn’t work since I had protective jewellery from my grandparents. They stopped, when Lily lost all of her friends and was branded a liar by three quarter of the school. The Marauders left me alone since I took Lily’s base of friends and that was only a quarter of the school, which was beneficial for me, especially Marlene and Dorcas, who had many connections in Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Potter, Black, Lupin and Pettigrew couldn’t risk the entire school turning their backs on them, so, they targeted my ex-cousin, Ryan. And that was how I am not surprised, what Lily and those mutts had done to the Potter heir. They don’t like, if someone is out of control.” Narcissa was startled that this had been going on, when the Potters, her former cousin and Lupin were in school. She never would have thought that this had been going on since Sirius was in school. But she had another surprise. “Apart from that, those monsters abandoned him to magic-hating muggles. Severus, do you know the Dursleys? Especially, Petunia Dursley?” Severus’ eyes rose in shock and fury, because he knew Petunia and Vernon Dursley during their wedding. The Evans invited him to Petunia’s and Vernon’s wedding and there, he knew about the couple. Severus never liked Petunia and he loathed Vernon Dursley since the man was bigoted and was fat like a walrus. And dear Merlin was he ugly. That man would give Crabbe and Goyle a run for their money. Petunia wasn’t an eye-candy either since she was the complete opposite of Lily and due to her giraffe-like neck, her looks worsened. Severus nodded at the question and said: “I know Petunia Dursley as Petunia Evans. She is Lily’s older sister and I can tell you that she hates magic with a passion.” Narcissa took another sip of her wine and said: “That explains why she signed away her rights to Hadrian’s new parents the next day. Her hatred is bigger than I have thought.” Severus just chuckled at Narcissa’s face and he just bragged: “Oh, you have no idea. I hated it back then, when I have to spend time with either Lily or Petunia or even both. The only ones, I could stand, were the elder Evans couple and I felt sorry that both daughters were bad apples.” Narcissa chuckled. She would have felt sorry for the parents, if the child turned out to be a monster even though the parents were decent.

Augustus summed up the situation: “So, you need our help to stop the dark lord and Dumbledore.” Narcissa nodded. All three men looked at each other and smirked mischievously. “Count us in.” Narcissa grinned like a wicked witch since she managed to get the heads of the Rookwood, Rowle and Prince families to her side. She stood up and made a toast, where she made a speech that the dark lord and Dumbledore are going to fall from grace. With Severus, Augustus and Thorfinn on her side, they would start to tear Dumbledore’s and the dark lord’s power in the Wizengamot apart.

London, November 5th, 2001

Augustinus Lestrange made his way to a squib private detective, in order to track down his relative until his eyes landed on a headline of a newspaper on a newspaper stand in front of a kiosk about a man named Jeremy Clearwater, who was announced to be a school governor by the school board in the muggle world. He took the newspaper and paid it with the muggle currency. Augustinus exchanged some Galleons into Pounds before he made his way through the muggle world. All wizards and witches were required to exchange at least ten Galleons into Pounds, if they were leaving the wizarding world. He also dressed himself in a grey muggle suit with a black tie and black shoes. Many muggles would see him as an old, but wealthy man with class. It brought him advantages and disadvantages. The advantages were that when he was in a bus, the younger generation offered him their seat thinking that he needed the seat more than them. Augustinus smiled happily, but he also felt insulted since they thought that he was a weak, old man, who had many health problems. The disadvantage was that the younger muggles were too caring for his own comfort. He understood that if you reach a certain age that you would not be able to do many things that you were able to do as a youth, but seriously he wasn’t invalid. Augustinus started to read the article about Jeremy Clearwater and was proud of his first cousin twice removed, what he had achieved in the muggle world. The article described that his wife was the deputy-headmistress of a muggle boarding school and his daughter was a prodigy since she managed to speak three languages in a short time. Well, he couldn’t be any prouder than with his ex-great-nephews and that bitch and he couldn’t wait to show the girl about her magical heritage as Lady of the Ancient and Noble House of Lestrange, but Augustinus would not force the girl to separate herself from the non-magical world and her parents. It would make her resent him and that was the last thing, he wanted. Her parents would remain her legal guardians as long they are not abusing her, which he doubted since he could clearly see that the girl had caring parents and is well-looked after. Augustinus also would snatch Dumbledore’s opportunity to become the girl’s magical guardian away. He couldn’t wait to see Albus’ face, if he ever reveals that the girl is his heiress through his aunt’s line. Augustinus grinned darkly, but quickly put up a neutral expression, in order to not scare the muggles that were walking. Augustinus made his way to the meeting place of the school board that is in the centre of London.

When he arrived, Augustinus saw that there were some governors talking with each other. He looked at the newspaper again, in order to memorise Jeremy Clearwater’s face and managed to track him down in the park after he asked for him in his kind, old man act. Augustinus approached the man and could clearly see the features of the Lestrange family on him. The old lord greeted him politely: “Good day, Mr. Clearwater, I would like to have a word with you.” Jeremy looked up at the man and was confused, who the man was, but something inside him told him that the man was not a danger to him. He also had seen the features of the man and he could see that the elderly man looked familiar. “Yes, what can I do for you, Sir?” Augustinus knew about the muggle world and he knew that apart from the royal family, the prime minister and his senior staff are not aware of the nobility in the magical world. So, he let it go since the man greeted him politely only in the muggle way. He responded in a similar polite tone: “I am here, because of a family matter. Can we discuss this in a quiet place, where no one would overhear our conversation? And don’t panic, I am not going to harm you or your family in any way.” Jeremy swallowed hard. He knew about his family, but he never met this man. Jeremy nodded mutely since his instincts told him to trust this man somehow. He didn’t know why and where these instincts were coming from. Unknown to the man, these instincts were coming from the magical blood of the Lestrange family that is encouraging him to trust the old Lord Lestrange. Jeremy led the man to a quiet place in the park and they took a seat. Augustinus didn’t know, where to start, but he found a point: “Mr. Clearwater, I am here to inform you that according to my family tree, you are my 1st cousin twice removed.” Jeremy had expected that the man would claim that he is his grandfather, in order to get money and prestige from him, but this is new. Somehow, he didn’t doubt the man. Jeremy asked: “Okay, how?” Augustinus started: “I am related to you through your great-grandmother since she is my paternal aunt.” The old man took out some documents and showed them to him. Jeremy looked at the documents and could say that they look authentical, but now another question was coming up his mind. The man in front of him said that his great-grandmother was his aunt. How old is this man? The man must be over hundred by now, but he didn’t look like he was that old. Jeremy believes that the man must be at least 70 years old. He quickly said: “Wait, you said that my great-grandmother was your aunt. How old are you, because you must be over hundred by now, if that were the case?” Augustinus smirked. The man was smart. Others would not notice this detail. He answered: “You are right. I am over hundred years old. To be exact, I was born 1889. Look at the documents.” Jeremy didn’t want to believe that this man was so old until he looked at the documents in detail and saw that the man was telling the truth. He let out a whistle. “Never thought, I would meet a centenarian.” Augustinus was a little bit dubious about the expression, because he didn’t understand it. He asked: “What do you mean with that?” Jeremy answered: “A centenarian is someone, who had reached the age of hundred or more. It is rare for a human to be over hundred. The oldest known human through the records was a French woman named Jeanne Calment, who died at the age of 122. She died four years ago.” Augustinus was a little startled. He never thought muggles could have such a long lifespan. He knew that wizards and witches can reach the age of 200 and that is only possible, if their magic was strong enough to extend their youth. But muggles didn’t have that and even without magic, a muggle was able to live over hundreds of years. The wizarding world would be shocked to hear that some muggles were able to become hundred or older. He also could tell that some pureblood supremacists were going to be angry about those revelations.

Jeremy was confused. Who was this relative of his and why did he never meet him? He knew his family very well and kept contact with them through the social network, but he never met this man. Furthermore, Jeremy had a family tree from his family that was updated every year. He questioned: “How is it that I never know you since I basically know all of my cousins?” Augustinus was impressed that the man kept track of his family. He answered: “I found it out two days ago. My father never mentioned that I had an aunt. I am not sure why, but it will remain a secret for the time being.” Jeremy wasn’t sure, but sometimes, family secrets had to be hidden even from the family. One thing, Jeremy forgot to ask the man and he asked: “What is your name, Sir?” Augustinus just smiled slightly and answered: “My name is Augustinus Lestrange.” Jeremy was a little startled. The name sounded oddly familiar and noble, but the man continued: “And your great-grandmother was Esmeralda Lestrange.” Jeremy’s eyes were wide. So, his great-grandmother was a member of this man’s family, but why did the man come to him? Why didn’t he go to his other relatives? He asked: “Well, Mr. Lestrange, why did you come to me? I mean, I have other relatives, who would be interested to learn a little more about my great-grandmother’s family.” Augustinus took a deep breath and explained: “It is slightly difficult to explain, but have you been aware of some strange happenings in the last few years?” Jeremy perked up a bit and asked: “Has it something to do with people dying suddenly, because their heart stopped beating? I mean, it can happen, if you have an unhealthy diet or a disease, but I find it strange that a majority of them were healthy and hadn’t had any pre-existing illnesses.” Augustinus knew, what the man was referring to. Voldemort and his followers had killed some muggles and since the muggle authorities were unaware of the effects of the killing curse, the cause of death couldn’t be conducted since the muggles don’t know, how to perform a magical autopsy. Augustinus let out a sigh and answered: “I can answer you that question, but I wish, it was somewhere private, where no one can see it.” Jeremy was a little surprised that this relative of his knew the answer to his question that was plaguing him since he was a teen. Thankfully, the schedule for today was finished and he was able to go home. “We can go to my house. For today, the board was finished with today’s schedule.” Augustinus nodded. Good, at least, he would be able to meet the man’s family. Jeremy didn’t understand, why he was inviting the man at his house since he knew barely anything about him, but something told him that he was able to trust this man and maybe he could give him some answers regarding the death of his parents and his daughter’s strange abilities.

Clearwater house

Augustinus Lestrange was a little startled at the man’s house. He could tell that the house was decently made. The front yard was beautifully decorated. Someone loves to garden. He can tell. On the right, Augustinus saw, what the muggles call, a driveway that is leading to the garage. Jeremy took out his keys and announced his arrival with a coming-in: “I am home.” “DADDY!” A small girl yelled and darted towards Jeremy like a mini torpedo. Because of the excitement of her father’s return, the girl’s accidental magic leaked out and destroyed a vase. Jeremy groaned, when he was nearly bowled over by his daughter. This was their third vase this month. Nothing is safe from their daughter’s ability. His wife came in and smiled, before she froze, when she had seen the older man behind her husband. At the same time, Jeremy suddenly froze, when he remembered that there was another person in the house. Jeremy quickly turned to Augustinus Lestrange, in order to explain him or better to excuse the fact that the vase didn’t burst into pieces in thin air and that it was just his imagination. It has worked once, but seeing the man’s reaction or better the lack of, Jeremy became suspicious about the man. It deepened his suspicion that the man knew more than he would let on. From, what he had seen, many would have been shocked about his daughter’s ability, but his new relative remained calmed and unsurprised, which perked up the idea that he must have the same abilities. It also concluded that his great-great-grandmother was not a normal human, but must have been magical and that was how his daughter got those special powers.

Looking at Augustinus, Jeremy asked: “Mr. Lestrange, you don’t seem surprised, what my daughter had done to the vase.” Claire Clearwater perked up at that and was curious about this man. There was something familiar, but she didn’t know what. Augustinus just smirked and answered: “Because I know, what your daughter had done and I know more.” Jeremy hoped that his relative would give him the answers he needs and Claire was confused, who this man was and how he knew about their daughter’s ability. Augustinus caught the man’s curiosity and his wife’s confusion and started to explain: “Your daughter is a witch. This means, she has magic like me. Let me show you something.” Augustinus took out his wand and casted a Reparo on the broken vase. Within a blink of an eye, the vase was fixed and looked like new. Claire and Jeremy were shocked and took a step back, when they had seen, how the man repaired their vase. It was incredible. And they realised, if the man was capable of doing that, then their daughter would be able to do the same thing. So, there is a way to train her powers, so that she could control them and make sure that she doesn’t break things, but when does she start? Jeremy asked: “So, you are a wizard that had learnt to wield your power.” Augustinus nodded and answered: “Correct. I attended Hogwarts and that was how I trained my magic, but before you ask, your daughter needs to be eleven, so that she can attend Hogwarts since at the age of eleven the magical cores of children are strong enough to connect with a wand.” Jeremy and Claire sighed in relief and exasperation since they had to wait another six years until their daughter would be able to control her powers. Augustinus knew, what the problem is. The couple had to wait another few years, but he knew that the phase of accidental magic will end at the age of six since from there children would have partial control over their magic. He explained: “But your daughter would be able to partially control her powers, when she reaches the age of six.” Jeremy and Claire sighed in relief. They had to wait another year until their daughter would have some control over her power.

Augustinus went down to his own business. “But I am not only here to explain about your daughter’s power, I am also here to explain about your daughter’s magical heritage.” Jeremy looked up at the man and sat down. His wife did the same. “Okay. What is there to discuss?” Augustinus sighed deeply and took a seat on the surprisingly comfortable couch: “The House Lestrange is a noble house in the wizarding world with a seat in our government. The wizarding world was allowed self-governance by the head of the state, which means that the queen, the prime minister and the senior staff are aware of the existence of the magical world and are aware of the noble houses in the wizarding world, but now, there are no Lestranges left, who could take up the title since my former great-nephews were terrorists and committed many crimes in both worlds. I had to magically disown them for their actions. This will be explained later before you ask. They are from now on NoNames, but now the House Lestrange is facing extinction and your daughter is the next Lady Lestrange according to our bank.” Jeremy and Claire raised their eyes in shock. Their daughter is the future Lady of the man’s house. They knew that nobility does exist, but it felt so surreal that their own daughter was going to be the head of a noble house. Augustinus explained the basics of Penelope’s future and what would change, if their daughter accepted her position in the magical world. Both Claire and Jeremy looked at each other and discussed it. They knew that it would entail a lot of work for their little girl to become an heiress. When they had brought up the point about their daughter’s responsibility, the man assured them that their daughter is just representing the house’s future and the only things, she needed to know is about the family’s history and its standing in the wizarding world, the government and etiquette. Jeremy and Claire were alright since it would be prudent to know about the House’s history and who the house’s allies and enemies were. It would also be important to know about the magical government and how the system is structured and about etiquette. When the Clearwaters agreed with Augustinus about their daughter’s future, the old Lord Lestrange clasped his hands together and said: “Good. Tomorrow, we need to go to Gringotts, where I can become young Penelope’s magical guardian. Don’t panic, I am not going to take away your daughter from you since you will remain her legal guardians, I am only going to be her magical guardian since it is mandatory for children born to non-magical families to have one.” The couple nodded hesitantly, but they trusted the man and he seemed to be honest. They will prepare themselves for tomorrow to make Augustinus Lestrange their daughter’s magical guardian. They didn’t want some riff raff.

Augustinus smirked in victory. The House Lestrange will not die out and he will make sure that Dumbledore doesn’t have any control over his heiress. It would be funny to watch Dumbledore’s face, when he realises that the man can’t control the girl’s future. Unknown to him, the Houses Prewett and Weasley are going to be his allies since Penelope is Percival Weasley’s soulmate.

Weasley Manor/Diggory Estate/Delacour Manor

In the late evening, Arthur was busy writing letters to the Houses Diggory and Delacour since Bill is Fleur’s creature mate and Cedric is Charlie’s soulmate. In his letters, Arthur remained polite and made sure that the message was short and understanding. He hoped that both families were ready for an alliance with his house. At one point, it would benefit the House Weasley, but at the other point, he would be able to sway another two houses on their side against Dumbledore and Voldemort. Percy’s, Fred’s and George’s soulmate were out of his reach since Percy’s soulmate is a squibborn that is living in the muggle world and Fred’s and George’s soulmate is surely from Japan and because of the distance, it would be hard to find the girl, but she would be safe from Dumbledore’s claws. The only one, who he was worried about was Penelope Clearwater since she was a squibborn and he was afraid that Albus could claim the magical guardianship over the girl and could control her. But unknown to him, his worrying would be for nothing since Augustinus Lestrange would take care of this. His life turned in an axis, when it was revealed that his wife was potioning, using and abusing him, in order to make a light family in her eyes, but now, he will make sure that Molly’s next ten years are going to be hellish.

After he was finished, he put the letter in an envelope, but Arthur also included his sons’ inheritance tests, in order to prove his claim. He also made sure to write down that he had dealt with his wife and that there were plans in motion that would make sure that Molly is punished for her actions.

When Amos received the letter from his old friend Arthur, he was stunned, what he was reading. At first, he was happy that his only son, Cedric, had a soulmate and he was happier that Charlie, the heir to the House Prewett, was his son’s soulmate. He was enraged about Charlie’s inheritance test and couldn’t believe that Albus, Minerva and Molly would go this far, but Amos had always been dubious about Albus and those, who followed him, and that was the reason why he didn’t join the order, but was light leaning neutral, in order to protect himself and his family from Dumbledore and his order. Sitting behind his desk, Amos wasn’t sure, how to react, but one thing was for sure, he was going to remain neutral even though his seat is on the light side and not side with Dumbledore and his ilk with this revelation. Amos was interrupted in his thoughts, when his wife, Catherine, entered the room. “Amos, are you finished? It’s getting late. I don’t want you to spend the whole night in your home office.” Catherine yawned already dressed in her night gown. Amos huffed: “Catherine, don’t worry yourself. I am coming. I am just shocked about Arthur’s recent letter.” Catherine was now interested. “What did Arthur write?” Amos handed her over the letter and the inheritance test of his second-born godson. Catherine quickly skimmed the parchments and was furious, what Molly, the headmaster and Minerva had done. Catherine was one of the people, who was wary around the headmaster and she made sure to warn her husband from siding with him during the war. She was the reason, why her husband chose to be light leaning neutral since she didn’t trust Dumbledore and his followers. After she calmed down, she answered: “Well, I am glad, we didn’t side with that man. I don’t know, what he would have done with our son, Cedric.” Amos winced, because his wife was right. He was sure that his son and he himself would have suffered the same treatment, but thankfully, his wife wasn’t like Molly. Amos was glad that his wife warned him away from Dumbledore and his followers. He didn’t know, what would have happened, if he had sided with that man.

The letter was also inviting them to Weasley Manor, where Arthur and his five older sons were residing. At the end of the letter, the floo address was written down. Apart from that, Arthur mentioned that he had dealt with Molly, but he needed help to deal with Dumbledore and McGonagall since they were influential. They are going to visit Arthur this weekend, because they are sure that since Arthur knew the truth that he and his sons had been purged from all that filth in their system. It would also be exciting to see, how Weasley Manor does look like.

Jaques and Apolline Delacour were really confused, when they received a letter from a British wizard named Arthur Weasley. The letter explained, how the man’s eldest son, William Weasley, was their daughter’s creature mate. At first, the couple wanted to snort at the pathetic attempt to get their daughter as a trophy wife for his eldest son and heir, but the man sent proof. There was a Gringotts inheritance test of the boy and it proved that the boy was their eldest’s creature mate. Apolline checked up the inheritance test, if the parchment was not faked, but her veela side didn’t confirm her suspicion and it proved that the test in front of them was really made in Gringotts. Jaques examined the inheritance test and felt the goblin magic from the parchment, which was the last confirmation that the inheritance test was not faked by Arthur Weasley. The elder Delacours went over the inheritance test and were furious, what Dumbledore, the man’s wife and a woman named Minerva McGonagall had done to the boy. He also read from the block section that Dumbledore and the man’s wife tried to block the Weasley heir’s creature mate bond, but with that the Delacour couple was sure that the man must have his son purged from those disgusting potions, spells and blocks since he mentioned in his letter that he went to Gringotts with his sons to get a purge.

After some discussion, Jaques and Appolline had decided to give it a chance and maybe they would be able to build an alliance with the House Weasley, in order to have a connection in the UK and they were not going to deny their daughter her mate. It would be suicide, if she got older. At the end of the letter, the address and the floo address were written down. Jaques would be able to arrange an international portkey for this weekend and they would visit Arthur Weasley.

Clearwater House, November 6th, 2001

At the next day, Augustinus Lestrange made his way again through the muggle neighbourhood of the Clearwaters. He was dressed in a perfect muggle suit with grey, silk pants and pitch-black shoes. Knocking on the door, Jeremy Clearwater let him in and the man was led inside. The man had read some books and older articles in the Daily Prophet about the magical world. For now, Jeremy and Claire knew about the war and the recent defeat of the dark lord. When he took his seat on the couch again and the tea was served, Jeremy looked at the elderly man expectantly. “So, what are we going to do today? I mean, you want to claim the magical guardianship over our daughter and for that we need to go to the bank. How are we going to do that? I mean the other witches and wizards are going to notice us.” Augustinus nodded and explained: “For that reason, we are going to go first to my manor and from there, we are going to floo to Gringotts.” Jeremy and Claire were taken aback. “To floo?” Augustinus chuckled and explained the couple the floo network and how it was working. Both grimaced at the idea, but the question was, how are they going to use the floo network since they were non-magicals. They asked him so and the old Lord Lestrange answered: “Who said that you two were muggles? According to the Gringotts records, you both are squibs and squibs are able to use the floo like witches and wizards.” Jeremy and Claire looked at each other in shock and summed it up perfectly: “Oh.” After tea was finished, Augustinus stood up and said: “Now, let’s go. The quicker we do this, the better.” Jeremy asked Augustinus another question that made the old man realise something that he forgot: “What would happen to the magical guardianship, if you died? I mean, Lord Lestrange, you are over one hundred years old and anything could happen to you with those terrorists still running around free. I mean, you surely have a contingency plan, if you die.” Augustinus had to admit that even though Jeremy Clearwater is a squib, the man is witty. “Well, Mr. Clearwater, I have plans in case, I die prematurely before your daughter graduates and I will make sure to include in my will, who will be your daughter’s magical guardian. For now, let’s go.” Jeremy nodded and he, his wife and his daughter prepared themselves to leave.

Augustinus took out of his pocket a portkey that had the form of a used spinach can. The Clearwaters were curious and a bit confused about the empty spinach can in Lord Lestrange’s hands and Jeremy asked about it: “And this a portkey?” Augustinus just chuckled and he answered: “Yes. This is a portkey. We take some things that non-magicals like you threw away from the muggle world and craft it to a portkey. And now look.” In a second, the empty spinach can changes its form to a beautiful purple key. Jeremy and Claire rose their eyebrows in shock, because the couple couldn’t believe, what the wizards and witches were capable of. Augustinus quickly commanded: “Okay, everyone. Hold on it tight, because this trip that you three are going to make would be something that you would never forget.” Within a second, the house was empty of anyone of the residents.

Lestrange Manor/Gringotts

With a slight scream, the Clearwaters landed in the portkey area of Lestrange Manor. Laying on the floor groaning, they stood up. This was a trip, they would never forget. Jeremy was the first to be up to his feet and looked around for his daughter, if she was alright. He let out a breath of relief that she was unharmed since she had managed to land softly on the couch. Augustinus was laughing, when he had landed elegantly on his feet on the floor. Jeremy really needed to know, how to do this. “I call this rough landing, but don’t worry, you will get used to it on your third portkey travel. Now it’s time to use the floo. This is another way, how we are travelling in the magical world.” All three sighed deeply. They swore that this was just the beginning. Augustinus was leading the couple to the floo room and there they saw an empty fireplace. Augustinus explained holding an urn full of black powder: “This powder is floo powder, Mr. and Mrs. Clearwater. With this powder, we are travelling through the floo network and are going from one place to another. You took your stand on the fireplace and take a handful of the floo powder. Your loudly and clearly call your destination with a determined voice and throw the floo powder over the fireplace, where you are going to be engulfed in green flames and will arrive to your destination. I can promise you that no one had died in this process.” With that, Jakob was the first to use the floo, in order to test it out, so that he didn’t risk his wife and daughter first. Augustinus watched as one by one used the floo until it was his turn.

At the bank, the Clearwaters were astounded that they had survived the travel and were clearly in a big building. Jeremy was interrupted by a scream from his wife and looked at her direction, what had startled her, when he had seen a small, humanoid man, with large ears and black eyes. The creature said: “Please, keep your voice down and can you state your identification and your reason for this visit.” The goblin knew that they are first timers. Jeremy swallowed down and said politely: “My name is Jeremy Clearwater and this is my wife Claire. The young girl with us is our daughter, Penelope. We are here, because Lord Augustinus Lestrange had invited us and wanted to discuss with us about familial business.” The goblin saw behind the Clearwaters the floo flare green and Lord Lestrange stepped out of the floo. With a polite greeting, Lord Lestrange started: “I need to see my account manager.” The goblin nodded and said: “Follow me to the office of the Lestrange account manager.” With that the group of four made their way to the office.

On their way, the Clearwaters were astounded and curious, about what the goblins were doing. Augustinus explained them about Gringotts and the goblin nation. Especially, he warned them to be always polite to the goblins since it wouldn’t wise to anger those, who were handling your money. The goblin, who was leading them to the account manager office, was ready to snort, but he couldn’t disagree with Lord Lestrange since the man was right. Especially, he went on the etiquette, how to greet them, how to treat them and how to make a conversation without coming out rude. The elder Clearwater couple were listening to the man carefully and were making a mental note about the goblins.

When they arrived in front of a large door, the goblin knocked first and after they heard a ‘come-in’, all occupants in front of the door were led in by the goblin. The account manager, Sharpstone, had worked as the account manager for the Lestrange family for nearly sixty years and had seen many things from this family. The goblin hated what the family had become. The only member, who didn’t turn out to be bad, was the lord himself. The other members didn’t pay any respect and had no honour or shame, when their actions were recounted. Sharpstone summoned four seats and with a gesture, he indicated them to take a seat. Looking at the occupants in the room, the goblin turned his attention to Lord Lestrange. “What can we do for you today, Lord Lestrange?” Augustinus answered: “First, I need a genealogy test from the girl’s father, in order to have proof that Jeremy Clearwater is descending from my aunt Esmaralda and as a whole from the Lestrange family.” The goblin started to work and Augustinus explained to the Clearwaters that they needed first proof to the Wizengamot that Penelope is really descending from his family. The couple understood the situation. Claire even asked, if it would be alright to make a genealogy test, in order to see her side of the family. Both men were not sure about that, when Augustinus explained that she was descending from the Malfoy family, but at the end, they would do the genealogy test regardless. The goblin nodded his head, when Claire requested to do the same thing and the goblin started two files.

After a while, the genealogy had been conducted. Jeremy had to go three generations back, in order to prove that Esmaralda Lestrange was his direct ancestor. The goblin explained him the same thing, what had happened to his ancestor and he was shocked to learn, what had happened to his great-great-grandmother and looked at Augustinus Lestrange, who looked resigned about the information. Jeremy knew that the man had to know, what had happened to his great-great-grandmother, but it must have been painful to find out that the family was not as perfect as the man had believed it to be. Thankfully, his ancestor received justice after she moved out and left the wizarding world, in order to open up business in the non-magical world. Claire needed to go further back to prove that Licinius Malfoy was her ancestor. According to the goblins, Licinius Malfoy was a squib from the Malfoy family that was abandoned in the non-magical world as a baby, when it was proven that he was a squib. At first, she was horrified, what the Malfoys had done, but then, the goblin revealed that her ancestor was not left on the street to die, but he was given to a noble family in the non-magical world, who were allied with the House Malfoy. Claire sighed in relief, but she still didn’t understand, why witches and wizards had been abandoning squibs until the goblin explained that the Malfoys were not the only family that would do that. Furthermore, he explained that abandoning squibs was the lesser of the evils, how squibs were treated. Jeremy and Claire paled, when the goblin revealed that some families abused their squib children or threw them out on the streets without a penny in the pocked. And there were even darker families that killed off any squibs, in order to hide their shame completely. For Claire and Jeremy, it was sickening, but Augustinus assured them that these times have come to an end. Both sighed in relief. After that, the goblin went to business about the magical guardianship.

The goblin looked at Augustinus critically. “And now, you are here to take up the magical guardianship over your relative.” Augustinus nodded and explained: “I don’t want Dumbledore to have any control over the next heiress Lestrange.” The goblin nodded and sneered at the idea of Dumbledore having control over the heiress. The Clearwaters were confused about, who this Dumbledore fellow is until Augustinus explained to them that Dumbledore is currently the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Chief Warlock, the British representative in the ICW and the Supreme Mugwump. Even though, he sounds to be a powerful man, Augustinus explained them, what he had been doing to the magical world due to his beliefs and standing to anything dark. Jeremy could describe Dumbledore as an authoritarian ruler, who thinks that his agenda is the only one that will help the wizarding world. Augustinus couldn’t have agreed more with his first cousin twice removed and the Clearwaters requested from the goblin the magical guardianship papers, in order to declare Augustinus Lestrange their daughter’s magical guardian. After Sharpstone gave them the paperwork, they filled out the paperwork with a pen-like quill that the goblins created. The Kurusus used the same quill like the Clearwaters, in order to avoid smearing and that the muggles and squibs had it easier instead of an open pot of ink and a feather quill. Officially, Penelope Clearwater’s magical guardian is none other than Augustinus Lestrnage and that would annoy Dumbledore to no end since he wanted Arthur and Molly to have the magical guardianship of the girl, but this would be thwarted spectacularly.

Gringotts, November 7th, 2001

Narcissa made her way into Gringotts with her son in a stroller after she received a message from the goblins that Lucius was going to be waken up from his comatose state. After the message was read, the woman dressed herself quickly in her best outfit and put her son in a stroller since he wasn’t able to walk or stand for longer periods. Narcissa was proud that her son was a quick learner and was able to walk after a year. She was excited that her husband was waking up, but there was also an underlining sadness since all of this mess could have been avoided, if Abraxas didn’t decide to play puppet master in their lives. She remembered that her father and mother-in-law tried everything to save her and her husband from the mess, but after the death of Eleanor Malfoy, it was nearly impossible. The former Lady Malfoy hated the dark lord with a passion and it seemed like that Lucius followed in her footsteps much to Abraxas’ outrage. The marriage between her and Lucius was also something that neither her father-in-law nor her mother wanted to happen, but they had to accept it with a bitter taste in their mouths since the Blacks had many hidden marriage contracts that needed to be fulfilled. Now, Abraxas was dying and her husband would become permanently Lord Malfoy and not temporarily. She couldn’t wait for that to happen since her husband would never side with Voldemort again, when she was going to show his inheritance test, but he also was never going to side with Dumbledore and his blind followers due to their bigotry and their stand against the dark families.

Entering the bank, Narcissa was still in thought until she was in front of one of the teller’s desks. After she greeted the goblin politely, Narcissa requested: “I am here to see my husband. He was here this entire week, because he was potioned and spelled. Not to mention that he had some blocks and a leech on his magical core.” The goblin nodded and led Lady Malfoy to one of the elevators that were leading to the healing wards of Gringotts.

When they arrived at their destination, one of the goblin healers arrived and took over the lead and the teller returned back to the elevator after explaining why Lady Malfoy was here, in order to return back to work. She led her to one of the healing wards, where ten hospital beds were set up. On one of the beds, her husband was lying. With a click of her finger, the female goblin healer dispelled the coma and stasis spells on Lord Malfoy. She explained: “For now, your husband is sleeping. You have to be patient until he wakes up. For now, I am going to leave you and your youngling alone since I have a lot of work to do in my office. I will immediately be called, if Lord Malfoy is awake.” With that the goblin left Narcissa and Draco alone in the ward. Both were patiently waiting for Lucius to wake up from this ordeal. After an hour Narcissa started to pace since she didn’t know, how her husband would react with what she had been doing the past week, when he was out of the game, but she was sure that he would have nothing against it that she had gained some new allies. Draco was sitting calmly in his stroller and was watching his father, how he was sleeping.

After two hours, Narcissa started to panic and was ready to call the healer, but then, she noticed some movement on her husband’s bed and she heard her baby boy yell for her. Turning to her son and husband, she was watching, how Lucius was slowly waking up.

Lucius was slowly waking up, when he smelled hospital. The last thing, he remembered, was that he was sitting in an interrogation room with two aurors that he vaguely recognised as Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt. The next moment, he was in Gringotts and everything went black, when the goblins laid him down on a hospital bed, in order to heal him from some kind of spell damage. He hoped that someone found out, what his father and the dark lord had done to him and helped him. He started to blink his eyes open and saw his sweet wife’s face shown in front of him. “Cissy.” Narcissa flinched a little and quickly answered to the rough voice of her husband. “Lucius, thank Merlin, you are awake.” Lucius realised that it was really his wife and not an imagination and with a great deal of strength, he managed to sit up. Looking around, Lucius noticed that he was in a hospital bed in a healing ward. Beside him was his beloved wife and his sweet baby boy. He sighed in relief that they seemed alright. A few moments later, a female goblin arrived and started to examine him. She made some scans on him, in order to make sure that the current Lord Malfoy was alright. Narcissa distracted him by explaining, how he had ended up here and how he had been given a full pardon for his crimes since his actions were controlled by the dark lord and his father. Lucius let out a breath of relief. It is good that no one was going to prosecute his time as a death eater since he barely remembered anything, what he had done during this time, when he was under potions and spells. The next thing, she told him was the time, when he was here in the healing ward. He was shocked, proud and happy, what his wife had achieved. She provided her memories about the meeting here in Gringotts and he couldn’t believe that they had enough allies to stop Dumbledore and the d- Voldemort. He never will respect this man ever again for what he had done to him. Voldemort will pay for what he had done to him and Dumbledore will suffer too since he knew that the man must have been connected to Voldemort and his rise at the beginning of the 90s. He was furious, when he learned, what the Potters, Sirius and Lupin had done to their godson, but he was mollified, when he was told that Akira was safe, Sirius was disowned and the godson-godfather bond was severed.

Narcissa looked at her husband with hopes in her eyes: “Lucius, are you going to help us get revenge and make Dumbledore, Voldemort and their followers suffer for their actions.” Lucius didn’t need to think twice: “Considering all the facts that are revealed to me, I am not a fool to say no. I am in. I want to make sure that no one is getting away unscathed.” Narcissa had a fond smile on her face. This is good. It is time for revenge and it would be dished in Black family style. She explained her first plan of action at the Wizengamot meeting on November 15th. Lucius grinned and wrote down on a piece of parchment, what dark family is going to help them and what family is still blindly devoted to the dark lord since he was a member of the inner circle and had a better overview than Narcissa. Narcissa looked at the list and could only grin that sent shivers down her husband’s spine. She knew that many families were lost causes since they are devoted to the dark wanker. But also a great number of dark families may have at least one death eater in their families, but thank Merlin the heads were against Voldemort and Dumbledore. It would be easy to sway them to their side. And a minority were already firmly on their side since they hated Voldemort from the beginning. Narcissa explained that the Prince, Rookwood, Rowle and Rosier families were against Voldemort from the beginning since Evan, Thorfinn, Augustus and Severus were spying on him. She has control over the Black family seat as Regent Black and as Akira’s magical guardian, she had control over the Potter, Peverell, Gryffindor, Le Fay, Shafiq, Slytherin and Gaunt seats. Additionally, Lucius is Lord Malfoy. So, they would have enough power to render the dark fraction useless, if they convince the other noble and less noble families on their side. Lucius whistled at the number of dark families, they could manage to sway to their side and make a united front against Dumbledore and Voldemort. From the light, Narcissa was sure that Dowager Longbottom, Lady Lovegood and Dame Prewett would be able to sway some light families on their side, who were distrustful towards Dumbledore and his followers. Whereas Lord Weasley would be able to sway some department heads on their side. She was also sure that Lord Patil, Lady Brown and Lord Slughorn, whose brother is her former potion master and head of house, would help them. From Dumbledore’s side, Narcissa knew that his firm believers were coming from the heads of the Jones, Doge, Podmore, Dearborn, McDonald, Vance, Fenwick and Diggle families. From the Patil family, she knew that Lady Patil is a firm believer in Dumbledore. The same goes to Consort Brown. There are also some of his sympathisers like the Corner, Goldstein, MacMillan, Smith, Chang, Edgecombe and McLaggen families. And from the neutrals, Narcissa knew that they had the Greengrass, Zabini, Davis and Bones families on their side. She knew that there would be more, because from the neutral fraction, there are the Abbott, Dunbar, Crouch, Reynold, Vane, Caruso, Tolipan, Li and other neutral siding families. With all those families, they would have control over the Wizengamot. Narcissa explained that they would allow Dumbledore to remain Chief Warlock for ten years until July 2011, when a new Chief Warlock would be elected, then, Dumbledore would face his first loss of power. Lucius accepted the plan since Dumbledore may be holding the position of Chief Warlock, but the man is rendered powerless since he didn’t have enough votes to sway the Wizengamot to his side, if their plan is successful.

They snapped to attention, when the goblin healer cleared her throat to get their attention. When the attention was on the female goblin, she explained: “Lord Malfoy, you will be released this afternoon, when I make my final scans on you. There could still be some dark residue from the potions, spells and blocks, but other than that, you should be fine.” Lucius nodded and knew that the goblin was right since most controlling potions and spells like compulsion spells leave dark magical residue on the magical core, which could harm the core badly. In case of children and youths, it is worse since their cores are developing. Thankfully, in Akira’s case, the residue was removed by Lady Magic, so that the core can develop without any issue. Narcissa waited for the time being until the goblin can give them a clean bill of health, so that they can go home and start planning.

Potter Manor, November 8th, 2001

In Potter Manor, Sirius woke up sobbing loudly. He had been informed that he had been disowned and the godfather-godson bond with Harry had been shattered into pieces. The screams of denial would have been heard miles away, if there were no silencing wards around the manor. James tried to calm his best friend down, but Sirius was beyond of his rational mind. He was screaming in fury about the loss of his job and about his ex-family. The former Black heir was yelling, how they had no right to disown him and that Lady Magic had no right to take away his godfather-godson bond from him, but there was nothing to be done since it was irreversible.

“Padfoot! You need to calm down. We will find a way to make your former family pay for what they had done to you. Harry is the Black heir and if he reunites with us, then, we will make the Black family suffer for their actions against you”, James tried, but it was the wrong approach since Sirius knew that Harry isn’t with the Dursleys and that his best friend and his wife are not Harry’s magical guardians anymore, because the Dursleys signed away their rights to another muggle couple, who made Narcissa Harry’s magical guardian. There is nothing that can be done since the paperwork was done in Gringotts and the goblins would declare war, if someone tried to force the goblins to negate the magical guardianship. Sirius wanted to cry and tell James the truth, but the seal of silence is blocking him. This is a nightmare. He wished to break the seal, but his former family had so strong seals that not even Albus would be able to break them.

James didn’t understand, what was going on with Sirius. The man had first been furious about his family, but when he had assured him that with the help of Harry’s position as heir Black everything would be fixed, the man was crying. Maybe it is because of the loss of the godfather-godson bond. James wanted to torture and kill Arcturus Black, for what he had done to Padfoot, but he knew he can’t, because the idiot public didn’t care about Sirius and Bellatrix and is believing that Sirius is as bad as Bellatrix and Arcturus Black wasn’t someone, he wanted to mess up with since the man was as dangerous as his father. Sirius fought for the light side and changed his way, but it seemed like that that wasn’t enough. He wished there was a way to fix this now, but sadly, he can’t do anything for Siri. Since Harry was gone, some things were not going their way lately, but thankfully, they had the fame of John’s status as the ‘Boy-Who-Lived’, in order to make some headways in destroying the dark.

“Sirius, James, breakfast!”, Lily yelled from the dining room, in order to distract Sirius from screaming. She was sad, what had happened to Sirius and she will never forgive Arcturus Black for what he had done. Both went down to eat something, so that they could think of a way to fix this. Unknown to them, from this day on, things are going to change for the worse for them.

Malfoy Manor

Lucius and Narcissa were eating their breakfast in near complete silence. Both were happy that the manor was no longer a headquarter for the death eaters. Yesterday, they spent some time outside, in order to clear their heads. Thankfully, Narcissa cleared the house of any dark magical artefacts that were in the manor, because of Voldemort and his rabid followers. The wards on Malfoy Manor were strong enough to destroy the artefacts. Narcissa found out that the wards were weakened, because of Abraxas and that was the reason, why everyone and everything was able to enter the manor. Now, the artefacts were gone and her son was safe since many of these artefacts were harmful to children. There was also an artefact that caused Narcissa to suffer miscarriages and she understood the reason why she had lost so many children after she had Draco. Sadly, the artefact made her infertile and she wished to find the person, who brought that thing in her house and kill the idiot painfully. Sadly, the wards were not able to disclose, who brought what, but it didn’t matter. All those, who were devoted to Voldemort, are going to suffer painfully. Even the families. She was done allowing those monsters to get away with so much.

Lucius had seen his wife’s angry face even though she was wearing a pureblood mask of disinterest. He knew, what she was thinking, and it was about the dark artefact that had caused all these miscarriages after they had got Draco. It was painful, how many children, they had lost, because of an idiot, who thought that it was funny to bring such a dangerous, dark artefact in his house. Lucius wanted to know, who brought this thing inside his manor and kill that person painfully and slowly, but the war was over, and he can’t do anything for now since he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in Azkaban for murdering an idiot.

After they finished eating, Narcissa started: “Lucius, today I am going to Lady Burke, in order to sway her to our side, in order to make sure that Voldemort’s followers do not get to her.” Lucius nodded in agreement. He proceeded: “I am going to Gerald. He is the elder brother of Amycus and Alecto and he was against Voldemort since his grandfather had raised him to be a proper heir and future Lord. Gerald’s father was skipped by the old Lord Carrow since he was a strict opponent of Voldemort due to his history with Grindelwald, who he opposed.” Narcissa nodded happily. “Can you convince him to disown his younger twin siblings? I mean, if they are convicted, then, he would lose a lot of money, because of them.” Lucius shook his head. “That is impossible since Amycus and Alecto are protected by the family charter. Patrick Carrow made sure that Amycus and Alecto are not disowned from the Carrow family by his eldest son in case of an arrest and conviction.” Narcissa was not happy about this, but Lucius gave her worse news. “I am also sure that they would be able bribe their ways out of Azkaban with the claim of being under the imperious. And before you are going to explain me about the dark residue of the imperio curse, I will warn you that Voldemort had also healers on his side, who had helped him and his followers. It is easy to fake a certification record and put it as evidence.” Narcissa was miserable. She knew that her husband was right and that there was nothing to be done. Lucius knew that they needed to sway the dark families to their side of thinking. Today, they are going to start to sway the dark families away from Voldemort and his followers.

“Let’s hope, our plan does work. We cannot afford to allow either Dumbledore or Voldemort to have any control over the wizarding world.” Lucius nodded in agreement. Those two are going to regret the day they were born for their actions.

In these past days, Narcissa, her husband and her newly gained allies managed to sway many of the dark, neutral and ligh-siding families against Dumbledore and Voldemort. The only families that remained on Voldemort side were the Parkinsons, Crabbes, Goyles, Warringtons, Puceys, Montagues, Bulstrodes, Jugsons, Averys, Selwyns and Yaxleys. Those families would remain on Voldemort’s side no matter what they could do. On Dumbledore’s side, Augusta informed them that the Jones, Doge, Diggle, Fenwick, Podmore, Dearborn, McDonald and Vance families were firm believers in Dumbledore. But Dumbledore had also sympathisers like the Dowager Longbottom before. The McLaggen, Chang, Edgecombe, MacMillan, Smith, Corner and Goldstein families are sympathisers of the old fool. The only way to turn them away would be to destroy Dumbledore’s reputation, in order to make sure that those families turn their backs on them.

With all those families, they would be able to render the Wizengamot and school board useless.

Weasley Manor, November 10th, 2001

Arthur Weasley was waiting patiently for Lord and Lady Diggory with their son. When he heard the bells in the floo room, a house elf appeared in front of him and informed that there were visitors in the floo room. “Bring them here, Twinky.” The house elf nodded and bowed, before he popped away. He prepared himself, how to approach the subject. He of course invited the Diggorys first, in order to discuss Charlie’s and Cedric’s future relationship. Furthermore, he arranged for the Delacour family to come during the Yule holidays since his son was still in school and couldn’t come home, when they planned to come this weekend, in order to be introduced to Bill. Arthur informed them that currently, it wasn’t possible since as a parent, he can take his son from the school one weekend per month. The Delacours accepted it since they knew the school rules. Now, he had to prepare himself for his meeting with the Diggorys.

Amos and Catherine Diggory with their son flooed to Weasley Manor and landed in the floo room. After they stepped out of the floo, a house elf in a toga that was carrying the Weasley colours popped in. The elf bowed and told them to follow him to the main parlour, where Arthur was sitting and thinking. When the red-headed man noticed the Diggory couple, he greeted them politely: “Merry meet, Lord Diggory, Lady Diggory.” Amos and Catherine barely managed to repress a snort. Amos started: “Arthur, we are friends. There are no formalities between us.” Arthur just chuckled and indicated them to take a seat. “I wanted to see, how you two would react.” Catherine just smiled and shook her head at Arthur’s response. Amos just laughed and took his seat with his wife. With the jokes aside, they went into serious business. Catherine was the first. “Arthur, we have read the letter and the inheritance test of Charlie and I can’t believe, what Molly had done. I should have noticed that something was wrong since my gut feeling told me that something was going on at your house, but I didn’t know, what. I am sorry.” Arthur sighed and Amos just comforted his wife: “Catherine, it isn’t your fault. Even if we had known, what that woman had done, we wouldn’t have any proof to make sure that the woman faces justice. Speaking of Molly, where is she?” Catherine nodded at her husband and when her husband asked about Molly, she looked at the Arthur questioningly. Arthur took a deep breath and explained, what he had done and where she is living now. He also included Ron’s and Ginny’s parentage. Amos and Catherine were ready to go to the Burrow and torture Molly Weasley until she was begging for mercy. That bitch not only used controlling potions and spells, but had the audacity to cheat on Arthur with a black market dealer. Amos never liked Mundungus Fletches since that man was disgusting, slimy and criminal. He wished to see this man in Azkaban, but the aurors were unsuccessful in that aspect since Dumbledore was protecting him. There were not even words for her actions and they doubted that Molly would repent her ways and would follow Dumbledore’s plans. The Diggorys were shocked about the history of the Weasley family and why some darker pureblood families called them blood traitors. Arthur also explained them that Mundungus was a descendant from Herbert Fletcher formally Weasley, who was responsible for the third broken marriage contracts with the Malfoy family. They had to admit that the family history was mind blowing. Amos was glad that he didn’t join Dumbledore’s order and his side in the Wizengamot.

Whereas the adults were discussing about Albus’, Molly’s and Minerva’s actions, Cedric played with the four remaining Weasley boys. He felt happier, when he was around Charlie, who felt heat and joy pouring inside him, when he saw Cedric and played with him. He had never felt so much happiness before and Charlie also felt overprotective towards Cedric since it was clear that Cedric was submissive. For now, their bond was platonic, but at a later date the bond would have been more.

Malfoy Manor, November 14th, 2001

Today was the first meeting of the New Great Alliance with the chief of the Gringotts bank in attendance discussing, what would be the topic in the Wizengamot session tomorrow. Narcissa had an idea with what they can start. When the attention was on her, Lady Malfoy started: “Lords, Ladies, the first thing, we should do is take care of Voldemort’s monetary assets. We need to remove those assets and make sure that all the money should be used for the reparations and recompensations for the families that suffered because of the war. With that, we would be able to stop Dumbledore from using the Hogwarts Vaults. We will go against Dumbledore, when the time is right.” Everyone agreed. Augustinus added his support. “I agree with Lady Malfoy. We should teach those little shits, what consequences are, and punish them adequately. The nomination would be that the monetary assets from convicted death eaters would be confiscated by the ministry and would only be used for the damages and as recompensation for everyone, who had suffered, because of the war. But we need to tread carefully.” He turned his attention to Ragnock. “Chief Ragnock, would this nomination break any of the treaties that the Wizengamot and the Goblin Nation made in the past.” Ragnock had a thoughtful look and quickly took out a file with copies of the treaties that the goblin nation had made with the British ministry of magic. The goblin was reading the treaties line by line and found nothing that would interfere this nomination. With a nod, he said: “There is nothing. This nomination wouldn’t have any effect to the bank, but we need a new treaty for this nomination since it is interfering with our clients in the bank. But I am agreeing with you that those miscreants need to be punished. The damages are 25 345 234 Galleons 120 345 623 Sickles and 450 765 Knuts.” Ragnock hated Voldemort and his ilk since they had no respect for them and treated them like trash like Dumbledore and his followers. It was about time to deal with those fools accordingly and he hoped that Lady Malfoy would modernise the wizarding world.

Adriana looked unsure and asked the other members of the Wizengamot: “But what happens, if the money isn’t enough that is going to be seized for the damages?” Everyone looked thoughtful apart from Ragnock, who was grinning viciously. The goblin grin was uncomfortable and for some it was scary. Ragnock answered: “Then, they are going to work their debts off in our mines and be sent to Azkaban prison, when they are finished with their debt. And I can tell you that the goblin mines were not going to be picnic.” Everyone swallowed hard. The goblin mines were brutal and are crueller than being exposed to dementors in Azkaban. Adriana regretted the question and squeaked: “Okay.” Augustinus rubbed his hands. This punishment would make sure that his ex-great nephews learn, what pain is and what it means to work hard since they were spoilt, when they were children. It is time to suffer. Ragnock caught the look on Augustinus Lestrange and knew that the man could think about his ex- great nephews, who are going to spend some time in their mines.

Narcissa quickly changed the topic since it was scary to watch a vicious goblin grin and Augustinus’ gleam, how to make Rodulphus and Rabastan suffer for their action. She knew that it wasn’t going to end well for her former sister. “Our next point that would be discussed in this Wizengamot meeting would be the attack in Godric’s Hollow. Dumbledore is going to make it special and we need to take advantage of this.” Everyone nodded. Callidora suggested: “If we ask the right questions, we will bring some uncomfortable information to the light.” Cyrus nodded in agreement and explained: “If we ask for an investigation by the Unspeakables, in order to find out, how the killing curse was rebounded, it would send Dumbledore in a frenzy. Not to forget that the Potter twins should have been checked by a healer after the attack, in order to see, if there were any dark magical residue or if Voldemort left something that could harm the boy. It would be nasty to answer these questions since Dumbledore and Potter would try everything to circumvent those questions and they wouldn’t appear in a good light, if they try.” Everyone nodded in agreement. Potter and Dumbledore would be in a nasty surprise tomorrow at the Wizengamot.

After they finished the discussion about the Wizengamot meeting, the next order of business is the school board meeting on November 27th, 2001. Many were confused, what to do on this school board meeting. They can’t change Hogwarts, how they wanted since Dumbledore would use the public to go against the changes. Narcissa had an idea. They needed something new that would be supported by the public, but would be threat to Dumbledore’s kingdom that he couldn’t get rid of since the public would stay in the way. “I have an idea. We need something that the public would support, but at the same time would be a threat to Dumbledore and his Greater Good. Currently, we can’t make any changes in Hogwarts, but we can wait, when the time is right. And I know exactly what would help us?” Narcissa had a good plan and this plan would be successful. Adriana asked: “What is your plan, Cissy? Come on, I am dying of excitement.” Everyone looked at Narcissa, who was grinning like a cat, who got the cream. “My plan is to build a primary school in the wizarding world. Every magical child from the age of six to ten would be able to attend the school. I am sure that the public would support this, but it would be a threat to Dumbledore and his Greater Good. This school would be out of Dumbledore’s control and power base and we all know that Dumbledore would hate this.” Everyone nodded in agreement. Arthur thought for a few seconds before he started to laugh. Everyone looked at him like he had the Black Madness, which wouldn’t be impossible since Arthur is partially a Black. “Oh, I know, what your plan is. With the primary school, the Potters, Lupin and Dumbledore would be under pressure, because Akira would be reintroduced to the wizarding world earlier than they wanted. And when they find out that Akira is missing the entire time, then it would end pretty bad for them and they would take a hit to their reputation, which would make it easier to change Hogwarts to its former glory.” Narcissa chuckled evilly. Of course, Arthur would find out about her plan. A Black understands another Black. Everyone liked the idea. It would also make Dumbledore sweat for the time being. Now, they had to execute their plan.

Chapter Text

Wizengamot, November 15th, 2001

Today was the first Wizengamot meeting after the war. Lucius was accompanying Narcissa to the Wizengamot courtroom and introduced her to the chambers, where she would spend an entire day per month making decisions for the wizarding world. Lucius knew that Dumbledore was trying to abolish the aristocracy in the wizarding world and tries to implement the muggle democracy in their world, but it was impossible to do something like this. Albus could try, however he wanted, but this would never work since the aristocratic system can’t be abolished without the approval of one of the three Ancient and Imperial Houses that are represented by the Le Fay, Pendragon and Emrys lines and he knows that Akira under their tutelage would never agree on this. Lucius also found another motive behind Dumbledore’s plan to send Akira to the muggle world. The man wanted control over the poor boy and would have been able to convince Akira to abolish the aristocratic system in their world and reform it to a democracy, but now, this plan would be destroyed without any problems since Akira would be raised the proper way of a noble wizard, but at the same time, he would be raised to know the muggle world. Lucius took his seat in the dark section, whereas Narcissa went to the light section since Sirius moved the Black seats there. It was going to be uncomfortable since most light siders would see it as an insult that a Malfoy is in the light section. When the other members started to appear, Narcissa received many hostile looks from Dumbledore’s followers and sympathisers. Some gave her sympathetic looks like Callidora Longbottom and Muriel Prewett. Narcissa hoped that the session starts soon since the looks are getting on her nerves. Callidora whispered to her: “Many are not going to be happy. I wish you good luck with James Potter since I had heard that the man was furious that Sirius was disowned and left to die in the cold with nothing apart from his clothes on his body. I am not sure, if he was going to make the connection that you had a hand in this.” Narcissa smiled and whispered back: “No, he will believe that my son is the new Heir Black. Potter will be unbearable.” Lady Longbottom nodded in agreement. “I am only waiting that the session starts and that I can reassign the Black seats to the dark section.” Her great aunt answered quietly: “You better.”

Narcissa saw James Potter coming into the Wizengamot. When he had seen her, the man fumed in rage. James couldn’t believe that the old Lord Black would allow that bitch to have control over the seat. She should be in Azkaban with the other death eaters, but there was no proof for her involvement. Advancing towards the light section, he confronted the woman: “What are you doing here, Malfoy?” Narcissa looked quizzical, even though, she wanted to curse the bastard to the next oblivion and back. She answered: “I am sitting on the Black seat since I am surprisingly the new Regent of the House Black since my great uncle disowned Sirius.” James and the rest of Dumbledore’s sheep glared at her. They were furious, what had happened to Sirius. James wanted to say more, but he can’t. He hoped that Lucius Malfoy will end up in Azkaban. James smirked and asked: “Where is your husband?” Narcissa just smiled much to James’ annoyance. “He is sitting on the Malfoy seat on the other side of the room.” James turned around and saw Lucius Malfoy sitting calmly on his seat. James’ face turned red in fury. How is that possible? The man should be sitting in a ministry holding cell until his trial and face justice. Looking back at Narcissa, he saw, how the woman was smiling calmly again. She managed to read his face and answered: “You ask yourself, why isn’t he in the ministry holding cells. Well, the answer is that my poor husband spent an entire week in Gringotts. Especially, in the healing ward since the arresting aurors, Auror Moody and Auror Shacklebolt, found out through an inheritance test that Lucius was loaded with loyalty, compulsion and hate potions by my father-in-law and Voldemort. Additionally, those bastards spelled him with compulsion spells, put him under the imperio curse and they put a leech on his core.” Narcissa lips were in a thin line since she hated to confirm this in front of anyone. The others gasped in shock and flinched, when she said You-Know-Who’s name. James flinched slightly and was angry. He doesn’t believe this, but if it was Alastor and Kingsley, who arrested Lucius, then, there was nothing he can do. And he wasn’t going to cause a goblin war, if he claimed that the inheritance test was a fake. James sat down angrily on his seat and hoped that the session would be good since he had a feeling that the session would end up pretty bad. The session was supposed to start ten minutes ago, but they had to wait for their chief warlock. Narcissa hated Dumbledore for being late since he was displaying, how important he was with his lateness.

When Albus arrived in the chambers, the man took a good look around the Wizengamot and noticed Narcissa on the Black seat. He swallowed hard since he knew that this will not be good. Albus opened the Wizengamot session and the first thing was a request from Lord Crouch and the head of the DMLE to activate a seal of silence since he had an important, but also a secret announcement to make that is forbidden to get out in the public due to safety reasons. It was done before anyone was asked, if they want to reassign their seat in the Wizengamot. With a vote, the request was approved much to Dumbledore’s confusion and agitation. Then, he saw four Orders of Merlin First Class appear on Crouch’s desk. Bartemius cleared his throat and started after he gave the minister a glance, who nodded that he should do this: “Today, I am going to announce four heroes that have helped the DMLE and the ministry of magic during the war to stop the Dark Lord Voldemort and his followers from killing more innocent people by their heroic, but also risky actions. They have risked their lives for our society and did their duties to protect the magical community from this dark lord. I, myself, congratulate those four men for their actions even though they had to kill many people, in order to keep their covers and protect our world from the death eaters.” Everyone knew that Crouch was talking about spies, who had helped during the war. Bartemius took a deep breath and continued: “I applaud for their bravery and also their courage for what they had done. For that reason, Lords and Ladies, I am handing those Orders of Merlin First Class to those four men. The first one to step forward would be Lord Thorfinn Rowle.” The notorious Lord Rowle made his way to the middle of the Wizengamot ignoring everyone apart from Bartemius Crouch. The supporters of Voldemort were furious that there was not only one traitor, but four in their midst. They had known about Evan Rosier since he was revealed by that fool Julius Podmore and they had dealt with him appropriately. But they never thought that there was more than one spy. In the light section, many were annoyed that the man was going to receive the Order of Merlin First Class. They risked their lives, but still received nothing from it. James glared angrily at the man. Who did he think he was? Rowle doesn’t deserve an Order of Merlin First Class, but the supportive looks from the minister and the head of the DMLE would make sure that his protests would be silenced. Minister Bagnold and Bartemius Crouch followed by the other members of the Wizengamot clapped politely and the minister gave him the order. Bartemius continued: “The next person to step forward would be Lord Augustus Rookwood.” Augustus made his way to the middle with an expressionless mask. The darker purebloods vibrated in fury. They should have never trusted Unspeakables. They warned their lord about them, but he didn’t listen to them and now, it is revealed that they were right. Augustus received his order in the same manner like Thorfinn. Bartemius continued after giving Augustus his order: “The next person can’t step forward to take his Order of Merlin First Class since he was found out and killed during the war, but his brother had decided to take the order in honour of his brother. Step forward, Lord Darren Rosier. Your younger brother, Evan Rosier, was a brave man, who had helped us against the Dark Lord Voldemort and his followers.” Darren nodded sadly and made his way to the middle of the Wizengamot. Bartemius gave him the order and bowed out of respect. James hated this meeting. In his opinion, it was an insult to the light that those three death eaters are getting the Orders of Merlin First Class. His son deserves this title since he was the one, who stopped Voldemort and vanquished him, but he had to remain quiet since it needs to be investigated, who should receive the Order of Merlin First Class and Dumbledore said that they can’t allow it since the ministry would ask uncomfortable questions about Harry. For that reason, he remained quiet. Bartemius took the last order in his hands and announced: “And finally, I want Severus Snape to step forward to take his Order of Merlin First Class for his help and his achievements during the war. He had proven his loyalty to us and fought on our side against the death eaters even though he had to make a lot of sacrifices, in order to achieve his goals.” Before Bartemius could give Severus his order, there were loud protests from the light section. Especially from James Potter. The man was absolutely furious, when he had seen, how his school nemesis was rewarded with an order, whereas his son got nothing since they had to keep quiet about Harry. This wasn’t right. First, he is the youngest potion master and now he gets an order. James thundered in pure rage: “YOU CAN’T DO THAT. THAT DEATH EATER DOESN’T DESERVE THIS. HE KILLED MANY INNOCENT PEOPLE AND YOU ARE GIVING HIM AN ORDER! WITH WHAT DID HE BRIBE YOU, SO THAT HE CAN GET ONE!” Narcissa sighed deeply. That man is an idiot. Bartemius snapped at James Potter: “Enough, Lord Potter. This isn’t your decision, who gets an Order of Merlin First Class and who not. Severus Snape is a hero. He chose to risk his life for nearly nothing, in order to protect our community from Voldemort and his followers.” Before Bartemius could continue, one of the aurors snapped at him in pure fury. It was Hestia Jones. “Hero! Hero! You call that monster a hero. He killed Julius.” The woman broke down in tears since she was in love with Julius Podmore and she wanted to marry him, but one night she watched how her love of her life was tortured, mutilated and killed by Snape. She vowed revenge against that bastard and wanted to bring him to justice. Now, her revenge would never be fulfilled since she knows that he will get away with it. Bartemius’ lips thinned into a line. He and the minister didn’t want this to get out, but he will explain why he was killed. Bartemius watched Lord Podmore, who was first pale and then, became red-faced in fury. The man roared in rage: “YOU DID WHAT? YOU KILLED MY SON AND HEIR. I DEMAND HIS ARREST. HE SHOULD BE TRIALED NOT REWARDED!” Only a minority voiced their agreement. The others remained silent since the minister and the head of the DMLE seemed to be involved in the death of Julius Podmore. Milicent Bagnold used her gavel to get silence. “SILENCE!” The booming voice of the minister was heard around the chamber. When the chamber was deathly silent, the minister turned to Bartemius. “Bartemius, can you give us some context why Heir Podmore was killed?” Bartemius nodded and turned to Lord Podmore with a cold, calculating look. “Lord Podmore, your son and heir, Julius Podmore, admitted that he was an accomplice of the murder of Evan Rosier, who was a ministry spy during the war. We investigated your son after Evan’s death and found out that Heir Podmore blackmailed Mr. Rosier into joining the order or he would expose him as a spy. When Evan refused and tried to obliviate him, which failed since he had some protections against the oblivation charm, your son exposed our spy to the death eaters and because of him we have lost a vital member of the DMLE. We charged your son with premeditated murder and treason and found him guilty in a closed session. Your son was sentenced to die. When Julius Podmore found out about Severus Snape, Severus bound him and contacted me, how to deal with him. I arrived at the scene and ordered Severus to kill your son, in order to stop Heir Podmore from exposing Severus too.” Bartemius sat down and everyone started to mutter. Lord Podmore looked betrayed and turned his attention to Dumbledore, who was shocked about this turn of event. He couldn’t believe, how far Crouch went to protect his spies. One of his people died and this was the result. He promised Edward Podmore to find his son’s killer, but now, there was pretty much nothing he can do since Severus was going to be pardoned for his crimes as a death eater. James couldn’t believe, how corruptive the ministry was. He swore, he will fix this corruption and find a way to throw Snivellus into Azkaban. James pitied Hestia. The poor woman was in love with Julius and Snape destroyed everything by killing the man. When there were no disruptions, Bartemius gave Severus the order and announced that all four received full pardons and all of their arrest warrants were dismissed. With that the seal of silence was dissolved. Hestia was furious and was ready to storm from the chambers. Albus and his sheep looked ready to object, but nothing came out of their mouths. They swore to make Crouch pay for this monstrosity.

When this drama was over, Albus turned his attention, if there were new introductions or reassignments. He sighed, when Lucius stood up and introduced Narcissa, who also stood up from the light section. “I introduce my wife, Lady Narcissa Malfoy. She is the new Regent of the Ancient and Noble House of Black.” Many looked happy that Narcissa was the new regent of the House Black. They didn’t like Sirius due to his vulgar behaviour and bad attitude, but Narcissa was a soft and well-mannered woman. In the light section, James and the other Dumbledore followers glared at Narcissa, when she stood up. They couldn’t believe that Arcturus Black chose that woman to be regent. James stood up and tried: “What about Malfoy? Why isn’t he arrested for his crimes as a death eater?” Many felt uncomfortable, when that was brought up. Narcissa was furious. She was going to rip Potter into pieces. Lucius sighed and turned his attention to the head of the DMLE. Bartemius let out a groan and stood up. “Lord Potter, we investigated Lord Malfoy thoroughly and found out that he was loaded with compulsion, loyalty and hatred potions. Furthermore, he had compulsion spells and he was under the imperio. The arresting aurors made an inheritance test in Gringotts and I hope that you are not going to declare a goblin-made inheritance test as fake. We don’t want another goblin war in our hands, because of you and your views.” James clenched his teeth and sat down. He was getting tired, how some death eaters managed to weasel their way out, but he was sure that Albus would bring them to justice one day. James was not going to allow the likes of Malfoy and Snape to run free and do whatever they wanted, but for now, he had to let it go.

Narcissa was still standing and announced, when she managed to get the attention on herself. “I am reassigning the seats to the dark fraction.” With that the seat moved to the other side of the room and she left the light fraction. Narcissa went to the dark fraction to the Black seat and sat down. Many from the light were protesting, but there was nothing that can be done. Albus was angry that things didn’t go as planned, but there was nothing to be done. He banged his gavel and told them to be silent.

When the protests died down, Albus moved on to the attack on Godrics Hollow. James was preening in pride, when Albus mentioned, how John Potter had defeated You-Know-Who and ended the dark times temporarily. The man droned on about the attack and when he asked, if there were any questions. Narcissa was the first: “Chief Warlock, we all are aware of the attack on Godric’s Hollow, but my question goes to Lord Crouch due to his position as the head of the DMLE.” Crouch prepared himself. He somehow knew, what the woman was going to ask and Albus was not going to like it. “Yes, Lady Malfoy.” Lady Malfoy questioned: “Did the DMLE or the Unspeakables investigate the attack on Godric’s Hollow? Because it is important to know, how the killing curse got rebounded. We all know that this particular curse can’t be rebounded by a simple shield charm. So, the question that is burning inside me, how did the curse get rebounded?” Lord Crouch stared at the woman. He didn’t investigate that, but he will open an investigation, if Albus was not going to interfere. Albus quickly interfered. He didn’t want the DMLE or worse the Unspeakables to be involved, but in case, if this happens, he will make sure that one of his people are going to take over the investigation. Why did this woman have to question the attack on Godric’s Hollow like this? But he should have seen this question coming. “There is no need for an investigation. Voldemort was vanquished through the love of Lily Potter towards her children and with that Voldemort was defeated.” Narcissa and Bartemius didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure? Or had Lady Potter done something that would stop Voldemort from killing the Potter boys.” Albus was having a hard time to answer the question. He didn’t want the Wizengamot to think that Lily used a dark ritual to protect the boys. “It was really the love of Lily that had saved both boys. So, you don’t need to worry about anything.” With that, the topic was dropped since Narcissa knew that she can’t push Dumbledore further, but it would be enough to rattle the old fool.

The next question rattled Dumbledore and James again. It came from Lord Greengrass. “I have another question to Lord Potter.” James was ready, what that filthy snake was going to ask. “After the attack, did you let a healer examine both boys? Because after such an attack, there must have been an examination done, in order to see, if something was left by You-Know-Who. The killing curse is a dark magical spell and it leaves black magical residues that could harm the core of your children.” James was red-faced. He didn’t know, what to say. If he lied and said yes, then, a healer’s report would be demanded and if he said no, then, they would demand that Harry and John to be examined. From there on, they would find out that Harry is living with Vernon and Petunia and things would go worse from there. Albus quickly butted in, when he had seen James’ face. “There was no need. I examined both boys and they are fine.” Cyrus narrowed his eyes at Dumbledore. He knew that it was a lie. “Chief Warlock, are you a healer?” Albus was silent. No one ever questioned his words. He swallowed hard. This was a trap question. If he says yes, then, he can see that they would demand his certification as a healer and the report. If he said no, then, everyone would question him further, why he didn’t let a professional healer examine both boys. Albus was getting frustrated with all this questioning. He answered: “It doesn’t matter. I made a quick examination and told that the boys are alright.” Albus didn’t think that people would question him like this and why is no one standing up for him and stopping the dark from questioning him like this. Cyrus was dissatisfied with the answer, but he wasn’t the only one. James and Albus noticed it and knew that things didn’t go as they wanted.

The next order of business was, if there were any nominations. Narcissa glanced at Amelia, who nodded and gave her a slight smile. Amelia stood up and announced loudly: “Chief Warlock, I have a nomination and a request to make.” Albus nodded to Amelia and banged with his gavel to inform the other members that Amelia Bones was chosen firstly. Amelia began, when it was silent and all eyes were on her: “Dear members of the Wizengamot, I have a request to invite Chief Ragnock since the goblin nation managed to calculate the damages done to our world during the war with the Dark Lord V-Voldemort.” Albus wanted to decline the request, but from the supportive looks, he knew he couldn’t say no since they needed to count down, how much damage the dark side and Voldemort had done. With a nod to his side, the Wizengamot voted on the request, and it was approved by the majority of the Wizengamot. Only the darker purebloods voted against the request.

It would take some time until Chief Ragnock would come and for that reason, they turned their attention to Amelia’s nomination. Albus requested: “Amelia, can you continue with your nomination?” The more traditional Lords and Ladies were hostile at the dropped title of Lady Bones, but they had hidden it well. The woman had a brittle smile, but said with a smirk: “I am nominating that all convicted death eaters should pay for the damages that they had done during the war. Their and Voldemort’s assets should be seized for the damages and if the assets are not enough, then, they should work off their debts in the goblin mines. That is the reason why I want Chief Ragnock to be involved in this meeting, in order to discuss this nomination and maybe a new treaty.” Albus didn’t want that nomination to pass, because he had plans for those death eaters. If they spent decades in the goblin mines, then, they would be unreachable for Voldemort to break them out since he knew that even though Tom was insane, he wasn’t insane enough to risk a goblin war. Azkaban would be easy to break the death eaters out since Voldemort was able to control the dementors and there were not many guards. So, it would be easy to get them out. He needed the death eaters, in order to revive Voldemort back and make sure to return the fear back in the UK with a new war. With fear, he had control over the wizarding world. But Amelia’s nomination is threatening his plans. It is bad that he had no counterarguments, but it’s getting worse, when many were agreeing with her. Albus tried: “But Amelia, are you sure that this punishment would be a good idea? The goblin mines are brutal and dangerous.” Amelia just waved him off: “Chief Warlock, I know that the goblin mines are more brutal than Azkaban, but do you think that Azkaban will teach the death eaters that their actions were wrong and they would redeem themselves?” Many shook their heads. “No. They should learn, what it means to suffer painfully, so that they understand that their actions were cruel.” There were a lot of agreements from nearly everyone in the chamber. The darker purebloods were remaining silent since they didn’t want to expose themselves.

Albus put the nomination to vote and much to his dismay, nearly everyone voted for Amelia’s nomination. After that, the chief of the British branch of Gringotts was escorted into the Wizengamot chambers. There were hostile looks from Voldemort’s and Dumbledore’s supporters towards the goblin. Another person, who was furious that a goblin was requested to attend this meeting, was Deloris Jane Umbridge. The woman hated creatures, half-bloods and muggleborns, but she had to remain quiet since the creature was here to calculate the damages in the wizarding world and they needed to know, how much money is needed. The ministry can’t pay the amount of damages and this would be a solution even though most death eaters were coming from pureblood families. Amelia smiled at the goblin and asked him looking down on a sheet of parchment: “Chief Ragnock, the goblin nation managed to count down, how high the damages were and had summed up the amount of money that the death eaters had to repay. You had counted down that the damages are 25 345 234 Galleons 120 345 623 Sickles and 450 765 Knuts altogether.” Everyone stared for a moment. This was a lot of money. Ragnock continued: “I have no problems with seizing the assets from those, who caused these damages, but we need to update the treaty from 1653, where the Wizengamot and the goblin nation discussed the matter regarding thieves and bank robbers and what fate will befall them, if they try to steal or rob the bank. Furthermore, it was discussed, what would happen to frauds and the indebted.” Albus quickly butted in: “But the Wizengamot needs to vote first on this matter.” He didn’t like it one bit, where this conversation is leading to. But Albus didn’t expect someone to question him: “But Chief Warlock, didn’t we vote on this issue already? I mean, we agreed that every convicted death eater would be sent to the mines. Now, we need to work on the upgrade of this treaty.” Albus wanted to curse. The nomination had passed and there was nothing to be done. For the next few hours, the treaty was upgraded. From now on, any war damages done to the goblin nation and the wizarding world by both parties would be punished by seizing the assets and in case, if the assets were not enough, then, the perpetrator or perpetrators should pay it back by working in the mines. Narcissa had noticed that Dumbledore tried to protest some paragraphs, but Amelia was an expert in convincing the other Lords and Ladies to agree on the contract. It was easy to convince the light, the neutral and some from the dark side, who were not loyal to Voldemort, to agree on the newly upgraded treaty. Narcissa knew that Dumbledore underestimated the level of hatred against the death eaters that his side had, and they agreed on the upgrade on the treaty in their own self-righteous way. Albus was angered that his side didn’t understand the bigger picture, but he can’t argue since many of his pawns would question him, why he was not allowing the death eaters to be punished harsh for their actions and he can’t have that. He really hated it, when his followers are letting themselves led by emotions.

The upgrade was finished and ratified by the Wizengamot and by the chieftain of the goblin nation. From this day on, the old treaty was no longer valid, and the new treaty would be valid for the time being until the Wizengamot decided to upgrade the treaty again. The next order of business were the departments. Narcissa found this part extremely boring since it involved the budgeting department and the other departments. She kept her face blank and neutral, but if someone looked closer than everyone would notice the tiredness on her face.

When the Wizengamot came to an end, Narcissa met up with her husband. She rubbed her tired eyes and stretched herself a little. “I thought, I was going to die from boredom, when the financial aspect was discussed. The beginning of the Wizengamot was good. It seems like that Dumbledore didn’t like the nomination and the request from Amelia, but his worst enemy were his own followers, who he wasn’t able to control due to their hatred against anything dark.” Lucius chuckled: “You are right. Albus never thought that he would lose control over his own followers. But his face was priceless, when he watched, how Severus, Augustus, Evan and Thorfinn were given the Orders of Merlin First Class and were hailed as heroes since they did everything in their power to stop Voldemort and his followers. I am happy that Evan’s memory would be respected.” Narcissa just snickered: “Potter’s face was priceless too since he hates it that his nemesis is getting an Order of Merlin and he gets nothing from his so-called war efforts. It must hurt that Sev is getting an order and not him or his son.” Lucius just nodded. Before Narcissa could continue, Lucius and she watched, how Hestia was arguing with Bartemius Crouch Sr. about Sev’s Order of Merlin. Getting nearer, they overheard their conversation. Hestia snarled: “Lord Crouch, how dare you hail that monster as a hero, when you know, what he had done to Julius.” But Bartemius waved her away and snapped: “Enough, Auror Jones. It is already decided and your poor Julius was a killer and a traitor to the ministry. He betrayed a ministry spy and got him killed. We have lost a valuable member of our department, because of him and he has no one then himself to blame.” With that Crouch left before the woman would combust in fury. Hestia looked ready to explode, but remained quiet. Tears started to trail down her cheek until James came to her and comforted his colleague. “Don’t cry, Hestia. We will bring that scum to justice. He will not get away with what he had done.” Hestia just nodded and left the chambers. James’ eyes blazed in fury. He tried to find Snivellus, but he noticed that he had left before he could make sure that he suffered for what he had done.

Albus quickly made his way to James. “Albus? Do you need something?”, James asked his old headmaster dutifully. “Yes, my boy. I already send messages to the other order members that there would be another meeting in Hogwarts in my office.” Albus left and James nodded.

Narcissa and Lucius quickly left before they were noticed and tried to work through everything, what they had learned. Then, Narcissa had a plan, how they would eavesdrop on the order meeting without being there. She explained her plans to her husband, but Lucius asked her: “And how are you going to do that? You know as I do that the order would not accept either of us.” Narcissa just looked at her husband with a glare. How could he be so clueless. “Lucius, we are not going to join the order for Merlin’s sake. Didn’t you hear that the meeting would take place in Hogwarts. I could ask my ancestor Phineas Black to spy on this meeting.” Lucius summed it up perfectly: “Oh. Since when do we have the portrait of Phineas Black?” Narcissa answered: “I was forced to bring the portrait of Phineas with me as a marriage gift that was demanded from Abraxas, when we got married since Voldemort wanted a spy against Dumbledore, but it didn’t go the way, he wanted it to go. Even though, Phineas hated Dumbledore, he didn’t like Voldemort either and just gave him half-truths and half-lies. It drove the mad man up to the wall, how Phineas was playing with him.” Abraxas and Voldemort were furious about the former headmaster’s disrespect for the dark lord. Bella was even more enraged that her ancestor had no respect for her lord and tried to use many blasting curses on the portrait, which failed of course. Phineas made the death eater meetings unbearable since the man disrupted the meetings and made sure to call Voldemort a disgrace, which enraged the already unstable man. Sadly, for Voldemort and Abraxas, the portrait couldn’t be destroyed or even silenced since the Black Family put charms on the portraits to protect the family member from being frozen, silenced or burned, but for Narcissa it was entertaining, how Voldemort was thundering in rage every time the death eater meeting was disrupted by the former headmaster.

Narcissa and Lucius quickly made their way out of the ministry to get Draco and in order to inform Phineas about the order meeting that will take place in a few hours. But before they could continue, they were stopped by Dumbledore and James Potter. “Lord and Lady Malfoy, can I have a word with you?” Narcissa groaned inwardly and Lucius sighed deeply. Turning around, he answered formally: “Yes, what can I do for you, Chief Warlock, Lord Potter?” Albus tried to get some information on the Malfoys, in order to get them on his side. Through his contacts in the ministry, he was able to get a copy of an inheritance test of Lucius Malfoy and knew that he would be able to get the Malfoys on his side with some well-placed compulsions. Albus tried to find some ground and started: “I am just worried about the fact that Bellatrix would serve her punishment in the goblin mines. I mean, she is your sister.” Albus noticed the Lord and Ladyship rings and knew that compulsions wouldn’t work at all. Narcissa answered swiftly: “Chief Warlock, that woman is no longer considered as my sister. Like Andromeda, she turned her back on our family. Lord Longbottom is a relative of mine through my great-aunt, and with this attack on them, she proved to us that she doesn’t care about the Black family and that her lord was more important than her own birth family.” Albus was startled, how the woman spoke. He can admit that even though Narcissa looked docile and kind, but this was a ruse and underneath the docile mask there was a dark, ruthless witch that was trained in the dark arts like Bellatrix. Only the woman remained unknown and let the others underestimate her. James was quiet. He didn’t want to respond to that woman, who was maybe responsible for Sirius’ disownment. When James asked Sirius about Narcissa, the man became furious and was ready to rant that she was evil and that she ruined everything, but nothing came out due to the seal of silence. But James was able to read Sirius’s red face that Narcissa may have had a hand in his disownment. Sadly, he had no proof, but James was sure that when Harry is reintroduced to the wizarding world, then, they would find out, if Narcissa was involved or not and make her pay for what she had done to Sirius, if her involvement was proven.

Albus didn’t have any words left since the woman made her point clear and he didn’t like it one bit that Narcissa doesn’t care about neither Andromeda nor Bellatrix. They were her sisters and she treated them like they never existed and behaved like she was an only child. Lucius asked: “Is there something else you wished to discuss, Chief Warlock?” Albus shook his head and left the chambers with a quiet James. Lucius and Narcissa were a bit curious about Potter being quiet, but they hadn’t had the time. They needed their son to be with them.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

Albus and James flooed directly to the headmaster’s office. James quickly sent a patronus to Remus, Sirius and Lily that there was another order meeting and Albus used his enchanted parchment to call the other order members. They needed to discuss the Wizengamot meeting and the last two weeks. Things didn’t go the way, how they were supposed to go. After some time, the order members arrived. James noticed Lily’s and Mary’s former best friends, Dorcas and Marlene, who didn’t look happy to be called here. He wished, they had died during the war since they betrayed Lily and Mary during their time in school, when Snape spread his lies and venom about Lily and took away her friends. Mary suffered the same, when she tried to defend Lily, which didn’t work and they broke off their friendship like it meant nothing. Mary wanted revenge, but she never got it since she was killed during the war. Behind them, the Tonks family appeared. Andromeda like Sirius hated anything dark, but she was disowned like Sirius, when she married Ted and got pregnant. It was unfair that Andromeda was disowned for falling in love. Why did the Black family think that Evan Rosier was a good match? Maybe they had known that Rosier was a spy and wanted to have the connection with him, when the war ended and it was revealed that he was a spy in the Wizengamot. Andromeda would have got the fame of being the wife and if they had gotten rid of Evan and Darren and his son, Felix, then, they would have been able to acquire the Rosier seat to the light section, but sadly, now it isn’t possible since Andromeda made the decision to marry Ted. Next came Lord Doge, Lord Diggle, Lady Marchbanks, Sturgis Podmore, that waste of space Mundungus Fletcher, Hestia and Arthur. At the end after nearly everyone arrived, Sirius, Remus and Lily filled the gap. The office thankfully expanded with the number of people and Albus summoned for everyone a seat. Everyone was talking at the same time until Albus cleared his throat. First, he looked at Lily, Remus and Sirius. All three knew that the headmaster wants to talk about the attack in Godric’s Hollow. They hope that John will get an Order of Merlin First Class for defeating Voldemort. Lily started: “How did it go at the Wizengamot? Will John receive his Order of Merlin First Class or not?” Albus sighed and shook his head. “No, Lily, since it needs to be investigated and we can’t afford this since everyone would know about Harry and our plans. Leaks could happen and we can’t afford this, but surely, we will manage it, when John defeats Voldemort again.” Lily was not happy that her son would get nothing, but she also flinched at the idea, if someone unknown finds out, what they had done to Harry. Sirius wanted to scream that Narcissa already knew, what they had done to Harry, but couldn’t warn them. He knew that currently, James and Lily are walking into a trap that was set by Narcissa, and he also knew that his former cousin is ready to strike, but she is waiting patiently.

Albus noticed the absence of Molly, but he thinks that Molly is at home and takes care of the children. Unknown to Albus, Arthur discovered their treachery and was a spy against the order. Suddenly, Minerva nudged him and told him: “Albus, you should also inform the rest of us about Algie and Peter, if they are not aware.” Albus nodded in agreement and looked at his followers and asked: “Do many of you know, what Peter had done?” Many nodded and were furious with that bastard. James, Sirius and Remus looked ready to kill. They were his only friends and that was the repayment. Sirius wished he had killed the rat then and there, but he wanted him to suffer and death was too good for him. Albus didn’t need to use legilimency, in order to know that his followers already knew about Peter’s treachery. He went to the next order member, who betrayed the order. “Do you know, what Algie Longbottom had done?” Many nodded. They still couldn’t believe, what Algemon Longbottom had done, but power and money went into the man’s head. The order members didn’t understand, how the man could be so evil, but there was nothing to be done. Their reputation took a hit, because of those two.

The next thing that was discussed was the severed ties with the House Longbottom. Many were furious with Jakob, Josephine and Agnes that they were abandoning them in these hard times. Frank and Alice would have been on their side to the end, but they are now in the Janus Thickey Ward. Well, they lost all ties with House Longbottom. Augusta and Callidora don’t trust them and hated them.

The last order of business was Amelia’s passed nomination. Albus tried not to roll his eyes, when his followers tried to justify themselves that the law was important and that those no-good death eaters should pay dearly for what they had done. Albus was not happy since the newly applied treaty is applied to everyone and not only the death eaters. They doomed the wizarding world with their self-righteous behaviour, but he knew that it could backfire on them and his followers would try everything to block the punishment, which would fail since they agreed on the new treaty and had accepted it. His followers don’t like it one bit, if their own law was used against them and they had to suffer the consequences. He will have to let it go for now.

Sirius really wanted to tell the order about Harry’s disappearance, but he can’t. The seal of silence is blocking him. He was ready to cry. Why did his family do this to him?

Albus started to make new plans for the governors meeting at the end of November and explained: “We need to remove some dark books from the library. There are still a few books that are dark and dangerous and we need to remove them. We also should remove the Veritesarem from the potion curriculum. We also need to stop new nominations from the dark section.” Many bobbled their heads in agreement and accepted their new tasks. Arthur made sure to memorise it and inform Lucius about Dumbledore’s plans for the governors meeting at the end of November.

With that, the order meeting ended.

Weasley Manor/Malfoy Manor

Arthur made his way quickly to the floo and called for Lucius and Narcissa. Lucius’ head appeared in front of him. “Arthur, what can I do for you in this fine evening?” Lucius was not really patient. They wanted to speak with Phineas about the order meeting, but the man didn’t appear in his portrait hole in his home. Arthur knew that Lucius and Narcissa would like to have information, what had been going on in the order meeting and explained: “I have attended today’s order meeting in Hogwarts and I could give you some information.” Lucius stared for a second and groaned. He and Narcissa forgot that Arthur was and is an order member. He quickly mustered himself up and asked: “And what has been discussed in this meeting?” Arthur smirked slightly. “Well, they discussed about Algie’s and Peter’s betrayal. Then, they went on about the loss of House Longbottom and the passed nomination. Let’s just say that they had rehashed everything, what had happened today. But the last order of business was about the governors meeting at the end of November. They want to remove some books from the library and are planning to remove the brewing of Veritesarem from the potion curriculum.” When Arthur was finished, Lucius contemplated, what to do and was planning, how to counter Dumbledore and his chickens.

Lucius said: “Thank you, Arthur. We will discuss this one day before the governors’ meeting, what to do with Dumbledore’s nomination.” Arthur nodded and ended the floo call and went up to see his boys.

Lucius went to the parlour to speak with Narcissa. Seeing Cissy, he called for her: “Cissy. Stop watching the portrait. Arthur floo-called me and told me about the order meeting.” Narcissa sighed and answered: “I look like a fool. I temporarily forgot that Arthur is an order member.” Lucius chuckled and joked: “Me too. You are not the only one, who had forgotten it.” Narcissa returned to her seat and sat down sipping her tea. Looking at Lucius, she asked: “And what was discussed at the order meeting?” Lucius sat down and explained, what Dumbledore was planning at the next governor’s meeting. Narcissa wrote Dumbledore’s plans down on pen and paper and the woman had to admit that this was much easier to handle than quill and parchment. Mostly, the pen was not smearing and paper was easier to handle than parchment. “I can’t believe, how much easier it is to use pen and paper. I mean, pens mostly do not smear and the paper is not rolling down like the parchment.” Lucius agreed. He found using pen and paper so much easier than quill and parchment. This was one point for the muggle world for making things easier.

Narcissa pondered about Dumbledore’s nomination and had the perfect idea. “We will stop Dumbledore’s nominations and lay a big rock in front of him, so that his focus is not on Hogwarts, but our primary school. It would drive Dumbledore up the wall, when we are building a new school for children from the age of six to eleven.” Lucius suddenly remembered something and it was about Voldemort’s horcruxes. “Cissy, have you told your great-uncle about the horcrux in Bellatrix’s vault?” Narcissa’s eyes rose in shock. She forgot about the cup in Bella’s vault. Narcissa went to get another paper and wrote a letter to her great-uncle about the horcrux in Bella’s vault. Unknown to her the goblins already destroyed the horcrux in the cup and returned the cup in the Hufflepuff Vaults. Beforehand they informed Lord Arcturus Black about the cup and the horcrux in it and the man ordered the horcrux to be destroyed. With that another horcrux was gone and Arcturus allowed the cup to be returned. So, Narcissa would have to worry about nothing.

Shortly, Narcissa received a curt letter from her great uncle that the Hufflepuff cup was purged and destroyed by the goblins. She also received a message that he was surprised that the letter was sent on a piece paper and not on a parchment and wanted to know, why she wrote it the mundane way. Narcissa explained in her letter that pen and paper are easier to handle than quill and parchment and that he should try it out. Apart from that paper was cheaper and didn’t cost a lot of money.

She sent the letter and received a response that he would start buying pen and paper in his home office. Maybe it would make his life easier since quill and parchment was more expensive and difficult to handle. Narcissa just chuckled. Her great uncle was maybe not a friend of muggles, but their inventions were something that he would like to use and profit from, but it also opened another field, where Narcissa and Lucius could profit from.

Kurusu residence, Inaba, Japan, November 16th, 2001

Aika and Toisho Kurusu were happy that the nursery was finished and that Akira had a room to sleep. There were also many toys, where the boy could play and the room was painted in a light green colour. It really matches his eyes. They are also sure that their little boy would love his room and be comfortable. They watched their son play for a while until they had to shower themselves since it had taken a lot of sweat and hours to make Akira’s new bedroom liveable and appropriate for a child.

Akira was playing with his toys unbothered and unknown to him, he would bring doom to his biological parents, his former godfathers, his twin and the headmaster. Lady Magic was sure that now everything is going according to plan and the path that Akira is going will save magic in the future and bring everyone down, who dared to commit plights against her.

Fate and Destiny liked the interference. At first, they wanted to stop Lady Magic from interfering, but when Pandora Lovegood gave up a prophecy during the birth of Luna Lovegood indicating that a seer was born, they knew that they had no other choice, then, to let Lady Magic interfere in the mortal world, in order to make sure that the prophecy is fulfilled. It was a prophecy about them, if they wanted to allow their sister to interfere, in order to save magic, or if they refuse and allow magic to die. None of them would have wanted that and at the end, they allowed their sister to interfere in Akira’s life. Rarely, a prophecy referred to them, but sometimes it did. The last two times, it was during the Fall of Atlantis and Pompeii. Fate and Destiny didn’t allow Lady Magic to interfere in both instances, which was a mistake and it costed many witches and wizards their lives. And many magical families were extincted. This was the third instance and this time, they learned from their mistakes and allowed Lady Magic to interfere to not make the same mistakes like before. They didn’t want magic to die in the UK and Dumbledore would be leading the magical world to extinction.

Now, all three watched the sweet toddler playing with his toys and laughing happily. He was still too young to understand, what was going on, but later, he would be leading and making everyone pay, who tries to go against him or to control him. All those, who are going to try to control him, are going to suffer painfully and cruelly. They only had to wait for the right time.

Malfoy Manor, November 19th, 2001

Severus was confused, when he stepped out of the floo in Malfoy Manor. Narcissa and Lucius wanted to speak with him about something important and he wasn’t really sure, what they wanted from him. Being led to the meeting room by an house elf, Severus saw Lucius and Narcissa waiting for him patiently. When tea was served, the discussion began. “Cissy, Lucius, what can I do for you?” Narcissa smiled brittle and said: “Take a seat, Severus. There is something that we need to discuss.” Severus sighed and sat down. Narcissa was thinking, how to approach the subject. “Severus, Slughorn is planning to retire and there would be an open slot in Hogwarts. We thought that you would be perfect for the position of being potion master in Hogwarts and would be able to be the head of Slytherin house.” Severus was thoughtful of that since he knew that Slughorn was already thinking of retirement and about a replacement. Sadly, in the UK, he was the only potion master and that was embarrassing. Severus could use the position to his advantage. He would make sure that most Slytherins do not join Voldemort and his followers.

“I could take the position of potion master, but what about the head of house position? It can only be given after five years of experience with children and youths.” Narcissa was conflicted. At one side, she would be able to install Severus as potion master and make sure that the diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw could be retrieved without Dumbledore’s knowledge, but the head of house position was another story. Narcissa wanted to diminish Voldemort’s influence over Slytherin house and Severus would be perfect for this. Seeing the thoughtful look on their faces, Severus, then, had an idea. “I know that you two want me to be the head of the house Slytherin, but how about, if Aurora and I become co-heads. Aurora has five years of experience with children and would be capable of dealing with the students and their problems, whereas I will learn from her, how to handle the position as co-head.” Narcissa had to admit that it would be a great idea. “This is great.”

Lucius and Narcissa looked at each other indicating that there was something else to discuss. Severus sighed. There must be something else that is of great importance. The Malfoy couple asked Severus for a vow of silence, which the man did confusedly. When he gave them the go-ahead, Narcissa started: “Sev, there is something else that you have to do for us and the wizarding world as a whole.” Severus nodded to her to continue. “As background I will tell you that Voldemort created horcruxes. He committed cold-blooded murders and split his soul into six pieces. One of those soul pieces is in Hogwarts and for that reason, we need your help to track the horcrux down. But you don’t need to worry about the other soul pieces. Four of the six have been dealt with and the fifth needs to be retrieved, when Akira claims the Gaunt heirship since we currently have no access to the Gaunt Shack.” Severus was first horrified, what the dark lord had done, but nodded in understanding to this plan. He would be able to retrieve it, but the question that formed in his head was where is the horcrux. Severus questioned: “Where exactly is the horcrux, Cissy? Hogwarts is a big castle and there are many passages.” Narcissa gave Lucius a slight glance and answered: “The horcrux is in the Room of Requirement.” Now Severus was confused. “The what? The Room of Requirement? What kind of room is that and where is it?” Narcissa was rubbing her temple now. She forgot to ask Lady Magic, where the Room of Requirement is. For a while, there was no response making the men sour since it seems like Narcissa forgot to ask Lady Magic about the whereabouts. Suddenly, she remembered that the Grey Lady knows, where the diadem is. She answered: “I don’t know the whereabouts of the Room of Requirement, but I know someone, who could help you find it. You both know the Grey Lady, the house ghost of Ravenclaw.” Both men nodded, but didn’t understand, what she had to do with the diadem. Narcissa smiled. Those two are clueless. “The Grey Lady is Rowena Ravenclaw’s only daughter, Helena Ravenclaw, and she knows surely, where the diadem is since she is connected to the Ravenclaw family magics and the diadem doesn’t only have the horcrux, but also the Family Magics.” Both men were shocked and relieved that the whereabouts of the fifth horcrux are revealed and could be easily found. Severus hopes it is easy, but soon, he would realise that the horcrux would be harder to find and be taken than he would have anticipated.

But first, he needs to get the job. Narcissa suggested: “Severus, please apply through the board and not the headmaster. I am not sure what Dumbledore would do to you, if you apply directly to him. The man wanted to control you back then during your time in school. I believe, he planned to recruit you as his spy, but failed, when you got away. He would be unbearable and would try to have some control over you.” Severus nodded in agreement and countered: “I know Narcissa, but he can’t do anything against me since I am a ministry spy and was given a full pardon. Furthermore, I was given the Order of Merlin First Class as an insult to injury. The man is still mad that I was a spy and killed many members of his order.” Narcissa chuckled. Severus was right. The man would be in a sour mood, if Snape was standing in front of him, but he can’t control him due to his position in the ministry.

After the important part was finished, Severus spent some time with his godson and told them that he would speak with Horace about the post of the potion master. Severus would also speak with Aurora and Horace on Saturday about the head of house position.

When Severus returned back to Prince Manor, he wrote two letters to Aurora and Horace informing that he wanted to speak with them on a Hogsmeade weekend about the current development. He needed to make sure to become potion master and co-head of house, but with the arguments he had, it would be easy to convince them.

Severus couldn’t wait to see Dumbledore’s face, when Horace announces his retirement and him as his replacement. The man would try to gain control over him, but Severus wasn’t going to allow that man anywhere near him and make sure to have protections. It would also benefit the students in Hogwarts. He knew, how negligent Horace could be and how dangerous the potion classes were since he wasn’t able to pay the proper amount of attention. Severus also knew that Horace had failed the Slytherin House during his tenure as Head of the House and started to fix things at the end of his fifth year, when Sirius sent him that note about how Lily wanted to forgive him and wanted to talk to him at the Shrieking Shack. Severus knew that it must have been Sirius since the idiot was clueless, how the friendship between him and Lily had ended and it seemed like that Lily didn’t tell him that he was the one, who ended the friendship. But back to the point, Severus was going to make major changes in the Slytherin House and make sure that the dark lord’s influence in the house is diminished. That would help him to stop Voldemort and Dumbledore from using his old house as a scapegoat for their schemes.

After preparing himself for sleep, Severus went to bed and was thinking about the weekend and how he was going to approach Horace and Aurora.

Hogsmeade, November 24th, 2001

Severus was making his way through the village towards the Three Broomsticks, where he had a meeting with Aurora and Horace. He received a message from both of them and wanted to meet him at the Three Broomsticks during a Hogsmeade weekend, where they would discuss about Severus’ employment. Horace seemed excited that he was going to replace him, and Aurora was relieved that she was not going to deal with the Slytherins alone and would gladly help Severus to diminish the control of Voldemort over the house. Severus could tell that Horace was getting too old to deal with the Slytherins and their disrespect towards him. He could tell that no one took Horace seriously and that was the reason why the Slytherin House was so bad towards the other houses and was so prejudiced towards squibborns and halfbloods. Thankfully, he had some friends in Slytherin apart from Lucius and Narcissa and he also made friends in Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and even Gryffindor after exposing Lily for what she had done to him.

Lost in thought, Severus didn’t notice the Potters, Lupin and Auror Jones approaching him. They looked furious. Oh joy, this would be funny. He tried to ignore them, but when Potter started to yell: “Look, who has come here. One of the worst death eaters that managed to weasel his way out of Azkaban and got rewarded for killing innocent people. Go away, Snivellus, my son is getting fussy, when you are around.” Hestia glared at him with pure hatred in her eyes. She hated that bastard for killing her fiancé and ruining her life. Hestia would have liked to throw a killing curse at the man, but it wasn’t worth it since she would end up in Azkaban with the other death eaters. Severus just smirked. “Potter, it seems like that you don’t have any decorum, but it isn’t worth it. I have a meeting with Horace and Aurora at the Three Broomsticks.” Severus tried to continue his way until Hestia stepped in front of him with an angry look and pointed her wand at Severus’ throat. “You will pay for what you have done. This time, you got away, but the next time, I will make sure that you end up in Azkaban and Julius’ death would be avenged. I will make sure that justice is served.” The woman had tears streaming down her face, but Severus just looked unbothered and smiled regardless. He whispered: “He deserved it, for what he had done to Evan. I enjoyed, how he had screamed that I should stop, I enjoyed his screams of pain and agony and I enjoyed it, how he had died painfully and slowly.” Hestia let out a scream of rage and tried to curse him, but was restrained by James and Sirius, who glared at Severus in pure rage. James snapped furiously, but quietly due to the seal of silence since he had overheard, what they were talking about. “You sick bastard. You took great pleasure in killing Julius, but one thing for sure, I will help her get justice for what you have done to him. Under my watch, no dark wizard or witch will get away with their crimes.” Severus just laughed at James’ self-righteousness. “You think that you can do anything against me, Potter. When Podmore was tortured and killed, Lord Crouch was there and watched the entire scene and made sure to help me to cover his murder up as a death eater attack. He also made sure to sweep the case under the rug and closed the case with the seal of the DMLE, which would make it impossible to reopen the case.” James was furious and felt powerless. There was nothing he could do. Oh, how Crouch will suffer for what he had done.

Hestia broke even more and felt dirty that she had worked for a man that was indirectly responsible for her love’s death. She felt sick. Hestia couldn’t believe, how evil and corruptive the ministry could be. James looked ready to kill someone. It is sick to be an employee under a man, who may have ordered all those deaths. No wonder Crouch jr. was a filthy death eater. Sr. was nothing better than his criminal son and it can be seen clearly at his actions during the war.

Furiously James left the village. He can’t explain, what was happening since everything was done under the seal of silence and he can’t tell Sirius, Remus and Lily about Snape’s ‘heroic actions’ or the mass murder he had committed. He can’t waste his time, but he was curious about the meeting between him, his old potion master and Aurora. What is happening in this meeting? He knew that it had nothing to do with death eaters since both were not associated with Voldemort even though both are Slytherins much to his chagrin. He didn’t like Aurora since her allegiances were unknown to the order. Horace was someone, who he had liked at the beginning, but later in his third year, he became his most hated teacher since the man made sure to punish him every time, when he tried to teach Snivellus a lesson. He remembered that Slughorn became his worst enemy and a teacher, he wanted to avoid as much as possible. He shook his head. Whatever this meeting was about, James was not interested since there were many things to do before he can deal with any of those slimy snakes.

Hestia just watched, how Severus made his way to the Three Broomsticks without a care in the world and disappeared inside. She will make that man pay for everything, what he had done. He may have weaselled his way out this time, but the next time, she will make sure that he will spend the rest of his life in Azkaban. ‘Just wait Snape, one day, you will pay for Julius’ death.’ The group left Hogsmeade.

Severus entered the Three Broomsticks and made his way to Madam Rosmerta. “Rosmerta, I have a meeting with Horace and Aurora from Hogwarts.” The woman quickly noticed Snape and moved away from her counter and whispered into his ear: “Horace and Aurora are in Room 5. I wish you good luck, Severus, and from what I have heard from Slughorn, I hope, you can better educate this generation in potions and make sure that no one dies in your class.” Madam Rosmerta was aware of how dangerous the class was. She herself may have been qualified under Horace’s expectations in potions, but she dropped the class since she knew that her skills in potions were adequate for simple household potions and she wasn’t an expert in that field. Severus just rolled his eyes. It seems like that Slughorn loves to brag about him and his success, but he had also to agree with Madam Rosmerta. The students need someone, who would make sure to show the students the seriousness of potions and how dangerous the class was.

Making his way upstairs, he found the room and entered. Inside the room, there were Horace Slughorn and Aurora Sinistra waiting for him. They were talking for some time and stopped, when he entered the room. Aurora stood up from her seat and greeted Severus: “Hello, Severus. You are on time. I hope, you hadn’t had a bad trip.” Aurora said the last part a little bit insecure since from the window, she saw the confrontation between Severus, the Potters, Remus Lupin and Hestia Jones and she can tell that that confrontation was not comfortable. Severus knew that Aurora may have seen the confrontation from the window. He assured: “It wasn’t that bad. I had to deal with Potter and his band of fools, Lily and Jones, but they retreated. It was about my time as a ministry spy and they can’t accept it that I got away with my crimes.” Aurora and Horace were aware that Severus did a very dangerous job during the war. Those fools had no right to judge Severus for his actions. Horace huffed: “They don’t have any idea, in what kind of danger you were during your time as a ministry spy. Potter only knows, how to hide. He rarely went to battle since he was a junior auror until he went into hiding. How he managed to get promoted as an auror is beyond me, but I believe that Albus had a hand in this.” Aurora agreed and Horace shook Severus’ hand, when all three sat down.

Severus sighed and changed the topic. “Let’s not talk about fools. I don’t want my supply of headache potions to decrease.” Everyone chuckled. Horace agreed since his personal supply of headache cures was more important than to think about James, Lily, Remus, Sirius and Hestia. He once considered Lily and Remus as one of his favourite students, but after some nasty revelations about Lily’s and Remus’ involvement in his friends’ bullying antics, Horace didn’t like them and managed to remove them from their perfect positions with the help of his friends and the board since both were clearly failing in their positions with their prejudices. He also stopped James and Lily from becoming head boy and head girl, which was supported widely by the entire staff apart from Minerva. Horace threatened Albus and Minerva with the board and his friends, if they were insisting with their idea that James and Lily should be head boy and head girl. Let’s say, it was dirty, but Dumbledore gave up and Minerva just glared at him with pure hatred, when the staff voted and Severus and Marlene became head boy and girl. It was the first time, he made the right decision.

Severus started: “I called you here, because Horace I know, how much you want to retire, and I am willing to replace you even though teaching is not my strong suit. And Aurora, I called you here to discuss with you about the head of house position.” Both nodded and Horace answered: “Thank you, Severus. I am getting too old for this, and I can’t pay proper attention anymore to the students due to my age. I would be happy to retire and I would also be happy that you and Aurora take over as head of Slytherin house.” Aurora looked unsure about that since there would be a lot of work to be done and she wouldn’t manage it on her own. Severus had seen the insecurity in Aurora and asked: “Aurora, you seem to be unsure about this. What seems to be the problem?” Aurora snapped to attention and answered: “I am not sure Severus, if I would be the right person for the head position. I mean, there is a lot of responsibility and a lot of work of being a head of house.” Severus had known that Aurora would be insecure about this and answered: “Then, we can become co-heads of Slytherin house. Normally, a head of house needs five years of experience. You have that since you started to teach in my sixth year, Aurora. Co-heads are a bit different since the first co-head is required to have at least five years of experience with students, while the second isn’t even required to have those conditions, but the other co-head can become head of house after three years of being co-head since in that period the second co-head is supposed to know, what is expected to be the head of house. That’s what Dumbledore used to make McGonagall head of house earlier than expected and we can use the same method. And if it is too much for you, you can give up the post after three years to me.” Aurora found the idea extremely good. She wouldn’t be alone in her position and Severus would help her to the best of his abilities. Horace agreed with Severus and thought that both Aurora and Severus would be able to help to curb the blood supremacy issue in the house. Horace failed to do that and many half-bloods and squibborns like Severus and Aurora were mistreated in the house.

‘There would be changes coming, I can feel it in my bones that House Slytherin would improve under the authority of Severus and Aurora’, Horace thought and saluted for the future of Hogwarts.

Lestrange Manor, November 26th, 2001

The meeting before the school board meeting took place in Lestrange Manor. Augustinus wanted to introduce Penelope to his close allies and explain to the Malfoys the girl’s relation to them. But the old man would be surprised, who her soulmate would be and how much it would piss off an old goat. Augustinus already prepared, what would happen to Penelope in case of his death. The Malfoys should have the magical guardianship over his cousin in case of his premature death. He also had her parents here, who were taking care of their daughter. The old Lestrange Lord offered them some financial support, but both denied it since they don’t need anymore money and had enough to care for their daughter, but he managed to convince them that the girl should have a trust vault, where the girl’s school tuition and school supplies for Hogwarts would be paid since it was his responsibility to take care of her magical education. He also had plans for next year that when she is attending a muggle primary school, Penelope would have some etiquette lessons and lessons about the wizarding world, so that the girl was prepared, what was going to come. Augustinus covered everything up, so that Penelope would be the perfect future Lady Lestrange. After some time, his personal house elf popped in front of him and informed him that his newly gained allies from Gringotts had arrived.

When Lucius, Narcissa and the others came in the meeting room. They were surprised that Augustinus had visitors especially there was a little girl in the manor. Narcissa greeted him: “Lord Lestrange, it is nice meeting you and if my eyes are not deceiving me, you have visitors. Would you like to introduce them to us?” Augustinus smiled and answered: “I will, but first please take a seat since it would be surprising.” Everyone sat down. Even the Clearwaters since Augustinus wanted to involve them in this meeting. He explained them beforehand that the wizarding world is lacking a primary school and he needed their help to create one. Both agreed to help, but they explained him that they only could help on the non-magical aspect and not the magical. Augustinus assured them that he and his allies would deal with the magical aspect. After everyone had a seat, everyone turned their attention towards Augustinus, who still should explain, who the family is that would be attending the meeting. The old Lestrange Lord started to explain: “After I disowned Rodulphus and that woman, the goblins managed to help me to find out, if there were any relatives from my family, who could take the heirship after my death. I found out that I had a squib aunt, who lived in the muggle world and got married. It was later revealed that one of her descendants had a magical child with another squib and well, here they are.” Augustinus restrained himself to call Bellatrix a bitch around his relatives since there were little ears in the manor that should not learn the bad words. Lady Longbottom rose her eyebrows in shock. “So, she is the new heiress Lestrange?” Augustinus answered her: “Yes, but there is something else to discuss and it is about the magical guardianship in case, I die before she graduates Hogwarts.” The old Lestrange Lord turned his attention to Lucius and Narcissa. “Lucius, Narcissa, would you two as her closest living relatives be ready to be the magical guardians over my relative in case I die?” Lucius and Narcissa looked confused. Lucius asked: “Why us? And how are we close relatives to your heiress?” Augustinus smiled and answered his question: “Because according to the background check, Mrs. Clearwater is descending from the Malfoy line. That is the reason why I am asking you two.” Lucius and Narcissa were a little bit shocked, but smiled. Narcissa answered with delight: “We would love to do that. Draco also would have someone, who he could trust.” Augustinus was happy that Narcissa and Lucius agreed.

Suddenly, he noticed the shell-shocked look on Arthur’s face and the man stared at his relative like she is from another world. Augustinus was curious to know, what had shocked the man. He turned his attention to Arthur and asked: “Arthur, is something the matter?” Arthur took a shaking breath and gulped. How is he going to explain to one of the most dangerous wizards that one of his sons is her soulmate? Augustinus will not harm his son, but if Percy does something that would lead to a broken heart, there would be hell to pay. “Arthur. Earth on Arthur.” Arthur was interrupted in his thoughts, when Pandora was shaking him. Everyone was looking at him with worry in their eyes. Arthur swallowed hard and used his courage to explain some things: “So, this is Penelope Clearwater?” Augustinus nodded and answered: “Yes.” The old war veteran was confused about Arthur’s behaviour. After some time, Arthur got it out. “She is Percy’s soulmate.”

“WHAT!”, everyone exclaimed as one.

Augustinus was shocked. He never checked up the soulmate section, but if it was true, then, it means that his heiress was going to have a consort. He also would like to see Dumbledore’s face, when Percy is marrying a dark witch and an heiress of a well-known dark house. It would destroy so many plans before anything can start. And Molly would throw the biggest fit in the century, if she finds out that one of her sons is marrying a dark witch.

They still discussed Percy and Penelope until Augustinus had enough and said that they should speak about the school board meeting tomorrow. Arthur explained everything, what had happened during the order meeting in Hogwarts. They made sure to be prepared, what Dumbledore and his sheep were going to do. Dumbledore may be the Head Governor since he is Chief Warlock, but he can lose that position if he loses the Chief Warlock position. Apart from that the headmaster will not be able to sway the board any longer like the Wizengamot. They have the majority votes. The Veritesarem was easy to discuss since the potion was important in the auror department in interrogations. It was rarely used, but many, who were really innocent, used the potion to get out and not waste time with the interrogation. Apart from that, the potion is taught in the NEWTs and is essential. Every auror should know how to brew Veritesarem and the truth potion and not depend on the potion masters in the ministry. They also made sure to stop the books from being removed since they wanted to make it clear that a school is meant to educate and not limit the knowledge. That would be the easiest way to stop Dumbledore and his sheep from removing the books.

Narcissa had an idea, how to make changes in Hogwarts, but to make sure that the changes are not affecting Dumbledore’s plans. “I have an idea, how to make some changes that would improve the quality of the school. We will make little changes in Hogwarts like installing a bathroom sink in front of the entrance of the great hall and the staff entrance. Or to split the deputy-headmaster position in two. Or replacing the tables in the castle with new ones that have a better quality. It would distract him a lot and he would have a difficult time to deny these changes since they are needed. Our biggest change would be a primary school. We all know that he would fight tooth and nail to stop a primary school and those little changes would make sure that Dumbledore is too distracted with the primary school.” Everyone agreed.

The meeting tomorrow would be funny.

Gringotts

Bartemius Crouch Sr. made his way to the bank quickly. The entire month was a complete and utter nightmare. He had to do mountains of paperwork and not to mention his wife. Wilma still believed that Barty was innocent and that he didn’t do anything wrong. He really wanted to curse the woman for accusing him that Barty became a death eater, because of him. Dear Merlin, the woman didn’t know that Barty had problems since he was finished with his fourth year. His son had been fascinated by torture and death, when he was fourteen. It first started with animal abuse, then, it continued with torturing and later killing animals. That was the reason why he refused to buy Barty any pets since he knew that the pet would not survive a month under his care. His backyard was a pet cemetery and his wife ignored his bad behaviour.

Bartemius tried to help his son with a mind healer, but Wilma refused to have their son checked and thought that nothing was wrong. But Bartemius still allowed the mind healer to examine his son and she found plenty of problems. He was horrified that his son had all the symptoms of a psychopath, and it would be advisable to start the treatment now. Bartemius tried to convince his wife that their son needs a mind healer, but the woman became defensive. Even the mind healer didn’t manage to convince the woman that Barty needs treatment. It was like talking to a wall. When his wife accused him that Barty was like this, because of his neglect, the healer countered that neglect alone would not be enough to make her son a psychopath and that the mental damage was coming from outside influences like the friends Barty was hanging around and the fact that she was spoiling him so much and letting him get away with nearly everything. But his wife refused to listen to reason and demanded that she leave. Her ire didn’t decrease, when she yelled at him that he had no right to allow a mind healer to examine her son and that there was nothing wrong with him. Wilma thundered that he was the reason why Barty was like this and for the first time in his marriage, he struck his wife. Bartemius threatened with divorce and remarriage and that he would leave nothing to her and her son. With that threat the woman remained silent, but the look of fury was obvious. Now, things looked really bad. His son was going to be convicted and he can’t stop it. Maybe he would be able to declare his son to be incapable of guilt for his actions and commit him in a mental ward in St. Mungos. It would be possible and the mind healer he once assigned would be able to testify for his son’s behalf. She would be able to examine his son again and make sure that his son gets the treatment he needed. Bartemius wasn’t stupid since he knew that his son would be worse, if he ends up in Azkaban. Now, he needs an heir since his son would be unmarriable and no woman would want him. Now, he had some free time to find out, if there were any squibborns in his family line.

Entering the bank, Bartemius made his way to one of the open tellers and greeted him in a stoic tone. The goblin looked away from his paperwork and greeted the wizard. The teller asked: “What can Gringotts do for you today, Lord Crouch?” Bartemius took a deep breath and said: “I want to know, if there is a squibborn in my family line since I am in need of an heir. My current heir, Bartemius Crouch Jr., will not be able to continue the Crouch family line since he is unmarriable due to his crimes and his arrest. For that reason, I want to meet with my account manager.” The teller nodded and requested a younger goblin to lead him to his account manager’s office.

When they arrived and went in, Bartemius greeted his account manager politely and after the goblin greeted him back, Bartemius laid out, why he was here: “Garnuk, I am here about the future of the House Crouch. My son and heir has been arrested and I know that he would be convicted since he had been caught in the act.” The goblin listened carefully and nodded in understanding. He knew, why the man is here. He is here to see, if there is a squibborn from the squib line. Fortunately, there is a squibborn that is already working in the ministry and is successful despite the bigotry in the ministry. Bartemius continued: “And I am here to see, if there is a squibborn in the family?” The goblin nodded and looked at the Crouch Lord with a neutral expression. “Lord Crouch, I know that the reason you are here is that the Crouch line is seemingly coming to an end with your son and I can assure that this would not happen. According to the file that I have collected and family tree, there is a squibborn in the magical world that is already married and has an infant son.” Bartemius was stunned. He has a relative, who is already married and has a child. This is good. “And who is it, Garnuk?” The goblin looked through the files and answered: “It is Dirk Cresswell. He is working for the Goblin Liaison Office and is well-known in the goblin nation since he speaks our noble language fluently.” Bartemius was proud and he knew that he would be the perfect Lord Crouch. He can retire as Lord Crouch, when it is going to be much for him. The goblin interrupted his thoughts, when he continued: “I can call him here since the office had the direct approach in the goblin nation.” Bartemius nodded since he wanted to meet the man. The goblin left telling Crouch to wait patiently.

The account manager was making his way to the Wizard Liaison Office in Gringotts, in order to summon Dirk Cresswell. Looking at the floos, he saw that the bell was still bright meaning that the man was still in the ministry. He rang the bell and immediately, the floo flared. Dirk looked at the account manager and greeted him traditionally, which was returned in kind. Dirk asked: “What seems to be a problem? Did another wizard try to steal from the bank again?” The goblin shook his head much to Dirk’s confusion. Then, why was he called? The goblin took a deep breath and started: “Mr. Cresswell, I need you to follow me to my office.” The man nodded confused and followed the goblin from the office and made their way to the account manager’s office, where a surprise would wait for him.

Entering the office, Dirk met Lord Crouch, the head of the DMLE. Why was he here? He also noticed that he was in an account manager’s office. It meant business with a noble family, but what did Lord Crouch want with him? Both barely spoke with each other and the conversation was only official, if there was a cross between the DMLE and the goblin nation. The goblin interrupted his thoughts. “Mr. Cresswell, please take a seat. I need to prepare a potion for the genealogy test.” Dirk sat down confused. The young man turned to the head of the DMLE. “Lord Crouch, what is going on here?” The older man gave him a rare smile and answered: “Wait and see. You will be surprised, what you will find out.” Dirk was even more confused and it was weird to see Crouch smiling. What made the normally stoic man smiling.

After some time, the goblin was finished with the potion for the genealogy test and cleared his throat, when the parchment was soaked in the potion. “Mr. Cresswell, please put seven drops of your blood on the parchment.” Dirk sighed, but did it regardless without any questions. After some time, words started to appear on the parchment and the goblin took it. He was surprised at the results.

Dirk was a little bit irritated and was ready to snap, but that would be a bad idea to do in front of a goblin. Garnuck examined the wizard in front of him and said: “Mr. Cresswell, there is a theory that muggleborns are actually squibborns and are descending from some magical families.” Dirk nodded and was stunned. Could it be that he is descending from one of the magical families? Well, he suspected that he is descending from the Crouch line, but what about his mother’s side of the family since both of his parents must be squibs, so that a magical child could come out. Dirk took over. “And let me guess Account Manager Gornuk. I am descending from the Crouch line.” The goblin nodded much to Bartemius’ glee. So, it is true that squibborns are descending from magical families. That is good. Now he had a fool-proof back-up plan. He can disown Barty from the Crouch family line and make him a NoName and humiliate him with a squibborn. It would make sure that Barty knows that he will not give a damn about him and will show him that a squibborn is more important than him. The goblin continued regardless of Bartemius’ plans: “From your mother’s side, you are descending from the House Kingston.” Bartemius and Dirk were staring at the goblin open-mouthed. The Kingston family was supposed to be extinct for nearly two centuries ago. If that were true, then, Dirk is not only the future Lord Crouch, but also the next Lord Kingston. For Bartemius, this day was mind-blowing. He found someone, who could continue the Crouch line and additionally, the person was next in line of the Kingston Lordship. This was perfect.

The account manager asked the ministry worker, if he should call the Kingston account manager. Dirk agreed since things are going to change for him. Garnuk left the account manager’s office with the inheritance test, in order to show his colleague that the Kingston family is back and that there is someone, who is able to claim the lordship. Dirk and Bartemius were discussing all these revelations and were thinking, what to do.

Garnuk knocked on the door of the Kingston account manager’s office. When he heard a “Come-in”, the Crouch account manager entered the office and took a seat greeting his colleague. Karkstone, was surprised to meet the Crouch account manager. “Garnuk, what can I do for you? Don’t you have work to do?” Garnuk gave his colleague a toothy grin and said: “Yes, I have still some work to do, but I am here about an important matter. You know the theory about the muggleborns being squibborns?” Karkstone nodded, but he wasn’t sure, if there was any truth to that theory. Garnuk continued: “Well, today, my client, Lord Crouch came to my office and wanted to find out, if there were any squibborns from his family. According to the family tree and the files, I managed to track down that there was still a squibborn that was married and had an infant son.” Karkstone must admit that the theory could be true, but why is his colleague here telling him this? Before he could interrupt, Garnuk told him something that would make his job a little bit exciting. “The individual that is descending from the Crouch line is also the next in line of the Kingston lordship.” Karkstone stared for a moment. The next Lord Kingston is sitting in Garnuk’s office. Karkstone said quickly: “Then, bring him here. There are still some things that I need to discuss with the next Lord Kingston. I can restart the businesses of the Kingston family and continue with the investments.” Garnuk nodded in understanding since it is about a magical family that had been thought to be extinct for centuries. Karkstone needs to restart the businesses and the investments. “I will escort him here after he has claimed his heirship of the Crouch family.” Karkstone nodded and prepared himself for the meeting with the next Lord Kingston.

Garnuk arrived back at his office informing Dirk that he is expected to the Kingston’s account manager’s office. The younger man sighed knowing that today would be a long day. But first, he needed the heirship ring from Bartemius Crouch Jr. The older man almost forgot that his son was still wearing the heirship ring. Bartemius called the family magic to disinherit his son from the heirship and summoned the ring back in the account manager’s office. Unknown to the occupants in the office, Barty noticed the missing heir ring and started raging in fury that his father had no right to do that, but sadly, he couldn’t stop it since his father is the head of the House Crouch.

Garnuk told him to put the ring on his ring finger and Dirk did as he was told and put the ring on his left ring finger. The man felt the family magic test him and accepted him as the new Heir Crouch. Bartemius was overjoyed that Dirk passed the heir test and was the new Heir Crouch. Now, the Crouch family can continue without any problems. Unknown to Bartemius and Dirk, the family magics are also strengthening the magical blood in the veins and also making sure that some traits from the Crouch family are more visible than before. The same thing will happen to Dirk’s infant son. The boy’s traits from the Crouch family would be slightly more visible than before, but no one would notice it.

With that finished, Bartemius went back home. He dreaded to return home since his wife is surely waiting for him there. He didn’t invite Dirk and his family to his manor since his wife is living there and she would be furious, if she found out that he made him heir. Dirk understood that since Bartemius told him everything, what had been going on at home. “How about, if you come to our home, when it is unbearable for you to be in the near vicinity of your wife.” Bartemius took the offer immediately. He really needed to escape somewhere, if his wife was going to nag him. “Thank you, but I don’t want to invade your home, because of my wife.” Dirk just shook his head. “It’s alright, Bartemius. In case of a time-out from your wife, you can spend some time with us and calm yourself down, but I would really suggest to divorce her.” Bartemius sighed deeply. This marriage seems to be over since Wilma and him were fighting non-stop and couldn’t agree on anything. He will maybe speak with his lawyer about a divorce. Wilma is already driving him up to the wall with her overbearing behaviour. Before they went their separate ways, Bartemius told him that he would think about the divorce, but first, he needs to arrange some things, before he could divorce his wife.

Dirk followed Garnuk to Karkstone’s office and there he discussed the continuation of the businesses and investments from the Kingston family and he also claimed the Lordship of the Kingstons. Now Dirk is Lord Kingston and his claim would be undeniable. Not even that skunk Umbridge would be able to do something against him. Dirk loathed the woman since she was making many digs against him due to his status as a muggleborn. Now, he had back-up from Crouch and his being as Lord Kingston.

School board, November 27th, 2001

Today was Narcissa’s first school board meeting. She had many plans. First, they need to stop Dumbledore’s motions of removing the Veritesarem from the curriculum and making sure that the books remain in the library and make their first change in the school. Narcissa has planned that there should be a sign in front of the platform. The sign should be invisible to muggles, but the squibborns and their parents should be able to see the sign, when they want to enter the platform and get to the train. It would benefit the squibborns and Dumbledore wouldn’t be able to deny that since he would have a hard time to dismiss the change. She knew that they would discuss the nomination behind privacy wards and it would be better since Dumbledore would be too distracted. She couldn’t wait. Then, they would nominate to open a primary school and make sure to tell Dumbledore at the end that the second nomination was finished and that they were going to vote on the nominations. The man and his sheep were going to be flustered to know, what is going on since the nominations would be named by those, who had nominated it, and Dumbledore wouldn’t know what the nomination was about since he would have been too busy with his followers.

When everyone entered the Wizengamot chambers and took their seat, many waited for the Head Governor, Albus Dumbledore. Narcissa wanted to roll her eyes. Dumbledore is again late, but it doesn’t matter for now. The man would later realise that being late would make sure that he would miss a lot of things in the future. When Dumbledore finally arrived, the meeting started with the opening of the new session. The next order of business was a summary from the last session, which indicated that the governors had been talking in circles as usual and managed to do nothing. The next thing were the nominations. Elphias Doge started with the first motion to remove the Veritesarem from the potion curriculum. The man was dragging his reasoning for an entire hour and Narcissa was ready to fall asleep. Could that man make it easy and not drag the entire thing for so long? At the end of the nomination, it was discussed, if the Veritesarem should remain in the curriculum or not. Many from the dark, the neutral and some from the light didn’t look supportive of this nomination, but they managed to hide it behind occlumency shields. The next nomination came from James Potter himself, who had ranted for nearly half an hour, how some dark books needed to be removed, so that his son didn’t become corrupted. Many rolled their eyes and discussed the nomination. They wished the vote would come, but every nomination needs to be heard. When the discussion ended, Amelia had raised her hand to be the one, who would do their nomination for Hogwarts. Albus sighed. “Amelia, you have a nomination.” Amelia was unconcerned about her dropped title and began: “Yes, Head Governor. My nomination would be for first timers, who are muggleborn or muggle-raised. I nominate that in front of the muggle entrance to the platform, there should be a sign, how to enter the platform, so that the muggleborns or muggle-raised are not standing there cluelessly and asking muggle train conductors, how to get to the platform since it would endanger the Statute of Secrecy. The sign should only be visible to anyone magical.” Everyone was a little startled about that nomination. Albus didn’t know, what he was going to do. He knew that this nomination would be hard to fight off and his followers were looking confused. Albus sighed. He needs to discuss this with his followers. This nomination would be trouble, but he couldn’t deny it that some muggle train conductors were ready to launch an investigation about the claims of the Platform 9 ¾ and this would have led to the violations of the Statute of Secrecy. The investigations were stopped, when the train conductors were obliviated by the ministry. Albus announced that he was going to discuss this nomination with the light section and turned his attention away from the rest of the board. Narcissa smirked. Albus expected only three nominations in today’s session, but in the school board, it is allowed to make more nominations than in the schedule and the head governor didn’t need to be informed about them. The best thing was that Dumbledore didn’t know that they were allowed to do any nominations as long as the discussion was going on since he believed that no one would make and pass a nomination without him and what is even better, they can vote on the issue since Dumbledore’s vice took over and can push for a vote, when Dumbledore and his sheep are discussing. Callidora, Pandora, Muriel and some others, who were not blindly alleged to Dumbledore, managed to exclude themselves from the discussion. The vice was Lady Acton and the woman may be from the light side, but she doesn’t trust Dumbledore and his followers.

The woman started: “Are there any other nominations?” Narcissa raised from her seat. “Lady Malfoy?” The woman was confused, but she knew deep down that something big will happen today. Narcissa cleared her throat and started: “Dear Lords and Ladies, I am nominating to open a primary school here in our world. I have seen that the muggles, who many of us see them as inferior, start their education at the age of six in a school.” Everyone was muttering. Many were shocked about these revelations and some were embarrassed that the wizarding world doesn’t have the same thing. One of the members asked: “But what would be different for our children in our world, if they have a primary school? I mean, we have homeschooled our children for centuries and they turned out fine.” Narcissa couldn’t have asked for a better set-up. “Well, Lord Gibbon. I will give you an example. Think about the differences between the muggleborns and muggle-raised now and the 17th century. In the 17th century, many muggleborns and muggle-raised that attended their first year in Hogwarts were not able to read, write and do Math. Furthermore, their etiquette was lacking and they had no decorum and it was our responsibility to teach them all that at once.” Lord Gibbon nodded in agreement. Lady Malfoy was right. The muggleborns and muggle-raised back then needed to be taught first, what is expected of being a wizard or witch. Narcissa continued: “And if we compare them with the muggleborns and muggle-raised now, you will see major differences. Firstly, they already can read, write and do Math and their etiquette and decorum are not that lacking as before, because they have for example decent table manners.” Everyone agreed. Now, every muggleborn and muggle-raised is more educated than before since the muggles had evolved, but Lady Travers questioned: “But why would a primary school be better than homeschooling the children, Lady Malfoy?” Narcissa just smirked slightly and answered: “In a primary school, the children are taught by professionals, who have a teaching license, and do know, how to deal with the children in a pedagogical way. Apart from that the children would start with their socialisation earlier and be prepared for school life in Hogwarts. Furthermore, when I say, the children are taught by professionals, I also want to mention that the children are receiving a full education, where the children would be taught everything, and children, who have difficulties in a subject or have disabilities, can be helped properly, how to manage the school material.” Lady Travers was satisfied with the argument and thought that a primary school would be a great idea. Many were discussing the primary school even the vice and there was nothing negative about the idea, but the big question would be the money issue. A primary school needs money. Narcissa had an idea. If she could track down the Ravenclaw heir, he/she would be able to make an audit of the Hogwarts money and they would be able to use the money for the new primary school. And as an insult to injury, Dumbledore would lose control over the Hogwarts Vaults and he wouldn’t be able to use the money, however he wanted. It means that Dumbledore would lose a great area of control. “I have a solution for that. I know that Lord Dumbledore would not authorise the financial aspect of the primary school since he is in control over the Hogwarts Vaults, but the remaining heirs of Hogwarts would be able to supersede Dumbledore and take control. It is still unknown, who the Ravenclaw heir is, but with the help of the goblins, we would be able to track him/her down.” Many agreed, but Pandora asked concerned: “I know that the Ravenclaw heir is still unknown, but what about the Hufflepuff heirship? The Smith family has been claiming to be the Hufflepuff heirs for centuries.” Narcissa had a thoughtful look on her face, but she knew, what can be done. “We demand proof, where Lord Smith should do an inheritance test since blood never lies, and present his claim here in front of the board.” Many had supportive faces. This is good and Dumbledore wouldn’t be able to do anything. At first, Narcissa wanted to put pressure on Lord Smith, but she knew that it was too early and she knew that the man was too cowardly to claim the Hufflepuff heirship.

They didn’t vote since there was another thing to discuss and it was the application of Severus Snape-Prince as the new potion master. Severus did apply for the position as potion master, but he sent the application to Lady Acton and not Dumbledore since the man didn’t trust the current headmaster. Furthermore, she had a request from Horace Slughorn to retire and his recommendation that Severus should take over the potion class. “The next order of business is a request from Horace Slughorn for retirement and a recommendation of his replacement.” Lady Acton was sure that no one would be able to protest the motion for Slughorn’s retirement since his classes were getting more and more dangerous and the older Slughorn got, the lesser he was able to pay attention to the students. Severus would be an exceptional replacement. The governors were looking at the application of Severus Snape-Prince and had to admit that someone like him would be great in teaching the potion class. But there was another question that was nagging them and Cyrus was the one to ask the question: “But what about the head of house position? Horace had served in that position since Dippet was headmaster and Severus doesn’t have the five years of experience with students, in order to become head of house.” Many nodded in agreement, but Narcissa had already planned for this and requested: “Then, we make Severus co-head of Slytherin house. There is another staff member, who is a former Slytherin and has five years of experience with teaching and dealing with students, and she would be able to take over as co-head of house. Severus could become a full head of house after three years of being co-head according to the Hogwarts guidelines.” Many were surprised that they forgot about Aurora Sinistra, who was a Slytherin and had been teaching in the school for nearly five years, but were supportive that this would work. The nomination was discussed, but Narcissa didn’t need to be a seer that the nomination would pass.

When the discussions were over, Lady Acton moved over to the vote. The first nomination with the primary school passed with a unanimous vote excluding Dumbledore and his sheep, who have still two days to vote onto the issue. Lady Acton created the paperwork to request the goblin nation to track down the Ravenclaw heir since the headmaster can’t be trusted. The woman was sure that Dumbledore wouldn’t bother to read the paperwork since she made sure that the part with the Ravenclaw heir is hidden in the long transcript. Legally, she can do that since she is currently the Head Governor and Dumbledore stepped down, which gives her an advantage. Apart from that, Lady Acton knows that Dumbledore and his sheep never bother to read the transcripts and will never know that there was a legal request for the goblin nation to track down the Ravenclaw heir. The next three nominations with Horace’s replacement and retirement. The remaining board members voted for the retirement of Horace Slughorn and that the replacement should be Severus Snape-Prince. Furthermore, they voted that Aurora Sinistra and Severus Snape-Prince should become co-heads of Slytherin house since Professor Sinistra had the needed five years of experience. It was unanimously with the requests. Dumbledore and his sheep would be updated, what had been discussed with Lady Acton and would have the chance to vote on the nominations for two days, but Narcissa believed that even though Dumbledore and his sheep would have voted against the nominations, they would still have a margin, but Narcissa and Arthur are going to make sure that the Potter and Weasley votes would be nullified. Any belated votes would be invalid.

When Dumbledore and his sheep were finished discussing deciding to vote for the sign, Lady Acton turned her attention to the Head Governor and explained: “Ah, Lord Dumbledore, we had four additional nominations that were voted onto.” Albus was a little bit startled, but he hoped that they didn’t pass. Lady Acton started with the first nomination. “The first nomination was from Lady Narcissa Malfoy. She nominated to open a primary school in the wizarding world with a professional staff and everything, what the school needs. The vote was unanimous, if we include the exclusion.” ‘Apart from that, we are going to request from the goblins to track down the Ravenclaw heir, so that we can prepare the new school,’ Lady Acton thought the last part. Dumbledore nearly suffered a heart attack. This couldn’t be. How dare those fools allow this to happen. He didn’t need a primary school that would destroy so many plans in one row, but there was nothing to be done. No matter, if he and his followers were going to vote against the nomination, it still wouldn’t be enough to sway the vote. The primary school would pass, but he would be able to stop it since the board needed his authorisation of financing the primary school. The only one, who could overpower him, would be the founders’ heirs. Albus knew that he has control over the Gryffindor and seemingly the Hufflepuff heirs. He also knows that Voldemort is the Slytherin heir and is vanquished for the time being. So, he wouldn’t destroy his plans, but the one that worries him the most is the Ravenclaw heir since Albus doesn’t know, who would inherit this line and this one founder would be able to take away his power and money from Hogwarts. But Albus doesn’t realise that the Ravenclaw heir is going to make his appearance sooner than expected.

James seethed. He wished, he could help Albus, but he can’t since he was skipped as the Gryffindor heir. James was still furious that he couldn’t claim the regency of the Houses Peverell and Gryffindor and he made himself a fool, when his claim was denied by the seats, but there was nothing he could do. He assured himself that when Harry claims the Gryffindor and Peverell heirship rings that his eldest announces him regent, but he had to wait some time for that.

Albus managed to collect himself and voted against the primary school with his followers, but their votes were not enough and the vote passed officially with the majority for the primary school. This was Albus’ first set-back and the old headmaster has a plan that was going to fail spectacularly. He was still furious about the outcome, but he thinks, he had control that he will lose.

Lady Acton continued interrupting Albus’ thoughts for a few minutes. “The next nomination was the retirement of Horace Slughorn. Professor Slughorn wrote a request for retirement since he wasn’t able to pay the proper amount of attention to the students and his classes are getting more and more dangerous, Lord Dumbledore. The request was approved by the majority of the board. He already recommended his replacement.” Albus sighed. He knew that Horace wanted to retire, but he couldn’t find a potion master that he was able to control and do the brewing that the school needs. Albus voted for the request with his followers. He suspected that the recommendation is Severus and Albus liked the idea of having the man in his school, in order to gain control over him, but it would be really hard to get the man on his side. Maybe some compulsions would make the man more agreeable, but he isn’t sure, if they would work since he heard that Severus is studying for his mastery in DADA and would be able to notice the spells on him and fight them off. With this Slughorn would be teaching until the end of the term and after the Yule break his replacement would take over.

The vice continued with the third nomination: “Professor Slughorn’s recommendation is that Master Severus Snape should take over the post as potion master and co-head of Slytherin house. Master Snape is the youngest and best qualified potion master in the UK and had worked in the ministry as a spy during the war. I believe that he is the only qualified and younger replacement to the post.” Albus needed to discuss this with his followers first before they vote. “I request again the privacy and silencing wards since I need to discuss this nomination with the light section.” Lady Acton nodded and privacy and silencing wards were put around the light section. Only some, who were not blindly loyal to Dumbledore, remained out of the discussion.

In the light section, there was a heated argument going on. James, Lord Podmore and Lord Jones were protesting Severus’ employment in Hogwarts. James nearly screamed: “Albus, you can’t allow Snivellus to be a teacher in Hogwarts. It is already bad enough that he got away with his crimes, but that he is going to teach is even worse. I don’t want my children to have him as their potion teacher.” Edward Podmore and Herbert Jones bobbled their heads in agreement since the man destroyed two lives. But the others weren’t that sure. Maybe Albus would be able to gain control over Snape under his employment and make sure that the man did, what the headmaster said, but that was a difficult task since the man couldn’t be bribed or blackmailed. It would be harder with the pardon and the Order of Merlin. Albus answered calmly: “James, Edward, Herbert, my boys, I know, but this would be our opportunity to gain control over Snape and make him regret his actions. Apart from that, we all agreed that Horace should retire and I am wondering, who would replace him since beside Horace Severus is the only one, who is young and has a potion mastery in this country.” The three grumbled in agreement. They hated that no one from the light managed to get a potion mastery, but Snape was the only option since they stupidly voted for the retirement of Slughorn. When the privacy bubble was dropped, Dumbledore and his followers voted for the request.

Lady Acton smiled and continued with the last request: “The last request is to announce Aurora Sinistra and Severus Snape as co-heads. It is true that Severus Snape should have five years of experience to become head of house, but with co-heads it is easier handled. One of the co-heads is required to have five years of experience and since Aurora had been teaching at Hogwarts for five years, Master Snape could apprentice under Professor Sinistra and could become the full head of Slytherin House after three years.” Many thought that this would work. Albus found it genuine since he used the same rule for Minerva, in order to make her the head of house earlier than expected and the same thing, he used for the deputy-headmaster position. Without any issues, Dumbledore and his followers voted for the nomination, but much to his dismay, the board of governors decided on the contract and Lady Acton would be the one to ‘interview’ Severus and ‘hire’ him. Albus knew that the job interview is only a formality and that Severus would be a member of the staff after the Christmas holidays. Lady Acton will explain his responsibilities as teacher and co-head of house. For now, he has a competent potion master, but Severus could make changes in his class and the curriculum. Albus only hoped that Severus doesn’t use the ICW curriculum in potions, because it would make things harder for his pawns in Hogwarts. Unknown to him Severus will contact the ICW for their curriculum at Narcissa’s recommendation and Dumbledore would have a hard time with his pawns since many of Dumbledore pawns in Hogwarts were not going to pass the expectations under Severus’ strict policies. Severus was also going to make sure that some students will not continue in his potion class and that would anger many students, but this discussion would be in the Yule meeting, when Severus will announce his teaching schedule. It would annoy Dumbledore to no end and he wouldn’t be able to do anything since the curriculum is from the ICW. It would be another hurdle that would stay in the headmaster’s way.

When the last nomination was finished, Dumbledore retook his seat as the Head Governor and proceeded with the vote of Elphias Doge’s nomination. The vote was called and the majority of the school governors voted against the nomination, which made Dumbledore frown in disappointment. Well, it was a try, but maybe next time, he was going to win.

The next nomination was from James and he hoped that he had more votes than previously. The vote was held and again, it was a set-back. Dumbledore wasn’t happy about the outcome. James’ face reddened in outrage. Why didn’t they vote for his nomination? His sons needed to be protected and the board didn’t seem to care. Maybe the public pressure would overturn the vote, but James knew that a revote can only be done in a year and he must make a request to put an old nomination to revote, but that would be difficult since there is a long process and it would take another six months to get the nomination passed. James let the topic drop and the next nomination was called about the sign.

When the vote came to Amelia’s nomination, it passed unanimously. No one dared to vote against it since the Statute of Secrecy was more important than anything else. With that the board meeting came to an official end. Albus needed to discuss with his followers about the primary school and Severus. He had many plans, how to gain control over the man.

Everyone left the Wizengamot and went home.

Hogwarts

Albus led his followers back into his office and sat down behind his desk. The meeting didn’t go, how it was supposed to go. The two nominations that he wanted to be passed, didn’t pass. Albus blamed Arcturus Black for this mess. If he had the Black seat, he would have been able to sway the vote to his side, but now, Sirius is disowned and Narcissa is the regent of the House Black. Albus knows that the woman was never going to agree with him and her husband is the same. When all of his followers took their seats, Albus was smoothing his hand down his beard and had a thoughtful look. James started: “Albus.”

Albus shook his head and said: “I am sorry, my boy. I was distracted by today’s board meeting.” Many nodded in understanding. Today, things didn’t go the way, how they were supposed to go and they blamed mostly Arcturus Black. The two nominations didn’t pass. The nomination with the sign was a distraction to Albus. He didn’t want the sign to be placed, but he had no other choice since Amelia is an expert in law and law enforcement and he couldn’t argue that first timers like muggleborns and the muggle raised are unknowingly violating the Statute of Secrecy. He had to vote for the nomination since many were supporting the idea with the sign and peer pressure was something that he couldn’t deal with.

Albus’ main concerns are Severus and the primary school. He needs to find a way to regain control over Severus that he had lost after Antonius Prince took him away from him and ruined him. Lily and Mary lost all of their friends because of the man. He had seen, how Dorcas and Marlene were barely tolerating both women and there was a clear rift in his order that he couldn’t fix. The next issue was the primary school. He didn’t need that, but it passed and there was nothing he could do to stop it. The only aspect, where the primary school can be stopped, is the financial aspect since the school needed money and he himself has the control over the Hogwarts Vaults. He also has control over the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff heirs and the Slytherin heir is vanquished for now, where he wouldn’t cause any trouble for him. But what was worrying him was the Ravenclaw heir since he/she was in the unknown. Albus hoped that the Ravenclaw heir would never be found, but unknown to him, this was going to happen earlier than expected.

Many order members were not happy about the outcome of the board meeting. James was not happy that Snivellus was going to teach potions, but sadly, there was no one more qualified than Snape and he is the only one with a potion mastery. He has to accept it for now. He hoped there was something incriminating against Snape, in order to arrest him, but that would be harder since the war ended. Marlene and Dorcas were happy that Severus was going to teach potions since he is younger and can pay proper attention. They remembered the potion class with Slughorn and they can tell that the class was very dangerous. Thankfully, Severus showed them some tricks in potions, so that they can brew perfectly and safer and make outstanding potions. Both managed to get an O in the potion OWL thanks to Severus. They also knew that Lily’s grades started to decline slightly after Sev broke of his friendship with Lily and she had more EEs than before. What they don’t know, is that Lily did very bad at her OWLs and shouldn’t have continued in some classes, but Dumbledore interfered and altered her OWLs and NEWTs, in order to make her the brightest witch of her generation. Albus did the same with James’ and Sirius’ results, in order to make sure that both become aurors. But soon this would be overturned.

For now, he dismissed his pawns and had a quiet evening, where he was left in his thoughts. He hoped that the next meeting was going to be less bothersome, but fate had other plans and Albus was going to suffer more losses.

Horace Slughorn was ready to celebrate since he received a letter that his retirement and his recommendation have been approved and that he would receive a pension for his long duties in Hogwarts as potion teacher. He planned to throw a retirement party with his friends, his Slug club and the other staff members after Yule, but he had to be patient until then since there are still two weeks until he would officially retire from his post.

These were wonderful news, but he also knew that many of his snakes are not going to like his retirement and his replacements. And he shouldn’t forget that many students, who managed to get an EE in their OWLs are going to be furious that they wouldn’t be able to continue their NEWTs under Snape’s new policy. Slughorn is sure that many careers were going to be ruined by the man, but he didn’t care. This should have been done decades ago, but Dumbledore refused and allowed to dumb down an entire generation.

Lying down on his bed, Horace waited that soon he wouldn’t have to worry about any potion accidents and deaths in his classroom. He had to wait until the Yule holidays and he would be gone. Horace will never step a foot in Hogwarts again and he would never have to worry about troublesome students in the school. The best thing would be that he would never have to deal with tantrums of parents and their children, if a student didn’t pass his expectations. No longer late nights to correct and mark assignments, doing rounds and taking care of detentions. This was going to be the life he wanted and he would never give up this life for any gold in this world.

Horace fell asleep dreaming of his retirement.

Prince Manor

Severus received an offer of employment from the board and sighed. He knew that he would deal with dunderheads, but at least, he was going to change the potion class as he sees fit. He wasn’t going to allow anyone, who hasn’t an O in the OWLs. Severus knew it was harsh, but according to the ICW potion curriculum, the NEWTs were demanding an O in the potion OWL exam, so that anyone can continue in the NEWT potion class since the potion ingredients in the NEWT class were more volatile and any accidents could result to death in the worst-case scenario. Furthermore, Severus doesn’t want a high death toll in his classroom like Horace. So, only the outstandings would attend his NEWT potion class. Taking out pen and paper, he wrote two letters. One to the ICW, where he requested from Lady Apolline Delacour, the head of the Department of Education on the international stage, the ICW potion curriculum, in order to make sure that the board knows, that even the whole wizarding world is using this curriculum. The other letter was his acceptance. Another aspect that he was going to take care is the influence Voldemort had on the Slytherin house. He remembered that Aurora and he had a hard time in Slytherin. At least, Aurora had friends like Cyrus and Daniella Greengrass, Sophia Zabini and the more neutral leaning Slytherins, who didn’t give two shits about blood status, but were coming from very powerful families. He had a hard time in his first three years until he was taken in by his grandfather. There things changed for the better and he had more friends than before, but his closest were Narcissa, Lucius, Regulus and Evan since he had known them since his first and second year. Severus was not going to allow the Slytherins to go the path of the death eaters.

He also has to focus on finding the horcrux in the castle since Voldemort is still a threat and he needed to find that thing, but he had to be careful since Dumbledore and McGonagall are going to keep a close watch on him and this would be annoying. He also knows that Poppy and that hack Trelawney are also blind followers of Dumbledore. Severus knew that Poppy hadn’t done any health scans as it should have been done by a medi-witch in Hogwarts. Severus will make sure to make the health scans himself. In case of squibborns and the muggle-raised, he will make two health scans. One will be sent to the child services in the ministry. Severus knew that it would be fruitless since the child services in the magical world would just send him a lame excuse that he was exaggerating and that the parents loved them, but he would use that, when Narcissa was going to tear the child services into pieces and make sure that Dumbledore’s pawns are going to suffer for their stupidity for trusting Dumbledore and following his ideas. The other health scan would be sent to his contacts in the muggle welfare office. Severus knew that the muggle welfare office has been taken over by squibs, who are aware of the magical world and Dumbledore’s view about child abuse, squibborns and muggle-raised, who couldn’t get a job in the magical world, and even some wizard-raised, who didn’t like the child services in the magical world and left the wizarding world, in order to work in the muggle world, so that they could help the children from there. Severus was sure that the child service workers in the muggle world were going to help as much as they could.

With abused wizard-raised children, Severus would talk with the heads of house or give the health scan to his colleague Amelia Bones and make sure to publicly shame and arrest them. Severus knew that Amelia isn’t someone that cannot be bribed and the punishment would be sever with Crouch being the head of the DMLE. Well, there were going to be slight changes and the best thing is that Dumbledore will never find out.

The one person, he needed to stop from interfering is Poppy and the only way would be to put the seal of silence on the woman, in order to make sure that she isn’t talking and blackmail her with her actions, so that she doesn’t try anything to circumvent the seal. With the seal, she would be unable to tell Dumbledore anything and even though Dumbledore was a Master Legilimens, the old fool will meet an impenetrable wall in Poppy’s mind due to the seal of silence. Severus was sure that Dumbledore will lose control over the students fast, but the man wouldn’t notice it until it is too late. Additionally, he would take control over the hospital wing and make sure that Poppy had barely any control. The woman will only watch, but she wouldn’t be able to do anything. Minerva will keep an eye on him for some time, but she is going to lose interest in him and that hack Trelawney is too drunk to notice anything, what was happening.

Severus had a grin. This would be perfect.

Potter Manor/Jones Manor/Podmore Manor

James was in a foul mood, when he came back home. He still couldn’t believe that Snape is employed to be a teacher. His sons are going to be miserable in his class, but there was nothing to be done. There is also the fact that the man was a mass murderer, who killed many order members, in order to keep his cover. He still couldn’t believe that Crouch would go over dead bodies to protect his spies. One day, James vowed to make Crouch pay and suffer for what he had done. Lily came down to the floo room, in order to greet her husband. “Hello, James, how was the board meeting?” James just huffed: “It was terrible. Snivellus is now teaching potions in Hogwarts. Slughorn wants to retire and recommended Snape and Sinistra to become his replacements. Snivellus should become potion master and Snape and Sinistra should be co-heads of Slytherin. Sadly, Albus couldn’t find a better replacement since there weren’t enough potion masters in the UK. Let’s just say that Snape was the only potion master in the UK available.” Lily knew that her husband hated Sev since he was the brightest wizard in his generation and is the youngest potion master ever since no one managed to get the potion mastery in less than two years. She also heard that he also started his DADA mastery and Lily knew that he was going to be finished soon with it too. Lily was jealous that Sev was doing better than her. She still is working on her charms mastery and it seems like that it would take another two or three years until she is finished. “I know James, but you have to accept it. Sev is the only one, who has a potion mastery and Horace allowed too many accidents. I don’t want both of my boys to die, because of a potion accident.” James sighed. Lily was right. He knew that Slughorn was worse than Snape since the man was negligent and wouldn’t be able to pay proper attention and he really didn’t want to lose either of his sons due to a potion accident.

They went to the living room and James explained them, what had happened during the board meeting. Sirius snapped furiously: “WHAT?! What was the board thinking about hiring Snivellus as a teacher?! We need to stop this, James? You can’t allow Snivellus to make John’s and Harry’s lives in Hogwarts miserable.” James sighed that Sirius’ reaction would be volatile and explained: “I know, Sirius, but Slughorn isn’t any better. Let’s just say that Snape is the lesser of the two evils. Slughorn can’t pay any proper attention in the potion class and I don’t want my sons to die early, because of a potion accident.” Sirius gritted his teeth. James was right. He didn’t know, who was worse Slughorn or Snape. Sirius knew that Slughorn is getting too old and can’t pay the proper attention anymore. His pups could die, because of Slughorn’s negligence. Snape is the same age as them and would be able to pay attention to not allow any students to die in his potion class. The former Black heir sighed. There was no other choice than to accept Snape as potion master and Sirius also knows that the man would be hard to fire since he is the only one, who has a potion mastery.

Remus shook his head. But there was nothing much that can be done. Snape is the only one, who would be able to teach the potion class and no one else.

In Jones Manor the reaction was explosive. Hestia let out a roar of rage. “HOW COULD YOU ALLOW THIS, UNCLE HERBERT?! HE KILLED JULIUS AND YOU ARE OFFERING HIM A JOB AT HOGWARTS!” Herbert sighed. He knew that Hestia was going to react like this and he also was aware that his niece wants revenge against Snape. The man understood that Snape needed to be brought to justice for the death of his niece’s fiancé, but how is he going to do that since Snape got a full pardon and was given an order? But he knew that Albus had plans prepared for Snape and to gain control over that bastard.

Herbert explained to his angry niece: “Hestia, we hadn’t had a choice. Horace wanted to retire and this time, he presented us with a replacement and pointed out that his potion class was getting more and more dangerous since he can’t pay the proper attention. You shouldn’t forget that Horace has a high death toll in his potion class and had caused many deaths especially in his NEWT class.” Hestia hated to admit that her uncle was right and she can tell that since that bastard is the youngest potion master in the UK, he would be hired immediately and no one would make a fuss about this. Why did this have to happen? Why is each day getting from bad to worse? She wished, there was a way to arrest that monster, but without proof, it is going to be difficult and the end of the war is making things even harder. Herbert knew that his niece was thinking about Julius, but nothing was going to bring him back. He also knows that they were soulmates since an inheritance test proved that Julius and Hestia were meant to be, but Snape destroyed the soul bond by killing Julius and sentenced his niece into an unhappy life, where she would feel emptiness and apathy. Herbert knew that she was never going to recover from this. He wished, he could go back in time and kill Snape, for what he had done to his niece.

Unknown to him, Lady Magic nudged Bartemius Crouch Sr. to order the death of Julius Podmore since the man destroyed another soulmate couple with no remorse and for that he needed to pay. She looked at the sobbing man, who couldn’t believe that he was killed and his murderer got away with his death. Why was fate so cruel to him and Hestia? Julius looked at Lady Magic and exclaimed: “I need to fix this. Hestia and I deserve justice. You need to bring me back, so that everything would be alright.” Lady Magic ignored his rudeness and said in an imperious voice: “You will remain here and watch your soulmate suffer. You hadn’t had any remorse by betraying Evan Rosier-Black and destroying a soulmate couple with your actions and now, you are going to learn the pain, you have inflicted towards Regulus Rosier-Black by watching your soulmate suffer.” Julius glared. He couldn’t believe that Rosier’s death was going to bite him so hard. He watches day after day, how his sweet fiancé was suffering and turning apathetic. He knew that if you lose your soulmate due to a murder, you lose all of your emotions and revenge takes over the heart. Lady Magic said in a neutral voice: “I know that a witch or wizard turn emotionless and revenge-addicted in case of a murdered soulmate. But your soulmate will turn into a dark and evil witch, if she continues the path of revenge since your killer got away, received a full pardon for his crimes and as an insult to injury, he was honoured with an Order of Merlin First Class.”

Julius exploded in fury. “WHAT? SNAPE GOT AN ORDER FOR MY DEATH?!” Lady Magic gave him a curt nod and continued to watch the woman to suffer. Julius was beyond furious. That bastard Snape should suffer pure hell for what he had done to Hestia and him and not be rewarded for his crimes. But he also was terrified. His poor fiancé will turn dark and evil, because of the revenge that is driving her into madness. There must be a way to fix this. Hestia is innocent. She didn’t deserve this fate, but sadly, fate had other things in mind.

They further watched, how Hestia left the room in a huff knowing that it was fruitless. Julius was already plotting his revenge against Snape, but sadly, retribution will never come to them.

In Podmore Manor, many members of the family were glaring at their head in pure rage. They were furious that Snape was a teacher now. Annabell Podmore was enraged that her husband allowed her son’s killer to get a job in Hogwarts. She broke into pieces, when her son was tortured, mutilated and killed, and those pieces were crushed, when Snape, who was responsible for the monstrosity, was given a full pardon and as an insult to injury, he was rewarded with an Order of Merlin First Class. Annabell screamed and cried about the unfairness, when her husband returned back from the Wizengamot and informed her about the session. She was able to know about the full contents from the session since she was a member herself, but she had to take the seal of silence, so that she cannot betray the secrets. She wished, she didn’t take the seal, but she wanted to know, who killed her son and when it was revealed to be Snape, Annabell thought that Snape was going to be punished severely for killing an heir of a light family, but her husband revealed her that Snape got away with a full pardon and was given an Order of Merlin. Annabell let out a wail that could be heard around the entire Manor.

She tried to understand, why the man got away, but her husband revealed that Snape was a ministry spy and Crouch hailed him as a hero for his so-called heroic acts. Annabell had been ready to kill that bastard. Her son died and the man was hailing the killer as a hero since he worked for the ministry and was spying on You-Know-Who. She deserves justice, but she would never get it from the ministry since they were catering after the man and swept it under the rug. Why did they do this?

Edward was surrounded by his angry family, who were demanding answers, why he voted for the hiring of Severus Snape as potion master. “SILENCE!”, Edward thundered. When everyone quieted down and he started: “I know that all of you are very angry that Snape is the new potion master, but who should have replaced Slughorn since the UK is lacking a potion master. Apart from that, Horace requested his retirement and announced Snape as his replacement. We hadn’t had a choice and we lacked the time too. So, there was no other choice, then to allow Snape to take over the post as potion master in Hogwarts. But I believe that Albus had plans already in place to teach that bastard his place and make him suffer for the plight against our family.” The last part was said in a determined voice. Edward was sure that Albus would make sure that Snape knows his place and teach him, what it means to defy the headmaster and go against the light side like this. Unknown to him, this will never happen and Severus would start to destroy lives in the light side with his changes.

Gringotts, November 28th, 2001

Lucius and Narcissa made their way into the bank with their son, in order to discuss the Ravenclaw heir or heiress. Normally, they wouldn’t be able to interfere with the Ravenclaw heirship since it is a family matter, but the board decided to open the primary school and they needed the funds for the school. The problem, they were facing with the financial part, is Dumbledore and his control over the Hogwarts money. They can’t allow Dumbledore to have any control over the vaults and make sure that the Ravenclaw heir has absolute control over the Hogwarts Vaults. It would annoy Dumbledore to no end and the man wouldn’t be able to do anything against the Ravenclaw heir or heiress since she or he is basically owning a quarter of Hogwarts and the owners of the castle have more power than the headmaster himself. The vaults would be audited by the Ravenclaw heir or heiress and Albus needed permission from the Ravenclaw heir or heiress, if he wanted to take out money from the Hogwarts Vaults. Narcissa couldn’t wait to see Dumbledore’s face, when he realises, how much power he was going to lose, because of one founder’s heir. Both were not worried about the Gryffindor and Slytherin heir since Akira is safe and the Hufflepuff heir is also not that worrisome since Narcissa doesn’t believe that the Smiths were the rightful heirs of the Hufflepuff title. Her gut feeling tells her that their claim is wrong and someone else is the Hufflepuff heir, but she doesn’t know who.

When it was their turn, they greeted the teller politely and requested an audience with King Ragnock. The teller immediately sent them to their account manager since he had a closer connection to their leader than him and the teller told them so. The Malfoy family made their way to their account manager’s office, where they were led in and the account manager was informed about the odd request. Gornuk wrote a petition to the Chieftain since his clients requested an audience. He still is waiting for the response. The account manager asked them: “What is the reason for the audience with our dear leader?” Narcissa glanced at Lucius, who gave her the go-ahead. She explained: “We want to fund a primary school, but sadly, Dumbledore has control over the Hogwarts Vaults as the headmaster and we need to track down the Ravenclaw heir. Lucius and I are aware about the Gryffindor and Slytherin heir, but it would reveal that Akira is not with his relatives and Dumbledore and his followers would try everything to track him down. We would needlessly endanger Lady Magic’s champion.” Gornuck had to agree with Lady Malfoy. It would endanger the boy needlessly. So, the Gryffindor and Slytherin heir is out. Gornuck questioned: “What about the Hufflepuff heir?” Narcissa looked a bit irritated, when she thought about the claimant of the Hufflepuff heirship. She answered to the goblin: “The situation with the Hufflepuff heir is complicated since there is a certain family that is claiming that they are the Hufflepuff heirs and they are also in Dumbledore’s pocket.” Gornuck wanted to growl. He knew, what family is claiming to be the Hufflepuff heirs and never did the inheritance test to prove their claim. It is the Smith family and he wished to force those fools to make an inheritance test. He knows that those fools are not the Hufflepuff heirs and he also believes that they were aware of that fact. Gornuck understands, why Lady Malfoy wants to know, who the Ravenclaw heir is since there was no claimant of the Ravenclaw inheritance and the old fool doesn’t know, where the Ravenclaw line is going.

The account manager came to the conclusion that the Ravenclaw heir is the only one, who could help them with their plans. After some time, he received a message from his chieftain that Lord and Lady Malfoy should come to his office, in order to discuss their request. He looked at the couple and answered: “Lord and Lady Malfoy, your request had been approved. Please follow me to the Chieftain’s office.” Both nodded and were relieved that the Chieftain didn’t reject their request. The couple followed their account manager out of the office and made their way into the office of the Chieftain.

Chief Ragnock was sitting behind his desk doing his paperwork. There were some discrepancies with some account managers, but he dealt with them accordingly. Thankfully, there were no executions since some, simple, but annoying mistakes happened. When he heard a knock on his office door, the Chieftain knew that it must be Lord and Lady Malfoy. He said with a neutral tone: “Come in.” Gornuck opened the door and Lord and Lady Malfoy walked in. They allowed Gornuck to stand at the front and all three greeted the Chieftain politely. Ragnock was happy that the Malfoys were respectful and he summoned them seats and ordered tea and biscuits.

Lucius sat at the right seat, whereas Narcissa sat left. Gornuck swallowed hard, when he had to sit in the middle. Ragnock also smiled at the seating arrangements since it showed that the couple trusted their account manager in this situation. Ragnock looked at them critically and started: “Let’s get to the point. Lord and Lady Malfoy, why did you request an audience with me?” Lucius and Narcissa looked at each other and Narcissa was the one, who would explain: “Chief Ragnock, we came here to track down the Ravenclaw heir or heiress. I know that we cannot interfere with the Ravenclaw inheritance, but we need to know, who the Ravenclaw heir is, so that we can fund our primary school. The problem is that the current headmaster has control over the Hogwarts Vaults and the only one, who would supersede the control of the headmaster over the Hogwarts Vaults would be one of the founders’ heirs or heiresses. We also explained to our account manager, why we are focusing on the Ravenclaw heir since the Gryffindor and Slytherin heir would needlessly be endangered by Dumbledore, Voldemort and their followers.” She showed the goblin the inheritance test of Akira. Ragnock looked at the test and was shocked, what had been done to the Gryffindor and the new Slytherin heir and he knew that two of the four founders’ heir was out. The Chieftain allowed her to continue: “And the Hufflepuff heirship has its own claimants. I believe that you aware about the Smith family.” Ragnock looked sour. He knew the Smith family and they had claimed to be the Hufflepuff heirs for generations. So, he can conclude that the Hufflepuff heir was out too due to the Smith family and their stubbornness and the fact that they were following Dumbledore. Ragnock came to the conclusion that the Ravenclaw heir was the only one, who could help. Ragnock knew that he isn’t allow to interfere into the Ravenclaw inheritance, but legally he can track the heir or heiress down, if there was a request by the board of governors.

Ragnock asked: “Is there a request by the board of governors? I can’t do the tracking down without cause.” Narcissa smiled sweetly and Lucius took out the formal request from his suitcase. Ragnock read the request and had seen that Lady Vera Acton signed the request as the head governor since Dumbledore stepped down. This was a grave mistake on Dumbledore’s part since he legally stepped down as head governor and allowed Lady Acton full authority, which makes the request legal and above board. The Chieftain gave them a toothy grin and explained: “Well, your request will be approved, but it will take two weeks to track down the Ravenclaw heir. When is the next governors meeting?”

Lucius took out his calendar and opened it. At the right pages, Lucius answered: “In December the meetings would be irregular since on December 15th and 16th there would be the Wizengamot trials. On December 18th is the next governors meeting and on December 20th is the Yule Wizengamot meeting.” Narcissa wanted to groan in actual pain. There wouldn’t be enough time for Yule shopping since she would be sitting in the Wizengamot. Lucius had seen the face of his unimpressed wife. He can tell that his wife was going to hate these meetings since she will miss Yule shopping, but he knew that she was going to reschedule the Yule shopping and he will suffer at the end. This wouldn’t be funny at all.

Ragnock nodded and said: “Good, until then, the Ravenclaw heir would be ready to attend the meetings in the Wizengamot and the school board.” Narcissa and Lucius smirked in victory. This is good. They only hoped that the Ravenclaw heir is neither a follower of Dumbledore nor of Voldemort since it would make things worse, but Narcissa had a gut feeling that the Ravenclaw heir is someone in their circle of their newly gained allies.

Wizengamot, November 30th, 2001

Lucius and Narcissa made their way to the Wizengamot courtroom. Today the trials will start. The trials will be conducted in an alphabetic order. This meant that there was going to be a lot of time before Narcissa had to prepare herself for the trial of her former sister, Rodulphus NoName, Rabastan NoName and Bartemius Crouch Jr. She heard that the trial of the four would be at the end after dinner since Crouch had to step down since his son is one of the accused. She had seen that Crouch looked more stressed than usual, but she can understand it since his own son was going to face trial for torture, murder, terrorism etc. If her own son would be in the same situation, Narcissa was sure that she wouldn’t be sitting calmly in the Wizengamot. She also noticed that a goblin contingent was here to escort the death eaters to their goblin mines.

Bartemius Crouch Sr. was nervous, but he had decided, what to do with his son. He will disown him after he is found guilty and wash his hands from him. He knew that Wilma was going to throw a fit, but the update of the goblin treaty will cost him a lot of money. Apart from that, the mind healer examined Barty again and found out that even though, he is a psychopath, his son wouldn’t be recognised by the court as mentally insane, which would be a one way ticket to the goblin mines and later Azkaban. His son’s trust vault would be seized to pay the damages additionally and he was not going to lose his fortune, because of his imbecilic son’s action. There was no other choice.

The trials started with some petty thieves and some followers of Voldemort until it was time for lunch. All the convicted death eaters were sent to the goblin mines, where hell was awaiting them. Many protested and begged against the sentence in the goblin mines since they knew, how brutal they were, but it fell on deaf ears and they were sent there to suffer. The death eaters knew that the dark lord’s torture was nothing compared to the goblin mines since they were going to suffer pure hell and the worst thing was that they had lost access to their fortune due to the new treaty. Additionally, every convicted death eater from a noble or wealthy family will lose their entire fortune leaving their children with only their trust vault. And those, who tried to bribe their way out, were caught by the goblins and were thrown in ministry holding cells, where they would await trial. They also lost access to their fortune and were charged with aiding and abetting, corruption, conspiracy, treason etc. Narcissa knew that those families are going to lose everything even their nobility. After lunch the trials continued and one trial made Narcissa pay attention closer. It was the trial of Peter William Pettigrew, who was sitting chained on the accused chair. Crouch started to read out the charges. “Peter William Pettigrew, you stand accused of attempted murder, treason, conspiracy, murder, terrorism and torture. How do you plead?”

Narcissa noticed the cowardly man flinch at the charges. He yelped: “Not guilty.”

She looked a bit around, how the other Wizengamot members are reacting and could see that James looked ready to kill. The light side gave him looks of disgust and hostility. When Bartemius requested veritesarem, there was a unanimous vote.

The veritesarem was administered immediately and Pettigrew was in a trance-like state. Crouch started with the test questions.

“What is your name?”

“Peter William Pettigrew.”

“When were you born?”

“November 12th, 1979.

“What house were you sorted in?”

“Gryffindor.”

Many in the light section intensified their glare towards Pettigrew since the man threw mud at the noble house of Gryffindor with his actions. James was enraged that the bastard would be known as a death eater, when everyone would write about John’s fame, but he should have accounted that John’s fame had his downsides.

Crouch nodded to the members that the potion has taken its effect and with a curt nod from the members, he started to interrogate Pettigrew.

“Did you betray the Potter family to the Dark Lord V-Voldemort and why?”

“Yes, I did, because my lord would have rewarded me with their deaths.”

“What was the reward?”

“A place in his Inner Circle and he spared my life with my servitude.” James wanted to go down and torture the man to death, but he restrained himself. Wormtail will suffer in the goblin mines and after his debt is paid in Azkaban.

“Did you join him willingly and if yes, why?”

“Yes, because I wanted to be on the winning side.” The light side snarled at the pathetic response and James couldn’t believe that the man was so cowardly, but he remembered that Peter always ran to them, if he pranked the wrong people. They always defended him and made sure that he was protected. James realised that Pettigrew always was with them, when there was trouble. Why didn’t he realise that the man was a coward from the beginning and that he wasn’t to be trusted.

“What have you done after the attack in Godric’s Hollow and the defeat of V-Voldemort?”

“When I heard the scream and then, the silence, I went in, in order to see, what had happened. I stumbled first over the corpse of James and then, Lily. There I found the remains of the dark lord and his wand. I knew that one of the boys did it, but I didn’t have the time to deal with them since I knew that Dumbledore was going to find out, what had happened. So, I took my master’s wand and escaped, but Sirius was there and he hunted me down until he cornered me in a muggle village. I tried to make a distraction and frame Sirius, but the bastard stunned and restrained me.” James smirked. Good that it had failed.

Crouch showed him Voldemort’s wand. “You mean this wand that we have recovered from your robes. What were your plans with it?”

“I knew that my lord wasn’t dead since the mark would have disappeared. So, I saved the wand for his return.” The minister and many members of the Wizengamot were in shock. That monster wasn’t gone. How was that possible? No one can cheat death. Narcissa let out a shuddering breath. She knew that Voldemort isn’t gone and is still alive, but wherever he is, he is outside of the country and is not a threat temporarily. Albus knew that Voldemort was still alive, but he wanted to keep the information to himself, in order to prepare his pawns in the wizarding world. Now things would be harder, because the minister and the Wizengamot are informed about Voldemort’s status.

The next half an hour was spent asking Pettigrew about his crimes. James was ready to kill, when he found out that he was responsible for the death of Mary McDonald and fifteen order members, who have trusted Pettigrew. Many from the light side were furious about Pettigrew and his actions. So much for trusting the man with their secrets.

When the veritesarem wore off, there was a unanimous vote of conviction that made Peter cry since his life was over. The sentence was a lengthy debate and it was decided, when Crouch took the podium as the head of the DMLE: “Peter William Pettigrew, you are found guilty by this esteemed court. Your assets will be seized and you are sentenced to the goblin mines, where you will have to pay the damages that you as a death eater have caused. Furthermore, after you have finished paying back your debts, you will spent the rest of your life behind bars in Azkaban.” Peter paled in fear. The goblin mines are worse than anything else. He looked at the members, but he received hostile looks from the light section, disgusted looks from the neutral fraction and sneers from the dark section. The ratty man realised that he had no allies and no one, who would help him. He wished, he was dead. The goblin put the cuffs on him and led him away to his fate.

After some time, it was time for dinner and the last trial against the former Lestrange trio and Bartemius Crouch Jr. will take place after dinner. Narcissa hoped that this trial would finally be over since he she didn’t want to deal with her former sister.

But Narcissa wasn’t the only one, who was stressed. Bartemius Crouch Sr. was ready to snap and curse anyone, who dared to disturb him. He knew that his plan was going to be fool-proof, but the backlash from his wife would be big and not to mention, how the public would react. Bartemius told Dirk to wait some time to reveal himself as the Crouch heir. He will reveal that he is the proxy of the Kingston seats at the next Wizengamot session, but the new heir of the Crouch family would remain hidden. Dirk already decided to arrange the seat in the neutral section, where the Crouch seat is.

Now, he had to survive his son’s trial with the former Lestrange trio.

When they returned back in the Wizengamot courtroom, Bartemius stepped formally back and allowed Amelia Bones to take over the prosecution. Amelia announced: “Bring in, Rodulphus NoName, Bellatrix NoName, Rabastan NoName and Bartemius Crouch Jr.”

The former Lestrange trio and the former Crouch heir entered the courtroom. They looked like shit and in the case of the former Lestrange trio, the disownments were not kind to them. They were forced on the seats and the chains wrapped around them making sure that they couldn’t escape. “Rodulphus NoName, Bellatrix NoName, Rabastan NoName, Bartemius Crouch Jr., you four stand accused of murder, attempted murder, torture, terrorism, aiding and abetting criminals, conspiracy and treason. How do you plead?”

Rodulphus said: “I plead for no one here. We did everything for our lord.” Amelia knew that the man pleaded guilty since he admitted everything. She looked at Rabastan NoName and the man answered the same.

When the woman turned her attention to Bellatrix, the mad woman started to cackle: “I plead for no one, you stupid blood traitors and filthy half-bloods. We did everything for the dark lord and his great plans to get rid of every filth in this world like you. The dark lord will return and will make you all pay for what you are doing to proper witches and wizards like us.” Amelia shook her head. That woman is completely insane. She hoped that her time in the goblin mines would teach her, how wrong she was. Amelia had consulted with a mind healer about Bellatrix NoName and the man came to the conclusion that even though she is insane, Bellatrix is aware of her actions, but doesn’t care about the consequences.

Amelia looked at Bartemius Crouch Jr. and asked: “What about you, Mr. Crouch? How do you plead?” Wilma was sitting tensely in the view area. She hoped that everything would be fine with her son and he can come home.

Barty sneered at the woman and answered: “The dark lord will make you all pay for this plight. He will make sure that you will tremble before him, when he is going to rule the wizarding world and make sure to eradicate every blood-traitor, half-breed and mudblood. Mark my words, you all will pay for this.” Amelia looked like she swallowed a lemon. Glancing at her boss, she could see that Bartemius is shaking his head in sadness and knew that the man was severely disappointed in his son. Wilma couldn’t believe that her son is admitting his guilt like this. She will never see him, if her sweet son is admitting his guilt. She hoped that this was a bad dream.

Amelia acknowledged that all of the defendant had pleaded guilty and was ready to go to the sentencing part. She asked: “Has someone something to add to this trial?” Looking around, she saw her boss raise his wand. “Lord Crouch?” Bartemius took a deep breath and said: “I want to add my part before my son is going to be sentenced.” Amelia nodded and allowed Crouch to continue: “Barty, I am very disappointed in you. I thought that you would realise your mistake, but it seems like that it was a fool’s dream of mine. I am not going to be sorry for what I am going to do to you.” Bartemius took out his wand, which alerted the aurors, and started to chant: “I, Bartemius Casper Crouch, call upon the family magics. I disown Bartemius Cornelius Crouch from the Crouch line. May the family magics judge his actions and the motivations behind them. If found unworthy, may the family magics be stripped from him. May he be barred from ever besmirching the family’s good name. So, mote it be.” Bartemius Crouch Jr. started to scream in pain, fury and agony, when the family magics started to examine him and then, they ripped themselves from him. He was going to make his f- ex-father pay for what he had done. The former Crouch was breathing hard and looked at his former father in pure hatred.

Bartemius had a cold and uncaring look on his face. He also wasn’t sorry, for what he had done, and that angered the former Crouch.

Wilma was absolutely furious. Why did her husband do this? What right did he have to disown his own flesh and blood from the family line? She tried to scream, but her voice abandoned her. She couldn’t believe that the man, she loved and respected was so cruel to their own son. Bartemius was going to suffer for this. Just wait, when he gets home. He will not hear the last from her. And she will also have some choice words with Albus. Her old headmaster promised her that Bartemius wasn’t going to do anything against their son since he is his only heir, but it seemed that she was wrong and now her baby boy has been removed from the family and she was sure that she was going to never see him again.

The members of the Wizengamot were shocked about the disownment that took place. Albus was shocked and furious. That man destroyed so many plans in one row. Why did he do that? Albus thought that Bartemius wouldn’t be brave enough to do the disownment since his son is the only heir, but it seemed that he was wrong. He had seen Wilma’s face and the woman looked ready to kill. Albus made a promise to Wilma that her son will be safe and he will make sure that Bartemius wasn’t going to do something stupid. Now he was going to deal with her fury too since he made that promise. He wished that he had placed some compulsions on Bartemius, but the Lord rings would be blocking the spells.

Since all four somehow pleaded guilty, Amelia went over to the vote of conviction. Everyone voted for conviction, even Albus and the dark section had to. Then, the sentence was discussed. After a long and dreadful debate, it was decided that all four would be sentenced to life in Azkaban, but before they could start that sentence, they had to work in the goblin mines to pay back their debts since they were members of a terrorist group that had caused a lot of damages in their world, they were going to work hard for that.

After they were escorted, the trials of the Wizengamot have ended. Bartemius made his way out of the building and unfortunately for him, he ran into his enraged wife, who started to hiss at him: “Bartemius, how dare you disown our son from the family line? Why would you do this? Do you have any idea, what you have done? How is he going to survive without our help now?” Bartemius raised his hand before she could continue with her rant. “Enough, Wilma. The decision is final. That bastard is no son of mine. He is a disgrace to our family and had caused many deaths. I am man enough to admit that I have made many mistakes, when he was young, but there was no excuse to join a terrorist organisation and to cause death and destruction to our society. Do you have any idea, how much damage the death eaters had done in the wizarding world and how much they had to repay back? Not to forget, how many people died, because of Barty and his ‘friends’. And then, there is you. You are making non-stop excuses for his bad behaviour and blaming others for his current situation. Has it never crossed your mind that his mind healer back then made concerns about the fact that he is becoming a psychopath? No, you dismissed the woman’s concern and throw a fit like a toddler that there was nothing wrong with Barty. I wished, I was more forceful, when she suggested the needed mind healer sessions, then, we wouldn’t be in this mess. I have enough, Wilma. This marriage is over. I want you to pack your stuff and leave Crouch Manor since I am filing for divorce.” Wilma was paling in fear. Divorce. He can’t do that. “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!”, the woman thundered in rage. Tears started to form in her eyes. This couldn’t be happening. It was getting worse and worse from his perspective.

The members of the Wizengamot weren’t really surprised that there was a rift between Lord and Lady Crouch, but they were shocked that the man was planning to divorce his wife. Albus stared at Crouch. This was unexpected and a problem to his plans. Wilma was one of his more dedicated followers and now the woman was going to be thrown through the mud and will lose her standing as Lady Crouch. That wasn’t supposed to happen. He hoped that Crouch only made empty threats, but sadly, Albus will realise that the man is serious about the divorce.

Bartemius left the Wizengamot courtroom not even bothering to hide his anger and made his way to his floo in his office and flooed back home, where dinner was ready. Finally, he was getting rid of the woman and he will make sure that she gets nothing after the divorce.

Wilma was livid. This couldn’t be happening. Bartemius can’t divorce her. She looked at Albus with pure rage on her face. There was hell to pay. Albus realised that the woman would let out her fury on him. He groaned, this was going to be long and painful since the woman was a smaller and older version of Molly. He used the enchanted parchment to write to his followers that there would be an order meeting since he didn’t want to be with Wilma alone and to make plans to stop Bartemius from divorcing his wife. He needed the woman tied to Crouch since he had plans for their son. Many groaned since they were going to suffer Wilma’s rant about Crouch and his plans. Albus quickly left the Wizengamot courtroom and flooed from the Chief Warlock’s office to his office in Hogwarts. He really dreaded this order meeting with Wilma.

Narcissa and Lucius were surprised. “Well, that was shocking.” Lucius agreed. “I never thought that Bartemius would do this, but all these revelations about his wife and his former son were not painting them in a good light. It only made things worse. Many were shocked about the revelations. At least, Bartemius cared for his son, but his wife made it worse and turned him into a murdering psychopath. There was a lot of whispering, where they blamed Wilma for Barty’s path to become a death eater. Wilma was ready to cry, when she heard that she was to blame for Barty’s actions. She left the Wizengamot since she was banned from seeing her son and the next visitation is in the middle of December, where she was going to be watched by the goblins. Wilma went to the next floo and flooed to the headmaster’s office.

Headmaster’s office

Albus was furious. The meeting with Wilma Crouch will be explosive and he knew that things looked really bad. He didn’t care about Wilma and her brat since he was the one, who led the boy to the path of darkness, in order to make Crouch pay for not joining the order and stop him from rising to power. But now, everything was for naught. These revelations weren’t supposed to happen. It should have been the other way around. Bartemius should be blamed for his son’s actions, in order to stop Bartemius’ rise to power. Many would see the man as incompetent since he wasn’t able to take care of his family and they would believe that he wouldn’t be able to take care of their community. Now, things went to the opposite direction. Wilma was seen as incompetent and is blamed for Barty’s path to darkness. How is he going to fix that and make Bartemius look bad? He knew that the man will receive a small hit to his reputation, but Wilma would face the ire of the public. His followers arrived at his office and he could read the dread on their faces. Albus knew that none of his followers wanted to listen to Wilma’s rant, but he didn’t want to be alone with her. He needed to think, how to stop Bartemius from divorcing his wife since he needed his son for the return of Voldemort.

Albus was interrupted in his thoughts, when the floo flared green and Wilma stepped out. He wanted to groan, when she advanced to him and started screaming in pure fury. His followers were holding their ears. Albus had developed a thick over his left and the vein looked ready to explode. He tried to calm her down. “Wilma, my girl, I understand your distress, but I will find a way to fix this. Bartemius will not divorce you and you can return back to Crouch Manor. Maybe you could try to use compulsion spells and potion that couldn’t be detected by his lord rings. We can’t afford to lose control like that.” Albus just can’t lose control over Bartemius Crouch like that. He needed that man under his control and dependant on him. With him on his side, he would have control over the DMLE. Now his control over the DMLE is weaker. Albus still had many aurors and some head aurors on his side and had many acquaintances, but without the head of the DMLE on his side, he will lose control over half of the acquaintances and this wasn’t good. He needed to regain control over Crouch, but the question was how?

Another point that had rattled him was the disownment of Barty. The man will suffer pure hell under the hands of the goblins and without a name, Barty will have no support from anyone since a NoName would be avoided at all cost.

James had enough of Wilma’s rant and said: “Enough, Mrs. Crouch. Your son is a filthy death eater and he had chosen his path of war and destruction. So, he would be punished. I have had enough of you whining to us about your son. He should be punished and the goblin mines are sounding perfect, where he would pay dearly for all the pain, he had caused. Accept it and do not waste our time.” Wilma screamed at James in pure fury and ranted at him for some time. Then, the first curses were thrown at James, who had to avoid the incoming spells and flee the office. Albus quickly stunned the woman and spelled her calming draughts. It had taken five calming draughts to calm her even down. When James returned, the woman still glared at him in pure fury.

Wilma forced down her fury and in a very dangerous voice, she said: “How dare you James Potter? How dare you! You will regret this one day. Mark my words James Potter, you will suffer for your comment. One day, you will suffer the same fate like me.” Lady Magic smiled. Wilma Crouch is right that James will suffer painfully, because of his oldest and he will remember Wilma’s words, when it is too late. With that Wilma went to the floo and flooed to the Leaky Cauldron since she was locked from flooing to Crouch Manor.

Albus was not happy and gave James a disappointed look, which made sure to make James guilty for his words and tactlessness. “James, we can’t afford to lose Wilma due to her position as Lady Crouch. Barty’s disownment didn’t do us any favours since it threw a wrench to have Bartemius on our side. Do you understand that now Crouch will never listen to us?” James nodded and understood the situation, they were in.

Afterwards, they celebrated the success of the trials and there would be more trials were more of Voldemort’s supporters were going to be tried. Albus on the other hand was worried with the low numbers of supporters Voldemort does have. He knew that the only families that managed to escape the arrests were the Crabbes, Goyles, Parkinsons, Bulstrodes, Jugsons, Carrows, McNairs, Mulcibers, Selwyns, Yaxleys and Avery. But it was a lot harder since the goblins were involved and bribing officials was nearly impossible. He had to pull some strings since he needed them to make sure that the Malfoys and the other dark, but neutral families remain in Voldemort’s camp, but that would be harder. Albus can’t afford any dark families get away from Voldemort’s influence. He was furious that Voldemort failed to recruit some dark families and he won’t accept another setback. This time, he had many plans to make a clearer rift between the dark, neutral and light families. Unknown to him, Albus will fail horribly since many dark, neutral and light families would work together to ruin his plans.

Albus made some plans with his followers for the next month and hoped that things would be better. Sadly for him, things would get worse.

Crouch Manor/Cresswell Household

Bartemius arrived back home and thought about the events today. His former son is on the way to the goblin mines, where he would work his debts off. He isn’t sorry about his disownment and his punishment since he had it coming, but now he had other plans. He is going to divorce his wife and kick her out since she is the cause of this mess. He knew that the woman worsened Barty’s psychopathic tendencies with her spoiling and giving him everything that he wanted. Furthermore, she made non-stop excuses for his bad behaviour. Bartemius sent Dirk a message to come since he needed to inform him that Barty is disowned.

He hoped that his heir was going to represent his family better than Barty had done.

Dirk was eating his dinner, when the message from Bartemius had come and told his wife about the message. Lena said knowing about the meeting in Gringotts since her husband explained, what had happened: “Then, let’s get going, Dirk. I mean today his son had been punished for his actions.” Her husband nodded and finished his food. Dirk quickly cleaned himself up and he, his wife and his infant son flooed to Crouch Manor.

Arriving at Crouch Manor, Winky greeted them and showed them the way to the formal meeting room. Bartemius smiled brittlely. He still had his heir on his side. “Come in. Take a seat.”

Dirk and his wife nodded and sat down. His wife made sure that their son is safe on her chest. When both were comfortable enough, Dirk looked at Crouch with curiosity. “You called us, Bartemius.”

Bartemius nodded and answered: “I called you here, because my son Barty is from this day on disowned from the Crouch family.” Dirk was shocked and Lena stared at the man in disbelief. That was unexpected, but both admitted that Crouch Jr. didn’t deserve any better. The old Lord Crouch continued nonetheless: “Furthermore, I plan to divorce Wilma. She is the reason why Barty became a mass murderer and terrorist.” Bartemius explained the couple, what had happened during Barty’s youth and the mind healer’s examination. Both were furious that the woman didn’t notice the clear signs of psychopathic tendencies on the former Crouch and worsened his mental state.

Dirk growled: “The woman had known about Barty’s mental state and she did nothing to help him and now, she had the audacity to act as a caring mother and blames you for Barty’s path as a death eater. I believe, the woman needs to see a mind healer too and see if she has some mental issues.” Lena agreed. She couldn’t believe, how toxic Wilma Crouch is.

Bartemius nodded sadly and said: “Yes, I should have done that, but I made too many mistakes and now, they are biting me back. I hope that she would realise her mistake.”

With that finished, Bartemius spoke with Dirk about the future of House Crouch and what is expected from him.

Goblin mines

The goblins were leading the new prisoners to the mines, where they were going to work their debts off. They also know that new prisoners are going to come to help them and they couldn’t wait to bring them here. The overseer saw them coming and took out the shackles. “Good, you brought new prisoners.” The goblins nodded and the overseer continued looking at the convicted death eaters: “Welcome dear prisoners. Your stay will be temporarily, but you will learn why our mines are worse than Azkaban. Your magic will be bound until your debt is paid and the only magic you will feel is ours to keep you alive. Now to the shackles.” The overseer and some of his helpers put shackles on the death eaters’ hands and feet. “Now toss them in their assigned cells. It’s time to suffer pure hell.” The goblins tossed them in their cells and there they suffered pure hell.

Barty screamed in pure agony and fury. He noticed that the cells had runes that inflict pain and agony and he also felt a surge of power in them, which intensifies the pain tenfold, but he wasn’t the only one, who was suffering. Bellatrix, Rodulphus, Rabastan and the other death eaters were screaming their throat sore and were trying to ignore the pain in their bodies. It was unbearable. If they thought that their lord’s crucio was bad, then, this was worse. They wished, it would stop, but it was pure hell. The overseer came and informed them: “Your first workday will start tomorrow morning. You will work sixteen hours and have only two meal breaks and during the nights, you will suffer the pain and torment that you have caused your victims during the war. Have a good night’s sleep.” The last part was said sarcastically since he knew that the nights would be horrifying.

The overseer left the prisoners to their pain and agony and headed to his office. Those fools would regret the day ever siding with that dark lord and things would look worse and worse for them.

Chapter Text

Gringotts, December 1st, 2001

In the mines, Bartemius NoName was eating the most disgusting food in the world and was trying to heal his bleeding hands and broken bones through his magic. He had spent the whole night silently screaming and much to his embarrassment whimpering in his cell due to the nightmare runes on them. When he woke up at 7 am to eat breakfast that looked like hippogriff dung, Barty realised that this was his life. He wished, he was dead, because at 7:55 am, he and his friends were led away from their cells and the overseer gave them mining tools, where they were forced to start digging at 8 am. There would only be two breaks during lunch and dinner and at midnight, they were told that they would only sleep for seven hours and be woken up at 7 am every day. The overseer also said that there are no weekends and no holidays since each day would be a workday. Barty hated it and his hands and bones are hurting from this ordeal.

The other death eaters were silently fuming and thinking of revenge. Their lord will save them, but the question is when since their lord was vanquished by the Potter brat and they were captured. Their condolence is that their lord is not dead, but he is somewhere unknown and they hope, he will return and teach those filthy creatures their place. They hated the goblins since they refused to assist them during the war and didn’t support their cause, but now, they hated them even more for forcing them to do this degrading work.

The overseer knew that the death eaters are planning revenge, but there was nothing that can be done. This dark lord can try, however he wants, but even he knew that he would have the entire goblin nation as his enemy, and that is something that any wizard wants to avoid. They will have a ‘nice’ home here since some like the former Lestrange trio and the former Crouch were disowned and as a result, they don’t have a home nor a Galleon to their name since their former respective family confiscated their gold.

But the debts got slightly smaller since some dark families started to donate money for the damages that were done. But regardless of the donations, the death eaters had to work their debts off for the next decade. This would be painful and Azkaban is not going to be a relief since it is the opposite of the goblin mines. The goblin mines are hot and painful, whereas Azkaban is cold and tormenting the mind. The goblins are happy about the changes in the treaty since they needed more workers in their mines and this would be a perfect punishment for those, who cause havoc and destruction during the wizarding war.

Wilma arrived at Gringotts and when it was her turn, she rudely demanded: “I demand to see my son, Barty, in the goblin mines.” The teller growled inwardly but remained stoic. He hated disrespectful witches and wizards. But he knew about Bartemius NoName and he knew that any visitation would be allowed in the middle of the month. So, he answered: “No. Any visitations to our prisoners would be allowed on December 15th and 16th.” Wilma was furious. She needed to see her son. It is urgent. She argued with the goblins for hours, but the teller refused to budge and threatened her to be escorted by the goblin guards.

Wilma left the bank in tears. Her poor baby is surely suffering in the goblin mines. She just wanted to see him, but she was denied. Her husband is to blame for this mess. He should have protected his son, but no, the bastard disowned him and destroyed everything in one row. Dumbledore is also to blame for this mess. He should have made sure that Barty was safe from any punishments, but no, he let her son suffer. Now, she was going to make him pay for all the pain, he had caused, and she knew, where she was going to start. Wilma was going to destroy the Potter family and the fame of the boy-who-lived since she knew that the old bastard is living off the fame of the brat, but she will strike in the right time.

Crouch Manor

Bartemius planned to take a break and was planning a vacation at one of his private, tropical islands. He needed some time off, then he would focus on his divorce and the future of the House Crouch. He already made Amelia temporarily the head of the DMLE. Normally, he would have made Rufus Scrimgeour the head, but the man is a blind follower of Dumbledore and he would cause problems in his department. Amelia is fair and just and she is perfect for the position. He planned to retire soon from his position and announce Amelia as his successor, but Amelia needs to have ten years of experience as head auror. She currently had only one year and this was enough to make her temporary the head of the DMLE.

Now, he is packing his stuff for the vacation until he heard the floo. He sighed: “Winky!” The tiny little elf popped in his bedroom. “Yes, Master Crouch.” Bartemius answered in a gruff voice: “Can you bring our visitor to the formal meeting room?” The elf nodded and popped away. When he was finished packing, he went to the formal meeting room, where he met Scrimgeour much to his annoyance. Bartemius didn’t like him since he wants to become head of the DMLE and tries to do that with dirty tricks. He sat down and asked: “Head Auror Scrimgeour, what can I do for you?”

Rufus greeted him with a fake jovial tone. “Ah, Bartemius. I am here because of the position of the head of the DMLE.” The man had a power-hungry look in his eyes. Bartemius knew that look and nearly snapped: “No. Rufus, I already made the decision that Amelia will replace me temporarily during my vacation.” Rufus’ face fell and the man growled: “But she has been head auror for only a year and I have worked as head auror for nearly four years.” He would have liked to use this position, in order to lock up some death eaters like Snape or Malfoy without giving them a trial. They cannot get away with their actions during the war and as an insult Snape was rewarded for his so-called heroics.

Bartemius didn’t need to be a mind reader. The man is overconfident and wants to lock up Severus and Lucius for their ‘actions’ during the war. “I know, but unlike her, you have more complaints than her. Rufus, you are a good auror. I can’t deny that, but you have caused many problems that I can’t ignore. Do you remember, when you falsified a search warrant against the Greengrass family, and you executed it? Lord Greengrass came to me in a fury and demanded to know, why I had approved a search warrant in his manor even though I wasn’t aware of this and when I looked up, we discovered that you have falsified my signature. Be grateful that I was lenient with you back then and you got off with a three-month-long suspension without pay and a hefty fine of 20 000 Galleons. Additionally, you had to pay reparations for the damages that you have done. If we hadn’t fought a war, I wouldn’t have had the qualms to fire or demote you, but I needed you to deal with the death eaters back then. I know you and your tendencies and I don’t even trust you with my grandmas china, let alone with the head of the DMLE position.” Rufus seethed, when he was reminded of the Greengrass debacle. It nearly costed him his job and he had to pay reparations and a fine. “Amelia is a good choice and she is good at her job. Apart from that, the war is over and as the head of the DMLE, I am putting you under probation for the next five years and you will have a permanent mark in your record for not only the debacle with Lord and Lady Greengrass, but the other families that you wrongly suspected to be death eaters and created false tips and signed false arrest and search warrants.” Rufus was furious and snarled: “What about Snape and Malfoy? Do you have any idea, how many people have died under their wands?”

Bartemius was getting tired and said knowing that he was present during that particular Wizengamot meeting: “Master Snape was a spy and helped us to the best of his abilities during the war. Lord Malfoy on the other side was an unwilling victim since I have a goblin-made inheritance test and many copies of it that proved that his actions weren’t his own. I don’t need a goblin war, because of you and your bias. Additionally, didn’t you hear Alastor moan on Lord Malfoy’s report?” Rufus couldn’t deny it since he heard Alastor complain about the report on Lucius Malfoy since the inheritance test had to be included and each spell and potion interaction had to be explained, which was a lot of work. Furthermore, he flinched at the idea of declaring a goblin-made inheritance test as fake without having the entire goblin nation against him. He values his life more than Malfoy.

Bartemius continued: “I am now going on vacation, in order to clear my head off, but be warned, Rufus. If I receive only one letter from Amelia complaining about you taking justice in your own hand, then, you will be demoted to an auror or in the worst-case scenario, you are fired and banned from working in the DMLE. Do you understand me?”

Rufus was ready to curse, but nodded mutely since he knew that Bartemius doesn’t make empty threats. With that Rufus flooed back to the ministry and left Bartemius alone. It’s time to make a visit to the headmaster.

Bartemius rubbed his eyes feeling that a headache was going to form. “Winky!”, he ordered. The elf popped and bowed before her master. “What can Winky do?” Bartemius looked at the elf and said: “Bring me parchment and a quill. I need to write a letter to Amelia.” The elf nodded and popped away to bring her master, what he needed. Only a second later, she appeared before her master with quill and parchment and asked: “Does Master Crouch needs something else?” Bartemius shook his head and with a wave send her away.

He wrote a long- detailed letter to Amelia about her responsibility as temporary head of the DMLE and he added to keep an eye on some aurors, who are following Dumbledore and Voldemort.

With that, he sent the letter, finished packing and portkeyed to his private island.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

Albus was talking with Minerva, when the floo suddenly flared and Rufus came through. Albus asked: “Ah, Rufus, what can I do for you, my boy? Lemon drop?” Rufus had a scowl on his face much to Albus’ surprise and Minerva’s discomfort. “No, thank you, Albus. I am here, because I visited Bartemius and guess, who is the head of the DMLE temporarily?” Albus smiled and said hopefully: “Well, my boy, you are skilled and perfect for that position. So, I believe that Bartemius choose you.” When Albus heard that Bartemius would be on vacation for a week, he planned to make Rufus temporarily head of the DMLE. There are some people that didn’t learn their place and he needed to make sure that they are reprimanded with the threat of arrest. Albus already prepared a list in case and he wanted to give the list to Rufus, when Bartemius chooses him as the temporary head of the DMLE.

Rufus shook his head and answered: “If you believe it is me, then, you are wrong. The temporary head of the DMLE is none other than Amelia Bones.” Albus paled at that. That wasn’t supposed to happen. Amelia doesn’t take any bribes and she is fair and just. She will not listen to him and he doesn’t have anything to make her indebted to him. Not to forget her position as Lady Bones in the Wizengamot. That woman could destroy his reputation, if she started to investigate him. For now, he had to accept this setback.

Rufus continued: “Furthermore, I am under probation for the next five years and I have received a permanent record, because of your false tips and for signing off false arrest and search warrants for the order. If I step one toe out of line, then, I will be either demoted or worse fired. I am sure that Amelia will keep a close watch on me and the other head aurors that are associated with the order and she will report anything damaging directly to Crouch and I am sure that the man will not like it one bit at being disturbed during his vacation since his mood is for now at the bottom.” Albus didn’t like this one bit. Things would be harder to gain control over the DMLE with Amelia in charge. Then, there was the probation and the permanent mark. If Crouch had done this to Rufus, then, Rufus would have a hard time in the DMLE. Not to mention that the man was willing now to fire his pawns in that department. Albus needed to inform his pawns in that particular department to be careful and to keep their heads down. He didn’t need that any of his followers in the DMLE to be fired like Sirius.

Albus got out of his thoughts and said: “Well, my boy. Then, remind the other aurors not to cause any trouble.” Rufus nodded sourly and left the office.

Albus let out a sigh, when Minerva asked: “What are we going to do now, Albus? I never thought that Crouch would be so difficult. Can’t we do something?”

Albus shook his head and answered: “There is nothing we can do, Minerva. I thought with his son’s imprisonment, he would look for closure with his wife, but instead of, the man was planning to divorce her and now this. I don’t know, how things could have gone so wrong. We are missing something that changed Crouch’s mind and actions.”

With the immortals, Lady Magic smirked, when she watched Albus’ face. She knew that Bartemius Crouch Sr. is going a new path, where he will live a long and happy life. She knew that if Arthur Weasley didn’t interfere, Crouch would have gone the path of work and monotony and he would have helped his wife to get their son out of prison before he was going to be killed by his own flesh and blood. Now, this path had been avoided by Arthur and the Cresswells since the man would learn the value of family and would learn from his past mistakes. She still sees that the man can be redeemed. His wife or soon-to-be ex-wife was going to cause some problems, but these problems would be beneficial for her.

They watched, how Minerva and Albus were discussing new plans, but Fate and Destiny knew that they are going to fail.

Bones Manor

Amelia received Bartemius’ letter and was surprised to be given the position of the head of the DMLE temporarily. As the replacement head, she would be able to sign arrest and search warrants and would be under control over the DMLE. She also would be able to put aurors, who are breaking the code of conduct in the auror department, under probation or give them warnings. The maximum she could do, was to suspend an auror for six months maximum. The suspension period isn’t allowed to exceed six months, because if it does, then, the auror would be fired and probably be banned from the DMLE.

It would be beneficial, but she isn’t allowed to abuse her power. Fortunately, she would be able to keep an eye on Rufus and Dumbledore’s pawns in the DMLE. Amelia already had a list of Dumbledore’s and even Voldemort’s people in her department apart from Corban Yaxley. Amelia and Corban were good friends and she knew that the man didn’t care about blood status and was dark-leaning neutral. He left his family as soon as he got promoted as an auror and refused to support Voldemort and his ilk much to his family’s fury. She knew that he was disinherited as Heir Yaxley, but they didn’t disown him since Voldemort believed that he would crawl back to his family and serve him loyally, but the man severed all his ties with his family and worked for the DMLE much to Voldemort’s surprise and anger. The last thing, she heard, was his marriage with a squibborn, which infuriated his family even more, but they still didn’t disown him since they believed that he would leave his wife and realise his mistakes. This was a fool’s dream in Amelia’s opinion since Clara and Corban were soulmates and Corban would kill for his wife even his family.

Amelia told Corban and his wife about the revelations about muggleborns being squibborns and they found out through an inheritance test that his wife was descending from the Noir family, the French counterpart of the Black family, and the Evandrus family, who have a seat in the British Wizengamot.

Clara Yaxley was not really interested in politics, when she claimed the Ladyship of the Evandrus family and made her husband not only Consort Evandrus, but she also made him the proxy of her seats, which are in the neutral section. She couldn’t wait to see Lord Yaxley’s face, when he finds out that the so-called ‘mudblood whore’ of his eldest is a Lady of an Ancient and Noble House that has more power than the House Yaxley, then, the man would realise his mistake too late.

But back to the head position. Amelia was ready to take the position. She knew that Bartemius is grooming her to be his successor since the man didn’t trust many head aurors since they were a tad bit power-hungry or were followers of Dumbledore or Voldemort, who would abuse their power to get their way. So, the responsibility fell on her, because the man knew her very well.

She couldn’t wait to see, how much responsibility it takes to be head of a department.

DMLE, December 2nd, 2001

At the next day, Bartemius announced his vacation and his replacement. When many aurors and head aurors heard that Amelia was going to replace him, there were many mixed reactions. More than the half was supportive, some, who were in Dumbledore’s and Voldemort’s camp, were furious and terrified and a minority was happy since Amelia was fair and just unlike some head aurors.

Rufus concealed his fury very well and had a clearly fake smile. The man was furious that he was skipped as temporal head of the DMLE, but he will become head of this department, when Crouch is going to retire. It will take some time, but at the end, he will win and Amelia would have to obey him and not the other way around. Now, he had to suffer this setback.

Amelia had a genuine smile. She was happy, but she knew that it was temporarily. Amelia had seen Rufus’ face and the woman knew that she had to keep a close watch over the man. She can’t afford his tendencies and his behaviour to reflect on her. Amelia had contingency plans in case things went wrong and make sure that she looked competent.

With that finished, Bartemius left the ministry and finished his packing. He got a portkey to his private island. Some time away would make sure to get over the drama from last week. After his vacation, he will return to work and arrange his family lawyer to divorce Wilma.

Burrow/Weasley Manor, December 7th, 2001

Molly was ready to scream. For a month, she tried to get out of her personal prison to warn Albus that Arthur knew everything, but she can’t. The floo was locked, her patronus couldn’t pass the wards and she had no owl to send a letter. Furthermore, her Ronnie is sick and he needed help, but she is incapable to get it. Why did Arthur have to be cruel to her? Doesn’t he understand that it was for the Greater Good that her Ronnie should be Lord Weasley since he was going to be best friends with the boy-who-lived and the Potter heir? But no, he not only reclaimed the Weasley Lordship and gave the heirship to Bill, Arthur also disinherited her babies from the title. This wasn’t fair, but she couldn’t do anything. Molly hated it that she didn’t have any control over her husband and her older five boys now since they are now living in Weasley Manor.

Flopsy made a medical scan since she was responsible for the health of her kin in Weasley Manor and the members of the House Weasley even though Ron and Ginny are illegitimate. She noticed that the boy was suffering from lung infection and simple potions can’t help. So, she needed a human, certified healer for this.

The elf popped away leaving her nasty mistress in desperation.

Flopsy popped in front of her master and bowed. “Master Arthur, Master Arthur, it’s important. False Master Ron has a lung infection. Flopsy can’t heal it. Need human healer.” Arthur sighed. “It’s okay, Flopsy. I will deal with this. I knew, who could help Ron. Go back to the Burrow and restrain Molly since she is not going to like it, who is going to treat him.” He went to the floo and called for Narcissa in Malfoy Manor. “Narcissa Malfoy, Malfoy Manor.” After some time, Narcissa’s head popped from the floo. “Arthur, what can I do for you?”

Arthur took a deep breath and answered: “I need your help Narcissa. Ron is suffering a lung infection and Flopsy can’t treat it. I can only trust you since you knew about Molly’s treachery and Ron’s and Ginny’s illegitimacy, and you are also a certified healer.” Narcissa nodded and sighed. “Alright, but keep Molly far away from me and silenced since I don’t want to hear her rants or I will curse her to the next oblivion and back. I will quickly inform Lucius about the issue and I am here in no time with my healer kit.” Arthur grimaced and he knew that Narcissa was not going to tolerate Molly’s theatrics without any curses and jinxes. The man nodded and waited for Narcissa to come through.

After a while, Narcissa came through the floo. Arthur led her to the floo connected to the Burrow and Arthur was the first to floo away.

When Arthur arrived, he went to the living room and spelled a Calming Draught into Molly’s stomach.

Molly saw Arthur come here. It must be a dream. He had come for their son, but then, she noticed the sneer of contempt that her love of her life threw towards Ronnie. She wanted to scream. How dare he? Her poor Ronnie is perfect and not an abomination. How could he be so callous? If this is all over, she was going to make Arthur suffer.

Arthur started to add some wards and threw a silencing spell on Molly. The ward would keep her away from Ron until Narcissa is finished. He went back to the kitchen and called for Narcissa to step through the floo.

Whereas Arthur was gone, Molly was confused, what Arthur had done. She tried to approach her Ronnie, but she couldn’t. Something is stopping her and Molly realised that Arthur put wards around Ronnie’s crip to keep her away. She yelled for Arthur, but no tone came out of her mouth. When she saw Arthur return to the living room, Molly was ready to start screaming, who was following her husband behind him. It was the Malfoy bitch. How dare he bring a dark witch in her house? But she couldn’t utter a word since it seems like that her husband put a silencing spell on her. Molly let out a silent scream, when Arthur allowed the woman to approach their poor Ronnie. But since she couldn’t make a peep, both seemed to ignore her. When Narcissa rose her wand, the effects of the Calming Draught in Molly broke and the woman started to scream silently and tried to get to her Ronnie to protect him from Malfoy, but the ward is stopping her. Molly started to cry and beg, but both can’t hear her. She pounded on the ward and was screaming silently that Malfoy should stay far away from her son, but both were ignoring her rants.

Molly dropped on the floor sobbing. She couldn’t believe that Arthur was allowing this dark witch near their son. She will never forgive him.

Narcissa started to examine the toddler and had diagnosed a lung infection. “Well, Arthur, your house elf is right. Ron is suffering a lung infection. For that, I have my supply of lung clearing potion. I always make a batch in case Draco suffers a lung infection.” Arthur nodded and allowed her to continue to heal the bastard. Narcissa gave Ron the potion and waited some time until it took effect. When Ron stopped to fuss, Narcissa explained: “The infection is gone for now. Now, he needs to rest. I will check him up tomorrow and Arthur, your secret will remain hidden.” She took out her wand and chanted: “I, Narcissa Druella Malfoy neé Black, hereby swear to keep the secrets of the House Weasley to myself and will not reveal anything about Ronald Bilius Weasley, Ginerva Molly Weasley and Molly Lucretia Weasley neé Prewett. So, mote it be.” Magic was swirling around Narcissa and with a click everything stopped. With that oath, Narcissa will not be able to tell anyone about Molly’s house arrest and punishment.

Molly wanted to scream. No one will save her now. She thought that Malfoy will tell someone about her unfair punishment, but it seemed like that it would remain a secret. When Arthur and Narcissa left and flooed back to Weasley Manor, the ward and the silencing spell were dissolved. Molly ran to her son, in order to make sure that her Ronnie is alright and that Malfoy didn’t do anything that would harm her baby boy. She sighed in relief that everything was good, but she swore to make her husband regret ever thinking to allow a dark witch to treat her baby boy.

She still believes that she is in the right.

Arthur and Narcissa arrived back in Weasley Manor and sat down for a cup of tea. Narcissa had seen the reaction on Molly and she could tell that the woman was irredeemable, but she wasn’t the only one, who noticed it. Arthur was disappointed that his wife had behaved like a mad woman, when Narcissa came only to help. “Arthur, I can tell that Molly is not redeemable. How she had behaved, when I came only to help, is concerning and I can tell that she is following Dumbledore’s mantra that light is good and dark is evil not realising that it doesn’t matter since you can’t choose your core. Apart from that, the potions and spells, she, Dumbledore and McGonagall used were dark magic.” Arthur nodded ashamed of his wife. He wished Molly was more open-minded and realised, what she had done was wrong, but it seemed like that he married a biased and close-minded witch.

Narcissa discussed with Arthur about the order, in order to see, if someone is going to pay attention to Molly’s absence, but Arthur shook his head since the order thinks that Molly is busy taking care of their children. Arthur can placate them until Ron and Ginny starts the Hogwarts primary school. There he plans to be involved in their lives again and is going to be the one, who will bring them to school and return them home, in order to keep appearances, so that no one questions it. Arthur will explain to the staff in the primary school about the curse on the main line and why he can’t be involved with the youngest two. He will also convince the staff to take a vow of silence, so that it couldn’t reach Dumbledore. Next, he will stop Ron and Ginny from talking about their home life and they will just tell that everything is fine even though he was absent from their lives.

That would be his plan for now. When the cups were empty, Narcissa bid her goodbye and returned back to Malfoy Manor.

Crouch Manor, December 10th, 2001

Bartemius returned back from his vacation at 2 AM in the morning. He was in high spirits. A week on a hot and sandy beach was everything, what he needed. Bartemius had more energy than before. He prepared himself to sleep and drank a sleeping draught, when he laid down on his bed.

Thank Merlin, there were no problems in the DMLE and he was able to vacate in peace. He will inform Amelia that he will return to his position as the head of the DMLE the next day.

Potter Manor, December 11th, 2001

The order meeting about the Wizengamot and the school board meeting is taking place this time in Potter Manor. James prepared himself for the meeting. Maybe in these meetings, they would be more successful than at the last meeting. He ignored the disgusted looks from his parents’ portrait and left.

Charlus and Dorea were furious and disgusted with their son and that worthless bitch that they had to call daughter-in-law. If they had been alive, they would have disowned him and his wife from the family and taken both boys to raise them. Dorea once had gone to her portrait in Black Manor, in order to find out, what had happened to her eldest grandson. She sighed in relief, when Arcturus revealed her that Lily’s relatives signed away their rights to a Japanese muggle couple, who were desperate for a child. But Dorea questioned about the magical guardianship since the couple are non-magicals and every child with non-magical parents needed a magical guardian. Dorea was confused, when Arcturus smiled, and she thanked Merlin again, when her cousin revealed that her great-niece Narcissa is Hadrian’s new magical guardian. With relief washing over, she returned to her portrait in Potter Manor and told Charlus everything. The man let out a gruff laugh, but said that this should remain a secret since their eldest grandson would be in danger. She nodded in agreement.

Charlus and Dorea were not surprised that Sirius was disowned since Arcturus despised those, who would endanger children. But they were surprised that the godson-godfather bond with Hadrian was destroyed. Dorea went to her portrait and Arcturus explained, what had happened to Sirius and about Narcissa’s new status. The former Lady Potter had a smirk on her face. Sirius should have realised that they will not get away with their stupidity. Now, they had to watch an order meeting. Maybe there would be something significant to tell Narcissa, but Narcissa explained Dorea that Arthur is spying on the order and is giving up information on their plans. Dorea was furious, when Narcissa explained her, what Molly Weasley had done to her husband and her five eldest. She knew that if her cousin Cedrella was alive, the woman would have tortured Molly to death and made her corpse disappear. Fortunately, Arthur found out about his wife’s treachery and punished her. She would have suggested the automatic divorce, but Arthur didn’t want to lose his spying position in the order, if he divorced his wife. Dorea was a little bit proud that her great-nephew could be a Slytherin like his mother and she knew that he was acting like a fool.

Both couple got out of their musing, when Dumbledore made his appearance here.

It was quiet, when Albus entered the formal meeting room and sat down. When he looked around, he smiled with a twinkle in his eyes. “Sorry for being late, my dears. I had been busy with some work in the ICW.” Everyone nodded in understanding since they knew, how much work Albus had to do. Charlus and Dorea rolled their eyes at how Dumbledore was making himself important. They hoped that one day, the man would lose his positions and suffer for his actions against their grandson.

Lily whined: “Albus, what are we going to do about the restricted section? I want that section gone, when my sons are going to start Hogwarts. I don’t want that any of them to be compelled to the dark side.” There were many agreements. Albus nodded and said: “Don’t worry, my dears. We will remove the restricted section, but we have to move slowly since the dark side of the governors are going to put many challenges. We will plan for now to remove this section. The children would be in danger, if that section remained.” When Arthur looked at the list, he was not happy since Dumbledore wants to remove the warding section of the library. He will make sure to inform his allies to stop it. Everyone nodded in agreement and made plans to convince the rest of the board of removing the warding section of the library.

James came up with the last nomination. “We need to stop Snivellus from changing the potion class. I know for sure that Snape is planning something big and I fear that he is going to make the potion class harder and more difficult for many students in Hogwarts. I don’t want either of my sons having a hard time in his class. What I want, is that the potion class has to remain the same like under Slughorn with the same expectations.” Albus had to admit that he had the same fears like him. He can’t afford Snape to change the class in such a manner that his pawns would have a hard time to pass the class. “Don’t panic, James. We will make sure that the potion class remains the same and that there would be no changes to be done to the curriculum.” James nodded and sighed in relief. He hoped that Snivellus doesn’t change anything in the potion class.

With that the meeting concluded and everyone left to return to their homes. Arthur flooed to the Burrow making sure that no one suspects anything and from there he flooed to Weasley Manor. It is good that Albus didn’t pay him any mind since he still thinks that he is on his side. What a fool.

Weasley Manor

Arthur floo-called Lucius and informed him about the order meeting. Lucius sighed. “That man is dumbing down generation after generation, but at least, we can stop him.” Arthur questioned: “When are we going to make major changes in Hogwarts? I really want that my boys receive the best education that can be offered.” Lucius understood Arthur’s worry since his five older boys are also affected by Dumbledore’s way of dumbing down an entire generation. “I know, Arthur, but the problem, we are facing is that we have to move slowly before we can move hard on the man. We all know that Hogwarts is his base of operation and if we try to interfere in his domain, then, he could be even more dangerous.” Arthur hated to agree, but he had to. They need to make sure that Dumbledore slowly loses control.

Lucius struck a thought, when he remembered Bill’s inheritance test. “Arthur, I have an idea, how you are going to make sure that your boys receive the best education that the wizarding world can offer.” Arthur raised his eyebrow in shock and asked: “How?” Lucius had a smirk on his face and answered: “Ask the Delacours for help. Maybe in France, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George can get a better education than here in Britain.” Arthur rubbed his eyes. Why didn’t he think about that? Maybe Lord and Lady Delacour can help him and his boys wouldn’t be dumbed down. He returned his attention to Lucius and said: “Thank you, Lucius. I will ask them this Yule, when they are going to visit us, so that they can know Bill.” Lucius nodded.

Malfoy Manor

Narcissa and Lucius were ready to kill a dying man. Abraxas is stronger than the couple had anticipated. When their personal healer came and checked-up on Abraxas, they were informed that the old Lord Malfoy had another month to live before he was going to take his last breath. They thought that he wouldn’t survive this year, but they were wrong. Now, they had to wait another month until the man finally dies.

Narcissa had been ready to throw a killing curse on her father-in-law for all the pain he had caused to her and her husband. Why couldn’t he just die? He nearly ruined their lives and they swore to make him pay for the pain he had caused, but she was going to be satisfied with his suffering and his cries of agony.

Lucius informed her about the contents of the order meeting and both sat down to discuss, how to stop the removal of the warding section in the library and make sure that Severus’ curriculum from the ICW replaces Slughorn’s. The students need to have a better understanding of potions. They will discuss the order meeting in their pre-meeting in Longbottom Manor with Lady Callidora Longbottom.

Gringotts/The Rook, December 14th, 2001

Lucius and Narcissa received a notice that the Ravenclaw heir had been found and they immediately flooed to the bank. Draco was safely with his godfather, Severus, in Prince Manor, so that he could spend some time with Draco before Severus had to work at the school. They went as fast as lightning to the next free teller and greeted him politely. The teller just smiled and shook his head. That was the fastest greeting he had ever received from a witch and wizard, but at least, it was polite and respectful. “Lord and Lady Malfoy. What can I do for you today?” Narcissa took out the letter from Ragnock and handed it to the teller. The teller quickly recognised the handwriting of their chieftain and quickly called the Malfoy account manager, Gunar, in order to get the couple to the chief’s office.

The elderly goblin made his way fast to the couple and led them to their chieftain’s office. Like last time, they were allowed entrance and sat down in the same order. Ragnock looked at the couple and one of his co-workers. The goblin prepared a file full of information about the Ravenclaw heiress. He managed to track her down and he was surprised, who the Ravenclaw heir was. “Lord and Lady Malfoy, at the request of the board, we have managed to track down the Ravenclaw heir.” Narcissa and Lucius were ready to jump in joy due to the excitement, but Ragnock stopped them, when he calmed them down with a calming gesture with his hand.

“The Ravenclaw line is continuing with the Ancient and Noble House of Lovegood. In case of the extinction of the House Lovegood, the next in line would be the Noble House of Goldstein.” Lucius and Narcissa shivered at the idea. The Goldsteins would have abused that title and would have helped Dumbledore and his followers with destroying the school further, but thank Merlin, it was Pandora, who would be Lady Ravenclaw since the House Lovegood is matriarchal and light-leaning neutral.

Ragnock said: “I am going to summon Lady Lovegood here since it is an important matter for her.” Narcissa and Lucius nodded and waited patiently for the Lovegoods to come, when Ragnock wrote the letter addressed to Lady Lovegood.

Pandora was experimenting on her new spell, but had to stop, when she heard a tap on her window indicating that there was an owl. Going to the window, Pandora opened it and let it in. It had an envelope that was an official letter from Gringotts. She took the letter and gave the owl a treat. After she opened the letter, Pandora read the contents. She was shocked and had to reread the letter twice. According to the letter, there were some revelations about her heritage and that there was another title to be claimed. It was suggested that she takes her husband and her newborn daughter with her.

She packed her working kit back and went to the nursery, in order to get her daughter and went to the living room, where her husband is working on a new article for the Quibbler. “Xeno.” The consort of the House Lovegood turned around and saw his wife. “Yes sweetie. Is there something wrong with our little moon?” Pandora smiled about Xeno’s concern of their only daughter. She just shook her head and said: “There is nothing wrong with our moon, but I received an important letter from the bank. We need to go there immediately.” Her husband nodded and laid everything down and they quickly made their way to the floo.

Arriving in Gringotts, their account manager intercepted them and told them: “Lord and Lady Lovegood, follow me to our chieftain’s office. There is an important matter to discuss that had a great impact to the Wizengamot and the school board.” Both couple wore shocked faces and quickly started to follow their account manager to Ragnock’s office. In front of the door, the Malfoy account manager waited for them and led them in without knocking. Ragnock, Narcissa and Lucius looked up and saw the Lovegoods entering the office. Pandora was surprised to see Lucius and Narcissa as was Xenophilius.

Ragnock summoned them seats and with a wave of his hand, he gestured them to sit down. “Lord and Lady Lovegood, we from Gringotts and under the request of the board managed to track down the Ravenclaw heir and we concluded that your family is descending from the Ravenclaw line directly.” Pandora and Xenophilius were shocked beyond belief. Their family were direct descendants of Rowena Ravenclaw and Pandora could become the next Lady Ravenclaw.

Ragnock went to the next order of business: “Lady Lovegood, do you want to claim the Ladyship of the House Ravenclaw?” Pandora looked at her husband and then, at the Malfoys, and she nodded. She knew that it would help them and their plans for the primary school. It wouldn’t also hurt to take control over the accounts and make sure to bring Hogwarts back to the top. The goblin knew their motivation and he would like to see Dumbledore’s world crumble into dust. This was a major area of control Dumbledore would lose and it would make sure to ruin his plans without any trouble.

Ragnock sent a note to one of the goblin guards to bring him the Ravenclaw Ladyship ring and they waited. Ragnock asked: “Do you want to take control over the Hogwarts Vaults as you are one of the founder’s heirs?” Pandora sighed and nodded. “Yes, but I am putting you, Chief Ragnock, in charge of the Hogwarts Vaults.” Ragnock was momentarily surprised. This was unexpected. “I mean, Chief Ragnock, you are the chieftain of the goblin nation and very experienced to take over this large responsibility. Apart from that, no one would dare to go against you and no one could bribe you without being a head shorter. It is the education of many witches and wizards in the UK that is on line and this is something that we cannot fail at.” Ragnock felt proud, but she was right. There was also the implication that some goblins are untrustworthy and he couldn’t disagree with her much to his annoyance since some goblins have taken advantage of their positions, but they were dealt with quickly. He accepted it, but that would be done after she claimed the Ravenclaw inheritance.

After some time, the Ravenclaw account manager arrived at Ragnock’s office with a box clasped in his hands. The account manager looked happy that the Ravenclaw heir had been found after nearly a millennia. “Chief Ragnock, I brought you the Headship ring of the House Ravenclaw.” Ragnock answered curtly: “Good.” He turned his attention to Lady Lovegood. “Lady Lovegood, are you ready for this step?” The woman nodded and the Ravenclaw account manager opened the box and everyone was able to see a delicate, bronze ring with a sapphire that had a R engraved on the gem. Pandora took the ring from the box and put it on her right ring finger since her left ring finger already had the Ladyship ring of the House Lovegood. The Ravenclaw family magics tested her and when the ring reseized on her finger, it meant that the family magics accepted her as the new Lady Ravenclaw. After that, Pandora officiated Ragnock as the account manager of the Hogwarts Vaults and requested an audit of the vaults. This would cause Dumbledore’s world to flip since the old fool will not be able to use the money for his so-called Greater Good that is boosting his ego.

Narcissa asked unsure: “What about the Wizengamot meeting and the school board meeting? Dumbledore will know that you are Lady Ravenclaw.” Pandora answered: “Yes, he will know, but he wouldn’t be able to do anything against me since House Lovegood is in the light section and I have many allies there that I can turn against Albus.” Narcissa nodded assuredly and Lucius had to admit that Albus would be in a bind since the man knew that Pandora will support the primary school and it would make Albus desperate to stop the new school.

Ragnock had a bureocratic battle in front of him since auditing the Hogwarts Vaults would be a lot of work and it would take him a lot of time. He will arrange that the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin account managers help him with the audit. He also wrote a letter to the headmaster that the Ravenclaw heir claimed his inheritance and took control over the Hogwarts Vaults. Furthermore, the vaults would be audited. This little letter would cause Dumbledore a heart attack.

After some last-minute arrangements, the Lovegoods and the Malfoys left the bank.

Platform 9 ¾

Bill was making his way out of the Hogwarts Express with a happy expression and was walking towards his father, who was waiting for him. The Yule holidays are here and he was hopeful that he would spend a lot of time with his dad and his brothers. Bill wasn’t concerned regarding his mother after his father explained him, what his mother had done during the weekend at the beginning of November. Bill was furious and betrayed, but his father told him to keep it a secret, which he did since the headmaster and McGonagall are still too influential to go against them. The midterms were easy since he spent a lot of time studying and preparing for his mid-term exams and since the blocks were gone, Bill was able to focus better on his studies. He was thankful that his head of house and his headmaster didn’t notice anything amiss, but now he was too exhausted to talk about them.

Arthur was waiting for his son and when the Hogwarts Express came to a halt, the man waited for some time until his son steps out of the train. When Arthur was here, many of Dumbledore’s people asked him like they were old friends, where Molly and his boys were. But thankfully, he was able to distract them by telling them that Ron had gotten ill and Molly couldn’t come, which wasn’t a lie since the brat was still recovering from his lung infection. The boys remained home with Molly, but in reality, they were spending some time with the Diggorys. Ron’s lung infection came in handy, in order to avoid any uncomfortable questions and managed to manipulate them into believing him. When he had seen that all of them accepted his reason, Arthur could tell that those, who followed Dumbledore, were fools. They would realise too late that he was playing them like fools. When his son stepped of the train, the boy quickly made his way to his father and hugged him. After the hugs were done, Arthur asked: “How was school, Bill?” Bill smiled and answered: “It was alright. Everything was normal and I am sure that I passed my mid-term exams.” Arthur knew that Dumbledore and McGonagall didn’t even notice the changes in Bill and that was good. “Well done, Bill”, he praised his boy.

Bill also told him the news from the potion class: “Apart from that, we received the information that Professor Slughorn was going to retire after this term.” Arthur wasn’t surprised, but smiled happily. “Oh, he already is retiring. Do you know, who is going to replace him?” Bill shook his head and answered: “Professor Slughorn said that a former student of his was going to replace him at the start of the next term, but he didn’t reveal his name since he didn’t want to spoil our surprise. He also explained that his replacement was going to change the potion class completely and that some NEWT students wouldn’t be able to continue the class.” Arthur grinned knowing that Severus was going to take over, but he will not tell Bill about his friend now. The surprise would be spoilt. When he noticed, how tired Bill was, Arthur suggested: “Now, let’s go home, Bill. It seems like that you are tired from the trip.” Bill nodded and yawned in answer. They quickly left the platform and flooed to the Burrow, in order to make appearances that he was living with his wife and the kids and not alone with his five trueborn children separated from Molly, Ron and Ginny. It’s better to keep it quiet and he made sure to convince Bill to remain quiet about his life in Weasley Manor by placing a secrecy ward around his son on the safe side.

Both redheads got to the floo being and were ignored by Dumbledore’s followers.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

Albus was sucking on one of his lemon drops and was excited about the Wizengamot and school board meetings in the next few days. He needed to make sure that this time the votes are getting through and that their world is not going a dark path. The November meetings had many failures like the improved goblin treaty, the primary school and the sign in front of the muggle entrance, but also some successes like Severus being employed as potion master and teacher. Albus hoped to regain control over Severus, but this would be hard since he was removed from his chessboard by Antonius Prince, who had been a thorn during Severus’ school years. Now, the man is here and he would need him since he needed a spy in Voldemort’s camp in case Tom returns.

Albus was interrupted in his thoughts, when an official owl from Gringotts brought him a missive. He took the letter and gave the owl something to nibble. Opening the missive, Albus started to read the letter:

Headmaster Dumbledore,

We from Gringotts are informing you that the Ravenclaw heir had been found through the request of the school board and the head governor, Lady Aurelia Acton.

The Ravenclaw heir has claimed his inheritance and took over the Hogwarts Vaults and ordered a complete audit of these particular vaults, in order to investigate any irregularities of the school’s vaults. Furthermore, the Ravenclaw heir decided to reveal himself at the Wizengamot meeting. Additionally, the heir made me the account manager of the Hogwarts Vaults. And I am going to make further notifications regarding the vaults.

After the audit is done, we are demanding your presence at January 14th, 2002, in order to discuss the results of the audit and any irregularities.

With regards,

Chief Ragnock,
The Chieftain of the British branch of Gringotts

Albus nearly suffered a heart attack. This can’t be happening. How did the board manage to pass this request past him? Albus quickly grabbed the transcript from the school board meeting in November and read it through in detail. His fury rose, when he noticed that in one paragraph it was decided that the opening and the building of the primary school would be done with the assistance of the Ravenclaw heir and they made a request to the goblins to track down the Ravenclaw heir, in order to see, if financially, there would be enough funds to build the primary school. Albus couldn’t believe that a simple distraction had such disastrous consequences. He needed to fix this, but going against one of the founder’s heirs is a political suicide. Albus was furious. He was supposed to be in control of the Hogwarts Vaults, but now his control is gone. Albus knew that nothing can fix this since Harry is still too young to claim the heirship of Gryffindor, Tom is vanquished and he doesn’t believe that the Smiths are the rightful heirs of the Hufflepuff title. And Ragnock isn’t someone he would be able to bribe without getting executed.

He needs to talk with his followers about this setback and why the board made this decision behind his back, but that would be done tomorrow after the trials. Albus was going to make the board suffer for withholding all these information from him, but he had to wait and see, who the Ravenclaw heir is, and if he was able to gain control over that person. It’s now getting out of hand and he can’t lose control over the school’s vaults right now.

Phineas just smiled evilly. That old fool suffered greatly. He will not get away with trying to mess with the Black family like that and get away with it. He was disappointed that his former descendant Sirius Potter is following the man blindly, but thank Merlin, he was disowned and kicked out. Phineas couldn’t believe, how stupid and foolish Sirius was, when he thought that he can abandon his heir of the Black family like this and think no one will find out. It is good that he suffered for that plight greatly and was punished severely by their lady. Now it is time to listen and find out, what the old man is planning and if he is planning something big.

Wizengamot, December 15th, 2001

Today were the trials of the rest of the death eaters, who have tried to bribe their way out or tried to bribe some death eaters out of their punishment, and they had been found guilty. As a result, they would spent some time in the goblin mines to work and suffer for their actions. Their fortune was also confiscated and their power at the Wizengamot was taken and sold to the goblins, in order to use the money to settle the debts. It was enough to lower the working period from ten years to eight years. Tomorrow, the bribed ministry officials are going to face the consequences for their actions. The only difference is that they would spent their time in Azkaban and not in the goblin mines, but their fortune would be confiscated, which would lower the sentence to seven years, if everyone was found guilty.

Narcissa had to admit that the trials were not as boring as discussing the financial aspect of the Departments, but regardless, she learned, how desperate some former noble families were, when they tried to bribe their way out of prison or tried to bribe their family members out of prison. Well, now it is time to go to the goblin mines. It is also time to clean out the ministry from this filth.

Dumbledore was not a happy camper that many death eaters would spend their time in the goblin mines until their debts are paid, but their time is shortened. He will also arrange to throw those ministry officials in Azkaban and their fortune should be used to pay back the damages. It would lower the sentence in the goblin mines. But what was worrying him was the Ravenclaw heir. Albus couldn’t believe that the board went behind his back and requested the goblins to look for the Ravenclaw heir. He needed to gain control over the heir, but first, he needed to know, who the heir is, and from there, he could plan. If it is someone from the dark fraction, he will use his tactics to discredit the Ravenclaw heir. If it is someone from the neutral section, then, he will try everything to find some dirt, in order to make sure that the Ravenclaw heir is following his orders. If it is someone from his section, then, he would try everything to sway them to his side of thinking. It had always worked and it is for the greater good. He needed control before the goblins do the audit and the vaults were out of his control. The audit needed to be stopped until the middle of January. How is he going to finance his side projects, if he loses access to the Hogwarts Vaults?

The trials continued on until evening. Narcissa knew that the trials will continue tomorrow and she had to restrain herself from groaning. There is a lot of work to be done. She is still angry that she had to skip Yule shopping. Lucius had seen Narcissa’s face and wanted to cheer her up. So, he requested Adrianna and Rita to buy Narcissa her favourite things for Yule. Both women agreed and were buying her everything, what she had wanted to buy during her Yule shopping trip. Lucius wanted to give them some money, but both refused. Rita received her holiday wage and Adrianna had her own vault full of money. So, they had enough.

Yule shopping would be saved this year.

Headmaster’s office

Albus called his followers to his office, in order to discuss the Ravenclaw heir. When everyone was seated, Albus looked at his followers gravely. It was deathly quiet, when the headmaster gave them that look. Arthur had a humble smile on his face. In reality, he wanted to laugh. He knew, what the old fool wanted to talk about. When the Lovegoods visited, Pandora revealed to him that she was the Ravenclaw heir and a letter from Gringotts was sent to the old fool. Arthur wanted to watch Dumbledore’s reaction, but he can tell that the man was rattled by the findings of the goblins.

Albus looked at his followers and started: “I have alerting news, my dears. According to Gringotts, the Ravenclaw heir claimed his inheritance and has taken control over the Hogwarts Vaults. The heir already ordered an audit.” Everyone gasped in shock. Arthur faked his shock very well that not even Dumbledore is even noticing that he was faking it. He asked the headmaster dutifully: “Who could it be, Albus?” Albus sighed deeply and answered: “I don’t know, Arthur, my boy. But from what I have gathered is that the Ravenclaw heir will be introduced at the Wizengamot meeting before Christmas and I am afraid that it is someone from the dark.” Arthur wanted to laugh, but remained quiet. If he ever knew, who the Ravenclaw heir is, he would pop a canary, because he would never manage to sway Pandora to his side. Arthur just nodded gravely, but it was well faked.

Albus continued: “We need to be prepared, my dears, because the Ravenclaw heir is owning 25% of Hogwarts and has a lot of power over the board. 18.5% of the board’s power belongs to the Ravenclaw heir now and that is worrisome. I believe that the Ravenclaw heir is aware of this and we are not sure, how we can combat it.” Albus was angry that things were going in the opposite direction. Nothing had been going his way. He thought that the attack on Halloween was going to be the start of his plans, but many plans were thrown in disarray. He needed to do some damage control before things went out of hand and his control is gone.

James was angry that he wasn’t regent of the House Gryffindor. He would have liked to help Albus with the board, but he can wait, when Harry claims the heirship of the House Gryffindor and announces him regent. This would help the light against the Ravenclaw heir. Sadly, this would never happen, when it is time for Harry to start the primary school in five years.

Albus knew that until the Ravenclaw heir is revealed, he couldn’t do anything against him or her since he can’t risk a lawsuit for defamation and slander. For now he had to wait patiently and see, who the Ravenclaw heir is. The order meeting came to an end and everyone left.

Gringotts, December 16th, 2001

Wilma was visiting her son for the first time since his trial, but she had to pay for the visitation from her own vaults, but it was worth it. When her son was escorted, she was horrified about his state. He was thinner and paler than before. His hair was in disarray and looked like it wasn’t washed for weeks. His eyes were shifting in a manic manner and he reeked like Hippogriff dung. Furthermore, his hands were swollen and it seemed like they had bled. She screamed at the goblins: “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY BABY?” The goblin guards were already hating that woman because of her scream.

One of them answered: “Nothing. It is the nature of our mines that our prisoners suffer hell for their actions.”

Wilma nearly snarled, but decided to glare at them with pure hatred. She looked at her poor son and tried to get a response, but the man in front of her ignored her since he was dealing with the after-effects of the torments in the mines last night. It was pure torture, what he had endured. Wilma was furious. She hated, how her son was suffering and she wished to help him. She cursed her husband to eternal hell for abandoning their son like this and allowing this atrocious abuse on him. She will make him regret one day.

Wilma tried to speak with her son, but it was fruitless since the torment her baby had suffered made it impossible.

When she left the bank at the evening spending the whole day with her baby boy, Wilma promised retribution against the goblins, her husband and Dumbledore for abusing her son like this and getting away. Her first goal would be Dumbledore and the Potters since Dumbledore promised her that her husband would never get rid of their son and protect him no matter what, but everything went the wrong way and her baby is suffering pure hell. She needed to find something damaging against the Potters since Dumbledore is basically living off the fame of John Potter, but the question was, where should she start?

Longbottom Manor, December 17th, 2001

The day after the trials, there was another meeting in Longbottom Manor regarding the school board and the Wizengamot. The trials were successful since every bribed ministry official was not only fired and incarcerated, but their vaults were confiscated to pay the war damages. Narcissa wished to send them to the goblin mines, but they were not responsible for the war damages directly and indirectly. They will suffer some time in Azkaban and pay for their sins. She wishes them good luck, when they are going to be released since they would be without a knut in their vaults and they would take the most humiliating jobs, in order to survive.

Narcissa and the others were thinking hard, what to do at the Wizengamot meeting until they had an idea. It is time to make some simple little changes in the magical world that would slowly destroy Dumbledore’s world. Narcissa had an idea. “How about if we slowly replace quill and parchment with pen and paper from the muggle world. I mean, we are stuck in the stone ages, whereas the muggle world has evolved. Is it not embarrassing that the muggle world is more modern than our world or should I say that the other magical communities around the world are more modern than us since they allowed muggle inventions in their world and our world here is stuck in the past and did not embrace the future.” Many nodded in agreement. Narcissa continued: “We will start with the introduction of pen and paper. Dumbledore would be stuck since he is championing himself for the rights of the muggles and muggleborns and allowing pen and paper in the wizarding world would make sure that he would be forced to vote for this change.” Jeremy said: “It is about time. You do know that I looked at the costs and you do realise that pen and paper are a lot cheaper than quill and parchment. Claire made a statistic, how much money, you would have been able to save, if you used pen and paper. And Augustinus made copies of these statistics.” The copies were given to everyone and everyone was stunned, how cheap pen and paper were. They would be able to save ten thousands of Galleons per year and the budget would not be stretched thin with the prices.

Arthur was the next to speak. “I will inform you, what Albus was going to plan for this Wizengamot meeting. I believe, he would discuss the matters tomorrow after the board meeting. I will keep you informed via floo or letter, Narcissa.” Everyone nodded. Narcissa asked: “Arthur, what about the Delacour family?” Arthur was expecting the Delacours during the Yule holidays, in order to prove that it is true that Bill is Fleur’s mate. He was writing letters with the couple telling him about Bill, Dumbledore and the headmaster’s plans. Arthur believes that the alliance with Lord and Lady Delacour would help them in the ICW and warn the international community about Dumbledore and his ways. On Friday evening, his son returned back home. Arthur wanted to ask his son about his term in detail, but Bill was too exhausted. So, he had to rest. At the next day, Arthur asked Bill if the headmaster and his head of house had noticed something amiss, but much to his relief, neither Dumbledore nor McGonagall noticed anything different regarding his eldest. At one point, he sighed in relief, on the other hand, he was worried since it seems like that Minerva is a bad head of house since it seems like that she doesn’t pay any attention to her students. And Dumbledore, well, the less he said about the old man, the better. The man is sending abused children back to their abusers and claims that it is tough love and a slight misunderstanding even though the children were starved, bruised and even hospitalized. Bill also told him that he had made some friends from the other houses even Slytherin, but he had kept the friendships in the Slytherin House quiet since he was afraid that McGonagall will hear from this and inform the headmaster about his friendship. And everything would be like before. There Arthur felt fear since those two could have found out that he had discovered their treachery and they would have tried everything to get him back under control. He knew, what Dumbledore was capable of, but thank Merlin, Minerva didn’t notice anything suspicious about his son and he needn’t to worry about those two. His important goal was to keep everything hidden until Bill’s graduation since then, Minerva wouldn’t have any authority over Bill and wouldn’t be able to meddle in his eldest’s life anymore. His other children are going to be sorted in the other houses since he knew that Promona and Filius were not blindly loyal to Dumbledore like Minerva. And Severus and Aurora were not trusting Dumbledore at all with his past actions. Arthur was also glad that he got away from the harpy that he had to call wife and the two brats. He and his five boys would have been miserable, if all of them remained in the Burrow under those potions, spells and blocks.

Arthur knew that if he had remained, he would have dealt with two spoilt brats at the end that couldn’t tell right from wrong and would have always demanded things from him and Molly even though they were ‘poor’. Furthermore, the fame of John Potter and Akira’s position as Lord Potter would have risen his illegitimate children’s ego to a massive size. Arthur knew that with removing Akira from the equation things would be harder for Ron, Ginny and John since the fame alone wouldn’t be enough to rise to popularity. He will not stop the friendship between John and his two illegitimate children since in the future, the fame would start to fade, but passively he would stop Ron and Ginny from befriending Akira.

Arthur answered: “They will visit during the Yule holidays. I believe they would check up, if Bill really is their daughter’s mate during Yule and are going to remain in Weasley Manor for some time, so that Fleur could spend the holidays with Bill until he had to return to school. I will ask them about the ICW standards and maybe Bill could learn everything, what Hogwarts is lacking and could continue to learn some muggle subjects that he had learned before he started Hogwarts and manage his GCSEs.”

Narcissa nodded. She knew that Arthur is worried about the education of his boys since the school cancelled many classes and the material hasn’t been up to par with the ICW curriculum for decades. She hoped that until Akira and Draco were going to start school, everything would be ready.

The next point was the next school board meeting. They needed a distraction and then, they could continue with their work on the primary school and make sure that Severus’ curriculum is approved. They were thinking, how to distract Dumbledore from their plannings. Narcissa thought about the ride to Hogwarts and she had the idea that the trolley lady should offer more than candy. “I have an idea, how to distract Dumbledore this time. We should nominate that the lady, who is pushing the trolley, should offer more than candy. There should be food and drinks for a healthy diet. I mean, the children are stuck in the train for eight hours and they should eat something more appropriate than candy.” Many nodded in agreement with the distraction. Dumbledore would make a big deal about this since the man can’t make things easier.

After that the meeting ended and everyone went home to prepare themselves for tomorrow.

School board, December 18th, 2001

Narcissa was prepared for the school board meeting. First, she would allow Dumbledore and his followers to do their nomination. Then, their distraction would be nominated by Pandora and then, they would continue with Severus and the primary school. When she took her seat on the dark fraction, Narcissa saw Severus sitting on one of the stools in the middle of the Wizengamot. Beside him was a large stack of papers. She was sure that the large stack was copies of the ICW curriculum in potions, but Severus had something else up to his sleeve. Unknown to the Wizengamot, Severus also prepared a marking scheme of tests and assignments that he had hidden in the list of the ICW standards. This would give Narcissa ideas for the next school board meetings and tweak Dumbledore a little more and make sure the current school’s curriculum is up to par with the ICW curriculum. And the marking scheme would make sure that the students are fairly marked without any prejudices.

When Dumbledore arrived, Narcissa had everything prepared. She put her docile mask on her face, in order to make sure that Dumbledore doesn’t notice that she had big plans. When the meeting started, the last meeting was summarised. And they began with the nominations. James was again the one, who is doing a nomination. He nominated to remove the warding section in the library since it is too dangerous for the children to learn and the class was cancelled due to the high death rate. When proof was given, Narcissa immediately recognised that the parchment was showing the high death toll of Slughorn’s potion class and not from the warding class. She will mention it since it seems like the parchment is oozing magic that is hiding the real title of the statistic. Narcissa used the Black family magics secretly on her seat to get rid of the magic and she had seen that the sheet is a statistics about the death toll in the potions class under Slughorn. Narcissa will wait until Potter is finished with his childish rant. She was going to make sure that the nomination fails.

When James was finished, Albus asked, if there was another nomination. Pandora was the one, who raised her wand. Albus turned his attention to Pandora and said: “Pandora, my dear, you wish to speak.” Pandora didn’t acknowledge the dropped title and started with her nomination. “Dear Lords and Ladies, I am nominating that Sara McAddam, the lady that is pushing the trolley in the Hogwarts Express, should offer more than candy. The students are stuck in the train for eight hours and they should eat a healthy diet and not candy. I mean, we were once students and did Ms. McAddam or her predecessor offer us more than candy?” Many heads were shaking. The majority of the board realised that they didn’t change that aspect of Hogwarts. Pandora continued: “Well, it isn’t too late to change this and for that reason I am nominating that Ms. McAddam is required to offer more than candy, so that the students can eat an appropriate diet.” Albus didn’t know, what he should do. He needed to talk to his followers. Albus requested the privacy barrier, in order to speak with his followers about this.

Albus and his die-hard followers were discussing, whereas the other group was continuing. Again Dumbledore forgot the aspect that Lady Acton will preside as the head governor and any nominations would be conducted by her. So, Lady Acton was able to do another round of nominations like last time.

When the woman took over, she asked: “Are there any other nominations?” Severus cleared his throat and the attention of the board excluding Dumbledore and his followers was on him. Lady Acton asked: “Well, Lord Prince? What do you want to nominate?” Severus smirked at the shocked and furious expressions on Voldemort’s followers. That bastard is a lord of an ancient and noble house and they thought that he was a poor half-blood, whose mother was disowned, when she broke a marriage contract and married a muggle. Why didn’t they know? This was something that even the dark lord had missed. They wished to make Snape suffer for his actions, but going against him now would be a bad idea since he is too powerful. Severus started: “Dear Lords, dear Ladies, I am nominating for the potion class an update. I request for the class that the ICW standards and curriculum should be used.” Many started to question the curriculum and the standards until Severus waved his wand and everyone apart from Dumbledore and his followers got a copy of the documents. Looking at the curriculum, many were happy that the students are going to learn more, but when they had seen the expectations and the standards, some wanted to protest, because according to the ICW standards the potion class demands an O in the OWL, in order to continue the NEWTs. Not to mention, what the marking scheme entails. But Severus argued: “I know that many of you think that an O in the OWLs is too much, but I have to warn you that during the NEWTs the class becomes more dangerous since the NEWT students are required to work with more volatile ingredients that could be explosive. Furthermore, the class will get more complicated. For example, the draught of the living dead needs to be calculated since the weight and the age is important for the brewing process. Look at the curriculum and think about the NEWT potions and their ingredients. Finally, the class will become incredulously dangerous since one mistake could cause the loss of a limb or even death in the worst-case scenario. But don’t panic, I will make sure to stop those accidents to the best of my ability.” Many were horrified of how dangerous the class could be, but at the end, they trusted Snape. They will make sure to include a protection clause, where Severus would be required to protect the students from harm in the potion class to the best of his ability without any sabotaging. They would have to accept both the ICW standards and the curriculum since they would make sure that the students receive the best education in potions.

Lady Acton asked: “Are there any other questions to Lord Prince?” Many shook their heads, but Lord McKinnon asked one question that would change many things in Hogwarts: “Lord Prince, I don’t know, if you can answer this question, but has the ICW certain standards and curriculums in charms, DADA, transfiguration, herbology, astronomy, history of magic, ancient runes, arithmancy, care of magical creatures, muggle studies and divination?” Severus smiled and nodded. The potion master answered: “Yes, they do, but Hogwarts is still far behind in those classes, but it isn’t still too late to adapt all those classes with the ICW curriculum, and one class isn’t even adapted.” One of the neutral lords asked: “And what class is not adapted at all?” Severus had a sour look, when he answered that question: “The divination class. This class is a pure theory class since you need to be born with seer abilities. The practical portion can only be done by a seer.” Many nodded in agreement. They hated Trelawny and tried to have her fired, but the headmaster stone-walled them since she got the job, but if they update the class, then, they would be able to teach the students about the different kinds of seers and that drunk hack needs to go. Narcissa had many plans with Hogwarts now and she could throw many wrenches in Dumbledore’s plans. She would love to watch Dumbledore’s world to be destroyed.

When that was finished, Lady Acton asked: “Are there any other nominations?” Pandora rose her wand. “Lady Lovegood?” Pandora took a deep breath and said: “Lords, Ladies, I have a confession to make. According to Gringotts, I am the new Lady Ravenclaw. I am going to be formally introduced to the Wizengamot on December 20th. For now, I will remain hidden, but I found some lands that can be used for building the primary school. There is land outside Hogsmeade that belongs to the Ravenclaw line and it would be perfect to use it now. This is my offer for the board.” Many were shocked beyond belief that Pandora is Lady Ravenclaw, but recovered quickly and discussed Pandora’s offer.

Pandora spent some days going over the lands and properties of the Ravenclaw line and she found some land outside Hogsmeade that had enough space for a castle that could have the same size as Hogwarts. She thought that it would be a great place to build a primary school. The discussion was led and finalised. Many agreed that the land was perfect for a primary school.

Lady Acton prepared the standard teaching contract for Severus that she had written and she allowed the potion master to read it since he clearly got the job no matter, how Dumbledore and his followers were going to vote on the ICW standards and curriculum. The best thing is that the contract does not have any funny business unlike with Dumbledore’s contracts and Severus would be the potion master of Hogwarts without any trickery. The important aspects of the contract are that Severus would be brewing medical potions for the hospital wing and he would be compensated. Furthermore, he is allowed to research and create potions during his free time without harming other students, but in this instance, he had to pay for the ingredients from his own pocket. Furthermore, any potions, he makes for the staff, had to be paid and the school is required to cover the costs. This also includes the brewing period and the work behind the potion. At the end, he would do rounds once a week and he would also be paid for marking assignments, tests and exams apart from the OWLs and the NEWTs. Narcissa knew that this contract is favourable and from the looks on Severus, the man would have no problems with his new contract.

Severus was going over the contract line by line and he liked it. He was a little bit annoyed that in case if he was researching potions on his own as side projects, he had to pay for the ingredients from his own money, but in case, if he is ordered to create potions for the headmaster or any other members of the staff, then, he will be compensated by the school. He was also happy that he would only have rounds once a week on a Saturday since the board was sure that as the only potion master, he would have a lot of work to do. Severus agreed on the contract expectations and signed it after he was finished reading the contract. Lady Acton took the signed contract back and returned her attention to the board.

She asked: “Is there anything else?” Narcissa rose her wand and Lady Acton pointed to her. “Lady Malfoy?” Narcissa started: “Lords, Ladies, I demand Regent Potter to be penalised by providing us false proof to his nomination. The statistic was oozing magic and I got suspicious. Through the family magics on my seat, I removed the magic on the parchment and discovered that the statistics entails of how many potion accidents had turned deadly and how many students had lost a limb during Slughorn’s time as potion teacher. I would recommend for everyone to use their family magics to remove the magic on the parchment.” Everyone apart from Dumbledore and his followers were shocked and did the same like Narcissa. After the magic was removed, the real content of the statistics was shown to them. Many were furious and agreed with Narcissa that James should be penalised. They will confront Potter, when Dumbledore is finished with his little fan club. It also manifested their opinion that the potion class needs this upgrade since the death toll was high and they couldn’t afford students to die in class since the school had low standards in potion.

After some time, Dumbledore and his followers returned back and agreed on the nomination, but before he returned back on the podium, Aurelia Acton said: “Albus, there were two other nominations from Master Snape and Lady Ravenclaw.” Albus looked shocked. Lady Ravenclaw. So, the Ravenclaw heir is a woman. He fears, what was to come. He quickly calmed his panicking followers down and allowed the woman to continue. Lady Acton smirked slightly and said: “Master Snape made the nomination that after the Yule holidays, the ICW standards and curriculum should be used. This means that any students, who have finished their OWLs with an O are qualified enough to continue the potion class in their NEWTs. These changes are necessary since the potion class is getting more and more dangerous.” During her speech, the copies were given to Dumbledore and his followers. Albus looked like he had swallowed a lemon, when he read the expectations. Many students wouldn’t be able to continue their NEWTs including the majority of his pawns. If Horace remained potion master, it would have been enough to get an EE in potions, in order to continue the NEWTs, but now Severus is going to change that and is going to destroy many careers. He needed to stop this no matter what. “Severus, my boy, is there maybe a possibility to start with the ICW standards and curriculum with the first years first and then, go up. I mean, many NEWT students wouldn’t be able to continue in their classes and many careers are going to be destroyed since they wouldn’t be qualified for the potion class. Apart from that many fifth-year students are going to be discouraged due to those changes.”

Severus had known that Albus would try to protest and he had a perfect excuse. “I am sorry, headmaster, but that is not possible. I know that the ICW curriculum and standards are a tad bit harder and would cause that many students wouldn’t be able to continue in my class, but these changes are necessary since I am talking about the next generation of healers, aurors and medi-wizards and -witches. They have to be trained well to brew medical potions and the aurors should know, how to stop an exploding potion for their own safety and the safety of others.” This time, Lord Shacklebolt stood up. “I must agree with Master Snape. As an auror, I once had a case, where I had to stop a potion from exploding. If I hadn’t known, what to do, hundreds would have died including myself and my partner.” There was another shout of agreement from the light section. Lady Meadow was the next to speak: “I have to agree with Master Snape too. I am a healer and I know that potion is an exceptionally dangerous class and many healers and medi-wizards and -witches should know, how to brew medical potions, in order to treat their patients. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended to avoid any mistakes since they are costing us time and money. And our patients would be at risk, if they had to wait longer for their needed potion. So, this rule should be implemented equally to all students.” There were many voices of agreement. Albus and his followers were trying everything to stop Severus’ nomination, but it seems like that it was fruitless and no one was swayed. Albus tried to bring up the fact that many students were going to be angry that they wouldn’t be able to continue in potions and their dreams of becoming aurors, healers and medi-wizards and -witches are going to be destroyed, but sadly, many didn’t care since the safety of the students and the wizarding world seemed to be more important than the students’ dreams. Apart from that, the statistics that were lying in front of them are speaking for themselves that the class is dangerous and there needs to be more protections in that particular class. Albus knew that a majority of his pawns in the school are going to be furious about those changes. He can already imagine their whining. There would be a headache coming. Aurelia gave also Severus’ teaching contract. He will read it, when he returns back to his office.

Albus looked at Lady Acton and asked: “And what is the next nomination, Aurelia?” Lady Acton tried not to sneer at her dropped title. “The next nomination is from Lady Ravenclaw and she showed us an empty landfield that belongs to the Ravenclaw line. This land can be used to build the primary school since there would be enough space.” A map and pictures were given to Dumbledore and his followers, where the primary school should be built, and Albus swallowed hard since the place was big enough to build a castle that had the same size as his school. He asked: “Where is this?” Aurelia answered: “At the outside of Hogsmeade. There was some land that was gifted to Rowena Ravenclaw by the centaurs since she helped them to survive a harsh famine according to the history books.” Albus was thinking of many ways to stop this, but the biggest question that was forming into his mind was how. James and the other followers were worried since it seems like that Albus was out of reasons to stop the primary school. They tried to vilify the centaurs as rabid beasts and dark creatures, who didn’t share anything with the wizards and witches in their community, and that the land doesn’t belong to the Ravenclaw line since they didn’t believe that the centaurs would give up some of their land to a witch, but it didn’t work since many pointed out that the land was FORMER centaur land and that it was a gift for Rowena Ravenclaw for her good deeds. Apart from that, they showed them an edited version of Pandora’s inheritance test that the land belongs to the new Lady Ravenclaw now. Albus’ followers were out of excuses. Albus was furious that nothing works.

When it was time to vote, they went from the first to the last nomination. James’ nomination of removing the warding section from the library failed since many voted against it much to the man’s rage, but that wasn’t the end of it. Lady Acton rose her wand. Albus looked resigned and asked: “Aurelia? Is there something else that should be done before we go to the next nomination?” The woman nodded vehemently and began. “I also demand a penalty of 1000 Galleons against Lord Potter for providing us with false evidence since the ‘proof’ was not about the deaths that were caused by miscasted wards, but deaths of how many students had died or lost a limb in the potion class.”

Albus was trying to hide his panic. What is going on? Looking closer at the parchment, he saw that the sheet was oozing magic. He quickly removed the magic and was ready to start screaming, when he read, what the real content was about. How did this happen? Grr. It doesn’t matter now since James was the one, who promised that he would provide proof that the warding section is dangerous they trusted him and that was a mistake. Albus thought that James as an auror would gather undeniable proof and would be able to sway the board to remove the warding section, but he was proven wrong now. The man did nothing and falsified evidence, which he wouldn’t be able to cover up since it was on record and it was in front of many witnesses that he couldn’t obliviate. James was furious. How dare they? First, they vote against his nomination and now, they want him fined for doing the right thing. He screamed: “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!” Aurelia countered calmly: “Oh yes, we can. Either you are penalised or we as the board will vote to press charges against you for fraud and abuse of power.” James paled. They can’t just do that. He didn’t do anything wrong. It was for the best that the warding section should be removed. He looked at Albus for help, but the man stood still like a statue and looked at the board in disbelief. Albus got out of his shock and gave James a disappointed look. James was even more angered. He did the right thing and now he got punished for it. Albus decided that the penalty was the lesser of two evils since he can’t risk James to be tried in front of the Wizengamot since the punishment would be harsher. He will talk with James about his stupidity. The vote was called about the penalty and it was landslide. They also informed him that they would send him the penalty per letter and there James gulped in fear, because if his wife finds out about the fine, Lily would scream at him. He also noticed many glares from his friends and allies, who were secretly blaming the man for ruining the nomination.

The vote on the nomination with the trolley was unanimous. Albus had no problems with Sara offering more than candy, but Albus had to be careful since this nomination distracted him too much that he allowed more damage to his school. He swore that after the new year, he will not fail at the board meeting.

When the vote came for the potion class, the vote had a majority vote. Even the light fraction apart from Dumbledore and his followers voted for the nomination. Albus was furious, because of James’ stupidity, the vote passed. What was the fool thinking, when he got his hands on this old statistic that had information of how many students had died in the potion class or have lost a limb? Didn’t he understand that the oozing magic would be noticed by the magic in the chambers and it could be removed by the family magics on each seat? It didn’t help them at all since it made matters worse, because if you combine the statistics with Severus’ nomination, it made things nearly impossible to dismiss Severus’ nomination. Albus had no one else to blame then James for this mess.

The next nomination from Lady Ravenclaw had also a landslide vote. Albus was annoyed that he couldn’t stop the primary school from being built. He knew that at the next meeting, the design of the school would be discussed and the school would be built. He is also aware that architects would be invited, in order to discuss the design of the primary school. The building of the school could take the architects and the builders two or three years until the school is finished.

With that the board meeting came to an end. Albus made his way to his office. He already informed his followers that there would be an order meeting.

Headmaster’s office

Albus was sitting behind his desk seething. The meeting didn’t go as he had imagined. The primary school had now land that can be used for building the school and it seems like that Lady Ravenclaw has voted for every nomination apart from James’. Who is that blasted woman and what are her allegiances? But he doesn’t know since he had to wait. He hated to wait, but he had to wait patiently until the Wizengamot meeting, where he would receive three nasty surprises. Furthermore, Severus got his way to update the potion class and had James’ ‘proof’ against the warding section as support for his nomination. He would have a long discussion with James for his stupidity.

When the order arrived, everyone took their seats that Albus had summoned for them. The members of the Wizengamot and the school board still gave James glares for his idiocy. Albus looked at James disappointed. “James, my boy, I am severely disappointed that you didn’t do any research to remove the warding section. Instead of, you tried to use a recent statistic about potion accidents and tried to use magic to rename it. How could you forget that the chamber’s magic in the Wizengamot would reveal the fraudulent document and the other members would be able to remove the magic with the help of their family magics on their seats?” James just pouted. He hadn’t thought about that and believed that no one would pay close attention to the parchment. But how did they find out? Who was the first to notice that the evidence was falsified? Who was responsible for this? But it doesn’t matter now since he was caught in the act and he now has to pay dearly for it. Albus continued regardless: “And to make matters worse, your stupidity was revealed and it was the perfect opportunity for Severus to make sure that his nomination passed without any problems. You effectively destroyed many students’ hopes and dreams with this statistic. Apart from that, James, you should be grateful that the board didn’t vote on filing charges against you for fraud and abuse of power. I managed to minimise the damage to a hefty fine of 1000 Galleons.”

Before James could defend himself, his wife thundered in rage: “WHAT? JAMES CHARLUS POTTER!” Everyone winced at the volume of Lily’s voice even Albus. “1000 GALLEONS! JAMES, ARE YOU INSANE!? DID YOU FORGET THAT SINCE OUR ACCESS TO THE FAMILY VAULT IS LIMITED DUE TO CHARLUS AND THAT WE RECEIVE ONLY A MONTHLY ALLOWANCE OF 4500 GALLEONS. YOU KNOW THAT WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WITH OUR FINANCES? WE CAN’T WASTE MONEY LIKE THAT. APART FROM THAT JAMES, WE ARE GOING TO LOOK BAD IN FRONT OF THE PUBLIC WITH YOUR ACTIONS! DO YOU KNOW, WHAT IT WOULD DO TO JOHN AND HARRY, ESPECIALLY JOHN AND HIS STATUS AS THE BOY-WHO-LIVED AND THE CHOSEN ONE?” James flinched at his wife’s rant, but he had to agree with her. People are going to view them in a negative light.

Albus looked at James sternly and said: “I agree, James. The next time, I will check your research for our side. You know that this could have costed you your job, if Crouch had made an inquiry. Thankfully, the man didn’t speak a word, but I don’t like the silence from him. You now need to be careful around him.” James nodded mutely. He was angry that things went to hell.

Albus sighed, when he changed the topic. “Now, let’s talk about the Wizengamot meeting in two days.” Arthur perked up a bit and sat tensely on his seat. Thankfully, no one noticed it. Albus continued: “We are going to strengthen the anti-creature laws against the centaurs. We need to make sure that the lands that the centaurs had belongs to us, so that we can have an advantage against the dark and make sure to weaken the death eaters.” Many nodded. Those creatures should be wiped out and their land should be confiscated.

Arthur couldn’t believe that the so-called light siders here are nothing better than the death eaters. He will warn the Malfoys and the others about Dumbledore’s plans.

When the meeting came to an end, Albus assigned the research to Edward Podmore, who promised to make sure that he would do a better research than James. That nearly led to a fight between the Lord of the House Podmore and the Regent of the House Potter, which was stopped by Annabell and Lily, who still wants answers about the fine and his actions at the school board meeting. James just pouted. His wife will not let it go.

With that the meeting ended and everyone left to go to their homes.

Potter Manor

Lily was yelling at her husband for the past hour. Sirius and Remus were standing aside since they were not brave enough to interfere since Lily’s temper was something, they had been fearing since both started school. James was begging Lily to stop, but her temper continued regardless. The yelling started, when James confessed, what he had done at the board meeting today. When her temper cooled down, the men sighed in relief. “James, you can’t make this mistake again. The next time, you could end up arrested and charged in front of the Wizengamot. Do you realise that they would have questioned you under veritesarem? And somehow, you would have revealed, what we had done to Harry.” James paled. That was a dangerous risk that could have destroyed their lives and reputation.

Sirius really wanted to tell them that Narcissa, his ex-grandfather and his ex-mother were aware of what they had done to Harry, but sadly, the magic is blocking his voice. He had a tear streaming down his cheek that he couldn’t warn his friends that Narcissa knows and is preparing a trap for them. Sirius had nightmares, how James and Lily would be charged and sentenced to spend one half of their sentence in the goblin mines, where they would be tortured and physically abused, and the other half, they would spend their time in Azkaban, where they would be tormented. Some of these nightmares are also showing him that he and Remus would lose custody of John and Harry and John would be sent to live with the Dursleys, where his sweet pup would be atrociously abused, tormented and treated like a slave. He always cried, when these nightmares were over since they were terrible to tolerate. His friends believed that these nightmares were coming from the disownment, but in reality, those nightmares were visions. Lady Magic wanted him to suffer, for what he had done to Akira. These visions should show him the future, what would happen, if they don’t repent their way. Sirius was ready to cry. Everything was going the wrong way.

James sighed in relief, when his wife was finished with her rant. At first, he had thought that things couldn’t get any worse and sadly, they did. It was terrible, but at one point, Lily was right, and it was the fact that everything could have been revealed, what they had done to Harry.

Weasley Manor/Malfoy Manor

Arthur flooed from the Burrow to Weasley Manor, in order to spend the evening with his boys. He put his house elves in charge of making sure that his boys are alright. He hated doing that, but everything had to remain a secret since Dumbledore and many of his followers are still too influential. He can’t wait to meet the Delacours at Yule. Arthur already had plans for a Yule dinner, in order to celebrate the holiday traditionally. He immediately greeted his boys and told them that he had to talk with Lord and Lady Malfoy through the floo. He went to his home office and used the floo. “Lucius Malfoy, Malfoy Manor.” He waited for some time until the flame image of Lucius Malfoy appeared in front of him. “Good evening, Arthur, how are you?” Arthur smiled kindly. “I am alright, Lucius. I have news from the order.” Lucius smiled and asked: “Okay, what are the news, Arthur?”

Arthur sighed deeply. “Well, I still can’t believe that the order is as bad as Voldemort and his death eaters.” Lucius rolled his eyes at that. So much for being light and good. But he gave Arthur the go-ahead. “They are planning to put more restrictions on the centaurs. Seriously, they are not a danger to our society. I mean, they gifted Rowena Ravenclaw some lands, when they had suffered a famine and she helped them.” Lucius nodded in agreement and explained: “I read in a book that centaurs are proud and grateful magical beings. If you help a pack of centaurs like Rowena Ravenclaw had, you receive a generous gift from them. Apart from that, you need to know that the centaurs are in the Forbidden Forest, in order to kill off any dangerous creatures that are a danger to Hogwarts and its grounds, Hogsmeade and the Forest. We will use the fact that with the light’s nomination, we basically endanger the staff and the students in Hogwarts and the residents from Hogsmeade.” Arthur nodded in agreement. They needed to stop those fools from further destroying the world.

When the floo call was finished, Arthur went to his boys and Lucius and Narcissa met up. Both had plans to stop Dumbledore and his followers in the Wizengamot and to make slight changes in the wizarding world that are looking harmless, but would make great changes in the wizarding world. When it was time for Draco to start the primary school, they would start to make drastic changes to the departments first, in order to get rid of some of Dumbledore’s followers and remove his influence in the ministry. Then, they would start to remove some of Dumbledore’s laws like the restriction on magic and what magic should be really banned. And at the end, they would start to give magical beings and creatures their freedoms back that are denied by the ministry. At the end, Dumbledore’s world would fall apart.

Fate and Destiny were cackling like mad women. From what they were able to predict, they knew that the Malfoys, Akira and their allies would destroy Dumbledore’s power base in the ministry firstly. Then, they would start to remove all the laws that the old fool and his followers created and at the end, the magical creatures would get more freedoms. The world would be perfect at the beginning of Akira’s eighth year in Hogwarts. In that school year, Dumbledore’s crimes and misdeeds are going to be revealed and the man would be alone since all of his followers are going to suffer a slow and painful death. He would have no support and his so-called adversaries would betray and abandon him in his time of needs, but it is in the future. They couldn’t wait to see Dumbledore’s fall of the world.

Wizengamot, December 20th, 2001

Today was another Wizengamot meeting. Narcissa had everything planned. She was going to introduce the wizarding world to pen and paper and allow it to be sold in their world. It would cause a huge distraction to Dumbledore and his followers. They would be able to stop Dumbledore’s motion and call the law regarding the centaur into question. With this, they would be able to block the anti-creature law for the next ten years and the centaurs could live normally without any persecution. It would be funny to watch, how this anti-creature law would be destroyed. It would also annoy the minister and his little pet of an undersecretary, who were clearly biased towards any magical creature. It is about time to start removing that filth from the ministry, but this would be a hard and rocky way to do.

Narcissa was talking with Lucius about the Wizengamot meeting until Dumbledore arrived a few minutes late. That man needs to learn, how to be on schedule. Their patience is become thin. But Narcissa was sure that when Albus loses his Chief Warlock and his Head Governor positions, the man had to be on time since they could continue without him. Narcissa had plans, when it would be the best time to remove Dumbledore from his positions of power. The man was going to hate it that he wasn’t important anymore. Sadly, she had to wait.

When the meeting started, the contents from the last session were read and Dumbledore opened the new Wizengamot session. There were still discussions about the newly updated goblin treaty and many liked the idea that anyone, who causes damages and aren’t able to pay for them, they would work in the goblin mines.

The next order of business were the introductions and there Dumbledore was tense. The first introduction was from Corban Yaxley, who stood up. “Lords and Ladies from the Wizengamot, I have the honour to announce to you that I am the new proxy of the Ancient and Noble House of Evandrus.” Albus and the other Wizengamot members wore shocked faces. That was unexpected and to Albus, it was a setback. Albus knew that Corban Yaxley was like Sirius a rebel against his family’s beliefs, and he tried to recruit him, but the man refused and his wife, Clara, didn’t trust him much to his fury. The disinheritance was also a setback since no one was able to associate him with the death eaters. Gerald Yaxley fumed about his son’s entrance, but he knew that going against the Evandrus family would be a political suicide. He cursed the fact that his firstborn son’s soulmate had to be a mudblood out of all the fine witches in their society. Gerald only disinherited his son, but disowning him was impossible since the family magics barely accepted the disinheritance alone. Now, he is the proxy of the Ancient and Noble House of Evandrus and he is basically outranking him. He had the suspicion that the mudblood is the head of that particular house and that she is another filthy squibborn that had stolen a noble title from a magical family. But seeing the magic accepting Corban as the proxy made him even angrier that the whore claimed the title legally and was accepted as its head. There was no way to fight this. “Per the head’s instruction, the seat will remain in the neutral section.” Albus quickly looked at the recounting and was glad that his fraction had still the majority vote in the Wizengamot, but the neutral section got a little boost in their votes.

After everyone recovered from their shock, Albus continued with the introductions. Bartemius Crouch was the next, who stood up. All eyes were on him. The head of the DMLE cleared his throat and started with a neutral tone: “Lords, Ladies, I am honoured to announce to you that I am the new proxy of the Ancient and Noble House of Kingston.” Dumbledore froze. This was bad. This was beyond bad. The seat of the House Kingston was in his fraction. He needed to see, if the magics accepted Bartemius as proxy. Sadly, it did and now, he was afraid, what will happen to these seats. “As per the instruction of Lord Kingston, the seats will be moved to the neutral fraction.” The seat disappeared from the light section and moved to the neutrals. Albus was furious, when the recounting showed that his section lost some votes. Thank Merlin, his side had enough votes, so that he can remain Chief Warlock.

When Albus asked, if there was another introduction, Pandora Lovegood stood up from the light section. “Pandora?” Albus wasn’t sure, what was going on? “Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, I am honoured to announce that I am the new Lady Ravenclaw.” The magic examined her and accepted her as the head. Albus’ brain stopped working. This could be only a dream. The light section wore shocked faces. They couldn’t believe that Pandora is the new Lady Ravenclaw. There were also some jealous faces from Mason Smith and James Potter since they were not able to claim the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor seats. The neutral section and some from the dark section acted shocked, whereas Voldemort’s followers were in a blind fury. This was a great disadvantage to them since the Lovegoods were a light family and the light section has now more power than before. Dumbledore recovered from his shock and had a smile. This is good that the Ravenclaw seat was claimed by a light witch like Pandora. He would have loathed it if someone from the dark fraction would have claimed the seat and used it to destroy all of his plans, but now he needed to plan, how to convince Pandora to stop the primary school and the audit of the Hogwarts Vaults. This would be hard since Pandora may be a light witch that is in his section, but she never followed him blindly, how he had liked. Maybe after the Wizengamot meeting, he would be able to convince Pandora with some compulsions to stop the audit and the primary school. Pandora continued, when everyone recovered from their shock. “Per my instructions, the seat will be in the light section.” The seat appeared at the light section and was closely linked to the Lovegood seat, where Pandora was sitting. Albus was happy. Now, he had more votes than before the loss of the Kingston seat.

With that the introductions ended.

When it was time for the nominations, Lord Edward Podmore was the first to raise his wand and he was chosen by Dumbledore. Edward smiled and started with his nomination about further restrictions against the centaurs since they were posing a danger to the students and staff in Hogwarts and the residents of Hogsmeade. There was also the land that the centaurs do have and it should be taken by the ministry since they need the lands more due to the growing population in Hogsmeade. When the nomination was finished, there were supportive looks from Voldemort’s followers and Dumbledore and his chickens. There were also supportive looks from the minister and his undersecretary. The majority wore neutral faces since they were hiding their disgust.

Dumbledore then moved on, if there were further nominations. Amelia rose her wand. Dumbledore pointed to Amelia. She started it with a no-nonsense voice. “Lords, Ladies, I have a nomination to make about the advancements in the non-magical world, but I think that we should start with small changes. My motion is to slowly replace ink and parchment with pen and paper.” Many looked a little bit stunned, but had supportive faces. The minister asked: “Lady Bones, how would this change benefit our world?” Amelia smiled slightly and handed everyone statistics that explained about the different costs between ink and parchment and pen and paper. When everyone looked at the statistics, many, who were not aware of the difference, were shocked beyond belief. “According to these statistics, pen and paper are a lot cheaper than ink and parchment. Furthermore, the production of these items is faster and making copies will go quicker than with the current items that we use.” Everyone was shocked about these revelations. Fudge’s eyes were shining with greed since he liked the idea. He would be able to save thousands of Galleons. Doloris Umbridge looked unhappy about using muggle materials, but she couldn’t argue against the use of pen and paper. She herself hated spilled ink, when she was doing her job, and she detested it that in case her quill breaks that she had to order a new one. Amelia continued, when many followers of Voldemort questioned the use of these materials and tried to stop the nomination. In their opinion, they didn’t need muggle trash. Sadly, they would not manage anything. “The advantage of using pen and paper is that unlike quills, pens do not break easily and there is enough supply of ink in the pen that would last nearly six months maximum. Paper is easier to handle than parchment since paper doesn’t roll down, when we try to write on it.”

One of the lords from the light section asked: “And what will happen, if the supply of ink in the pen is empty?” Amelia answered: “Unlike muggles, who are throwing empty pens away in the trash can, we can use magic to refill the pens. It would save us the costs for new pens and the ink in the pen is a lot cheaper than the ink in the quill. Like the quill, we would be able to enchant the pens the same way we enchanted the quills.” Many liked the idea.

Dumbledore needed to discuss this with his followers. He quickly noticed that within his section, many were conflicted. He sighed. “My dear members of the Wizengamot, can I discuss this with my section?” Many gave him the go-head. Narcissa knew that he was going to be distracted by his followers. Callidora, Pandora and the other members of the light section made their positions clear and were supporting the nomination, but Dumbledore’s blind followers were another story. When the privacy barrier was put and Aurelia Acton took over as Chief Witch, Amelia was the one to stand up. “Lords, Ladies, I am nominating to bring the laws regarding the centaurs into question since we were given wrong information from Lord Podmore about the centaurs.” Many were surprised and Amelia continued regardless of Doloris Umbridge and the minister trying to interrupt: “If we look back at the school board meeting two days ago, we could remember that Lady Lovegood-Ravenclaw mentioned that Rowena Ravenclaw was gifted centaur lands for her good deeds to the centaurs.” Many nodded. The only ones, who looked confused, were the department heads, the minister and his undersecretary. “Well, from there on I was suspicious and researched, if there were other instances like with our Hogwarts founder. The results that I have received were surprising.” Amelia presented her file and read from it: “All the lands, where we have built our main manors, was once centaur land that was gifted to us due to our ancestors’ good deeds. But there was a strict contract between the wizarding families and the centaurs.” She handed over multiple copies of the contract between the centaurs and the wizarding families. “According to the contract the land is in our possession as long as we are living peacefully with them. In case of any kind of endangerment or other sanctions from both sides, then, there are consequences. In case, the centaurs are breaching the contract, then, they are forced to give up more land to us, but this is not the case. In case we, witches and wizards, are violating the contract, then, the contract would be judged by Lady Magic and we could lose these lands and our ancestral homes. Sadly, it is the case that we are breaching the contract and in case of a magical judgement, we would be seen as the guilty party. This does also count, what we are now planning to do against the centaurs. They would have the right to call upon Lady Magic to annul the contract and all of the land that previously belonged to us is going to be reverted back to their claim and we couldn’t do anything since we would be going against Lady Magic’s judgement. For that reason, I am nominating to put the anti-creature law against centaurs into question due to the threat that many of us are going to lose their ancestral homes and a lot of land to the centaurs, if we allow Lord Podmore’s nomination to pass and the anti-creature law in our law book remains. This law is making our lives harder instead of theirs, but for now, the law should shut down for the time being until we can agree on a new law that is regulating our co-existence with the centaurs.” Many were shocked, furious and terrified about the clauses in the contract. How could their ancestors agree on this? Sadly, there was no way out, so, the anti-creature law and Lord Podmore’s nomination had to go.

Doloris fumed. There was nothing to be done against the centaurs since she knew that many noble families would hate the idea of losing their ancestral homes to the centaurs due to a judged contract. She hated it. Lady Magic should favour them and not see them as equals with those disgusting creatures, but there was nothing to be done. Cornelius was trying to find loopholes, but sadly, the contract didn’t have one. There was no way around the contract and his allies were not willing to give up their homes for a law like this. There was no other choice then to accept Lady Bones’ nomination.

The Wizengamot members waited for Dumbledore and his followers to be finished. When they were finished, many had supportive looks about the nomination of pen and paper. Before Dumbledore could retake his seat, Aurelia said: “Lord Dumbledore, Lady Bones had made the nomination to call the anti-creature law against the centaurs into question and requested to shut it down for the time being since the law could cause terrible consequences for our community.” Albus was shocked. He can’t allow this to happen. The centaurs are nothing than disgusting creatures that are a threat to his students, staff and the residents of Hogsmeade. They needed to be stamped out not being given freedoms. But Aurelia continued: “Lady Bones presented us with a contract that most of the land that the wizarding families are in possession of belonged before us to the centaurs. But there are strict clauses in the contract, where either both parties had to peacefully co-exist with each other or there would be terrible consequences in case both parties are violating the contract. The centaurs are upholding the contract, but we are not. The current anti-creature law could be a cause enough for the centaurs to call upon Lady Magic to judge the contract and since we are the guilty party, our claim to the gifted lands would be reverted back to the centaurs.” Albus was trying everything in his power to restrain his fury. This couldn’t be happening, but looking at the contract, he noticed that it is the truth and he knew that the majority here is not willing to make those sacrifices.

Albus discussed this with his followers and explained them, what would happen, if the contract is violated and judged by Lady Magic. Edward fumed, when he had to retract his nomination. “I retract my nomination”, he said sourly. With that, the members didn’t need to vote since the nominee removed the nomination. But there were two nominations that had to be voted on.

When Albus retook his seat, the vote was called regarding the nomination of introducing pen and paper to their world. Nearly everyone voted for this nomination apart from some, who wanted everything to remain status quo, and Voldemort’s followers. The second nomination was also a landslide vote, which made Dumbledore angry that the anti-creature law against the centaurs is not active anymore.

With that the Wizengamot meeting came to an end.

Pandora had a hard time to get out since the members and the reporters were bombarding her with questions. She promised that she would explain everything in a private interview, but for now, she would not answer any questions. Many didn’t like it, but they knew, what would happen, if they are pushing her too far.

After Pandora managed to get out, she didn’t manage to go far since Dumbledore was calling for her. “Pandora, my dear, can I talk with you?” Pandora turned around and had a perfect smile on her face. Amelia was beside her. Good, she wouldn’t be able to deal with him alone. “Yes, Albus. What can I do for you?” Albus twinkled and frowned, when he saw Amelia beside her. “I wanted to speak with you about the Ravenclaw title and also the audit on the Hogwarts Vaults.” Pandora restrained her snarl and questioned him with a forced smile: “And what do you wish to discuss?”

Albus had the look of a concerned grandfather and asked: “Why didn’t you introduce yourself at the school board meeting as the new Lady Ravenclaw?” Pandora was confused. Normally, if someone is introduced, then, the introduction are required to be done during the Wizengamot meetings and not the school board meetings. “Albus, you know as I do that any introductions are required to be done during the Wizengamot meetings and not the school board meetings.” Albus wanted to groan. He forgot that any introductions had to be done during the Wizengamot meetings, where the claim became official. At the school board meeting, Pandora could have claimed and have the power of being Lady Ravenclaw that she was the new Lady Ravenclaw, but it wouldn’t have become official like here.

He returned back to the conversation and asked: “And now, I wish to speak with you about the audit of the Hogwarts Vaults.” Pandora took a deep breath and asked: “And what is there to discuss?” Albus twinkled and said: “Well, I think that it wouldn’t be a good idea to do the audit, my dear. Everything is fine with the school’s money and you shouldn’t worry about the financial aspect of the school since I made sure that everything is fine.” Pandora wanted to say the opposite, but bit her tongue and said: “Albus, I am making this audit, in order to make my own judgement of the Hogwarts Vaults. I am sure that you have done well during your time as headmaster, but I need to see, if we have enough gold for financing the primary school since I think it is a great idea to open a school for children between six and eleven and I hope that my sweet moon is going to attend this school, when she reaches the age of six. Speaking of my daughter, I have to hurry home, in order to check-up on her and my husband. Have a nice evening, Albus, but my position stands regarding the audit.” The woman quickly left before Albus could argue more. This didn’t go the way, how it was supposed to go. What was he going to do? The audit will destroy so many plans in one row. He had to find a way to stop the audit, but how? Pandora is clear in her position and the only way to stop the audit was another founder’s heir, but the problem is that Akira is the Gryffindor heir and not James, which is now a setback since the boy is too young and with his relatives. Tom is vanquished and he knew that the Smiths couldn’t be the heirs of Hufflepuff since he made sure to check it up without their knowledge. The Hufflepuff heir is still in the unknown, but the question is, who could it be?

After some time of thinking, Albus sighed and let it drop. He knew the risks, if the Hufflepuff heir is someone from the dark, neutral or even those from the light section, who are not completely loyal to him much to his annoyance. Albus can’t risk that again since he would lose control over half of his precious school. He had to wait until Harry claims the Gryffindor heirship, then, he could change things his way.

James was jealous that Pandora is Lady Ravenclaw and he was not Lord Gryffindor, but there was nothing to be done. Mason Smith was also envious of Pandora’s position as Lady Ravenclaw, but he was afraid that their claims of being the Hufflepuff heirs could be proven wrong and they would make themselves a mockery to the magical society.

Albus informed his followers to meet with him in his office. They need to discuss the outcome of the Wizengamot meeting and he wasn’t happy about the outcome in the slightest. He still couldn’t believe that the anti-creature law that he had worked so hard on was inactive for ten years maximum and he was sure that the law would be abolished since no Lord or Lady wanted to lose their ancestral homes to the centaurs. This was another setback. His side was prepared to put more restrictions on those creatures, but the contract threw them off their balance and destroyed his plans. He needed a new approach.

Headmaster’s office

Albus was looking at his followers. The twinkle in his eyes was missing and the man looked dissatisfied. Everyone was sitting in an uncomfortable silence. James looked at his old headmaster and asked: “Albus?” Albus looked at James with a small smile and let out a sigh. “Don’t worry, my boy. I am just disappointed that the meeting didn’t go the way it was supposed to go.” Many looked sour about the meeting. Edward was furious that he had to retract his nomination since he knew that with the stupid contract between the centaurs and the wizarding families, no one would vote for his nomination since they were terrified to lose their ancestral homes. But even he wasn’t brave enough to lose his ancestral home to these creatures. It was annoying.

Albus looked at the Black Lake. He was not happy, what was happening and how things have gone wrong. This meeting was a giant setback and he didn’t understand why things didn’t go his way now. His followers and he were working hard, but it was all for nothing and now an important law for the greater good was inactive. Albus wished that the contract was never found, but sadly, it was in the ministry’s archive. When he became Chief Warlock, Albus tried to remove the contract from the archives, but the responsible department head refused to do his bidding and any document that was older than 500 years couldn’t be removed since they were deemed delicate and irreplaceable. He wanted to curse that this little instance caused now so many problems. Furthermore, he hated those distractions, but there was nothing to be done. He couldn’t blame the dark side now since the neutral fraction is ruining his greater good and he can’t just brush them off as dark or death eaters since in the neutral section, there are light- and dark-cored wizards and witches and the dark-cored in the neutral section had no affiliations to Voldemort and his followers, which is difficult. Albus is not a fool to mess with those dark families since his reputation could be destroyed.

Albus really needed to find some dirt against the major members of the neutral families, but this would be hard since they are neither his order members nor death eaters, which is annoying since he couldn’t find anything, with which he would be able to sway them to his side. Albus also couldn’t use his pawns in the ministry, in order to get information on them since there was still the risk of them being fired. For now, Albus had to let it go and hopes that the meeting in January would be good.

He dismissed his followers, in order to have a calm evening, in order to see, where he had gone wrong in this meeting.

Potter Manor

James was in a foul mood, when he arrived home. It seems like that nothing is going their way lately and Pandora’s revelation of being Lady Ravenclaw hadn’t improved his mood since the woman is supporting the primary school and has voted for Amelia’s nominations. He would have liked to accuse her to be a dark witch, but going against Amelia and Pandora was a political suicide. For now, he had to let it go, but it was annoying.

When he arrived at the living room, Lily perked up and asked: “James, how was the Wizengamot meeting?” She sounded hopeful and optimistic. James sighed and took a glass and a bottle of fire whiskey. His wife had a disapproving and warning look on her face that said that he shouldn’t get drunk in front of their son. After he had his first shoot, his nerves slightly calmed and began to explain the meeting. “It was not good. Edward’s nomination was retracted due to a contract that was signed between the wizarding families and the centaurs. There were multiple clauses, where mainly the co-existence between the centaurs and the wizarding families was demanded, and if anyone violated those clauses, then there would be consequences. The centaurs were following the clauses in the contract jealously, but we are the ones that were violating the contract as a whole with the anti-creature law. Furthermore, it was explained that the centaurs would have taken our lands into their grasp, if they had called Lady Magic to judge the contract. Many noble families including our family would have lost our ancestral homes to these disgusting cretins. Did you know that Potter Manor for example was built on former centaur land?” Sirius, Remus and Lily shook their heads and were shocked that they had been at the brink of losing their homes due to those dark creatures.

James knew that it was close, but he was thankful that Amelia warned them from their mistake. Taking another shot with Remus and Sirius, he explained that the Wizengamot had decided to introduce pen and paper to their world to be sold. Lily muttered that it was about time since she hated quill and parchment and thought that pen and paper are easier to handle than the current materials. James had to admit that this was one positive aspect in the Wizengamot meeting.

He spent the rest of the evening with John and when it was time for the toddler to go to bed, James prepared himself to sleep.

Weasley Manor, December 21st, 2001

Arthur was nervous and excited, because today, Lord Jaques and Lady Apolline Delacour with their daughters Fleur and Gabrielle were going to come to visit, in order to check, if Bill is Fleur’s creature mate. During his free time, the Weasley Lord researched about veelas and how to act in front of Lady Delacour and her two daughters. He knew that veelas are exceptionally beautiful and have their allure that is making every men drool. He also read that the only ones, who are immune against the allure are soulmate couples, victims of love potions and homosexual men. Each of his sons have soulmates meaning that the allure does not have any effect towards them and he himself was a victim of Molly’s potioning ways, which would help him to protect against the veela allure.

When one of his house elves informed him that the Delacour family is waiting at the entrance gate, Arthur ordered the elf to open the gate and allow the family entrance. Quickly, he made his way outside, in order to wait for the couple in front of the entrance doors of his manor. Thanks to the wards, it was warm, but he was also glad that the manor was enchanted to stop any of the snow from melting.

Jaques and Apolline Delacour were impressed by the manor of Lord Weasley and that it wasn’t cold. The couple saw a red-headed man waiting for them. The red-head greeted them politely: “Merry meet, Lord and Lady Delacour. Welcome to Weasley Manor. My name is Lord Arthur Weasley and I am overjoyed that you have come.” Looking at the girl and then at the toddler in Lady Delacour’s arms, Arthur smiled at them. “And you must be Fleur.” The girl was hiding behind her father and gave the kind man a small smile. Arthur turned his attention to the elder Delacours, where he was also introduced to Gabrielle, who was the same age as Ron. Apolline tried to use her veela allure on the Weasley patriarch, but the man was immune against it. Suddenly, she felt her veela side screaming in her that she should stop since the man before her was a victim of love potions and the woman noticed that Arthur was struggling to stand. Apolline quickly stopped and was saddened. As a half veela, she was able to know, if someone was affected by love potions and if that was the case, then, the veela allure can be lethal. Apolline knew, if she didn’t stop, then, the red-head would have collapsed from the allure since his immune system would have tried to fight against it. When Arthur calmed down and told the couple to follow him, which they did. Apolline whispered to her husband: “Jaques, I used my veela allure on Lord Weasley. The man had been ready to collapse. This means that he was a victim against love potions. There is no way, I can use the allure on Lord Weasley without killing him.” Jaques nodded and knew that they had their proof that the man was affected by love potions.

Going inside the formal meeting room, the Delacours were greeted by five red-headed boys. Jaques and Apolline were shocked that the man had five children. Arthur started to introduce the Delacour couple his boys from oldest to youngest. “My oldest son is William Arthur Weasley. He is my heir and is currently attending Hogwarts.” Arthur may be smiling, but the man looked unimpressed. Apolline noticed the look on the man’s face and knew, where the man was going with his implications. Since she was working for the Department of Education in the ICW, she knew that Hogwarts was ranked as one of the lower schools in the world and had lost its prestige. The only one to blame for this was Dumbledore. Apolline asked: “Lord Weasley, you seem unimpressed.” Arthur let out a sigh. “Yes, and I am afraid that my son’s magic was going to stunted with the low standards of Hogwarts.” Arthur sighed deeply, but he was happy at the same time that Apolline Delacour had caught the bait.

Apolline knew that it was a bait, but she wasn’t angry about that and gave him a suggestion. “Lord Weasley, how would you like to introduce your sons to the standards of the ICW? The Department of Education in the ICW had a perfect balance between the muggle and the magical education. There are summer schools for your sons, where your children can learn everything, what Hogwarts does lack.” Arthur liked the idea and agreed with Lady Delacour.

The woman also noticed that the sons of Arthur Weasley were not affected by her and her daughter’s veela allure. Why is that? Jaques had noticed the same and he asked bluntly: “Lord Weasley, I would like to know, why your boys seem to be immune against the veela allure from my wife?” Arthur knew that that question was going to come and answered: “All of my boys have soulmates. My second oldest and heir to the Prewett family, Charles Septimus Weasley, will be engaged with Lord and Lady Diggory’s only son, Cedric Diggory. My third-oldest son, Percival Arcturus Weasley, is the soulmate of the Lestrange heiress, Penelope Clearwater-Lestrange, and the twins, Frederick Gideon and Gregory Fabian Weasley, have the same soulmate since they are magical twins. Their soulmate is from Japan, a girl name Makoto Niijima.” Jaques and Apolline were shocked and relieved. Males, who have soulmates, are immune towards the allure since the soulmate bond is protecting them from the veela allure and would not be allowing any veelas to influence their minds.

Little Fleur Delacour was curious, what the adults were talking about until heat pooled inside her and her attention was on the eleven-year-old Weasley heir. Fleur felt something warm that was drawing to him. Her veela side was encouraging her to go close to him and she did. At first, she didn’t understand the feeling since she was only four-year-old, but her veela instincts told her that Bill Weasley unlike the other boys she met in her short life was safe and was going to be a very good friend. Bill on the other side didn’t understand, what was going on and threw his father a confused look, when he noticed the little blond girl approaching him and hugging him. Arthur just chuckled and Apolline and Jaques were stunned. Normally, Fleur would never go to a stranger due to her veela instincts, but they were here to confirm it, if their daughter is the creature mate of the Weasley heir. And it seems like, it is confirmed that their little girl has a creature mate in that boy, who seems to be unaffected by Fleur’s veela allure. Apolline and Jaques smiled happily. This is good. Lord Weasley was telling the truth.

When it was evening, the Yule dinner was served. The Yule log was also made and prepared by the house elves and furthermore, a fire was started. The fire would not burn the manor down since the log was enchanted to restrict the fire on its place. Arthur made a little speech about the alliance between the House Weasley and House Delacour and everyone started to dig in their meals. Jaques and Apolline were happy and started to enjoy their food. They examined the father and his five boys. Both started to like the children and were comfortable with the man. Charles or like he preferred to be called Charlie was fascinated by magical creatures and in Apolline’s opinion the boy is the second in coming of Newt Scamandar. Percy Weasley was a boy, who liked to read books even though he is five, and the twins are growing to become master pranksters. Arthur had admitted that Fred and George have taken after their uncles, Fabian and Gideon, with their twin speak and their path to pranks. Both laughed, when Arthur revealed that both twins like their uncles were born on April Fools Day. Well, these two would cause havoc in Hogwarts. Bill was also a well-mannered and calm child that is dreaming to become a Gringotts curse breaker.

Arthur smiled in support and knew that Bill would become one of the greatest curse breaker in his generation, but Bill asked the most important question: “But I don’t know which NEWT subjects, I need to become a curse breaker, and what are the expected grades. Do you maybe know, Lord and Lady Delacour, what grades and subjects I need, in order to become a curse breaker?” Apolline smiled and answered: “Well, you need to have your NEWTs in Transfiguration, Charms, DADA, Potions, Herbology, History of Magic, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Astronomy, and Magical Theory. It would also give you an advantage, if you had your NEWTs in COMC, Spell Crafting and Weaving, Warding and Alchemy.” Bill was shocked. These are a lot of classes, but he would be able to manage this challenge with hard work. Apolline explained further: “But thankfully, you would be able to self-study Magical Theory after you are finished with the second-year curriculum and History of Magic, if you are finished with your OWLs. I would also recommend you to self-study History of Magic for now since I have heard that a ghost is teaching you that class and is on repeat about goblin wars. You should know that your history exam does cover more than the goblin wars.” Bill nodded in agreement and told them, how boring the class was, when the professor starts his lecture in a monotone voice and that the midterms really covered more than what Binns was teaching them. Thankfully at the recommendation of his school mates, he self-studied History of Magic, when he had free time. Arthur chuckled knowing that he had suffered the same like his son and had done the same thing, in order to pass the class. Apolline just smiled and continued after she agreed with her future son-in-law and Lord Weasley about the history class in Hogwarts. “And at the summer school, Bill, you would be able to study Magical Theory, Warding, Spell Crafting and Weaving and Alchemy. Magical Theory should be taught to first years, so, you can start learning this class this summer. Alchemy would be taught at the beginning of summer after your third year and Spell Crafting and Weaving and Warding would be taught at the beginning of summer after your fifth year.” Bill nodded, but asked: “When I would be doing the exams including my OWLs and NEWTs in those subjects that aren’t taught in my school?” Apolline pursed her lips and answered: “The exams at the ICW have three exam periods. The first period would be at the beginning of summer. The second would be at the end of summer and the last exam period would be now during the Yule holidays.” Bill nodded in understanding. Apolline was impressed that the boy was thinking about his education and his career first than his love life. The woman was proud that this boy was her daughter’s creature mate. Arthur also warned his eldest that after the Yule holidays, Horace was going to retire and a new potion master was going to take over. Bill wanted to know, who it was, but his father said that an old friend was going to take over and he should not worry about him. Apart from that a surprise would be spoilt. Bill knew that his father was hiding something, but he let it go since his father also explained him that he could trust him.

When it was time to conduct the Yule ritual, everyone left a portion of their food on an extra plate that is going to be thrown into the Yule fire. Everyone felt the refreshing magic, when the portions were thrown into the fire. Lady Magic was happy that Arthur Weasley and his older boys had started practising the olde ways and she was grateful that the Weasleys’ path to become blood traitors was averted with Lady Malfoy’s help. She also couldn’t resist to watch Molly Weasley’s misery of being alone with her two babies during Yule, but that would change. She knew about the curse on the main line, but she was going to make an exception to change the curse to cold disinterest and apathy. The two youngest wouldn’t be abused like the curse intended, but they would learn, what it means not to be appreciated by family. Lady Magic knew that the two were going to be spoilt rotten by their mother and wouldn’t be able to tell right from wrong, but she hoped that Arthur would be able to stop this.

Lady Magic for that reason had the main perpetrator of the curse, Octavian Weasley, here. The man had been furious, what Molly had done and wanted to go down to haunt her for her actions. Thank Merlin, he didn’t need to do that, the bitch failed and he was content watching her world fall apart. He was also saddened that the five older true-born children of his descendant wouldn’t have a loving mother in their lives due to her selfishness, but the bastards wouldn’t have a loving father either. So, it is a good compromise. He looked at Lady Magic and asked in a raspy voice: “Lady Magic, are you here to ask me to change the curse or to lift it?” The deity looked at the man and answered: “To change the curse, Lord Octavian Weasley.” The man nodded and agreed with her that the curse needed to change since this isn’t the Victorian era anymore, where child abuse could have been easily hidden and covered. With that the children would learn borders. With a swift hand, Lady Magic changed the curse. She will also send Arthur a message since he did a ritual in her honour and inform him about the change.

Weasley Manor, December 22nd, 2001

When Arthur woke up at the next day, he found a letter on his nightstand. Lady Magic had left the message, in order to inform him about the change in the curse. Reading the letter, he was surprised and happy.

Lord Arthur Weasley,

I am grateful and happy that you were honouring me with that ritual yesterday during Yule dinner. But I am here to inform you that the curse on the main branch of the Weasley family has been changed with the approval of your ancestor, Octavian Weasley.

Octavian Weasley was the one, who cursed the main branch with that particular curse, but he allowed the change on the curse. From this day on, you will not feel the urge to abuse Ronald Billius Weasley and Ginerva Molly Weasley, but you will feel apathy and unappreciation towards them and they would feel it through the family magics. This means that you will basically ignore their existence and neglect them. Your children would be mean to them in case of your two youngest become annoying, but otherwise, they would treat them with disinterest like you.

With that, you can safely return them back to Weasley Manor without scandal from the public.

Lady Magic

Arthur had to admit that this sounded good. He had plans to return Molly on December 25th during Christmas. It would be a nice Christmas gift for Molly, but he knew that Molly was going to be furious about the change on the curse, because in her view, it would be abuse, how he was going to treat the two youngest.

Burrow/Weasley Manor, December 25th, 2001

Molly was furious, how Arthur was treating her. She would make him pay for this cruel treatment towards her and their two youngest, but the question was how? Albus couldn’t be reached and the other order members were the same. Regardless of her situation, Molly didn’t give up and she will fight tooth and nail to get out of the punishment since she is a light and good witch and no one would deny her anything. As she finished cleaning the dishes after she ate lunch, the floo flared. Molly knew that it must be Arthur. Remembering the floo, she also was reminded that the Malfoy bitch was here, in order to treat her baby boy. She was never going to forgive Arthur for his betrayal against the light by allowing a dark witch here and near their children, but Molly was going to make sure that Arthur knew that what he had done was wrong and make him feel guilty for his actions.

And like Molly had predicted, it was Arthur, who stepped out of the floo. When the red-headed man looked up and saw Molly, he said in a cheery voice: “Merry Christmas, Molly. I am here to bring you and the two youngest to Weasley Manor. There were some changes in the curse in the main line, but do not think that your bastards are going to be treated like royals. Oh no, Molly. The children would slightly be neglected and ignored. They will also feel my and my trueborn sons’ unappreciation and neglect through the family magics. You would be the only person, who would love them since the Prewett Family Magics are still inside you. I know that you are going to spoil them and sadly, I will not be able to stop you since I would be busy with work, but I can assure you that if their bratty behaviour is going to annoy us, then, things would get ugly since the curse was also changed in a way, where any bad behaviour from Ron and Ginny would be punished severely.” Molly was absolutely furious. She believed that Arthur had come around and was going to return, in order to become a perfect, light family again, but much to her rage, she was thrust into another nightmare. This isn’t fair. Everything was for the Greater Good, but Arthur didn’t understand that and now he is an enemy to the Greater Good much to her horror. Molly was sure that the Malfoy bitch had something to do with this, but she doesn’t have any proof. She had read that her husband was released and all the arrest warrants against the Malfoy scum were dismissed since the man claimed to be under an imperio. And to make matters worse, everyone is believing that trash. She was disappointed that Kingsley and Alastor were the ones, who have arrested him, and then, released him believing the sob story that the man was under the imperio. They should know better that a death eater will always remain a death eater. Sadly, she didn’t have any power to even bring her family under control.

Molly prepared herself to leave the Burrow and live with Arthur in Weasley Manor. She hoped that things would be better there and maybe from Weasley Manor she would be able to contact someone to help her. Arthur had seen her planful look and said destroying her hope: “Molly don’t think that anyone would come to save you since you are changing locations. The punishment stands even though you and the two youngest are going to live in Weasley Manor. Furthermore, the floo connection here has been temporarily cut for you and the children. The only place you, Ron and Ginny can floo from here is Weasley Manor. Only I would be able to floo from here to the headmaster and the other locations, where his blind followers are living. And you will remain locked in the Manor. The wards will make sure that you can’t contact anyone and you can’t get out.”

Molly wanted to scream in fury. This wasn’t any better than living here. Why is Arthur so cruel to her? She did everything for the Greater Good. She screeched: “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!” Arthur just smiled and said: “Well, I can, but if you want to be free from your punishment, I will get our marriage contract and have it judged. From there on, I will file charges against you using the inheritance test and you will spend the rest of your life in Azkaban for line theft, illegal potion-making and drugging your husband and children.” Molly paled at the idea. There was nothing, she could do. If she pushed Arthur to far, then, she would risk going to prison even though she is a light and good witch. Why is this happening now? She thought that after the defeat of You-Know-Who the light would be ruling and she would have a quiet and happy life without any threats from the dark, but sadly, everything went into the opposite direction. Whoever gave Crouch the anonymous tip, that person was going to suffer for all the mess that she is now in.

“Don’t forget the youngest two. Their nursery is already prepared and if they get older, they should be grateful that they will get their own rooms.” With that Arthur waited until Molly had everything prepared. When she was finished, a house elf was called and took her stuff to Weasley Manor. Another two elves took her two youngest and popped away to Weasley Manor. With that, Molly flooed to Weasley Manor since her Ronnie and Ginny were there and she didn’t want Arthur to abuse them. The last person was Arthur, who flooed to Weasley Manor.

At Weasley Manor, Molly quickly left the floo room, but stopped in her tracks since she didn’t know, where her two babies were until a house elf appeared in front of her. “Follow me to Fake Master Ron and Fake Mistress Ginny.” Molly was furious that Ron and Ginny were called fakes. This was unfair. Her babies didn’t deserve to be treated like that not even by the house elves. Following the house elf to the other end of the manor, she fumed. Her sweet Arthur was so cruel that he was clearly separating Ron and Ginny from her five oldest and himself. Why is he like that? How could everything fall apart? Finding the nursery, she was glad that the room was decently made, but it could have been better. The elf led her to her room and it was next to the nursery, where she would be able to look after Ron and Ginny. The room, where she was staying, was also decently made with a red canopy bed with red silk sheet and pillow. Her room also had a small desk and a bookshelf with some books. Above the desk, there was a big window and opposite to the window was a cupboard, where her clothes would be stored.

Arthur arrived at Weasley Manor and when he stepped out of the floo, an elf popped beside him. The house elf took his master’s hand and popped both of them to were Molly and the two youngest are. First, he checked the nursery, where everything was fine and Ron and Ginny were sleeping comfortably. Then, he went to check up his wife. “Molly, I hope you like your new room, but there would be some changes coming for the time being. You and the two youngest are going to sleep at the other end of the manor, so that the peace is kept. When the nursery is getting too small for them, they will get their own rooms and live there. You are allowed to move around the manor, but you are not allowed to speak with Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George since I don’t trust you around my boys and any contact between our five trueborn children and your bastards are forbidden since the new effects of the curse would make Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George angry at Ron and Ginny in case, they are annoying them. For example, if both Ron and Ginny are crying, all five of them are going to try everything to keep them quiet even by abusing them. You and the two youngest are allowed to take a stroll through the garden, when the others are finished. Understood?” Molly was livid. She wasn’t allowed to speak with her five older boys and was banned from any contact with them, but she had to accept it since she knew that the curse on the main line is still active and her babies would be mistreated by their own siblings in case her babies are trying to bond with their elder siblings. Molly will not allow this to happen, but sadly, she was rendered powerless with the punishment against her. So, she had no other choice than to accept this.

Arthur left his wife with Ron and Ginny. He knew that his wife is planning and plotting, how to get out of this, but in reality, there was no getting out of this one. If Molly tries anything, then, the marriage contract would be judged and broken and she and the two youngest would have no other choice than to leave Weasley Manor. The two would remain Weasleys, but without Molly there, they wouldn’t be allowed to remain with them due to their illegitimacy and the fact that they are the descendants of Herbert Fletcher formally Weasley.

Malfoy Manor, December 28th, 2001

Lucius, Narcissa and Cygnus were celebrating and popping a bottle of the manor’s best champagne. Abraxas Malfoy finally died. He succumbed to the dragon pox at noon, when one of the house elves wanted to serve him lunch. The elf noticed that the former Lord Malfoy didn’t move like usually and checked him up, if he was alright. After that, she noticed that the old Lord Malfoy had died and quickly informed her master and mistress. Lucius and Narcissa quickly went to check-up, if the elf was telling them the truth and there Narcissa as a healer made check-ups on her father-in-law confirming the elf’s diagnosis that Abraxas had died. At first, she sighed in relief that the man, who nearly destroyed her family was dead like a door nail, but then, she called the healers from St. Mungos, in order to remove the corpse and prepare the funeral even though Narcissa, Lucius and Cygnus wanted to throw the corpse in the next river, but they couldn’t since their reputation was more important than a dead man. Many would understand, but at least, the man should be buried. Lucius also didn’t plan to cast his father out from the Malfoy Elysium since he wanted his father to suffer for his stupidity by having his grandfather and his ancestors there berating him for dragging the Malfoy name through the mud.

Tomorrow, they would prepare the coffin and the burial. Also, the invitations have to be prepared. Therefore on December 30th, the funeral would take place.

Great Britain

The Malfoys had spread the news about Abraxas’ death and there were many witches and wizards that were glad that the man finally died since the old Lord Malfoy blackmailed a great number of people. They hope that his son Lucius was going to be different since the boy seemed to be not like his father. They remembered, how he had supported Lady Bones’ nomination to punish those that had caused a lot of damage to their world. He also supported the introduction to pen and paper instead of quill and parchment, which gained Lucius a lot of positive attention in the wizarding world. To sum it up, Abraxas wouldn’t be missed at all.

Voldemort’s followers were mourning his death and knew that they were going to loath Lucius since the man doesn’t hold the same beliefs like his father. The man was more like his mother than his father and they knew that the man would not allow his son to be friends with their children. Especially, Lord and Lady Parkinson planned a marriage contract with Abraxas between their daughter, Pansy, and his grandson, Draco, but his death would stop all their planning and both were sure that Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy would never agree on a marriage contract since they wanted their son to marry for love and not be forced to marry someone, who he wasn’t going to like.

Albus was startled, when he read the invitation, but he had known that Abraxas Malfoy wasn’t going to survive. According to his spies, the man had been suffering from dragon pox since the beginning of September and it couldn’t be cured. His death was in Albus’ opinion a setback since without him the Malfoys would no longer follow Tom and he was sure that the Malfoys are going to make precautions to protect their son from the darker purebloods. When he heard a knock on his office door, he allowed entrance. Minerva was the one, who came in.

“Albus. Have you heard the news and did you receive the invitation from the Malfoys?”

Albus sighed. “Yes, I have, my dear.”

Minerva asked: “What do you think about Abraxas’ death?”

Albus knew that the question was going to come and he answered: “Normally, his death would be a relief since he had blackmail material on a great number of ministry officials, but without him, the Malfoys are not going to go the path of blood supremacy again due to the revelations on Malfoy’s inheritance test. This means that the Malfoys are out of Voldemort’s control and it seems like they are not going to trust me either with the order’s bias against Slytherins and death eaters former or not.”

Minerva let out a sigh. She never thought that Abraxas’ death would be more trouble than she had anticipated. The Malfoys are out of control and neither Albus nor Voldemort would be able to do anything against them.

The order had been cheering that the old Lord Malfoy was dead and immediately went to the headmaster, in order to discuss the great news. Many were talking at once until Albus managed to quiet them down. He started: “I know, my dears, that these are great news, but we have a new problem.” James asked: “Albus, what do you mean, there is a new problem? I mean Malfoy was a death eater like his son. I could only think that Lucius Malfoy would be a problem since the man is still walking free and managed to bribe his way out of his punishment with his claims of being under the imperio.” Albus really questioned himself, how James could be that stupid. Lucius Malfoy didn’t need to bribe anyone since the inheritance test was clear as day. “James, my boy, we already discussed this. The inheritance test is authentical and was made by the goblins. Not to mention, Alastor and Kingsley were the ones, who arrested Mr. Malfoy and got him tested in Gringotts. They would have noticed something amiss in the bank. Apart from that goblins can’t be bribed that easily.” He looked at his old friend, who was rubbing his temple. “Aye, Albus, you are right. And Potter, don’t doubt my skills. I had been always on guard and making sure that there was no funny business with me. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!” James just grumbled. He knew that Malfoy had somehow bribed his way out of Azkaban, but not even his headmaster and his training auror do believe him.

Edward asked: “Albus, can you tell us, what the problem is? I mean Abraxas’ death can’t be that concerning.”

Albus knew that his followers don’t see the bigger picture. For that reason, he explained: “Edward, my boy, did you know that Abraxas was one of Voldemort’s first followers and that he was the one, who tied the Malfoy name with the death eaters and the dark fraction in the Wizengamot? You should remember that Tiberius Malfoy, Abraxas’ predecessor and father, was dark leaning neutral like the Greengrass and Davis families. With Abraxas, the Malfoy name was associated with blood supremacy and purity, but neither Tiberius nor Lucius believed in that aspect since they didn’t really care about the muggleborns and blood status. Now, with him gone, I have the fear that the Malfoys would revert back to be neutral and that would be a setback for not only the dark fraction, but also our section since the Malfoys would be an example of a Slytherin family that were victims of Voldemort’s monstrosity.”

The order was stunned that Malfoy’s death was going to cause so many problems since Lucius Malfoy and his wife were not going to tie themselves with the death eaters again, in case, You-Know-Who returned, which means that Lucius and Narcissa would never side with Voldemort and any proof of them being death eaters would be gone. There was also the fact that the Malfoys would be seen as victims of Voldemort and the dark fraction as a whole. A dark family that was forced to be under the servitude of that monster would be a perfect story to give them pity from the public. They are going to be influential regarding this and everyone present knew that going against them would destroy their reputations. James shook his head and disagreed. “Albus, the Malfoys will remain death eaters, no matter what, and they are no victims of Voldemort, since Malfoy Sr. and Jr. are/were in Voldemort’s inner circle and Malfoy killed many of our people. They should be investigated not pitied.” But only Remus, Sirius and Lily agreed with him. The rest of the order didn’t agree on his statement much to his annoyance. Alastor was exasperated and said: “Potter, we have gone through this again and again. Malfoy joined Voldemort unwillingly. The inheritance test from Gringotts proved that Malfoy had hate, compulsion and loyalty potions. There was also an imperio on top of that and furthermore, there were some blocks and a leech. Do you have any idea, Potter, how painful it was to write the report regarding Malfoy?” James shook his head and looked at the old auror and his trainer, who continued: “It was painful. The report was twelve feet long.” James gulped and remained quiet regarding the issue. He still believed that Malfoy was going to rejoin Voldemort, when he returned, but he would be proven wrong at the end.

Albus had to admit that the Malfoys could be the key to the next war with Voldemort, but the question was, how to sway them to his side. Maybe their son, but he had to be careful since Narcissa is the regent of the House Black and she could kill him on sight, if her son is endangered.

Sirius wanted to scream that the Malfoys knew, what they had done to Harry, but the seal of silence is blocking him. He heard a voice inside him. “You can try however you want, Sirius Orion Potter, but the seal would prevent you from revealing, what has happened to Harry. Do not think that anyone would help you. If any of you do not repent your way, then, those dreams that you had would become reality.” Sirius had tears streaming down his face. Why did this monstrosity have to happen to him? And what did the voice mean with repenting their way? They were doing nothing wrong and it was for the Greater Good to abandon Harry to Petunia and Vernon for his own safety. They have done the right thing, but the voice returned. “So, you still believe that you and your friends didn’t do anything wrong and did the right thing? Well, soon enough, you will learn, how wrong you are. I cannot wait to see, how your precious, remaining pup will suffer for your actions.” With that, the voice left Sirius. The man promised that he would not allow any harm to happen towards his remaining pup, but that promise would be broken.

After the meeting, everyone went home.

That night Sirius was shifting in his bed. This nightmare was really bad and he hoped that it was over.

*Dream Sequence*

Sirius was in a void that turned into a muggle neighbourhood. It was peaceful until he heard a scream of fury. “YOU WORTHLESS, UNGRATEFUL FREAK! HOW DARE YOU HURT OUR DUDDERS LIKE THIS! I WILL TEACH YOU A LESSON!” Turning around he saw an overweight man with auburn hair and brown eyes beating a small, malnourished boy with messy, black hair, hazel eyes and a V-scar on his face. It was John. Sirius was quickly making his way to stop that bastard from hurting his pup, but when he tried to get near him, he was pushed away by an invisible force. Sirius was hitting the invisible wall screaming that he should stop, but no one listened to him. He heard his pup whimper, but he didn’t say anything since he had a hopeless look. Sirius watched in horror, how John was whipped with a belt, kicked and punched. He heard John’s bones crunching, but his pup didn’t cry and looked emotionless. He was furious. His poor pup was hurt and he can’t do anything to stop this. The sequence changed and he was in a muggle kitchen, where he saw Lily’s sister beat John with a frying pan. “FREAK! WHY ARE LAZING AROUND! COOK DINNER!” Then, she took John’s left hand and forced it onto the hot plate of the stove. The boy screamed in pure agony, but Petunia backhanded him and used a wooden kitchen spoon to hit him. “SHUT UP! YOU FILTHY FREAK! I DON’T WANT THE NEIGHBOURS LISTENING TO YOUR WORTHLESS VOICE!”

Suddenly, the furious gaze left the woman and her expression turned in an evil smirk. “You know what, I can do this again and again and no one would believe a word from you. Who would believe a child from two criminals, who are rotting away in prison.” Sirius heard a cruel laugh from the woman and John looked even more broken. He wanted to curse her to the next millennium. Then, the woman turned her attention to Sirius. Her blue eyes piercing him like an arrow. “And your dear godfathers have lost custody since they were involved in your parents’ crime. Your godmothers are both dead. Good riddance! Since they would have dealt with a worthless spoilt brat like you. If I were them, I would have killed myself before I get custody of you. They died, in order to get away from you.” Sirius wanted to roar that it wasn’t true that John’s godmothers were killed during the war, but nothing came out of his mouth.

The smirk turned into a cruel smile. “I wish your brother was here. At least, he would have been a decent freak unlike you. Even though, he is a freak, he had his uses of being the main heir with a lot of money unlike you, who is the spare of the family. At least, my family would have enough money to raise Harry. But you are a waste of space and money that should have been killed off at birth.” Sirius wanted to kill that bitch for that comment. He was going to make her suffer for this monstrosity.

The next sequence was a small cupboard. Sirius couldn’t stand upright since the cupboard was small. There he saw his pup crying in his small, thin mattress with a ratty blanket warming him. His clothes were old and worn and two sizes too big. Bruises were on his face. There was a black eye and he was clutching his arm that was fractured. “Why did this have to happen? Mom, Dad, Uncle Padfoot, Uncle Moony, please get me out of here. Please, I can’t take this anymore.” Sirius saw that it was John again that was whimpering. He tried to reach him, but he couldn’t. Sirius tried to comfort his pup, who had suffered abuse under those monsters that are Lily’s relatives, but it didn’t work since he was taken away.

He was again in the empty void. His pup gone and a woman was standing in front of him. It was Lady Magic and the man was ready to punch the bitch for torturing him like this. “Sirius Orion Potter, this is the future that John is going to face, if you and your friends do not repent your ways. Your actions will bite you back hard and following Dumbledore is going to lead all of you to a premature death and suffering.” Sirius wanted to argue that she was wrong and that Albus knew what was best. Lady Magic huffed, when she read his mind. “Well, you still believe Dumbledore’s gospel. Well, suit yourself. You are a disgrace of a godfather. Sacrificing your godchildren like that. I can’t believe that you are following Dumbledore like a loyal dog.” Sirius let out a scream of fury and ranted: “SHUT UP! EVERYTHING, WHAT DUMBLEDORE HAD DONE, WAS FOR THE GREATER GOOD! THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN! WE WILL FIND HARRY AND I WILL FIX ALL THIS MESS BEFORE THINGS GET OUT OF CONTROL AND JAMES AND LILY LOSE EVERYTHING!” Lady Magic shook her head and answered: “Believe what you want Sirius, but this would be John’s fate, if you and your friends don’t repent your way. Think about it Sirius. Don’t you care about your godson? And you will never fix this since Harry is safe and changed his name, which will make it almost impossible to find him.” Sirius lost his temper and tried to punch her, which failed. “SHUT UP! EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE!” Lady Magic shook her head and was furious about the disrespect shown to her.

With a snap of her finger, she made him watch a scene, where James and Lily were in the goblin mines forced to work. He was sickened, what had happened to their revealed backs. There were many scars and whipping marks. He shook his head that this would never happen. The next scene showed him an older version of his remaining pup, John, standing at the Astronomy Tower. Sirius noticed the small stature and the malnourishment on him. He was wearing Gryffindor robes, but the boy looked emotionless and hopeless. Sirius wanted to hug his sweet pup and didn’t want to see this look. After some time, his pup walked away and sprinted towards the fence. Sirius watched in horror, how John jumped from the Astronomy Tower killing himself. Sirius was shaking his head in denial. This will not happen. This isn’t the future. This was only a dream.

*Dream Sequence ends*

Sirius woke up with a quiet scream. He started to cry and promised himself that this would never happen and his pups would be safe. After some time, he fell in a fitful sleep. He needed to find a way to fix this, but how? His connection to Harry was gone and Narcissa could destroy everything in one row, if she exposes everything. John would be the one to suffer for this.

Malfoy Manor/Malfoy Family Crypt, December 30th, 2001

Narcissa, Lucius and Cygnus were dressed in black and were expecting guests for the funeral. Normally, they would have done a party, but that was a funeral and it had to be formal. The first guests arrived and Narcissa was happy to see her family in attendance. Arcturus came forward and said: “My condolences.” Lucius thanked him even though everyone present knew that the Malfoy Lord had no love towards his father. When Arcturus went to Narcissa, he said: “My condolences.” Then, he leaned to his great-niece and whispered his question: “When is the party, Narcissa? I know that the bastard wouldn’t be missed.” Narcissa smirked and answered: “Tomorrow. There would be a ball in Malfoy Manor. You are invited.” Arcturus smirked. First play the grieving couple, who had lost a father/father-in-law, and then celebrate like no one had died the day before.

The next guests were their allies in the Wizengamot and after them, Voldemort’s followers came, who looked miserable. Especially the Parkinsons since any chances of having a marriage contract between their daughter and the Malfoy heir would be impossible since Lucius Malfoy would never agree on a marriage contract with his son involved. Raphael Parkinson and his wife, Beatrix, had been in contact with Abraxas, when their daughter was born. All three were ready for a marriage contract until Abraxas had gotten dragon pox and his health deteriorated. The couple hoped that Abraxas’ health would have improved, so that he was ready to sign the marriage contract, but sadly, it was the opposite. The man died and any chances of making their daughter Lady Malfoy was destroyed.

The last guests were surprisingly Dumbledore and his followers. Some looked unhappy like James, Lily and Sirius. Others looked angry since they were forced to be around dark witches and wizards. Albus had a grandfatherly smile. When he greeted the Malfoys, he made sure to show them his sad face regarding Abraxas’ death. “My condolences, my dears.” Narcissa had a docile smile, but in reality, she was displeased that Albus and his followers decided to visit the funeral. Narcissa knew through her ancestor that Albus will try to find a way to curry favours with them since he was aware of Lucius’ inheritance test, but they will not make it easy for him due to his involvement in Akira’s abandonment. When Dumbledore took his seat and managed to keep his followers quiet since he didn’t need the Malfoys as enemies. This was the last thing he wanted since the Malfoys could be dangerous and are the wild cards in the Wizengamot. Albus made sure to reprimand his followers that now the Malfoy family is neither aligned to Voldemort nor to their side and Lucius and Narcissa could be unpredictable in the Wizengamot and the school board since both of them support the primary school.

After everyone wished their condolences, Lucius made a speech regarding his father. It was hard to write a positive speech since Lucius hated his father. At the end, he, Narcissa and his father-in-law made something up and made sure that it is believable. Nearly everyone present knew that the speech was fabricated and that there was no love between Lucius and his father. Even Albus knew that Lucius’ speech was a good lie about Abraxas, in order to avoid a scandal. The only ones, who didn’t notice the fabrication, were James, Sirius, Remus, Lily and the younger generation of Dumbledore’s followers. Dumbledore’s older followers had the suspicion that Lucius was trying everything in himself to not curse his father to the next millennium and back. Maybe Albus was right and they would be able to sway the Malfoys to their side, but it would be difficult since the Malfoy family like the Prewetts were a traditional family. Lucius and Narcissa would never give up on the olde ways and the traditions and this would make things harder for them to gain some ground.

Lucius’ and Narcissa’s newly gained allies listened to the speech and knew that they would ask him, how he had managed to make this speech without cursing or insulting the man.

When the speech was finished, they started to move the coffin into the family crypt, where it was put in one of the free slots. With that, some last words were spoken about Abraxas and the attendees went back to the manor, in order to eat the funeral feast that the house elves had prepared.

During the funeral feast, Albus was keeping his followers quiet. He was getting annoyed by James, Lily and Sirius, who were insistent that the Malfoys were up to no good. James was the one, who whispered: “Albus, this is ridiculous. The Malfoys will remain death eaters no matter, if the old Lord Malfoy is dead.” Albus was getting tired of this old rant. “Enough James. Didn’t you notice that Lucius was basically faking everything during the funeral speech about his father? The man obviously will not follow in his father’s footsteps and I don’t want the Malfoys to turn neutral during the Wizengamot and the school board meetings. The situation is dangerous, because the Malfoys have a powerful seat in the Wizengamot that had helped the dark fraction in the past to pass some laws that were endangering our society. If you continue on like this, then, we will suffer many loses since everyone would believe that we are nothing better than the death eaters. James, please, keep your bias to yourself or you will cause a blood feud that would cost you and your family everything.” James pouted at his old headmaster’s response, but he wasn’t going to protest since Albus was right.

Sirius gave Narcissa a death glare. That bitch was responsible for his disownment and the broken godson-godfather bond. The death of Abraxas Malfoy is a painful loss to the dark fraction and any connection that Malfoy and Narcissa had to Voldemort and the death eaters would be gone with the death of this man. Normally, he would be happy, but since it was Narcissa and her husband he was angered due to what Narcissa had done to him.

After the meal, Narcissa was walking through the garden until she noticed that someone was behind her. Turning around, she saw Sirius. Narcissa smirked and asked: “What can I do for you, Mr. Potter?” Sirius fumed and snapped: “Give me back my godson.” Narcissa knew, what he wanted, and she wasn’t going to allow this man anywhere near Akira. She said in a naive tone: “But I don’t have John. He is with you, Regent Potter and his consort.” Sirius grounded his teeth and gritted out: “I am not talking about John, you daft bitch. I am talking about Harry, Narcissa. Return my godson or?” Narcissa’s smile turned into a glacial glare and she hissed: “Or what, Sirius? You are still carrying the mark of dishonour through your disownment from the Black Family even though James had magically adopted you.” Sirius fumed in rage, but was interrupted since Narcissa continued: “Apart from that, I have heard that you were fired from your position as an auror. So, what are you going to do? Your reputation is destroyed and no one would believe you. Everyone would think that you are jealous of me, because of my position as Regent Black and everyone would ignore your rants.” Sirius was ready to combust in fury, but withheld his anger much to his surprise.

But the anger turned into desperation since Narcissa was right. What can he do against her and her husband? He can’t tell anyone that Harry wasn’t with the Dursleys due to the seal of silence on him and was adopted by a muggle couple, who was living outside Europe. Narcissa warned Sirius: “Be carefully, Sirius. I can expose you and your friends with ease. I have the inheritance test and I showed it to some people from the Wizengamot, in order to turn them away from Dumbledore.” Sirius was horrified. This must be a nightmare. Some of the attendees knew, what they had done to Harry. This is not good. What is he going to do? Narcissa had seen the look of horror on Sirius’ face and smirked in satisfaction. Tormenting her ex-cousin was satisfying and she couldn’t wait to execute her plans to bring down the Potters.

With that she left Sirius in his thoughts. Sirius was trying everything not to panic. This nightmare was getting worse and worse. What will he do? Narcissa and her husband are not the only ones, who knew about Harry.

The rest of the funeral feast went by quickly and ended, when the majority of the guests went home apart from some. Especially the Parkinsons wanted to remain since they wanted to discuss the marriage contract between their daughter and the Malfoy heir. Lucius nearly groaned, but remained stoic. He didn’t like the Parkinsons since they are still loyal fools of Voldemort. Lucius asked in a silk voice: “Lord and Lady Parkinson, what can I do for you?” Raphael took a deep breath and started: “I want to discuss with you about the future of House Malfoy and Parkinson.” Lucius added: “Do not forget, Lord Parkinson, that this relation is also regarding the House Black due to my wife’s position as Regent Black in the Wizengamot.” Raphael had a sour look, but he had to be careful since the House Black was vicious. Any slights and his life would be over. Not to mention that Lady Malfoy is the new Regent Black and she would be even more dangerous than her husband. He corrected himself: “Yes, yes, we should not forget the House Black.”

Raphael continued: “It is regarding the discussions I had with Abraxas before he died.” Lucius nodded knowing, what his father had been talking about. Marriage contracts. His father wanted to betroth Draco with the Parkinson girl. That will never happen. Draco should find his soulmate and not be stuck in a loveless marriage with a harlot, who would use him for money and fortune. Lucius asked in a fake naïve voice: “And what did my father discuss with you?” Narcissa narrowed her eyes at the man and noticed that Albus was overhearing the conversation. Good. The man needs to be led to a false sense of security.

Albus was interested in the discussion between the Malfoys and the Parkinsons. He knew that the discussion was about betrothals. Albus knew that even though the Parkinsons have money and a Wizengamot seat, the family didn’t have the powerful connections, the prestige and social standing unlike the Malfoy family. Albus knew that Parkinson will try everything to marry his daughter to young Draco, but it seems like that the Malfoys were not going accept this.

Raphael answered: “Marriage arrangements between my daughter, Pansy, and your son, Draco. As the Lord of the House Malfoy, Abraxas wanted to arrange a marriage contract between our children and I think, it would be a wonderful idea that this betrothal should manifest our alliance. Draco would be happy to have our daughter as his wife.” Lucius looked at Narcissa and paled at his wife’s look. If looks could kill, then, Lord Parkinson would be joining Abraxas. Cygnus didn’t look any better. Lucius let out a sigh and answered: “Lord Parkinson, your proposal will be discussed. Let me consult this with my wife.” With that, Lucius, Narcissa and Cygnus went to the informal meeting room.

There Lucius put a silencing and privacy ward, in order to make sure that nothing gets out. Narcissa started: “That bastard is causing us trouble even post-mortem. What are we going to do, Lucius? I will never agree on this arrangement. You know as I do that the Parkinsons are loyal followers of Voldemort and I am not going to force my son into a betrothal until he is old enough to make his own decisions. I want my son to find his soulmate and not to be stuck in a loveless marriage.”

Lucius sighed. He knows that Narcissa would never agree. Marriage arrangements had their advantages and disadvantages. At one side, he and Narcissa were married through a marriage contract between the Blacks and the Malfoys. None of them wanted to marry each other, but at the end, they fell in love and managed to make the best of it. But some arranged marriages do not end well. Lucius’ parents were an example, where their betrothal made his parents miserable. His parents couldn’t stand each other. His mother was against Voldemort and his followers and Abraxas wasn’t able to use Malfoy Manor and the other Malfoy properties as headquarter due to his wife. Only after her death, he was able to invite Voldemort and his death eaters into their humble home. Lucius returned back to the present and answered: “We will not let this happen and we will tell Parkinson that we are going to make a betrothal, when Draco gets older and can make his own decisions, who he wants to marry.” Cygnus and Narcissa nodded in agreement. This would be a good excuse.

Both returned back and Lucius turned his attention to the couple. He answered: “Lord Parkinson, we have discussed your proposal and we came to the conclusion that my wife and I are going to wait until Draco can make his own decisions. For now, he is a toddler that can’t do much than eat, drink and sleep, but maybe on a later date, when he is old enough, Draco would be able to decide, if he wants a marriage contract. For now, we will not force this issue on our children.” The Parkinson lord looked unhappy. This was not, what he wanted to hear, but he cannot argue that this wasn’t the right time to argue. He had to accept this. Raphael sighed. “Very well. I will bring this up, when Draco gets older.”

“Thank you, Lord Parkinson, for your generosity”, Lucius said. With that, the Parkinsons left the manor.

On the other side of the room, James asked stupidly: “Why didn’t Malfoy agree on the marriage contract that Parkinson was proposing. I mean a death eater can only marry another death eater.” Albus wanted to slam his head on the table. Why is James so stupid? The others were annoyed at James’s idiocy.

Edward answered: “James, I am asking myself, how you have managed to pass auror training, let alone your NEWTs and OWLs? But the mess at the December school board meeting proves to me that you really don’t have any braincells left.” James was furious and snapped: “And what is that supposed to mean, Podmore?” Albus shook his head. He hoped that a fight doesn’t break out. Edward snapped back: “What I mean is that you, Potter, are jumping to conclusions without any proof. At least, I am careful unlike you. You, on the other side, caused more trouble than it was worth. Should I remind you that you are the reason that the school board meeting this month was a disaster.” James countered: “If you paid attention, then, you would have not failed during the Wizengamot meeting. You retracted your nomination before we could have voted on it. Were you such a coward that you believed in this bullshit of a contract? I would have fought tooth and nail even if the contract was real, I wouldn’t have allowed these creatures to take away my ancestral home. But no, Edward Podmore had to be a coward and retracted his own nomination.” Edward wanted to scream, but had to remain calm since they were in a funeral. He hissed in rage: “So, you would also defy Lady Magic. You know James that in case of a magical judgement, Lady Magic, not the centaurs, would have kicked you out of your home and made sure that you would never enter. Do you want something like that?” James was ready to combust in fury until Albus stepped in: “James, Edward, cease your arguments. We are here attending a funeral.”

“But Albus-“, both whined at the same time.

“Enough, both of you. You behave like children and are making a bad impression.” Albus was embarrassed by their behaviour. Why are his followers like this?

Narcissa came to check up, what was going on. “Headmaster, is something going on here?”

Albus quickly collected himself and said in a grandfatherly tone: “Nothing, my dear. There was a slight dispute between Edward and James, but I have managed to cool it down.”

Narcissa looked at both idiots, who behaved like children. “I hope, Headmaster, you can keep these two from becoming violent.”

Albus assured the woman: “Do not worry, my girl, everything would be handled.”

With that, Narcissa left Albus and his followers. She had witnessed the argument between Lord Podmore and James Potter and there she made a new plan to plant some seeds of conflict within Dumbledore’s followers. Narcissa may not be able to turn them away from Dumbledore, but maybe she would be able to destabilise Dumbledore’s side by making his followers fight each other. When she sat down with Lucius and the rest of her family and allies, Narcissa explained her plan. Callidora and Muriel agreed with the plan since Dumbledore would lose control over his followers.

The funeral went on until every guest left.

Headmaster’s office

Albus arrived back at his office frustrated. He couldn’t believe, how James and Edward had behaved during the funeral. Sitting down behind his desk, he gave his two supporters a disappointed look. Both looked down. Albus started: “James, Edward, I can’t believe, how you two have behaved. The students here were more mature than you two. You know that you have made a bad impression in front of the guests and the rest of the light side.”

“We know, Albus, but I think this is a ruse”, James said defiantly. “I mean the Malfoys are still death eaters.”

Albus really was getting tired of this rant. “James, if the Malfoys were death eaters, they would have jumped on the opportunity to marry their son off to the Parkinson girl, but they refused and wanted to wait until their son was older. We need to use this opportunity to turn the Malfoys to the light. For now, they are the wild cards. And I am not going to repeat myself to be careful around them. James, Lily, Sirius, Remus, I can’t allow you four to run your mouths and turn the Malfoys against us. This would be the last thing to do since they would be known as a neutral house and any attacks against them would turn the public against us.”

James was angry. Why does no one realise that the Malfoys were bad and death eaters? Stupid inheritance test, stupid goblins and Moody and Shacklebolt believing those dark creatures. No one believes him even his old headmaster. Why is Albus so focused on the Malfoys? What would they gain from them? The only way, they could be good for, if they were dead, but no one would agree with him. It is frustrating that everyone believed that Malfoy was controlled by his father and Voldemort. Maybe if Voldemort returned, then, he would be able to prove that the Malfoys were evil and still death eaters.

James answered: “Alright, but I still don’t believe that the Malfoys turned a new page.” With that, he returned home.

After his followers left, Albus quickly called his private house elf, in order to check up on Voldemort’s horcruxes. “Lorn!” The tiny elf appeared in front of his master. “Master Headmaster called Lorn.” Albus gave the creature a hard look and demanded: “Check-up the horcruxes that Tom has created. I know for now that he had created five of them and I want you to check their state.” The house elf nodded and went to check-up.

Albus hoped that everything was fine and the horcruxes are alright. He needed them in case of Voldemort’s return.

Albus needed Tom, in order to make sure that the country is fearful and crawling back to him, because he is the only one, who would be able to stop Voldemort and bring in a new age. Of course, many people would die, but it is for the Greater Good. The Malfoys were going to be trouble since they would be a dark family that is against Voldemort, which would make it harder to make a clear rift between light and dark.

After some time, his house elf appeared back pale and fearful. Lorn stuttered: “M-M-Master H-H-Headmaster, I-I have bad news.” Albus growled: “What are the bad news, elf?” Lorn answered with a high pitched and terrified voice: “The cup and the bad book are destroyed.” Albus let out a thunder of rage. “WHAT?!” This couldn’t be. Two horcruxes are gone. How did this happen? Albus asked restraining himself from lashing out: “And what about the diadem, the locket and the ring?” The elf answered: “They’re still there, where they remained. The diadem’s still in the come and go room and the ring’s in the shack. The locket is still in the cave.” Albus sighed in relief. This is good, but only three horcruxes remained. He knew that Harry is one. For that reason, he had sent the boy intentionally to the Dursleys, so that, when the time is right, the boy would sacrifice himself for the Greater Good. Sadly, he would find out too late that Akira is gone and that the boy was not a horcrux anymore. The locket in the cave was a well-made fake that Regulus Rosier-Black had made since the real one was in Grimmauld Place before it was destroyed by the goblins.

Albus ordered: “Keep an eye on the horcrux here. Flippy! Blinky!” The elf nodded and popped away, whereas another two elves appeared in front of him. “Master Headmaster called for Flippy/Blinky.” Both elves said at the same time.

“Elf, keep an eye on the horcrux in the shack.” Flippy bowed and popped away. “And you will keep an eye on the horcrux in the cave.” The elf nodded and popped away to the cave.

Albus knew that someone found out about Tom’s secret and this isn’t good. He had plans for the horcruxes, but since two were gone, his plans are threatened. Albus knew about Tom’s diary in Malfoy Manor. Maybe the Malfoys found out about it and destroyed it, in order to make sure to protect their son from a black magical object. The cup must have been destroyed after Arcturus disowned Bellatrix from the Black family and reclaimed her vault. This was not good, but at least four horcruxes remained. Unknown to Albus, only two have remained since Lady Magic destroyed the horcrux in Harry and the locket was found in Grimmauld Place and was destroyed. Unfortunately for Severus, the man wouldn’t be able to get the diadem since a house elf was keeping an eye on it. Phineas quickly left his portrait, in order to speak with Narcissa.

Malfoy Manor

Narcissa, Lucius, Cygnus and Severus were the only residents in Malfoy Manor. Severus remained here longer, in order to spend some time with Draco before he had to go back to Hogwarts, in order to teach. After the formal dining room was cleaned and finished, the elves returned back to clean and prepare themselves for rest. Lucius and Narcissa had made many changes. They had many sets of house elves. One set is responsible for the food. In this set, they had two cook elves, four elves for serving and two elves for doing the dishes. The second set was responsible for maintaining the household. Four elves are here to clean the manor and three were responsible for the garden. One house elf was responsible for doing the laundry. Another set was responsible for the care of the residents including the house elves here in the manor. That includes an elf that is trained in the art of healing and a potion elf that is able to brew basic healing potions for human and medical potions for the other house elves. Everything was peaceful until Phineas came to his portrait in Malfoy Manor and requested their attention.

Phineas quickly called out: “Narcissa, I need to speak with you.” All four quickly went to the portrait. Phineas was glad that the potion master was there too. “What can we do for you, Phineas?” Phineas looked at Severus, who knew that it was about the side mission regarding the horcrux in Hogwarts. “Narcissa, your friend, Severus, would have a difficult time to get the horcrux in Hogwarts since the old fool ordered his personal elves to keep an eye on them. It is not only in Hogwarts, but also in the shack and the cave. I think that Albus has become suspicious that someone found out about Voldemort’s secret, but he doesn’t know who.” Everyone present paled. This was not good. If Albus finds out that they are aware of the existence of the horcruxes, then, things would become worse since the man would try everything to silence them. Thank Merlin, he only has suspicions. This means, the man doesn’t have any proof that they knew about them and that Lady Magic and Narcissa were indirectly responsible for the destruction of four horcruxes. It was also relieving that the man didn’t know that the horcrux in the cave was a well-made fake. Let him jump to conclusions.

Lucius asked: “What are we going to do regarding the other two horcruxes? Dumbledore’s elves are going to report us, if we try to get even one of them.” Narcissa sighed, but she had an idea. “We kill the elves, so that they couldn’t report us to Dumbledore. But I am afraid that he would notice it through his bond that one of his elves was killed.” Phineas snorted: “You don’t need to worry about that since the bond between the old fool and his house elves is so weak that he wouldn’t even notice the loss. Apart from that, you would be doing the elves a favour since they are unhappily bonded and are starving.” Narcissa sighed deeply. She hated to kill any innocents, but something tells her that the elves would be better off dead than to serve this awful man any longer.

With that, Narcissa agreed reluctantly. She didn’t like the idea, but she had no other choice. Severus sighed and thought that he had to kill a house elf, in order to get the horcrux in the Room of Requirement. This would be hard.

Great Britain, December 31st, 2001

Everyone was celebrating and expecting the New Year 2002 and hoped to be successful this year. In Malfoy Manor, Lucius and Narcissa were hosting a New Year’s ball, in order to celebrate the new year and the death of Abraxas. Only their friends and those, who they could trust were invited. Narcissa hoped that they would be able to make changes to the school and the country as a whole. In this year, they were successful during the November and December meetings. The rest of the year was spent with war and Dumbledore passing laws that are damaging their country. Now, it was time to continue to change the world for the best. The primary school should be finished before Draco would start to attend the new school. Then, their next target would be Hogwarts and they would tear Dumbledore’s world into pieces. It would take decades to fix everything, but it would be worth it.

Albus sighed that another year was going to end and hoped that things would go his way like it had been during this year until November. He didn’t like it that the last two months of this year were failures, but he prayed that 2002 would be his year of success. Most of his followers were celebrating the New Year like there would be no tomorrow, but he let them since the New Year ball was in Potter Manor, where the end of the war was celebrated. In reality, the year 2002 would be a year full of frustration for Albus and his followers.

When the last ten seconds were counted at 11:59 pm, everyone cheered for a new year and the end of the year 2001. A new chapter would be opened and this would be the start of a new chapter.

Chapter Text

Great Britain, January 1st, 2002

The new year started and there were many people, who are waking up from the New Year celebrations. Lucius and Narcissa woke up at nearly noon and were eating their lunch already since they slept in. Cygnus came in yawning with their son, Draco, who fell asleep before the clock stroke midnight. It was one hell of a party and everyone flooed back home at 4 am in the morning. Both couple didn’t want to think anything about politics since they wouldn’t be able to focus. So, they relaxed. They would plan the next Wizengamot meeting on January 7th, 2002 tomorrow.

Albus was sitting behind his desk and was making a list of what he was going to do during this year. He wanted to make a bucket list, so that he could fix their world and lead them to the light. Albus was writing everything in an orderly fashion from January to December. Whereas he is writing and plotting, Phineas was watching the list carefully and even though he was a portrait, the former headmaster managed to memorise the list from top to bottom. When Albus was finished, he left the list on his desk and went to eat lunch not bothering to hide the sheet of parchment thinking that the portraits of the former headmaster/mistresses wouldn’t tell anyone about the list since in his mind, he believed that as long as he is in control of Hogwarts, he also controls the portraits. So, Albus believes that with his control over the school, he is also making sure to stop the portraits from talking to others about his plots and schemes. Phineas rolled his eyes since he knew, what Dumbledore was believing. He may be in control over the wards and has the authority of the school, but he can only control them partially. If Phineas leaves his portrait to visit his other portrait in Black Manor or the one in Malfoy Manor, then, the Hogwarts wards cannot affect him since the magic of the wards cannot reach him. So, he is able to tell his family everything, what Dumbledore was planning. The old fool was really foolish leaving the list like this. He went to Malfoy Manor, in order to tell Narcissa about the contents of the list. It would be useful and they wouldn’t risk Arthur in the order.

Narcissa and Lucius groaned like they are in actual pain, when Phineas called for their attention and informed them about Dumbledore’s bucket list. They prepared a pen and a sheet of paper to write down, what Dumbledore was planning for this year. They wanted to curse Phineas for not telling them that Dumbledore creates a bucket list on every New Years Day. He informed them that the man does this every year, where he is making a list about his plans for the Wizengamot and school board meetings.

Narcissa had many plans now and thankfully, they wouldn’t endanger Arthur’s position as a spy in the order.

With the list, they had all kinds of information on Dumbledore and his plans. Altogether, they would be able to combat Dumbledore and his followers in the Wizengamot and the school board easier. This was good. They would also inform Arthur that he didn’t have to risk himself since they had the list. It would help them.

They will focus on the list tomorrow. Now, they want to relax.

Hogwarts, January 2nd, 2002

Severus was making his way to Hogwarts. He had been at Hogsmeade eating his lunch and now he is making his way to the school. Severus was expected to be at the school at noon. Today, he had to prepare his quarters and his office that would be in the dungeons. Furthermore, he had to prepare the potion classrooms, labs and his schedule for this term. He can only groan slightly since there would be a lot of work since the students had to learn from the ICW curriculum that they had missed. The gate was opened by Hagrid, who was waiting for him. “Ah, Severus, wha’ are ya doin’ here?”” Severus gave the half-giant a hard look and said: “Hello Hagrid. I have come to prepare my quarters, my office, the potion classrooms, the labs and to take a look at the Slytherin common room. There would be a lot of work. So, I will be busy.” Hagrid nodded happily and led him to the school. In front of the school entrance, Aurora Sinistra was waiting for him. Aurora turned to Hagrid. “Hagrid, I will take over from here and lead Severus through the school and to the dungeons, where the potion labs and classrooms are. Thank you.” Hagrid answered: “Ya’re welcom’!” With that Hagrid left and went back to his hut. Aurora watched Hagrid’s retreating figure to his hut and turned her attention to Severus: “Well, welcome back, Severus”, Aurora said in a clearly fake cheery tone.

Severus sighed. “I never thought that I would return back here, but since potion masters are lacking and are difficult to find, I would have been flooded by job offers. Apart from that, it couldn’t be that bad to teach a class.” Aurora just raised her eyebrow and was ready to contradict him, but she stopped herself knowing that he would regret his words later, when school starts again. He would be shown during his first class, how difficult it could be to teach a class. Aurora led him through the school to the dungeons, where the potion classrooms and labs are. Severus made a note to make some changes in the class and the labs. He heard that there are enchanted desks that were created in MACUSA, in order to stop students from sabotaging their other classmates’ potions and cheating in his class. It would stop those dunderheads, who think that his class is a fun class, where they would throw things in each other’s cauldrons like it was done in Horace’s time as a teacher. But for that, he needed permission from the board. So, Severus had another plan. When he started his third year, Severus had put a ward around his workplace in the potion classroom and the lab that would protect his potion from being tampered and sabotaged mostly by the Marauders. It was funny, how every time, they were trying to prank him during class, had failed and made them furious. Severus couldn’t believe, how stupid Potter, Black, Lupin and Pettigrew could be that they didn’t notice the ward around his workplace. At least, Lupin should have noticed the ward, but the smart idiot didn’t notice it much to his surprise. The best thing was that the ward would not affect the potency of the potions since the goal of the ward is to block any foreign magics and anything else in the potion. The ward is even blocking itself from influencing the potion. It was an easy ward that a third year would be able to cast and it was also quite effective since the spell would ensure that there was no foul play and he could add an alarming spell and a tracking charm on the ward that would immediately tell him, who the culprit is. Severus can only imagine, how the students are going to react to that, if they were caught.

The next place were his quarters and his office that are connected. Severus will change his new office and quarters a little bit. The chairs looked ready to break, if someone heavy like Petunia’s husband would have sat down, the chair wouldn’t be able to hold him. The couch in the quarters looked like the moths had a wonderful feast and the bed needed new sheets and a mattress since the mattress looked yellow like someone had peed on it and the sheet were ratty, but still in good quality. Maybe he should request the house elves to burn the sheets and get new ones from Prince Manor. It isn’t forbidden to get your own stuff. He told Aurora: “Aurora, I am going to buy new sheets and a new bed. I am also going to order a new couch since this one looks like the moths had a party on it.” Auroa snorted. She had to agree with Severus on this one. Aurora sneered at the couch that looked torn and worn.

He went to open the cupboard and managed to rip the cupboard door from its frame. He added sourly: “And I am going to buy a new cupboard. This thing must have been here, when the founders were alive.” Aurora chuckled and agreed. Severus sat down on a chair that was in front of a table and sighed. There would be a lot of work to be done and he was ready to return back to Prince Manor. Suddenly, he had an idea and smirked. “Aurora, I need new furniture for my office and my quarters. So, I will order them and-.” Severus didn’t even manage to finish his sentence, when he felt a dust of wind hitting his face. Turning around, he noticed his new quarters have gotten new furniture that looked new and in a good quality. He quickly checked everything up and saw that everything is new even the sheets and the mattress.

Going into his new office, he also noticed that it had a new desk and chair and the chair looked more comfortable than the previous one. He would have hated the idea of sitting on a hard wooden chair.

Severus was momentarily stunned and Aurora smirked. The man asked the Astronomy teacher: “What do you know, what I don’t?” Aurora answered in a sweet voice: “That was Hogwarts fulfilling your wish to change your office and your quarters.” Severus stared at her like she had two heads. Aurora chuckled and answered: “Severus, Hogwarts is a sentimental being. The castle is alive and anyone making a wish, which she approves, will get fulfilled.” Severus let out a groan. He completely forgot that Hogwarts is a living being and not some simple castle.

Severus stood up and said: “Let’s go to the potion classrooms and the labs. There are some things that I would like to cast.” Aurora nodded and had an idea, what Severus was planning to do.

When they entered the classroom, Severus had already explained, what he was going to do. He started to cast the wards around the classroom and did the same with the other potion classrooms. He also went to do the same thing to the labs. With that finished, Severus went to his new office and took out the papers for the ICW standards out of his bag that he left in his office, when he went to eat his lunch in Hogsmeade. Going over the curriculum, the man calculated that the students from first to fourth year would be required to attend a two-hour long mandatory tutoring session on Saturday after lunch, in order to relearn everything, what they had missed. Whereas the fifth, sixth and seventh years would be required to visit those tutoring sessions on Saturday morning from 8 am to 12 pm. There was no way out since the students needed to be up to par with the rest of the world. He would make an announcement during the returning feast about the changes and would explain everything in detail.

Albus was sitting behind his desk reading Severus’ contract. Normally, he would have read the contract after the board meeting in December, but some things had stopped him. He was annoyed that the contract gave Severus too much freedom and that every potion Severus creates had to be recompensated. It was angering him that Severus had to be paid for every simple thing. He threw the contract on the desk and went to the window to watch the Black Lake until he heard a knock.

“Enter”, Albus said.

Minerva entered the office. Albus wanted to speak with her about Severus. “Albus, you wanted to speak with me.”

Albus sighed and said with a nod: “Yes, Minerva. There are some things that we need to discuss. Take a seat.” Albus and Minerva sat down and Minerva asked: “Have you read Severus’ contract from the school board?”

Albus nodded and said: “Yes, I have and things are going to be hard from here. Severus’ contract entails that he had to be recompensated for every little thing he does for us. All the potions, he brews for the hospital wing and for us had to be paid. If he brews them for the hospital wing, then, the school board would be recompensating and if he brews for us privately, then, we have to pay for his potions from our own pockets. Furthermore, he will only do rounds twice a month due to his workload as potion master and during the holidays, he is allowed to leave school grounds however he wants, but is required to return a few days earlier, in order to prepare his schedule, the potion classrooms and labs here.”

Minerva was shocked. “But it would give him too much freedom, Albus. We must find a way to restrict it.”

Albus shook his head and answered: “With what Minerva? Severus knew his rights and had read his contract. We can’t do anything against him without Severus complaining to the board, which would make things harder for us since the majority would side with Severus. Furthermore, I can’t use the excuse of OWLs and NEWTs since he would demand to be paid for that too and money is tight due to the audit on the Hogwarts Vaults.” Albus was furious that his access to the Hogwarts Vaults was minimised.

Minerva asked incredulously: “Audit? Albus, what audit?”

Albus cursed himself. He forgot to tell Minerva about the audit that Pandora was demanding. “Minerva, I forgot to mention that currently the Hogwarts Vaults are audited under Pandora’s order. I tried everything, but Pandora is supporting the primary school and wanted an audit of the vaults to see if there was enough money for the primary school.” Minerva was stunned. This was not good. How did all this happen in two months? She was there, when Albus informed her that Pandora Lovegood was Lady Ravenclaw and had the power over the Hogwarts Vaults, but she never thought that Pandora would demand an audit. This was bad, very bad. If the goblins found out, what Albus and she had done and allowed with the vaults to happen, then, many light families would lose a lot of money.

Albus and Minerva were discussing, what to do, but nothing came out since things looked really bad for them. Albus was determined to cut the potion curriculum during the board meetings from January to June and then, he will focus on removing some books from the library at the other half of the year.

Malfoy Manor, January 3rd, 2002

Narcissa was looking through Dumbledore’s bucket list and shook her head at the man’s foolishness. She can tell that the first half of the Wizengamot meetings was determined to restrict dark magic, whereas the second half was about the creatures in their world. At the school board meetings, one half of the meetings would be spent about the restriction of the potion curriculum, and at the other half, Albus was focused on removing some books. At the January meeting, the man was planning to ban blood magic including the blood wards and the potions. Narcissa knew that if this law passed, then, any blood magic would be made illegal at the beginning of February this year. It is too bad that Akira didn’t remain with the Dursleys since it would be funny to see the Potters charged by using blood wards on their eldest and spending some time in Azkaban, but it doesn’t matter since there were still charges of child abandonment, child abuse and child endangerment. Narcissa as Akira’s magical guardian would be able to have access to Petunia’s and Vernon’s registration forms of being magic-hating muggles. Any muggle or squib relative that is aware of the magical world and hates magic like Petunia or Vernon are registered in the ministry and are monitored, so that they do not reveal the wizarding world to the general public in the muggle world and do not get custody of any magical children. This would be their downfall since James and Lily registered the Dursleys as magic hating muggles and they didn’t retract the registration forms. This would be their downfall.

Narcissa wrote a notification to Lucius’ contact in the registry department that she needed a copy of the registry forms of Petunia and Vernon Dursley as magic-hating muggles before Dumbledore or the Potters notice it and destroy it. Lucius explained to her that with the copy, they would be able to have proof and Narcissa would be able to have a say, if the registry forms should be destroyed since she is the magical guardian of Akira. If Narcissa said no, then, Akira’s registry forms would remain, but John’s would be destroyed since the Potters would try to wipe out all traces about the Dursleys in the magical world.

In case the Potters and Lupin are charged and found guilty, then, they would be stripped off their custody of John and the boy would be sent to live with the Dursleys since his godmothers were dead. It would teach the Potters and Lupin a lesson, how their stupidity had endangered their youngest son. Narcissa wrote also a letter to their contact that in case the Potters appear in the registry department, in order to annul both registry forms from Akira and John, then, he would only destroy John’s registration forms since she would not allow Akira’s to be annulled due to her position as Akira’s magical guardian.

With that, everything was covered and the Potters would be walking in a trap.

Registry Department

Like it was predicted, Albus, James, Lily, Sirius and Remus were making their way to the registry department, in order to annul Petunia’s and Vernon’s registration forms as magic hating muggles. Albus approached Lucius’ and Narcissa’s contact and said with a twinkle in his eyes. “Ah, hello, my boy. We are here for the registration forms of Petunia and Vernon Dursley.” The man nodded and asked the Potters: “And what do you want to do with them, Lord and Lady Potter?” Lily was the one, who answered: “We want to annul Petunia’s and Vernon’s registration forms of being magic hating muggles from both of our children since we judged them too fast.” The man wanted to snort. When the couple came here for the first time around, they wanted the registration forms immediately like a dragon was chasing them. Now, they want to annul them.

The man wanted to hide a smirk since they would only annul John’s registration forms and not Akira’s. After Akira’s adoption and Narcissa’s secret announcement of being the boy’s magical guardian, the Dursleys’ registration forms regarding Hadrian Potter-Black changed to Akira Kurusu and the responsible magical guardian had the power to annul the registration forms. Since James and Lily are not Akira’s magical guardians anymore, he would only dissolve the registration forms regarding John Potter. Matthew had pity with John, because in case his parents and his godfathers lose custody, he would be sent to live with the Dursleys and he was sure that the boy would suffer hell.

Matthew answered in a bored voice: “It would be done. In twenty-four hours, the registration forms would be annulled.” It wasn’t a lie. The registration forms regarding Akira would remain, but the ones regarding John would be annulled since a Hadrian Potter-Black doesn’t exist.

Albus smiled and everyone apart from Sirius left the ministry without a care in the world. Sirius was worried. What if the registration forms regarding Harry are going to remain and only John’s would be annulled? He knew that Narcissa wouldn’t allow Harry’s forms to be annulled and she wouldn’t have a problem of leaving John in an abusive home. Then, it would be terrible since the forms can be used against them and there would be charges of child endangerment against them. To make matters worse, Sirius was sure that in case they would be found guilty, then, they would be stripped of John’s and Harry’s custody and his pup would be forced to live with those muggles since he wouldn’t have any magical relative left since his godmothers were dead. Sirius was terrified of this, but he can’t tell anything to James and Lily due to the seal of silence from his evil family. Why did they want him to make him suffer like this? He was sure that they were doing the right thing.

Hogwarts, January 6th, 2002

Another order meeting was taking place regarding Dumbledore’s allies in the Wizengamot. Since the bucket list has been found, Arthur remained at home in Weasley Manor and didn’t bother to attend the meeting in Hogwarts. Lucius and Narcissa would receive the confirmation from Phineas and both would receive some details. Today, they were discussing to put more restrictions regarding the ban of blood magic especially the blood wards and the healing potions that are made by blood. James was unsure about the new restrictions regarding the ban since they used blood wards on Harry and the Dursleys, but Dumbledore assured him that if someone found out, which is doubtful, then, they would excuse the use with the fact that the wards were erected before the ban, which would make the blood wards legal since the new restrictions on the ban would not be active retroactively. Too bad, Dumbledore wouldn’t realise that Akira isn’t with the Dursleys until it was too late.

Albus reiterated his statement: “Blood magic is dangerous to be used since blood can be used to control an individual and could be easily used for line thefts.” Albus wasn’t incorrect. For example, blood bonds are very dangerous since they could be used to control a person and blood can be used in illegal marriage contracts. What Albus does know, is the fact that Lady Magic can counter everything, but Albus tries to suppress any mentions of her by making all these bans. Sadly, this would never work.

Albus made sure to impress in his followers that they can’t afford any failures, and to stop the practice of dark magic in their society. He also secretly wanted to stop the honouring of Lady Magic and also the old traditions.

Phineas was happy that the bucket list was true since with that, his descendant would have a clear advantage against the old fool and his sheep. He had no respect for the twinkly-eyed bastard and what he had done to Hogwarts. Phineas didn’t have a high opinion about muggles, but their inventions are something that could be useful for the magical world and the education of Hogwarts. The man is a magic killer and he needed to be stopped.

Malfoy Manor

After Phineas had explained, what Dumbledore and his followers were planning, Narcissa and Lucius were prepared for their own pre-meeting. They needed to stop Dumbledore’s ban on blood magic even though the ban would have been useful against James and Lily. But regardless, it doesn’t matter, many people’s lives would be at risk, because of those restrictions.

When the others arrived, everyone sat down for a cup of tea and some biscuits. After everyone was there, Narcissa started: “Thank you for coming. Today, we need to discuss, how to stop Dumbledore’s motion and further restrictions regarding the ban on blood magic. But before we start on that, there are some good news. On every New Years Day, Dumbledore is writing a bucket list of what laws and nominations, he wants to pass. My ancestor and former headmaster, Phineas Nigellus Black, memorised the list and came here on the New Years Day to inform me and Lucius about the bucket list. Phineas confirmed the contents of the list about today’s order meeting in Hogwarts.”

Augustinus snorted: “What a fool. Writing a bucket list and leaving it open on his desk, where everyone can read it. This will give us a tactical advantage.”

Many snickered at Dumbledore’s stupidity. Muriel huffed: “Like in school, the man remained a fool.” Muriel shook her head and grinned at her rhyme.

Adrianna had a wide grin. “Nice rhyme, Dame Prewett.” The older woman just gave the Italian woman a wicked smile.

Narcissa recovered from her silent fit of laughter. “Okay, let’s move on before we become all laughing messes.” Everyone agreed. Narcissa explained the plans for January. “Albus is planning on this Wizengamot meeting to ban blood magic completely. This means anything associated with blood magic is banned in this world like blood wards and all the healing potions that require a few drops of blood. I don’t need to tell you that this would set our world in the stone ages and what consequences are going to happen, if those potions are going to be banned.” Everyone nodded in agreement even those from the light fraction knew that banning these potions would lead to many problems in their society and more people are going to die to simple illnesses.

Narcissa continued: “For that reason, I have a list of all the healing potions that require one ounce of blood and I can confirm that nearly every potion is a healing potion. The few that are not healing potions are potions that are used for tracking rituals. Then, we have the blood wards. The blood wards are very powerful since they are able to block anyone, who is not blood related, and not even Voldemort nor Dumbledore would be able to bring them down. I believe that is the reason why, Albus wants them banned.” Everyone nodded in agreement and were discussing, how to combat the nomination, but for that they needed a distraction.

Narcissa was thinking hard, what they would be able to use against Dumbledore and she had an idea. “I have an idea, what we could do. We all know about the state of Diagon Alley and how the alley has been slowly withering away.” Everyone nodded at that and they had an idea, where Narcissa was going. “I want to make a major change in the wizarding world that the ministry has to renovate Diagon Alley to its former glory and make it more welcoming to newcomers. Furthermore, the alley should be kept clean since it is going to look like Knockturn in a few decades, if the alley remains like this.” Everyone was shocked at that. Renovating Diagon Alley was always a sore point in the ministry since none of the ministers bothered to fix the alley up in the past. But they were sure that if the Wizengamot is forcing those changes, then, those gremlins, who are owning the cleaning company wouldn’t have a choice, then to do, what they were told to do since they could lose their positions of power in the ministry. The company responsible for the renovations and keeping the alley clean belonged to some high-ranking members of the ministry, who are connected to Dumbledore. They have been doing nothing to fix the alley and have been still embezzling hundreds of thousands of Galleons. Narcissa will not allow this to continue and if some people had to suffer, then, so be it.

Lucius could only imagine, how this was going to end. Some of Dumbledore’s people are going to be forced to do, what they were tasked to do. Many were agreeing to that. It was about time that the alley is improved and renovated. Some, who have underage children, wanted to make sure that their children have a good impression about Diagon Alley and the current state is a disaster.

They agreed on the distraction and started to get information, how to counter Dumbledore’s nomination. Narcissa had been researching the affected potions and the blood wards and came to the result that they are necessary for the protection and health of their nation. She had all the arguments to convince the Wizengamot to stop Dumbledore’s nomination and Narcissa was sure that she will get support from Voldemort’s followers and some of the more neutral aligned lords and ladies. Tomorrow, the law regarding blood magic would be called into question.

With that, the meeting ended.

Hogwarts

The winter holidays came to an end and it was time for the students to return back to school. Bill entered the great hall with some warnings from his father and went to the Gryffindor table with his other house mates and waited for the feast to begin. Albus and the other staff members entered the great hall through the staff entrance and many students noticed the absence of Horace Slughorn. There were whispers that Slughorn had retired and had been replaced by a new potion master. When the staff took their seats, many noticed a new face at the head table. He had pale skin with a hooked nose, black, greasy hair and onyx eyes. He was wearing everything black. A majority of them was already intimidated by his presence. Some were afraid and some expressed their dislike towards the man, making rumours that he must be a death eater. Bill noticed the man too and he found him intimidating.

When every student had taken a seat on their respective tables, Albus rose from his throne-like chair. “Welcome back, my dear students to a new term. There are some announcements to make before the feast could begin.” Many students were curious about the announcements. Albus continued in a happy tone even though he was not happy with the arrangements: “My first announcement is that Horace Slughorn has retired as Head of Slytherin House and Potion Maser after his long services in Hogwarts. Furthermore, I am introducing you to your new potion master. He is one of the youngest potion masters in history and received his mastery in less than two years. He also was a former student here in Hogwarts and was a one of the top students in this school. His name is Severus Snape.” Severus rose from his seat and gave a slight bow, but he remained standing. There were polite claps. Many had a feeling that the man was going to bring changes in the potion class that could be beneficial, but it could also lead to some problems. A minority gave the man a hostile look since he was bad news in their eyes. After the hall quieted down, Albus continued with the next arrangements: “And the last thing before the feast can begin, I am announcing to the Slytherins that Professor Snape and your Astronomy Professor, Aurora Sinistra, are from this day on co-heads of Slytherin House.” Aurora rose from her seat, whereas Severus remained standing. Many students were shocked. Co-heads? Since when can two teachers become head of house? It was always one staff member, who was a former member of that house and had experience with teaching.

The two sat down and Albus finished: “Now that we have put this behind let the feast begin.” With that last sentence, the feast began and the food started to appear in front of everyone. The students and staff members dug in. Bill was talking with his friends during the feast and were discussing the new professor. It was unheard of that a house receives two heads of house. “Is it even possible for two staff members to become head of a Hogwarts house and why do those slimy snakes get this privilege?”

Bill didn’t like this house mate, but he had to deal with the more prejudiced lions in his house. Another started: “Maybe it is possible, but it was never used. I mean Snape is the new replacement of Professor Slughorn and doesn’t have any experience as a teacher. Maybe this rule is now used to train Snape to become head of house. I have heard that Professor Sinistra was offered the position of head of house at the beginning of this school year as she was a former member of Slytherin House, but she refused.” Everyone was momentarily stunned. One of the Gryffindor girls squeaked. “Professor Sinistra was a Slytherin, but how? She is always so kind, how can she be a snake, and is she a muggleborn or a halfblood?” Bill remembered that Professor Sinistra and his father went to school together. When he told his father about the Astronomy Professor, his dad told him that Aurora was a squibborn and had a hard time to adjust in Slytherin House since many Slytherins were prejudiced against anyone, who had impure blood.

Bill answered: “From what my dad had told me, Professor Sinistra was a small minority of muggleborns, who were sorted in Slytherin.” Everyone stared. The same girl squeaked again: “But how? The Slytherins would never accept a muggleborn. How could the hat sort her in that house knowing that only purebloods and some halfbloods are accepted.” Bill really questioned her intelligence. The Slytherin House is not about blood purity, but about cunningness, resourcefulness and ambition. He answered: “You do realise that the traits of Slytherin House are cunningness, ambition and resourcefulness. Maybe Professor Sinistra had the traits and that was the reason why she was sorted in Slytherin.” Many in Gryffindor agreed with him and Bill smiled and asked the girl: “How did you come to that conclusion?”

The girl blushed a little and answered: “One of the snakes told me about that, when I started here.” Bill shook his head since he knew that it was a lie. He answered: “Well, that snake was lying and is an idiot. It’s similar to what had been claimed about Gryffindor House of having only light and good witches and wizards, which is also false since I have heard that Pettigrew may have been a Gryffindor, but he was a death eater and a dark wizard.” A majority agreed with him and those, who followed the headmaster blindly, growled in rage that the man tainted the house with his actions. One of Dumbledore’s pawns said furiously: “He was not a true Gryffindor. He was a snake in disguise. No true Gryffindor would join You-Know-Who.” Sadly, not many were so sure about that. Pettigrew wasn’t the only Gryffindor, who joined You-Know-Who. There was a small minority that joined Voldemort. The reasons are unknown, but Bill had the suspicion that it could be, because of Dumbledore’s views regarding child abuse.

The feast continued on until everyone was full, and the food disappeared from the table. Before they were released, they were informed to remain in the Great Hall since there was another announcement. When all their attention was on their headmaster, the man turned his attention to their new potion master, who rose from his seat. Many were surprised that the new teacher was the one, who would make the announcements after the feast. Severus made sure that the hall was quiet and started with his own announcements. “Before you are released to go to your dorms, there are some things that needs to be announced. First things first, there is a new curriculum and there are new standards from the ICW for the potion class. That also includes a marking scheme.” The students were surprised by this. Albus and the other staff members were shocked about the marking scheme. They never thought that the standards would also change the way Severus was going to mark the students. For Albus, this was bad. This marking scheme would cause problems for his pawns in school. Severus continued regardless. “Furthermore, there would be mandatory tutoring sessions this term from Monday to Saturday to bring you all up to par with the ICW curriculum. Tomorrow, you will get your schedules and you have to attend every single session or you would be barred from taking the end of year exams, OWLs or NEWTs, which would mean that you would be required to attend summer school and I believe, no one wants that. Exceptions are made, if you are sick and are not able to attend the tutoring sessions, then, I will postpone it until you are better, understood?” Everyone nodded terrified and they knew that the new potion master was not joking about this. Severus looked at everyone sternly and made sure that he is serious about that. When he had seen that there were not protests, Severus knew that the next announcement would make many students angry especially, Dumbledore’s pawns. Severus took a deep breath and prepared himself for a fight since some students are not going to like it. “Finally, there is also a major change in my expectations. All students, who received an EE in the potion OWLs, are not welcome in my class anymore since the expectations have been increased to an O.” Many NEWT students, who had an O in potion, were happy that they are able to continue in the class, but some, who had an EE, either cried since their dream jobs to become healers and aurors, were destroyed or were absolutely furious and were openly protesting this change. The protests died down, when the headmaster let out a firecracker to make sure that the great hall was silent, but many were still fuming over the changes. Severus understood their anger, but it had to be done. He explained: “I know that some of you are angry about those changes, but it is for the best since potion is an exceptionally dangerous class and I am warning all the NEWT students here that any mistake you make from now on could be lethal and may cost you a limb or your life, because we are going to work with more volatile ingredients. I am not doing this to be mean to you or that I am here to ruin your career chances. I am only doing this to protect you from harm and that is the reason why, the NEWT class are demanding an O.” With that, Severus sat down and looked at the reaction of the students. Many, who were angry before, had been forced to understand that it is for their own protection, but there were those, who followed the headmaster blindly and don’t want to accept this lying down. They were going to speak to the headmaster to fix this.

Albus had seen those looks and was groaning inwardly. He really didn’t want to deal with them right now. Thank Merlin that tomorrow is a Wizengamot meeting. So, Minerva would be in charge temporarily. Albus will try to limit the damage that Severus had done during the next board meeting.

When the students were released and returned to their dormitories, there were some vocal protests from those, who were still angry about the fact that they were not able to continue in Snape’s class due to the changes. Thankfully, Promona, Filius and Minerva calmed them down and sent them to bed, but one thing was sure, the students are going to write letters home. Some were not going to allow this.

Wizengamot, January 7th, 2002

Narcissa was prepared for the Wizengamot session. She knew that today Lord Greengrass was going to call the ban regarding blood magic into question and Lord Davis would be the one to put the distraction. Narcissa knew that Amelia should not do these nominations alone since Dumbledore would be setting his sights on the woman. It was time to change the nominee of their nominations. When the Wizengamot started a few minutes late, because of Dumbledore, the first thing, they went through were the new introductions, but there were not any.

The first order of business was the summary of the last Wizengamot meeting in December. Many supported the idea of putting the anti-creature law regarding centaurs into question, which annoyed Dumbledore, his followers, Voldemort’s followers and Doloris Umbridge, who was sitting proxy since Fudge wanted her to represent him at the Wizengamot.

Albus looked at his followers and they were prepared. When it was time for new nominations, Albus was the one, who wanted to make the nomination regarding the ban of blood magic. It’s time to ban that magic in their world and make sure that the dark is restricted even more. He put his most grandfatherly face and started: “My dear members of the Wizengamot, today, I am going to warn you about another bad branch of magic. It is blood magic. Blood magic is also dark magic and can be used for many illegal things like illegal marriage contracts and blood bonds that would be able to control an individual against their wills like it would be done with the imperio. We need to stop this continuing corruption of our society. For that reason, I am nominating the complete ban of blood magic, which would include the blood wards and all the dangerous potions that require an ounce of blood.” Albus was droning on about the dangers of blood magic and its danger to everyone.

Narcissa really questioned the man’s intelligence. Doesn’t he realise that what he is talking about is complete hogwash? Blood magic has its bad and good aspects. Of course, the bad aspects are illegal marriage contracts, but not all marriage contracts are bound by blood or illegal. Only absolute contracts are blood-bound and thus require a few drops of blood. Other marriage contracts have no such things. Blood bonds may be able to control other individuals, but it isn’t dark magic, but black magic. The difference between dark and black magic is that dark magic doesn’t have any effect on the soul, whereas black magic is able to corrupt the soul and the person would become evil like it had happened with Voldemort. She knew exactly, how to counter these arguments.

After Dumbledore was finished with his nomination, Narcissa looked at Lord Davis. The man gave her a nod and waited until Dumbledore announced, if there were any other nominations.

Michael Davis rose his wand to the air. Albus was a little confused. He hoped that this nomination wouldn’t be too difficult. Everyone set their eyes on Lord Davis. The said man started. “Lords, Ladies, there is a matter that caused me great distress and it had to be addressed now.”

Albus asked suspiciously knowing, how difficult the neutral section could be: “And what seems to be a problem, Lord Davis?”

Michael got him in a trap. This was good. “It’s about Diagon Alley or better to say the state of the alley.” Before Michael could continue, he was interrupted by one of the ministry officials, who was owning the company that is responsible for the cleaning and renovating of the alley. “And what seems to be wrong with the state of Diagon Alley, Lord Davis? I have been walking around the alley for years and I didn’t see that there was anything wrong there.” Everyone looked at the man neutral, but inside many were disgusted that the idiot didn’t notice that the alley is losing its shine and is turning more and more into another version of Knockturn Alley.

Michael withheld a growl and continued regardless in a calm voice. “Well, if you had been walking around the alley for years, then maybe you have noticed the state of the alley. I have here some pictures that I would like to project for this meeting.” Lord Davis took out the dias he had made and put it at the projector that was summoned for the meeting.

Michael started to show the other members of the Wizengamot the state of Diagon Alley. He explained: “If you look at the state of the alley, then, you would notice, how the alley is slowly turning into another version of Knockturn Alley. The cobblestones have not been cleaned and renovated for years. Does any of you here remember, when was the alley renovated the last time?” Many shook their heads. Even those from Dumbledore’s generation knew that the alley wasn’t renovated and updated for centuries. “Furthermore, the weather of England and the resulting erosion is ruining the image of the alley further and further, because the cobblestones are slowly wearing out and for that reason, they need to be replaced. I mean, we have magic and unlike in the muggle world, we would have it easier to renovate the alley in a matter of days instead of months or years like the muggles are doing without magic. If it remains like this, then, the street on Diagon Alley would be cracked and warped like this.” He showed them a picture, how the alley would look like in the future. Many were horrified by that scenario.

The next picture was showed about how dirty the alley was. One of the owners of the company protested in desperation since they would be made responsible for the mess in the alley: “Lord Davis, this picture must be fraudulent and was made in Knockturn Alley. I will sue you, if you are falsifying evidence, in order to get your way here.”

Michael looked unbothered by the threat and turned his attention to Amelia, who knew that she has to step in. “Mr. Fenwick, I have checked Lord Davis’s pictures for validity and they were taken in Diagon Alley not in Knockturn Alley.” The man was flustered and was sweating hard. This was bad. This was beyond bad. If the other members of the Wizengamot saw that the cleaning company that was given to him by Headmaster Dumbledore did nothing since the company’s foundation, then, things would look really bad for him and his friends. He never thought that someone would raise this issue here in front of the Wizengamot.

Narcissa had noticed the panicked look on Fenwick’s and his friends’ faces and she knew that those idiots were getting more and more desperate. Looking around, she saw many horrified and angry looks from the other Wizengamot members. She turned her attention to Dumbledore, who looked like he swallowed a lemon. She smirked. The man didn’t expect that someone would raise the issue.

Michael continued with his dias about Diagon Alley and the members were getting angrier about the state.

When the diashow was finished, Lord Davis retook his seat and said: “For that reason, I am nominating that Diagon Alley should be renovated and cleaned to its former glory. I want that my children are walking down the alley with a good impression.”

Albus had noticed many conflicts with his followers and requested a privacy ward to discuss Lord Davis’ nomination.

Narcissa smirked, when Lady Acton took over as Chief Witch until Dumbledore retook his seat. Aurelia asked: “Are there any other nominations?” This time, it was Cyrus Greengrass that was the one, who rose his wand and was chosen by the Chief Witch. Cyrus rose from his seat. “Lord Greengrass?” Narcissa is hiding her smile behind her occlumency mask and couldn’t wait for Lord Greengrass’ nomination.

Cyrus took a deep breath and started: “Lords, Ladies, I have my doubts regarding Lord Dumbledore’s nomination to ban blood magic completely. The problem that I am seeing in this motion is that he is also banning blood wards and a great number of healing potions in our country, if we allow this law to happen. The blood wards are the strongest protection wards in the magical world since they are able to exclude anyone, who is not blood related. Furthermore, the potions are very strong healing potions and we would risk our world with this ban.” Cyrus handed the members of the Wizengamot apart from Dumbledore and his sheep the files about the potions and the blood wards. “I know that many of you are wary regarding blood magic, because of Lord Dumbledore’s concerns regarding absolute contracts that require a few drops of blood and blood bonds, but there are solutions for those two. Absolute contracts that are illegal could be dissolved with Lady Magic’s judgement.” Everyone apart from Dumbledore and his sheep, who were still discussing, agreed on that. Cyrus continued: “Furthermore, blood bonds can be negated with the goblins’ help since they can create golems and the blood bond can be transferred to the golem since they are carrying partially our blood. If the golem is later dissolved, then, the blood bond is also gone and you are safe from the one, who had been controlling you.” Many didn’t know this, but they were happy that there was a solution to the blood bond.

Many members of the Wizengamot were shocked to see that they nearly risked their country with this ban. Most potions were healing potions and some were used for tracking rituals, which would also be beneficial, if someone missing needed to be tracked down by the aurors for example. When the members were finished with reading the files. There were many supportive faces regarding Lord Greengrass’ doubts and there is also the distrust that was sown into Dumbledore’s nomination. Cyrus returned the attention to himself. “For that reason, I nominate to call the current ban regarding blood magic into question and we need to research more about this topic.” Everyone agreed.

Whereas Cyrus was doing his nomination, Albus and his followers were in a heated argument regarding Davis’s nomination. Adam Fenwick nearly screamed in rage: “Headmaster, we need to stop this motion somehow. We would lose a lot of money, because of this nomination.” Albus sighed. He had always used Adam’s position, in order to have funds for the order since the cleaning company is also a part of the ministry, but it doesn’t have a staff that is responsible for the cleaning and renovating of the alley since the money was used for his side projects and the war. But now things are not looking good. The Wizengamot can force the company to clean and renovate the alley and Albus wouldn’t be able to do a single thing to stop it. He had hoped that any mention of this problem would have been ignored by the other members of the Wizengamot, but apparently it wasn’t the case.

“I understand, Adam, my boy, but sadly, there is nothing that I can do since it has been brought to the Wizengamot’s attention and I have a feeling that no one would vote for our motion.” Adam and his friends looked unhappily and one of them snapped: “Well, in that case, Headmaster, we will not be able to give you and the order a single knut from our company since we have to hire a staff of cleaners and renovators. Additionally, we need to buy the needed materials.”

James and the others just glared at them, but they couldn’t blame them for this since Davis was the one, who caused this mess, and with that another financial resource for the order would be drained. Why is this happening now? Albus wanted to groan and he couldn’t argue it since the ministry would keep an eye on the company now and there was nothing that can be done. This was bad.

For the next half an hour, they argued, how to fix this issue, but Dedalus had an idea. “Albus, we could hire the minimal number of staff for the company and pay the necessary supplies for the cleaning and the renovations. The leftovers could be given to the Bird Fund as a donation. It would be a small amount of money, but this is better than to get nothing.” Albus had to admit that the idea from Dedalus sounded good. He would get less for the order, but at least, it would be something. Albus couldn’t believe that the neutral section was the one, who was throwing rocks in his way. He had expected it from the dark section, but not from the neutrals, where he doesn’t have any influence.

Some were against Dedalus’ idea, but they were interrupted, when Albus came back from his thoughts. “This is a good idea, Dedalus. It would still leave us with some money for the Bird Fund rather than to get nothing. We will have to agree on this, but on a later date, we would be able to overturn it.”

When Albus and his followers were finished, Albus returned back at the podium of being Chief Warlock. He asked: “Were there any new nominations, Aurelia?”

Aurelia withheld a huff and answered neutrally: “Lord Greengrass made the nomination to call upon the current ban regarding blood magic into question, because of some revelations.” The files had been given to Dumbledore and his sheep. “It seems like Chief Warlock, you neglected to mention the benefits of blood magic since according to this file, the blood wards are one of the most powerful protection wards in the magical world and have been used commonly to protect family members in the past. Furthermore, you forgot to mention that many potions are created by using human blood, which is also considered blood magic, and most of them are used for healing or in some cases for tracking rituals, which would be beneficial for our aurors to track down criminals.”

Albus swallowed hard knowing that he had kept this part of information from his nomination since he had known that his nomination would be dismissed, if he had mentioned the blood wards and the potions, but he never thought that someone would reveal this information. He cursed Greengrass to hell for revealing this. What was he going to do now? Maybe he should continue to the votes, but would his nomination pass. Of course, it would. The Greengrass family is a dark family, who had been voting neutral. He was sure that no one would believe the man due to Rufus’ incident with the family. Apart from that, his followers are going to vote for his nomination. They would manage a majority.

Albus continued with the voting and started on his nomination. When the vote came, only his followers and those he could trust voted for his nomination. The majority of the Wizengamot voted against his motion. Albus was shocked. How dare they? He will find another way to push the ban against blood magic. But now it was a setback. Albus moved to the next vote regarding Diagon Alley and this time it was unanimous. The third nomination of Cyrus Greengrass received the majority of the Wizengamot much to Albus’ fury. This was bad. This was beyond bad. Why did they vote for Greengrass’ motion? Didn’t they understand that their world is now in danger. Glancing at his followers, he could see the fury in their eyes that his nomination has failed and that many disregarded his words like this. With the last vote, the session was officially closed and Albus called his followers to his office to discuss this setback.

Severus Snape’s office

Severus had his office hours with Aurora. As co-heads, they were sharing their office for the time being. They were discussing his new positions until they heard a pounding on the office door. When they said a Come-In, a group of students from Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff entered their office. Their faces spelled trouble and both teachers dreaded this meeting. Severus was the first to start with a stern voice: “What can I do for you?” The group turned to Elanor Doge, who was their speaker. “Professor Snape, we are here to request that we should be allowed to continue our NEWT class in potions regardless of our grade.”

“No”, Severus said automatically.

Elanor was angered at being told no. “What! What do you mean with no?”

Severus answered with a raised eyebrow: “Mr. Doge, the expectations of the NEWT class in potions are clear. You have to have an outstanding in your OWLs, in order to continue in my class now and I will not change this parameter since the board had agreed on this. I would be fired, if I was going to make any exceptions. Furthermore, the class will be even more difficult and dangerous since the students are going to be working with more volatile ingredients and any mistake would cause a loss of limb or life. So, the answer is no.”

Elanor was furious and nearly snapped: “But you have to make an exception, professor.”

Severus wanted to roll his eyes since the fool in front of him is stubborn. “Mr. Doge, I told you already, I am not going to make any exceptions and I am not going to favour you and your friends here. I am not going to show anyone favouritism here in this school. Not even to my snakes.” This was the boiling point. Elanor and the others were protesting and whining about the unfairness. Aurora and Severus looked at each other and thought that this was going to be annoying.

Both heads of house had enough after a while. Aurora immediately exclaimed in an authoritative tone: “ENOUGH!” When everyone was silent, the group of students looked at Professor Sinistra with hope in their eyes that she would be able to convince their new potion master to change his mind. The woman knew, what they were hoping for, but she wasn’t going to help them since she was supporting Severus with his changes. “Mr. Doge, you and your friends have to accept these changes. And for this gross conduct of behaviour, you all are going to spend with Professor Snape tomorrow in detention. You all also lost ten points from your respectable houses.” The group glared at the two professors and were ready to protest, but Snape interrupted them before they could utter a tone: “If you utter another tone here, then, you will lose another ten points and will spend another day in detention with Professor Sinistra.” Aurora gave Severus a death glare and turned her glare at the group that quickly paled and ran off. They were going to complain to Professor McGonagall since she is in charge of the school and maybe she would be able to do something about this.

When they left, Aurora gave Severus a hard look. “Severus Snape, how dare you. I am not going to deal with those troublemakers for one hour.” Severus huffed: “Funny coming from you, when you assigned point loss and detention that they had to serve with me. Do you think, I like to spend one hour with those dunderheads willingly?” Aurora just smirked and answered: “Well, welcome to the responsibility of being a teacher and maybe you need someone, who could clean those dirty cauldrons.” Severus just huffed. He made a mental note not to forget a calming draught and a headache cure for the detention tomorrow, but he also had seen the advantages of this since he had some helpers for dirty cauldrons.

Minerva McGonagall’s office

Minerva was doing some of her own paperwork as deputy-headmistress. She was finished with the headmaster’s paperwork since it had precedence. Normally, Albus was responsible for that, but today was another Wizengamot meeting and for today, she was in charge of the school. Yesterday, some of her lions were furious about Severus’ changes. She had known that Snape was going to be trouble, but the man destroyed many students’ dreams with those dratted changes. She couldn’t believe that Albus allowed Snape to get away with this, but Albus warned her that the board voted for the ICW standards and curriculum and he wasn’t able to stop it. Thankfully, Albus was going to work on stopping Snape from ruining this generation. He promised her.

Suddenly, there was a knock or better to say a repetitive pounding on her office door. She quickly said a Come-in and inside came the students, who were still angry about Snape’s changes in the class. When the office door was closed and Minerva summoned enough seats, the deputy-headmistress turned her attention to the angry students. “What can I do for you?”

The students whispered with each other until they decided that Elanor Doge was the one, who spoke. “Professor McGonagall, you need to do something about Snape’s changes in the potion class. This can’t be happening that many of us are going to be denied the education that we need to achieve our dream jobs and careers.” Many bobbled their heads in agreement.

Minerva sighed deeply. Severus was indeed trouble. “First, it is Professor Snape. He is now a staff member. Secondly, there is nothing I can do. The potion class is out of my domain and the board of governors is responsible for the curriculum and the standards. The headmaster and I will only be responsible that the contents of the curriculum are taught to you, but we can’t actively change the curriculum since we need the board’s approval. I am sorry, my dears, but in this case my hands are tied. Apart from that, Professor Snape presented his curriculum and the ICW standards in front of the board and they voted for his motion to implement those rules.” The students were furious. Why couldn’t Headmaster Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall do something against Snape? Why did the board agree on this? Didn’t they understand that they destroyed their lives and dreams with what they had done. Elanor will write to his great-great uncle Elphias and request him to do something against those changes.

Elanor threatened: “If you and the headmaster can’t do anything, then, I will write to my great-great uncle, Elphias, so that he can use his influence in the board to fix this. I am not going to let a teacher ruin my chances of becoming an auror.” Many nodded in agreement since they wanted to become aurors or healers and they are not going to allow Snape to ruin their chances.

The students left the office in a snit. Minerva let out a breath and was on her way to Severus’ office. She needed to fix this.

Severus Snape’s office

Severus was finished with the first tutoring session with the first and second years and his class with the seventh years for this day and he was exhausted since he had to grade the potions that the first, second and seventh years had brewed during the class and tutoring session and he had to deal with Doge and his little band of fools, who demanded from him to change the expectations that have been set by him and the board. There was a lot of work and he had to prepare himself for the students’ assignments. He was ready to have a calm evening after he was finished brewing. Severus had also many things to do. First, he wants to make health scans with his snakes to see, if one of them is in an abusive home. Then, he will inform Filius and Promona that if they suspect a student to be abused, they should come to him and he will make a health scan and will make sure to remove the children from their homes until the summer holidays. He will also talk with the head boy, who is also a Gryffindor, if in the lions’ den, there are also students, who are abused. He will not discriminate the houses since no child deserved to remain in an abusive home.

Another thing, he was going to do, is making sure to control Poppy. The woman is overbearing and controlling like Albus and Minerva and he was done with the woman doing nothing to help the students, who were living in abusive homes. He was going to make sure that Poppy is rendered powerless and it would be satisfying to watch the woman trying to get out.

Another thing that he had to deal with is the horcrux that is in the castle, but he had to wait for some time since he had been warned that one of Dumbledore’s elves was guarding the horcrux. Furthermore, there was McGonagall, who was keeping an eye on him. It would take him longer to get the horcrux.

Severus was interrupted in his thoughts by a knock on his office door and before he could say a Come-in, Minerva entered his office in a huff. “Severus, I need to speak with you.” Severus wanted to groan, but remained silent and summoned a seat for Minerva and sat down behind his desk. He asked the elderly woman: “What can I do for you, Minerva?”

Minerva was already annoyed and answered: “It is about the ICW standards and the curriculum that you have forced to pass through the board. Many students came to my office complaining about these changes since they were not able to continue the class.”

Severus knew that she was exaggerating and told her so: “Minerva, you are exaggerating. Mr. Doge and the others are just dramatic. From the NEWT class, I know that a small minority, who had achieved an EE in their OWLs during Horace’s time as potion master, was angry about the expectations that I have pushed through. During Aurora’s and my office hours, the little group that had complained to you came to my office demanding to lower the expectations, so that they can continue to attend their NEWT classes. Of course, I have refused and told them that the decision was made by the board. I should have advised them that if they want to continue in potions, then, they have to attend a certified summer course and redo their OWLs during the summer holidays. And if by some miracle they achieve an O in the OWLs at the ministry, then, they would be able to continue their NEWTs.” It always annoyed Severus that Horace’s class was used to get a NEWT in potion the easy way. The ministry had stricter rules since they were using the curriculum and the standards from the ICW and were not allowing anyone lower than an O to get a NEWT in potions. Now, it is balanced out and there was no easy way out since the potion curriculum and standards are used internationally. Severus will not mention that the group threw temper tantrums that even toddlers would be jealous about. Aurora and he assigned them point loss and detention for their rude behaviour.

Minerva rubbed her eyes. She didn’t know that Elanor was already here, but it doesn’t matter now. She needed to make sure that the rest of her lions are able to attend the NEWT class in potion and continued to argue: “Come on, Severus. They are still children, who have dreams. Dreams that you are willing to destroy, if you continue like this.” Severus raised his eyebrow at the woman and countered: “Minerva, I said no. The safety of the students is my top priority here and anyone that has a lower grade than an outstanding in their potion OWL is not welcome in my class and could be a danger in my classroom. This conversation is over, because I have some work to do. Surely, you have some work to do too.” With that, Severus turned his attention to the newly brewed potions for the hospital wing and was looking at his notes for his DADA mastery.

Minerva huffed and left the office. She wanted to argue further, but Severus would have ignored her and would have just downplayed everything, what she had said. Maybe Albus would be able to help her. Her students deserved to follow their dreams, but Severus was destroying their road.

Headmaster’s office

Phineas was trying everything in his power not to burst out laughing. That old fool didn’t realise that things are not going his way anymore. The day, he abandoned the current Black heir, is the day, where things would go wrong for the current headmaster. He watched the old fool’s pensive look like the man had been slapped. The Wizengamot meeting didn’t go the way, how it was supposed to go.

Albus was silently fuming. The meeting didn’t go as it was supposed to go. He was going over the files that Greengrass had given them and he was getting angrier and angrier, when he noticed that he showed the Wizengamot, how to invalidate illegal, absolute contracts and how to dissolve blood bonds. This wasn’t supposed to get out and the meeting didn’t go his way due to the distraction that was thrown in front of him. Looking at his followers, who were scattered in his office, Albus sighed. He needed to discuss this with his followers about this setback.

James was the one, who started the conversation. “Albus, what are we going to do? How dare those fools vote against your nomination? You are trying to stop the darkness and corruption in our world, and they are allowing it.” James couldn’t believe that the other members of the Wizengamot would go against Albus’ nomination. He had expected that the darker families would go against the headmaster, but he never expected that even those from light families would vote against Albus’ nomination. Why did this happen? What did those dark wizards and witches do to these families that they were turning away from the headmaster? Are they blackmailing or threatening them? Or are they under the imperio? James didn’t know, but he was going to find out, what they had done to these light families and bring them to justice. For now, he had no proof and he had to let it go.

Albus answered: “I know, James, but the nomination already passed and Cyrus managed to get the majority of the Wizengamot to pass his nomination.” Albus was vexed. He didn’t understand, how his plans were not working.

Many were unhappy especially Adam Fenwick and his friends, who now had to waste a lot of money for the cleaning and the renovating of Diagon Alley, and this time, they would be watched by the Wizengamot. The young man was still cursing Davis for bringing this in front of the Wizengamot and forcing the issue through. Adam knew that if he did nothing, then, it would be brought back again in front of the Wizengamot and the next time, he would lose the company and there things would get worse since he wouldn’t be able to give the headmaster any funds for the order.

Albus had also another issue with Adam’s company. The man had opened the company promising the ministry that it would be responsible for cleaning and renovating Diagon Alley. The ministry of course made a budget that consisted of hundreds of thousands of Galleons that was invaluable for the order. Now, these funds would be cut to less than a quarter, which was bad, because he needed that money for his side projects.

Albus turned his attention to the Fenwick heir. “Adam, my boy, you know, what you have to do.” The man nodded and Albus continued: “You need to hire a good staff and make sure that you have the necessary supplies for the company. We can’t risk the Wizengamot shutting down your company and opening a new one that we wouldn’t be able to control.” Adam nodded and said: “Yes, headmaster.”

With that the meeting ended and Albus was left in his office to think. Since Halloween things were not going his way. Something is going on, but he doesn’t know what. This was his third Wizengamot meeting that was a failure. He needed to make another approach, but he would remain on his bucket list.

Hogwarts, January 9th, 2002

Promona and Filius were curious, when Severus wanted to speak with them. He had said that it was urgent. Both heads of house came to his office and took their seats. Both looked at the new potion master. Filius was the one, who started the conversation. “Severus, what did you need to speak with us about?” Severus looked at the two heads sternly and answered: “I have requested your presence here regarding the students, who are living in abusive homes. I have found a way around Poppy, Albus, Minerva and the child services here under the guidance of Maria Podmore.” Both raised an eyebrow and asked: “You did?” Severus nodded and he explained the issue: “Promona, Filius, the problem that we are facing is that Albus and Minerva are downplaying the abuse of our students outrageously and are sending them back to their abusers. This is unacceptable. Then, there is Poppy. As the healer of Hogwarts, she should have done a medical history scan, but she didn’t and this is a violation of the Hogwarts charter that could lead to her dismissal from the staff. Furthermore, Maria Podmore, the head of child services, and her staff are actively ignoring child abuse cases and are doing nothing since she is following Dumbledore and his agenda blindly. For that reason, I am going to hand over the medical history scans to Amelia, where she and her team of aurors could deal with their abusers. Additionally, Amelia would collect more evidence against Maria and her staff of fools and at the end, she will bring them to justice.”

Both were happy with Severus’ plan and furious about those, who were calling themselves light and good. Promona and Filius had always been neutral and wanted to help those students, but they were stonewalled for years. Both heads lost all respect for Minerva and Albus since they were practically encouraging the abuse of children. They are thankful that Severus has found a way around them, but there was a problem and Promona asked: “This is a great idea, Severus, but how are we going to deal with the muggleborns and muggle-raised that are abused. Albus and Maria Podmore are going to notice it and will try everything to stop it.” Severus knew that this would be a problem, but he had a solution to that. “Promona, the child service workers in the muggle world are going to help us. There are many squibs in this department that are aware of our world and know about Dumbledore’s views regarding child abuse. Furthermore, there are some muggleborn und muggle-raised witches and wizards, who couldn’t get a job here, and wizarding-raised witches and wizards, who were sick of Maria’s neglect and dereliction of duty.” Filius and Promona smiled happily. This is good. “I could send them the medical history scan and they will deal with this appropriately.” Both liked the idea.

Filius had another concern. “But how are we going to do that? I mean, we do not know the exact number of students, who are abused and it would be too noticeable, if you do the medical health scan on them, when Albus and Minerva are around.” Severus sighed. Filius had a point. And there comes the question, how to do the health scans without alerting the headmaster and Minerva. Promona had an idea. “Filius, Severus, I have an idea, how we can make the health scans without alerting them.” Severus and Filius turned their attention to Promona and waited for answers. Promona explained: “Filius, you know that Albus isn’t here due to monthly meetings with the ICW as the representative and Supreme Mugwump and he wouldn’t be here until Monday morning.” Filius facepalmed. He forgot that Albus is currently not here due to his position in the ICW. “And Minerva would put me in charge of the school during the weekend since she was going to visit her relatives. She will return with Albus and they are going to do this every school year in January.” Severus and Filius were happy. These are good news. Promona could arrange some healers from St. Mungos and the students would get the health scans that they needed before those two arrived back.

Filius had another concern. “What about Poppy? She would report us to Albus and we would have a problem since Minerva and Albus were not going to allow this next year.” Severus grinned and answered: “Leave Poppy to me. She is going to regret ignoring the Hogwarts charter and her responsibilities.”

Promona and Filius had vicious smiles. It is about time someone is going to do something against Albus’ and Minerva’s policy regarding child abuse. They were sick and tired of allowing their students to be abused by their so-called guardians.

Hospital Wing, January 11th, 2002

Severus entered the hospital wing and saw Poppy fussing around a student. He was going to make sure that the woman is rendered powerless and he had the run of the hospital wing. Severus hated Poppy since she was following the old fool blindly and didn’t do anything to help the children, who were in abusive homes.

“Poppy. I need to speak with you privately in your office.” He had seen the student and he can tell that the boy should have been released by now, but since he was a Gryffindor, Severus knew that he would remain here longer due to Poppy’s bias towards the lion house.

Poppy answered in a huff: “Wait Severus until I am finished with Mr. Samson, then, we can talk in my office.” Severus went to Poppy’s office and put up secrecy and privacy wards and additionally, he added a cloaking spell on his wards, so that Poppy would not notice the wards until it was too late. The man returned back to the wing and went to the student that Poppy was fussing around and checked up his injury. Seeing that the boy had only a minor injury that was fixed quickly, he said: “Mr. Samson, you are released. Now get back to your classes.” The boy quickly hurried away, when he had seen Severus’ strict expression.

Poppy snapped at the potion master angrily: “Severus Snape, what is the meaning of this. The boy is required to remain here for the night, so that he can rest. You are not a licensed medi-wizard.” Severus glared at the woman down and answered coldly: “Poppy, I am a potion master and like you, I have to have a medi-wizard license. I have checked the boy myself and there was no need to coddle the boy like this. The injury was minor and you have fixed it in seconds. He isn’t required to remain here for the night.” Poppy was angered by this, but she couldn’t argue against Severus since she knew that potion masters are required to have medi-wizard licenses. “I need to speak with you and it is urgent.” Poppy huffed, but didn’t respond. She made her way to her office and Severus followed her. The potion master hid a smirk, when Poppy entered her office and didn’t notice the secrecy and privacy wards. Now, she is in his trap and she wouldn’t be able to expose him since he was going to make sure that she is fired and discredited.

Sitting down behind her desk, Poppy asked in an imperious voice: “What do you want, Severus? You know that I have work to do.” Severus withheld a growl, but remained calm. He answered her with a question: “Poppy, do you know this?” Severus pushed a booklet that had a big “H” on the front and was decorated with the colours of the houses. In the middle stood the title “The Hogwarts Charter”. Poppy took a deep breath and nodded. Severus continued to ask: “And Poppy, do you know, what the charter states about the responsibilities of the healers of Hogwarts.” Poppy swallows hard. She remained quiet and Severus regarded her with disdain. He nearly snapped at the woman: “The charter states that the matron of Hogwarts is responsible for the health of the charges in this institution and is also required to do a medical history scan on the students here in this school. Furthermore, you are responsible for all the reports on child abuse to the ministry. Poppy, when was the last time, you have sent a report of abuse to the ministry?” Poppy swallowed hard and answered in a near stuttering voice: “I-I-I didn’t need to do the scans since Albus told me that the children are exaggerating and are making it up. He also explained that it was tough love nothing harmful.” Severus growled in rage: “Poppy, you do realise that this neglect and dereliction of duty can lead to your dismissal from the staff. Apart from that, since when are broken bones, rape, being crucified, starved and emotional abuse tough love. You should be ashamed of yourself by stating this.” Severus took a deep breath. “During the weekends, Promona would arrange that some healers and mind healers are going to come here to conduct the health scans. All the students would be required to come to the hospital wing to be examined.”

Poppy flared her nostrils and growled: “I will not allow this, Severus. I will report it to Albus and Minerva. And-“ Severus cut her off and threatened her: “You can try to do this, but sadly, you wouldn’t be able to utter even a word in front of the headmaster and Minerva since I put here some secrecy and privacy wards.” The matron paled. What? What did he do to her office? Severus towered over the woman and said with a vicious glare. “And if you try to stop us, then, I will report your failures to the board and have you fired. Maybe, the board would hire someone, who is more competent than you and takes their responsibilities seriously. I would watch your steps, Poppy. One toe out of line and you are gone.” Poppy was trembling in fear. This couldn’t be happening. What was she supposed to do now? She can’t tell Albus and Minerva anything since Severus put her under a secrecy ward and she can’t warn Albus and Minerva. She was going to watch everything in powerless fury.

Like with Sirius, Poppy couldn’t do anything and is rendered useless. She couldn’t believe, what Severus had done to her, but she didn’t have any power and since the board had voted against Albus, the last two meetings, she couldn’t risk this going to the board. For the best, she had to keep quiet even though she didn’t like it.

Severus was happy. Tomorrow, the healers are going to come and at lunch, Minerva announced that she would be gone for the weekend, in order to visit her family. She was going after dinner and Promona had the run of the school this weekend. This was going to be perfect planning.

Hogwarts, January 13th, 2002

Severus, Promona and Filius were absolutely furious, when the healers finished their scans. All three wanted to curse Poppy to the next millennium and back. 84 students were physically and/or emotionally abused. They really failed an entire generation. Promona had made sure that they sent one copy to the child services in the ministry, whereas the other copy is sent to the child services in the muggle world, so that the muggleborn and muggle-raised can be saved, and Amelia, so that she is able to deal with the wizarding raised. There will be a lot of work to be done. Severus wanted to kill Poppy for allowing this mess.

They made their way to the hospital wing to confront Poppy. There is hell to pay.

Poppy was fuming in her office. She couldn’t believe, what Promona had done, but there was nothing that can be done against Severus since it would risk her dismissal and medi-wizard license. Poppy had to remain quiet and received many sneers from the healers and glares from the other staff members. She managed to make herself the pariah of the staff. But this wasn’t the end, when Severus, Filius and Promona entered her office in a fury. This meeting was not going to be a good meeting and she knew it.

All three were standing and staring down at her like she was a bug. Promona started: “Poppy, I cannot believe, what you have done or better to say, what you have not done.” Poppy bit her lip, she knew that she could be fired and lose her license as a medi-witch. Promona continued: “I have looked through the charter and I found a way, how to make sure that we are not repeating this mess again without dragging the board into this. In case, the matron of Hogwarts is not fulfilling her or his duties, then, there is an automatic clause that would activate. For now, Severus and I are going to have the run of the hospital wing since we clearly can’t trust you.” Severus looked at Promona confused and realised that also Herbology Masters are required to have a NEWT in healing. Beside him, Promona is also a medi-witch due to her field of study of dangerous plants. The potion master was also glad that the wards had remained the same and Poppy didn’t find them. This was good since the woman wouldn’t be able to tell Albus and Minerva anything.

Poppy fumed, but sadly, she didn’t have any power to stop Severus’ and Promona’s control over her domain. The headmaster and Minerva wouldn’t be able to protect her, if they ever found out about this conspiracy since she was going to be exposed, if they tried. This was a nightmare.

With that, all three left Poppy’s office and Severus removed the wards. Poppy was still sitting behind her desk in outrage. Everything is in hell.

Gringotts, January 14th, 2002

Albus arrived at Gringotts with dread settling in his stomach. He knew that this meeting was going to be bad as he had imagined. Pandora and Ragnock were waiting for Albus to arrive. The man wasn’t late, but they had a pre-meeting and Pandora had been less than pleased with the money transfers. Many of Dumbledore’s followers received money from Albus as ‘restitution money’, which is illegal since this had nothing to do with school business. That money was supposed to be used for the education of the next generation. Pandora demanded the money back and some families will receive a nasty surprise.

Albus entered Ragnock’s office and saw Pandora and Ragnock waiting for him. Pandora greeted him in a fake, cheery tone: “Ah, headmaster, you finally arrived. Take a seat. We have some business to discuss.” Albus had seen the large stack of parchment in front of him and it seems like that this meeting was going to be long.

Taking a seat, Albus was hopeful that this meeting was going to be short. Ragnock started: “Lord Dumbledore, the audit of the Hogwarts Vaults is finished and there were many discrepancies with the vaults. A majority of the money went to the family vaults of the Fenwick, Vance, McDonald, Jones, Podmore, Marchbanks, Diggle, Doge and Dearborn families. Furthermore, the money also went to a vault that is called the Bird Fund. Can you give us a legal reason, why that money was transferred there and not to the education of the next generation?” Pandora was outraged. All this money went to Albus’ supporters and his order. She was going to make sure that the money would be returned to the Hogwarts Vaults. Albus was trying to remain calm and answered: “The money was necessary for the war against Voldemort and his followers. I knew that the money was supposed to be used for the school, but the war had its precedence.”

Pandora closed her eyes and inwardly, she counted to ten, in order to calm herself down from cursing the old fool. After she was calm, Pandora said: “Albus, the money in the Hogwarts Vaults should only be used for school matters, but instead of, you have violated many of these rules and regulations regarding the use of the money. The precedence of the money in the Hogwarts Vaults is in the education of the next generation. A war has nothing to do with that.” She had seen that Albus was ready to counter her with his ‘Greater Good’-nonsense and she swiftly added: “Apart from that, if you needed money for the war, then, why didn’t you make a charity and used those donations for the war.” Pandora knew the man was lying that he needed funds for the war, but in reality, Albus had a lot of funds for the conflict against Voldemort and he didn’t want to use those funds since the man was greedy and didn’t want to dip his hands in his own accounts.

Albus was stuck. He can’t really argue against this since the woman was right. Before he could come up with an argument, Pandora requested: “Chief Ragock, I demand the return of the money that was used for non-educational reasons.” Ragnock nodded and started to work. Albus on the other hand was panicking. His followers were not going to like this. A lot of money would be taken away from his side and some are going to be poor since they made many investments and became wealthy with the help of the money. Now, his side is going to lose a lot of money. He knew that the Vance, Fenwick, Marchbank, Diggle and Doge families could become broke through this since they were going to lose hundreds of thousands of Galleons and the McDonald, Jones and Podmore would become poor since they would lose millions, but they wouldn’t be affected that much. The Dearborn family was going to be the only light family that is not going to be affected by the loss of money, but the loss would be noticeable. Then, there were James, Lily, Sirius, Remus and his other individual followers, who he helped financially through the Bird Fund. Even that money would be gone since the majority of the money was going to be taken back.

Albus tried: “Come on, my girl, this is a slight misunderstanding. Surely, there is another way to solve this problem.” Pandora answered: “Well, there is another way to solve this problem.” Albus smiled, but the smile dropped, when Pandora said: “You are going to pay their debts since it was you, who made those transfers.” Pandora saw the stunned expression on Albus and smirked: “I mean, if you don’t want them to pay their debts, then, I am leaving the debts to you, Albus, since you were the perpetrator of this.”

Ragnock added: “It could be arranged. I mean, Lord Dumbledore has many vaults from his family including the Bird Fund and those vaults would be enough to pay all the illegal transfers back. What do you think Lord Dumbledore? Either you alone are going to pay the money back or those, who received the money would be the ones to pay back the debts. Your choice.”

Albus was trying to remain calm. This couldn’t be happening. Either he had to pay back for the transfers or his followers. The worst thing is now that the goblins would take away his entire fortune for this. No, Albus can’t risk this and for that he chooses the second option. Ragnock had known that the man would choose the second option since the man wasn’t foolish enough to risk his own fortune.

Albus sighed deeply. He already is imagining the fits his followers were going to throw, when they receive a nice bill from Gringotts and that the majority of their fortune is confiscated, because of the transfers. He already is dreading the order meeting today since Gringotts is going to send the notices first and then, the money would be transferred to the Hogwarts Vaults automatically. Albus asked: “Is that everything?” Pandora answered: “Yes, Headmaster, and next time, if there is another war against another dark lord, then, I strongly advise to not use school funds for this.”

Albus was a little bit relieved that the meeting wasn’t long, but it still was bad. His followers were not going let it go.

Great Britain

Like Albus had predicted, many of his followers were furious that all of the money from the school’s vaults were reclaimed back by Pandora. The Fenwicks, Vances, Marchbanks, Diggles and Doges were terrified and furious. Terrified since they were nearly broke and furious that all the money was going to be returned. The Podmores, Jones’ and McDonalds are enraged since they had lost millions of Galleons, which caused the families to become poor and the Dearborns were angry, but thankfully, they didn’t lose a lot of money, but it was still an annoyance.

James, Lily, Remus and the other individual followers were absolutely furious. Their personal vaults were nearly emptied. Instead of the hundreds of thousands of Galleons, they had in their vaults, they now have only more than ten thousand Galleons. The only exception, who didn’t lose any money since it was taken away by the Black family and the school’s money was returned to the Hogwarts Vaults by a furious Arcturus Black, was Sirius since he was disowned and the money that he had as Sirius Black was taken away by his former family.

Albus was also furious that the Bird Fund was closed down since the entire money in the vault belonged to the school. So, the goblins shut it down and the money was returned back to the Hogwarts Vaults. This was a nightmare.

And when things couldn’t get any worse, his floo flared multiple times and his followers came through to his office screaming and whining that their vaults were shut down or they have lost thousands to millions of Galleons. Albus was doing everything to calm them down. He understood their fury.

When he had managed to calm them down, Albus said: “I understand your anger, my dears, but there is nothing that can be done. Pandora wants the money back for the primary school and she is set in her goals.” Many grumbled. They wished that they could change Pandora’s mind, but the woman is supporting the primary school. “For now, we have to gather the money in another scale and try to invest the remaining money we have in good businesses.” Everyone sighed unhappily and started to make plans to look up for businesses that would make sure to fill their vaults again.

Albus sighed in relief, when his followers left his office. He needed a new approach, how to get the money back.

Malfoy Manor, January 20th, 2002

Narcissa was sitting and enjoying a cup of tea with some biscuits, when one of the house elves popped in the living room to inform her that Lady Burke is here. Her son is with the Greengrasses on a playdate and her husband had a business meeting. She knew Oreana Burke since she was a child and the woman never supported Voldemort since she didn’t agree with him and his beliefs about squibborns and halfbloods. Surprisingly, the woman had known about the origin of the muggleborns before the war and wanted to bring it up to the Wizengamot, in order to bring ruin to Voldemort and his followers, but she was stonewalled by Dumbledore and his followers and that is also the reason why, she didn’t like Dumbledore either. Narcissa stood up and greeted the woman politely: “Lady Burke, welcome to Malfoy Manor. I am surprised by your visit.”

Oreana twitched her lips and answered: “Lady Malfoy, I am apologising for my sudden visit, but this is an important matter. I wanted to go to Lord Crouch, but I am not sure, if it is the right time since he is still working on his divorce.” Narcissa knew that something must have happened. She answered: “Take a seat, Lady Burke.” Oreana took a seat and another cup of tea was ordered for the visitor. Narcissa knew that Oreana likes jasmine tea and chocolate biscuits. She always paid attention, what the lords and ladies liked and made sure to serve them, in order to make a good image.

After the Burke lady was settled, she continued. “Lady Malfoy, I am here, because I have heard unsettling news regarding the current Yaxley heir, Aurelius Yaxley.” Narcissa was now paying close attention. Corban’s younger brother was furious, when Corban married Clara and had children with her. She often heard, how Aurelius had complained regarding his brother’s disgraceful behaviour by marrying a mudblood whore and gold-digger and about their bastards since the man was never going to acknowledge that these children are legitimate Yaxleys. The resentment turned into hatred, when the former Lady Yaxley died. The woman had been furious about the marriage and demanded from her son to annul the marriage with Clara since the soul bond was faked in her opinion. Unfortunately for the Yaxleys, this was done in Gringotts and her sentiments insulted the goblins, who had proved that Clara and Corban are soulmates through an inheritance test. The goblins started an audit on their vaults and it had been annoying to the Yaxleys to have minimal access to their fortune. Corban refused and Octavia Yaxley had been whining and complaining that her eldest had betrayed her and had broken her heart. The split in the family caused many problems in the dark fraction and the animosity between Corban and the rest of his family grew, when Octavia died a bitter woman. Things got worse, when Corban made a speech during the funeral about his mother and declared her a blood traitor by going against Lady Magic’s decision by trying to break the soulbond between him and Clara. Narcissa knew that the woman tried everything to break the soulbond. Octavia tried to use marriage contracts against Corban, but they didn’t work since Corban always called Lady Magic to judge the contracts and all of them were invalidated much to the woman’s fury that even Lady Magic turned against her. She tried rituals to transfer the soulbond to Isabella Jugson, Corban’s former fiancé, but Corban stopped her by sabotaging her rituals and humiliating her in front of the public since monthly, there was always a damaging article against Octavia and her attempts. The woman’s reputation in the pureblood circles was tarnished and she was treated like a pariah. A majority of the pureblood families agreed with him and declared Octavia a blood traitor due to her attempts of breaking a sacred soulbond. Narcissa had seen the reactions of Lord Yaxley and his current heir. Lord Yaxley nearly suffered a heart attack and Aurelius had to be restrained by his friends in the death eater circle since the man wanted to make his brother suffer for his cruelty towards their mother. Seraphina Yaxley was also angered and hated her older brother for his speech during the funeral. It was also why the old Lord Yaxley disinherited Corban from the Yaxley heirship, but that was barely accepted by the family magics and with the skin of his teeth Aurelius became Heir Yaxley. The Family Magics were not happy and it made its displeasure known to the family, which annoyed the Yaxleys even more.

Narcissa returned back to the present and asked: “What unsettling news?”

Oreana answered: “I have overheard a conversation during my visit in Yaxley Manor that Aurelius Yaxley is planning to kidnap Clara and break the soulbond by killing her through an ancient ritual. He also plans to kill off Corban’s children since they have impure blood through their ‘mudblood’ mother and needed to die since they were polluting the pureblooded line of the Yaxleys. I don’t know with whom Aurelius had spoken to, but I am sure that there is another person involved in this. This needs to be stopped.” Oreana knew that some members of her family are blood purists, but thankfully, it is only a minority and they are rotting away in the goblin mines. She didn’t disown them due to the family charter, but she allowed the money to be confiscated since she felt a little bit guilty that she didn’t stop their actions. It’s now time to rectify things.

Narcissa knew that these are bad news and she knew that she had to stop Aurelius from doing this. If they manage to convict the man, then, Corban would become automatically Heir Yaxley again since the Yaxley family is patriarchal. She knew that Seraphina would be a problem, but she doesn’t have any inheritance rights, which would annoy the young woman to no end. This could work.

Narcissa answered: “I will bring it up to Amelia and she will forward the information to Lord Crouch. Aurelius will not get away with this.” Oreana sighed in relief and relaxed knowing that Aurelius will be stopped. The rest of the afternoon was spent talking about nothing until Lucius returned.

Lucius was surprised by Lady Burke’s visit and after the woman was gone, Narcissa explained the situation. Lucius had a thoughtful look on his face and said: “We need to be carefully, Cissy. Aurelius and his father have a lot of connections in the ministry. We need to have solid evidence, in order to convict him.” Narcissa added: “And if our plan is successful, then, the blood purists are going to lose the Yaxley seat. You know as I do, Lucius, that in case of a conviction, Aurelius would lose any rights to inherit any titles, which would make Corban Heir again and after his father’s death, he would become Lord Yaxley.” Lucius nodded slowly in understanding, but argued: “What about Seraphina, Narcissa?” Narcissa huffed and answered: “Lucius, the Yaxley family is like the Black family a patriarchy. Only a male can inherit the family’s title.” Lucius thinned his lips and answered: “Ah, okay. Now, I understand, how. But we need to make sure that we are successful.” Narcissa nodded in agreement and made plans, how to remove the Yaxleys from Voldemort’s circle. It would annoy the death eaters to no end.

Jones Estate, January 26th, 2002

Albus and his followers were sitting in a formal meeting room in Lord Jones’ estate. Arthur had attended this meeting, in order to get some details, what they were going to plan. The order was discussing the potion class. They needed to restrict that class and stop Snape from ruining the students. Elphias received an alerting letter from his great-great nephew, where the boy complained about the fact that he wasn’t able to attend the class since he didn’t pass the new expectations. Elphias knew that Elanor dreamed of becoming an auror and now that dream is destroyed, because of one Severus Snape. He promised his great-great nephew that he was going to do everything in his power to restrict the potion curriculum and make sure that he can attend the class, in order to become an auror. Albus explained: “We need to remove some potions from the curriculum first and then, we can lower the expectations. I believe that until August we would be able to lower Severus’ standards.” Everyone nodded in agreement. James just grumbled, how Snivellus was ruining lives and was making everyone miserable by these changes, but soon they will change it.

Arthur had nearly rolled his eyes. He knew that the newly dubbed Grey Alliance was going to stop this. Dumbledore continued: “We will focus now on the potion class since Severus made changes that had to be stopped. We don’t want the future generation to be discouraged from learning potions.” Albus twinkled and James knew that he had to do something against Snivellus’ changes. His sons will not be able to pass the class, if those expectations remained. Many were in the same opinion like James and they already have plans, how to make sure that the potion class is easier and to make sure that their children could get their dream jobs as healers and aurors.

Arthur wanted to shake his head. They just want to dumb down an entire generation with their nominations, but he was sure that most of the members of the board are going to stop Dumbledore and his followers. He made sure that Bill is paying close attention in the potion class since he warned him that the class is going to be harder than before.

Bones Manor, January 27th, 2002

The meeting of the Grey Alliance is taking place this time in Bones Manor and Arthur informed them about Dumbledore’s plans during the school board meeting. Narcissa was pleased that Dumbledore’s main focus would be the potion class, but they were going to throw some rocks on his way, in order to make sure that his nominations regarding the potion class will fail. She also has an idea, what could distract the old fool. The school should have new furniture. New desks, chairs, beds, tables etc. should be bought. Narcissa was sure that the current furniture wasn’t changed for nearly more than hundreds of years, when her ancestor was headmaster. It would distract Albus and his followers.

Narcissa laid out a plan, when no one had an idea, how to distract the old man: “I have an idea, what we should use, in order to distract Albus and his sheep.” Everyone turned to Narcissa. It was admiring that the woman had the best ideas, how to make sure that Dumbledore is distracted for the time being. Narcissa continued with a question to the others: “When was the last time that the furniture of the school had been updated?” That was one question that barely anyone could answer. Augustinus answered: “The last time, the school’s furniture was updated was in my sixth year. Former Headmaster Black had seen the deteriorating state of the furniture and had ordered everything to be replaced for the school. From what, I have seen, it seems like that neither Dippet nor Dumbledore haven’t updated the furniture. Both could have done something, but they did nothing.” Everyone looked unhappy about these revelations and Narcissa answered: “But now it is time that the board is stepping in and is making this important change. Dumbledore wants the status quo, but he wouldn’t be able to argue that the school needs new furniture since the current furniture is starting to deteriorate.” Everyone nodded in agreement.

After that was discussed, many turned to the next agenda and it was about the different designs of the primary school building. Many thought that the school should look like another version of Hogwarts, but Narcissa wanted the school to be more welcoming to children. Looking through the designs, she liked the designs especially from Emily Poole. The woman is an architect and had opened her own building firm here in the UK, but the difference between her building company and the other companies in the UK, she had hired different magical creatures like werewolves, vampires, undines, nymphs, veelas etc. Narcissa didn’t see any problems with that since there would be many benefits. Outside, the building looked like a wider version of Hogwarts since according to the woman, there should only be three floors in the school, in order to not exhaust the students with the stairs like in Hogwarts. Furthermore, the decorations outside would be done by nymphs and undines and the inside would be decorated by veelas. Another aspect is the inhuman strength of werewolves and the vampires, which is beneficial since the school would be finished in less than five years. The company may not be successful here in the UK due to the bigotry, but in the other parts of the world, the firm is successful and Narcissa also heard many praises since they are fast and had a good quality.

Narcissa said: “I like the designs from Emily Poole.” Many had seen the beautiful design from the woman and liked it. Adrianna admonished: “Oh, I like her designs, Cissy, and it is also good quality. I would really recommend her. My family hired her in Italy to renovate Zabini Manor in Rome and it was mind-blowing, how beautiful our manor was decorated from the inside and the outside.” The Italian woman showed everyone pictures of the newly renovated Zabini Manor and many were envious about the design of the manor. They will maybe hire that woman to renovate their manors and estates. It would make the manors and estates more welcoming.

With that, they decided that they would vote on Emily Poole’s designs. It would anger some darker purebloods and Dumbledore’s followers and to make them boil, they would hire the woman to renovate their ancestral homes. It is time for some changes.

After some time, Narcissa turned to the concerning conversation with Lady Burke. She turned to Amelia and said: “Amelia, I have some concerning news regarding Heir Aurelius Yaxley.” Amelia became slightly worried. She had the suspicion that it had something to do with Corban, Clara and their children. Narcissa continued, when everyone became slightly concerned about this information. “Lady Burke made a surprise visit last week and informed me about a worrying conversation between Aurelius Yaxley and an unknown person. The contents are really concerning, because according to Lady Burke, Aurelius was talking about using an ancient ritual to break the soulbond between Clara and Corban and kill her and her children.” Everyone was silent and horrified about this information. Amelia sighed and answered: “Don’t panic anyone. I will inform Corban and his wife about this and Corban and I will keep an eye on Aurelius and what he is going to do. I can’t open a file yet since we have only a claim from Lady Burke and we can’t risk her since Aurelius would know that Oreana had talked to you and he does know about your allegiances, but if we have circumstantial evidence against Aurelius, then, I can open a file against him without him knowing anything.” Narcissa understood the problem and hoped that they would be able to convict Aurelius before he could do something. She was also curious, who the other person could be. Narcissa had a suspicion that it could be Isabella Jugson, but she didn’t have any proof on that. Maybe it would be revealed later.

The meeting ended after everyone was finished with their tea and returned back home.

School board, January 28th, 2002

Narcissa was prepared for some more changes in the school. Their alliance is going to allow Dumbledore and his chicken with their nomination, then, they would put their distraction, which would cause some ruffled feathers with Dumbledore and his followers. When Albus finally arrived a few minutes late, the session started.

The first thing, they did, was to summarise the last school board meeting. Albus had a pensive face since the man is still miffed that the last meeting was a failure and Narcissa couldn’t wait to make Dumbledore’s life more and more difficult.

When it was time for the nominations, Elphias Doge was the first to be chosen to make a nomination. He started to drone on about the danger of some potions and how the ICW curriculum in potions had to be restricted because of these potions. Severus told them that there were some accidents in his class, when the class was brewing a simple truth serum, but he had managed to stop them and made sure that the students were safe. Sadly, Doge was taking everything out of context, when he said that during the potion class six students were injured and one was so gravely injured that he was being treated in St. Mungos. Narcissa made sure that the report about the accident would be presented in front of the board since the man was clearly lying.

When Doge was finished, many were distrustful about this, but they moved to the next nomination. It was Lord Davis that was making the nomination. “Lords, Ladies, there is something that we are overlooking and it is about the furniture in Hogwarts. I have an important question to Headmaster Dumbledore.” Albus’ jaw tightened. This will not go well. He answered in a grandfatherly voice: “Yes, my boy, what is your question?” Michael ignored Dumbledore’s disrespect and asked: “When was the last time the furniture of Hogwarts had been updated?” Albus swallowed hard. This question was unexpected and he knew that lying would lead him to nowhere since Augustinus Lestrange was going to counter him. Albus answered: “The last time, the furniture was updated was during Phineas’ time as headmaster.”

“WHAT?!” Many apart from Albus and the Grey Alliance were shocked and furious that the furniture was more than one century old. Chattering started that something must be done about this. Albus had a hard time since his followers were conflicted about these revelations. When everything was calm, Michael moved to his nomination. “For that reason, I am nominating that the school needs new furniture and an update. It shouldn’t a problem with the Hogwarts Vaults, Lady Ravenclaw.” Pandora nodded. She knew that there was enough money now to buy new furniture for the school. Albus knew that there was no way out. He needed to speak with his followers first before he can make a decision about this. He never expected that someone would bring this up in front of the board.

Narcissa liked it that Dumbledore and his fools were distracted and Aurelia took over. Aurelia asked: “Are there any other nominations?” Narcissa glanced at Pandora and the woman rose her wand. Aurelia turned her attention to the Ravenclaw heir. “Lady Lovegood-Ravenclaw?” Pandora calmed herself down and started: “There is something wrong about Lord Doge’s nomination regarding the accident in the potion class. As the Ravenclaw heir, I am able to get access to the archives of Hogwarts that had been made by the school since the building is a sentimental being. Every accident or incident in the school is automatically recorded and I managed to have the report regarding the potion accident that Lord Doge had mentioned.” Everyone gave her the go-ahead. Pandora continued a little bit more confident. “According to the report, the five students that Lord Doge mentioned had minor injuries were sent to the hospital wing, where they were treated in no time and were released the same day apart from one, who had more injuries than the other five and had to spend the entire day in the hospital wing, but he never was admitted to St. Mungos. Everything what Lord Doge had said is taken out of context and is made up.” This left many with a sour taste and Lady Meadow was the next, who rose her wand. Many turned their attention to the woman. “I am in agreement with Lady Lovegood-Ravenclaw. In St. Mungos, we would have received a report of a student being admitted in the hospital, but we received nothing. Furthermore, I have heard during a luncheon with Heir Consort Doge that Lord Doge’s great-great nephew had been loudly complaining about the changes in the potion class since he isn’t able to attend the class, because he has an EE in his potion OWL. I believe that Lord Doge’s motion is just the result of an uncouth fit of a Hogwarts student that isn’t able to attend the NEWT potion class and is unable to follow his dream of becoming an auror.” Many didn’t know that, but knowing this caused many to turn away from Doge’s nomination. Narcissa was surprised by this, but this was good. And it also causes that Dumbledore’s followers are looked as petty.

With that out of the way, Pandora continued with her nomination about the design of the primary school and she announced that she liked Emily Poole’s design of the primary school. Many darker purbloods didn’t like Emily Poole since she hired worthless creatures that have no use in their community, but the majority of the school board liked her design. Narcissa also showed everyone the newly renovated Zabini Manor and nearly everyone was envious about the outlook of the manor in the inside and the outside. Many were secretly planning to hire the women to renovate their ancestral homes. The darker purebloods were even more furious since Zabini Manor looked absolutely perfect and there was nothing that can be said about the quality since no one could compete with that. Many knew that they were going to vote for Emily Poole since that woman had an impressive design and it would take less than five years to finish the primary school. Furthermore, the quality is promising since Emily Poole’s company has high praises internationally.

They waited until Dumbledore and his followers were finished with their long-winded discussion about Lord Davis’s nomination. Aurelia said, when the privacy ward was dispelled: “Headmaster Dumbledore, we have another nomination. It has been nominated that Emily Poole’s building company should be hired for the building of the primary school.” Albus stared at the woman. There was no way, he was going to allow dark creatures to build the school, but looking at the designs of the woman, he had to admit that it looks stunning. Looking at Zabini Manor, Albus asked: “And what is this picture?” Narcissa rose her wand and when Dumbledore’s attention was on her, she answered: “This is Zabini Manor. Count Zabini hired Emily Poole to renovate Zabini Manor and I have to admit that even I am envious of how beautifully the veelas, undines and nympth had decorated the outside and the inside of the manor.” Furthermore, the woman is internationally well-known and is famous for her projects, which annoys Albus to no end. Looking at the faces of the majority of the school board, Albus can read that many were going to support the woman.

Albus and his followers tried to discredit the woman, but sadly, her reputation is strong and can’t be easily tarnished. Many knew that this was just an attempt to stop the woman from building the primary school and were disgusted, how the light and good witches and wizards were acting like spoilt brats that were told no and were throwing fits.

When it was time to vote, the vote regarding the potion class failed. Elphias seethed silently. Albus looked like he swallowed more than one lemon and the others were angry that their nomination failed. The second nomination was unanimous and the last had a landslide vote and had passed, which angered Dumbledore, his followers and the darker purebloods.

After the votes, the school board meeting came to an end and everyone went home.

Headmaster’s office

Albus arrived back at his office in a foul mood. This meeting didn’t go, how it was supposed to go. Where did they go wrong? He had believed that they would manage to lower the standards of the potion class and delay the building of the primary school. Both plans failed and now the school would be built by Emily Poole, a creature-loving bitch, much to his disgust. He was growing to hate those distractions since they were throwing his plans into disarray, but they are nominated unexpectantly and he and his followers are unprepared, how to deal with them since they are inconvenient.

Looking at his followers, many saw that the headmaster was unhappy and they were frustrated by the school board that nothing is going their way. It is annoying. How are they supposed to make the wizarding world a better place with all these problems.

Many were complaining that dark creatures are going to build the primary school and they were furious about the failed nomination from their side. They needed to work hard, in order to fix these problems. Elphias huffed: “Albus, what are we going to do now? I can’t believe that things are going in the opposite direction.”

Albus sighed. Elphias was right. Things were going in the wrong direction. He was supposed to be in control of the school board and the Wizengamot, but somehow, he had lost control over both, and he is now dealing with the consequences of this loss. But regardless, he will not give up and he was going to make sure to dumb down the potion class. “I know, Elphias, but we have to accept this setback, but next time, we would make sure that things are going in our favour. We need to prepare ourselves better for the next Wizengamot and school board meeting. We can’t allow any setbacks.” Elphias and his friends in the Wizengamot nodded in agreement. They need to be more organised and prepared. With that goal, everyone left the headmaster in his own thoughts.

After everyone left, Albus was thinking. Things were not going his way and he had a suspicion that someone is behind all these failures, but he can’t point his fingers to who since Voldemort was gone. But he also knew that Voldemort would have hated these changes too and he knew that he couldn’t be behind this. All the nominations were done by the neutral section and they don’t have a clear leader since the leader is changing every five years. For now, the leader of the neutral section is Cyrus Greengrass, but in 2005, the neutrals would have a new leader. The dark fraction is now led by Lucius Malfoy, but he was sure that soon, the man was not going to continue to be the leader of the dark fraction since the man is distrustful towards the other dark fraction members. That was also the reason why, many families that are still loyal to Tom are trying to bring them back to their way of thinking.

Albus had to watch, what is going to happen. He can feel it in his bones that things are going to change and he needed to be prepared to counter or try to minimise these changes. Their world’s future is depending on him.

Chapter Text

Hogwarts, February 2nd, 2002

Albus was discussing with his followers to ban archaic magic from their country. He had everything, why that branch of magic should be banned since there are no defences against that kind of magic. He will use Voldemort as an example since he knew that the man dabbled into archaic magic, in order to defeat and kill his opponents. It would be easy to use Voldemort and his past actions, in order to make sure that the nomination passes. Albus was not going to fail this time. “This time, my dears, we will be successful. Voldemort had used that magic, in order to kill many of our friends and acquaintances. It is one of the most dangerous branches of magic since no one was able to stop it, when he started to practice this kind of magic. I don’t need to tell you, how many witches and wizards turned evil, when they started to practice archaic magic.” Phineas was shaking his head in resignation. The man is a fool. Many archaic magic users were heroes and only a small minority turned evil since they dabbled in Black Archaic Magic, which is one of the most dangerous and internationally forbidden branches of magic. Many books were made illegal and were kept away from the public’s eye since that kind of magic was dangerous. The only ones, who are allowed to read that material are High Masters in Archaic Magic since they are strong enough to withstand the corruptive nature of that kind of magic. The so-called dark lord and Bellatrix had dabbled in that kind of magic and weren’t strong enough to withstand the corruptive nature of Black Archaic Magic. As a result, they became completely insane. With Bellatrix, things got worse since the Black madness multiplied and that was the reason why Bellatrix had lost her mind easily.

But Phineas will not dwell on the past. He was going to inform Narcissa about the old fool’s plans. He knew that Narcissa will be able to stop that old idiot from doing anything. Why didn’t he notice that Dumbledore was going to be a power-hungry individual, when he attended Hogwarts as a student. Sadly, he was back then an arrogant fool that was blinded by his own ego and hadn’t cared for the students since he was an elitist and tried to maintain his reputation, which caused the opposite. Phineas had managed to fix the issues after Ranruk and his entourage were defeated and Viktor Rockwood and his thugs were dealt with. As he got older, he understood his responsibilities even more and made sure that Hogwarts was internationally recognised until he had died. His successor Armando Dippet continued his work until the fool made Albus deputy-headmaster. He really couldn’t blame Armando for that since the man started to mentally decline due to old age and became senile in his final days as headmaster. He wished that Armando had retired before he announced the old fool as deputy-headmaster. With that, the First Wizarding war would have been stopped and Tom Riddle would have never become Lord Voldemort. It would have saved many lives. Sadly, a maniacal, old man decided to play god.

When everything was finished, Albus asked, if there was something suspicious going on in the ministry. Many shook their head apart from Hestia. Albus turned his attention to the poor woman. Albus noticed that Hestia was starting to fade each day since the revelations of Julius’ death and how Severus was responsible for killing the love of her life. He tried to use Severus’ cruelty towards Julius against Severus in public, in order to gain control over that man since he believed that no one would allow a man, who had destroyed a soul bond, to run freely, but sadly, many didn’t care since the majority believed that Julius had no one else to blame than himself for his death. Albus wished that the public should have been more sympathetic towards Hestia, but no one paid her any mind, which made the woman angry, how cold and careless the public could be.

Hestia had informed him that Amelia and Corban Yaxley were discussing about Aurelius Yaxley. She heard that the younger Yaxley brother was planning something and it is concerning Corban and his family. Albus could use that to sway the man and his family on his side, if he offered them protection against Aurelius Yaxley, but first, they need to have any evidence against Aurelius, in order to prove that the man was planning something big. Many like James and Sirius behaved like children and told Albus that they don’t care, what Aurelius was planning against his older brother since they both were death eaters. Albus withheld his growl and his most loyal and oldest followers were shaking their heads not believing, how idiotic this younger generation could be. They became annoyed, when everyone ignored their stupidity and Albus ordered them to keep an eye on Aurelius Yaxley.

Albus’ first priority is that he needed to find a way to lower the standards in the potion class, but it was hard somehow, but he will succeed.

When everyone left, Phineas went to his portrait in Malfoy Manor.

Malfoy Manor, February 3rd, 2002

Narcissa and Lucius were sitting and discussing Dumbledore’s plans with the other members of their alliance. They needed to make sure that the ban regarding Archaic Magic isn’t passed since that magic is needed for the wards in the ministry, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and other magical places. Without Archaic Magic, the wards couldn’t be updated and they could fail in case of an attack or they could collapse, if they are not renewed. The masters in Archaic Magic are renewing those wards every decade. She already collected all the information about the wards in the ministry and the other magical places.

Callidora huffed: “Albus is making our lives even more difficult. I wish, we could go against him directly, but we would risk a toddler’s life, if we do this.” The woman let out a sigh. She looked at her favourite great niece and asked: “Narcissa, for how long are we going to play this game with Albus.”

Narcissa understood their impatience, but they have to play the long game. “I understand your impatience, great-aunt Callidora, but we are playing the long game in the politics. We need to wait for four years until the Potters’ fame has cooled down. Currently, it is too fresh and we would endanger Akira and his parents. We need to leave the Potters alone for the time being, but we will strike, when it is time for Akira to start primary school. Our focus is now to stop Aurelius Yaxley and his plans. With that, we would be able to discredit the dark fraction and Lucius, Tarquinius and I would have a reason to leave the dark fraction in the Wizengamot and align our seats to the neutral fraction.” Augustinus added: “And Darren and I would be able to move our seats to the neutral fraction in the school board since in the Wizengamot our seats are traditionally in the dark section.” Darren nodded. Everyone knew that if you are in the Wizengamot in one fraction, it doesn’t mean that you have to be in the same fraction in the school board. It also doesn’t count, if the seat is traditionally light, neutral or dark.

Pandora interjected: “But you all realise that you still wouldn’t have enough votes to oust Dumbledore from his Head Governor position.” Narcissa smirked and Pandora knew that the woman had a plan. Narcissa laid out: “Pandora, we will try to track down the Hufflepuff heir. We all know that the Smiths couldn’t be the Hufflepuff heirs since they never proved it in the Wizengamot. With the Hufflepuff seats, we would have the majority of the school board and Dumbledore would have lost the Head Governor position.” Pandora had to admit that the plan could work.

Everyone couldn’t wait for this event to happen, but they needed to think about another distraction. Many were discussing, what to do. Narcissa was thinking hard, what they could change this time until the Lady Malfoy had an idea. Many witches and wizards, who are venturing in the muggle world, do not adapt to the muggle world. It is important since they would be able to hide in the non-magical world easily and remain unrecognised, but that is harder due to the wizarding robes that the witches and wizards are wearing. Narcissa knew, what her nomination would be. Her nomination would be that the magical world should be introduced to muggle clothing, so that the witches and wizards can hide in the muggle world with ease.

Narcissa laid out her idea, when everyone had seen the look on her face. That look alone says that the woman has an idea. Narcissa explained: “I have an idea and it is something that we have been overlooking again.” Augustinus asked her with a mock glare. “What did we overlook again? Seriously, are we getting blind?” Everyone looked at her with a mock-hurt expression. Narcissa huffed at their expressions. “What we have been overlooking is, how we are hiding and adapting in the muggle world.” Everyone was surprised by that and sadly, they had to agree with her. Many witches and wizards especially ministry officials are venturing in the muggle world with wizarding robes not caring that the muggles would notice them. They knew, where she was going with that information. Arthur agreed with her: “You are right, Narcissa. We need to know, how to hide in the muggle world since if we continue like this, then, we would expose ourselves in front of the muggles. If we are venturing in the muggle world, we should at least adapt to their culture and their customs, in order to hide ourselves.” Many agreed on this since an exposition would lead to many problems. Many muggles would fear magic and try to destroy it since they wouldn’t be able to understand it.

“You are right, Arthur, and for that reason, you are going to nominate this nomination.” Narcissa had a grin towards Arthur, who rolled his eyes in exasperation. He asked: “Do I have to?” Everyone huffed. Narcissa said: “Arthur, you are the only one, who is venturing in the muggle world and has the knowledge. Apart from that, Dumbledore would never shoot down your nomination regarding muggles.” Arthur admitted defeat. “Alright, alright. I will show the Wizengamot my dias about my visits in the muggle museums, in order to remind them of the consequences, if witches and wizards are exposed to the muggles.” Arthur had visited with his boys many museums and exhibitions in the muggle world during the Yule holidays. It was exciting, but also terrifying, what he had learned about the muggles and their weaponry. This would make sure that the wizarding world should not underestimate muggles since they could be dangerous and in case of a war, the witches and wizards would be outnumbered by only the sheer number of the muggles.

Albus was not going to like it and it would lead to a changed view about the muggle world. It’s about time to destroy those rose-tinted glasses about the muggles being harmless. They are as dangerous as witches and wizards.

The meeting ended with that conversation.

Wizengamot, February 4th, 2002

Another Wizengamot meeting had started and Narcissa was ready to make some changes and to make sure that muggles shouldn’t be underestimated due to their military advancements in the last century. Narcissa knew that those from the light would try to put rose-tinted glasses about how muggles are harmless and not dangerous and those from the dark would describe the muggles as animals, which they are not since they were even more dangerous than wizards and witches. It would be funny to watch the furious faces of both sides that the muggles could be as dangerous as witches and wizards.

Narcissa knew that Dumbledore would be the first one to make his nomination about the ban of Archaic Magic. The man only introduced the Black Magical version, but neglected to mention the light, neutral and dark version of Archaic Magic. Narcissa really questioned the man’s intelligence.

When he was finished, Narcissa was ready to fall asleep. Now it is time for their nomination. She glanced at Arthur, who just nodded to her in assurance. When Albus asked, if there was another nomination, he sighed in relief that it was Arthur, who wanted to make a nomination regarding muggles. He was sure that Arthur was going to put up a notion that would further underestimate those muggles and it would lead to the dominance of wizards and witches over the muggles. Albus needed this, in order to make sure to make the muggles pay for what they had done to his sister. He never liked them, but sadly, he had to pretend that he likes them and see them as their equals, in order to have the support of his followers, which is easy. In reality, Albus believes that they are vermin that needed to be stamped out. The only thing that he liked about them is their production of lemon drops, but in the other aspects, they are useless. For that reason, he never updated the muggle study class, in order to make sure that his followers are thinking that the muggles are simpletons that needed the guidance of wizards and witches, in order to advance. He was excited about Arthur’s nomination.

Arthur prepared his diashow to show the Wizengamot, how muggles had advanced in the last century and how dangerous, they could be. He started with his nomination. “Lords, Ladies, I am nominating that the wizarding world should start selling muggle clothing, so that we can hide in the muggle world. The muggles could be as dangerous as witches and wizards and if you learn their history, especially the darker aspects of muggle history like the witch hunts during the 17th century or the Spanish inquisition. Furthermore, the muggles didn’t remain stagnant as we have learned during the muggle study class since they have advanced even further than the wizarding world. I have taken some pictures in some muggle museums that I have visited during Yule break as my assignment and what I have learned was horrifying.”

Arthur started to show the Wizengamot pictures about the advancements in the 20th century and it shocked and horrified the members to the core. The worst was the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the aftereffects of the atomic bombs on the health of the affected muggles. Many were sickened, when Arthur showed them a baby with deformities on their bodies. According to the museum guide, these deformities were caused by the radiations of the atomic bombs. Many more dias were shown about the wars that came after the Second World War like the Korea War, the Vietnam War and the civil war in Yugoslavia. Many members were stunned, what the muggles were capable of and it was shocking that a device that the muggles called bombs and grenades could destroy wide areas. From there on, many members in the Wizengamot changed their perspective about the muggles and they came to the conclusion that muggles could be as dangerous as witches and wizards or maybe even more. Narcissa was green, when she had seen, what had happened to the children during the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. She would never wish this fate on a child. At the end of the dias, Arthur continued: “You have seen, what the muggles are capable of, but this is only a fraction of what I have gathered. From what I have managed to learn, muggles are still advancing in technology and this also includes weaponry. The weapons from the museums were used in the past, for that reason, I visited multiple military bases and this is what I have managed to get legally.” He handed everyone some brochures about the muggle military and everyone stared at the current weaponry of the muggle world. This is insanity. Many members of the Wizengamot were in a panic. These weapons alone could wipe out all magical places in one go. Arthur also continued: “And there is also the issue about the mindset of muggles. According to a squib that is living in the muggle world and is aware of the magical world, not all muggles are accepting of magic due to their religious beliefs and upbringing or the fact that they can’t understand it. If they ever find out that magic is real and something goes wrong. Then like in history, they will blame us, then, the chances of going to war against the muggles is bigger. I believe that no one would want that.” The majority nodded in agreement. Arthur continued. “For that reason, if we are venturing in the muggle world, it should be a requirement to wear muggle clothes with a muggle ID, in order to minimise our chances of being exposed to the muggles. For example, aurors, who have to venture in the muggle world for raids, should wear the police uniform with a British police ID and ID that is common in the muggle world, in order to avoid misunderstandings and to be unobtrusive. I am not forcing you to wear muggle clothes in the wizarding world, but I am really suggesting that we should wear muggle clothes, if we are venturing in the muggle world, so that we can hide.” With that final statement, there were many discussions regarding this issue. Many liked Arthur’s nomination since everything of what they have learned about the muggles changed their perspective. Muggles are not to be underestimated and are as dangerous as witches and wizards.

Albus was absolutely furious. What was Arthur thinking, when he presented this in front of the Wizengamot. It destroyed pretty much everything, what he had said about the muggles in the past, but even he had to admit that muggles are dangerous with their weaponry. And his followers were already arguing since many wanted to disagree with Arthur, but they couldn’t counter his proof since the dias were damning and the brochures were the last nail to the coffin. Albus groaned. He now had to discuss with his followers about this nomination.

Albus requested a privacy ward, in order to discuss Arthur’s nomination with his followers.

When Aurelia Acton took over, she asked, if there were any new nominations. Narcissa glanced at Cyrus Greengrass, who rose his wand. Aurelia asked: “Lord Greengrass?”

Cyrus took a deep breath and said: “I have my doubts about Lord Dumbledore’s nomination about the ban against Archaic Magic. The man only introduced a minor branch of magic and it is the black magical aspect, which is a very dangerous field of magic since casting that kind of magic is dangerous and corruptive.” Cyrus handed everyone some files about Archaic Magic that they had collected from the Unspeakables. It was surprising, how cooperative they were to stop the ban of Archaic Magic. Cyrus continued: “According to these files, Archaic Magic is a part of our ward scheme since they are used to keep the strength of our wards and make sure that the wards can withstand any magical attacks. Furthermore, Archaic Magic can also be used in defensive magic, in order to empower shield and protection charms, and additionally, many of our Lordship or Ladyship rings are coated with protections that are also a part of Archaic Magic and have been renewed by our account managers. If we ban this magic, I am not so sure, if the wards in the ministry, in Diagon Alley, in Hogsmeade and in many other magical places here in Great Britain would remain strong, if we deny the masters in Archaic Magic the renewal of our wards in our nation.”

Many members looked at the file and were astounded that the headmaster again had withheld important information. Looking at the files closely, they noticed that many wards in the ministry, Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Wizengamot, Hogsmeade and the other magical places were created through Archaic Magic. There was also a marked paragraph that the Archaic Magic in the wards had to be renewed every decade or the wards would either decline or fail. No one wanted that and they were angry that Albus was endangering them again with his views.

Cyrus returned the attention back to himself and said: “For that reason, I am nominating to put the current ban against Archaic Magic into question since we need to reevaluate, if the ban is beneficial for our society.” Many had supportive faces and Narcissa was happy that they clearly would get a clear majority. Even Voldemort’s followers are going to support their nomination.

When Albus and his followers were finished with their discussion, Narcissa saw that the old fool had a resigned look on his face since it seems like that it was a tense argument.

Albus retook his seat and was resigned. Arthur had ruffled many feathers in his section with his motion and many of his followers were arguing about the fact that the muggles could be as dangerous as witches and wizards. Albus will have a word with Arthur, but he isn’t sure, if this conversation would bring him anything since the man had countered his statements that muggles are harmless and needed their guidance. Now many will believe that the muggles are even more dangerous due to their weaponry and it is better to leave them be. He had no choice then to agree with Arthur’s nomination.

Albus asked in a grandfatherly voice: “Aurelia, were there any new nominations?”

Aurelia answered in a stoic tone: “There was a nomination from Lord Greengrass. He had nominated to put the current ban against Archaic Magic into question. It seems like that you have neglected to mention, Chief Warlock, that Archaic Magic is used in ward schemes and in shield and protection charms, in order to empower them. You only mentioned the aspect of Black Archaic Magic, which is a very dangerous branch of magic that had been banned worldwide, but you didn’t mention the other branches of Archaic Magic.” Albus and his sheep were given the files about Archaic Magic and they started to go through the files about that branch.

Albus was furious. This information could be damning, but Albus continued with the voting. He hoped that the other members would have been intimidated by the black magical aspect of Archaic Magic and would vote for his nomination. When the vote to his nomination came, the majority voted against him. Albus didn’t understand, why his nomination failed. Arthur’s nomination had passed. The only ones, who voted against the motion were the darker purebloods. The last nomination received a landslide vote, which allowed the nomination to pass.

Albus was ready to kill. Why didn’t his nomination pass? He was the Chief Warlock. He was in control of the Wizengamot and everyone should believe his words. He couldn’t believe that these fools were opposing him like this. When the meeting came to an end, Albus stormed out of the chambers with his followers in tow. The man was clearly furious and his followers didn’t look any better.

Headmaster’s office

Albus stormed into his office in an absolute fury. He couldn’t believe that these fools voted against him and to make matters worse, they put the current ban against Archaic Magic up to question. What was going on? Why didn’t it work? The past four Wizengamot meetings only hindered his cause. Albus was still in deep thoughts trying to understand, what did go wrong during this meeting. Everything was prepared until Arthur’s nomination caused many problems and things went the wrong way, when Cyrus Greengrass spread the detailed information about Archaic Magic, which ruined his nomination. Now the law is inactive for the time being.

Turning his attention to Arthur, everyone gave the redhead a disappointed look. “Arthur, my boy, can you explain me, where you got the information from?” Albus hoped that Arthur got those information from someone dark, who wants to discredit the muggles. Arthur smiled ignoring the look the headmaster gave him and told him the story he and Amelia made up, in order to make it believable. “Well, it all started, when Amelia had read an article from a muggle newspaper about the attacks on the World Trade Center in September 11th, 2001 and how both towers had collapsed by the attack. She wanted to know, how far the muggles had advanced in their weaponry since the article was horrifying and according to the article nearly 3000 people had died during the attacks on the twin towers and the collapse. So, I ventured in the muggle world and had visited many museums that were recommended by some contacts in the muggle world and the military bases, who gave me brochures about the advanced weaponry. After I was finished with collecting all the information I have managed to gather, I prepared my assignment for Amelia and showed her, how far the muggles had advanced in their weaponry. Amelia was alerted by the result. I thought, she was going to call an emergency meeting, when she had seen the result of my research, what the muggles had done in one century. She also left me the task to present it in front of the Wizengamot.”

Albus wanted to groan. He never thought that the incident in September would bite him back in the butt. One little misstep had destroyed his plans regarding the muggles. He can’t go back to the mindset that the muggles are harmless. Alone the attack on the World Trade Center showed that muggles could be dangerous. Albus never thought that this incident in the muggle world would cause this.

He was rubbing his eyes. Another distraction ruined his nomination and his plans for the betterment of the wizarding world.

Albus dismissed his followers and was thinking. He needs to be successful at the next Wizengamot meeting.

Knockturn Alley, February 12th, 2002

Two dark figures were standing in the shadows of the infamous Knockturn Alley and were discussing.

A female voice whispered furiously: “Have you managed to get everything for the ritual?”

A male, harsh voice answered: “No, my contact told me that he needed to gather all the ritual materials for now and he had to be carefully, so that he didn’t get caught, but I can assure you that everything would be ready at April and then, we can get rid of that mudblood whore that had faked this soulbond with my brother and tore my family into pieces. Her children will also suffer for their mother’s action. I will never acknowledge these bastards as my nephews and nieces since they are disgusting halfbloods. It is time to clean this taint from my family. Father didn’t do anything and allowed my brother to do whatever he wanted, but this will stop now. I am really sorry for how he had treated you, but I will make sure that he is going to honour you and make him pay for the disrespect he had showed you.”

The female cackled. “Don’t worry about that, Al. I will make him regret ever thinking, he can do this to me and get away with it. I am going to make sure that he will watch how you are going to kill that filthy mudblood whore and her brats and make him mine like it was promised. With that your family had repaid the debt that my family is demanding.”

The man nodded in agreement. It’s time to bring the honour of his house back and make his brother pay by disgracing the family like this. He will return his noble house back to the top of the pureblood circles.

Unknown to him, an informant overheard their conversation.

DMLE, February 15th, 2002

Amelia was going over some files for the Wizengamot trials that are going to take place today. Normally, the trials should have been the day before, but since Valentines Day was introduced in their world, the trials are going to take place on February 15th and not 14th like it is done usually.

She was interrupted in her thoughts, when she heard a knock to her door. With a Come-in, another woman with a dark cloak entered her office. Amelia knew the woman since she was an informant in Knockturn Alley and she got always the best information from her. “Christina, what can I do for you?” Amelia went behind her desk and sat down on her seat. She indicated the other woman to take a seat. The woman took a deep breath and sat down. She answered: “I have some distressing news from Knockturn Alley, Amelia.”

Amelia quickly took out a notepad. She hoped that it had something to do with Aurelius Yaxley and his plans. The woman continued: “I have seen Aurelius Yaxley and an unknown woman talking with each other and managed to eavesdrop. It is not good. Aurelius ordered from a black-market dealer some banned ritual materials, in order to break a soulbond and I am very sure that it had something to do with Corban and his wife since the man was talking about his brother and how he was planning to kill Corban’s entire family, in order to repay a debt to another noble house and clean the taint from his family.” Amelia should have known that Aurelius was planning something. Now, she was able to open a file against Aurelius Yaxley. Amelia asked: “Can you give me your memory, so that I can view it in my pensive and make sure to certify them?” The woman nodded and Amelia took out her pensive. When that was done and the memory was removed, Amelia viewed the memory for a while. She always made notes, when she was finished with the viewing.

After she was finished with her viewing, Amelia examined the memory, in order to certify it, if the memory wasn’t tempered with. Amelia left a certification mark indicating that the memory hasn’t been tempered with and filed it as evidence. This was good. If she has enough evidence against Aurelius Yaxley and his accomplice, then, she can arrest him and worry less about the safety of Corban, Clara and their children.

“Thank you, Christina. I will handle it from here on”, Amelia said and the woman left her office.

Amelia had plans to tell Corban about Aurelius’ plans, but first she needs to attend some trials before she can speak with Corban.

Amelia Bones’ office, February 20th, 2002

Amelia was waiting for Corban to come to her office. She needed to inform the man about Aurelius’ plans regarding Clara and their children. Amelia had spent five days to identify the woman, but it was fruitless since the accomplice managed to hide herself very well, but she was very sure that it must be Isabella Jugson since the woman had claimed that if their plan is successful, then, the debt with the woman’s family is repaid. Sadly, Amelia doesn’t have any proof, because she needed to find evidence against Aurelius Yaxley first before she can go against Isabella Jugson. She knew that the woman was still bitter that Corban broke off their engagement and married Clara since they were soulmates. Instead of accepting Corban’s reason for breaking the engagement, Lord Jugson, a well-known blood purist, ended the alliance with House Yaxley and declared Corban’s decision as an insult to his only daughter. The man demanded from Lord and Lady Yaxley to force their son to pay his debt back, which hadn’t worked since Corban absolutely refused to listen to the demands of the man. He announced their bonding and Clara’s pregnancy, which infuriated the Yaxleys and the Jugsons further. The split was solved with Corban’s disinheritance, but the relationship was still icy.

Amelia was interrupted in her thoughts, when there was a knock on her office door. With a Come-in, Corban and Clara entered her office. Corban asked: “You wanted to see us, Amelia?” Amelia nodded and answered: “Yes, there is an important matter that we have to discuss. Take a seat.”

When both took a seat, Amelia said: “Corban, Clara, I have bad news regarding Aurelius Yaxley.” The couple looked at each other and turned their attention back to Amelia. Corban asked: “What is going on, Amelia?” Amelia took a deep breath and answered: “Aurelius Yaxley is planning to use an olde dark magical ritual that is supposed to break a soul bond. This ritual would have killed Clara and he is also planning to kill off your children after he dealt with your wife.” Corban wanted to kill his brother. He should have realised that his brother was up to no good.

Amelia knew that murderous look on Corban’s face and she knew that her friend was ready to go to skin his brother alive. Clara was calming her husband down and asked: “How do you know that Aurelius is planning something?”

Amelia answered: “During the end of January, Lady Burke visited Lady Malfoy and informed her about the distressing news regarding Heir Yaxley. During a meeting, Narcissa informed me about Aurelius’ plans, but I couldn’t do anything since it was only rumoured. I only managed to open the file against Aurelius, when my informant from Knockturn Alley came to me to confirm Aurelius’ plans. Now, I am here warning you. The advantage, we have, is that the ritual would be ready at April. So, we have two months, in order to get enough evidence against Aurelius and have him arrested.” Aurelius and Clara nodded.

Before they could leave, Amelia told them that there was another matter to discuss. “Corban, Clara, there is something else. Aurelius is not acting alone. It seems like that he has an accomplice and through my informant, I can tell you that it is a woman, who is helping him.” Corban immediately knew, who it could be, but it better be left unsaid since he only had suspicions.

The couple left Amelia’s office in a hurry. They need to make sure that their children are safe, but they needed a plan to stop Aurelius from destroying their family.

Amelia knew that Corban would kill Aurelius, if he is a danger to his own family. The split in the Yaxley family is getting worse and worse and she is terrified of a succession crisis in case Aurelius is arrested since she was sure that Gerald would make sure that Seraphina becomes Heiress Yaxley, but that would never work since the Yaxley family is a patriarchal family, where only a male can become a head of family. The family magics would choose Corban to be Heir and the future Lord Yaxley, whereas Seraphina would be under Corban’s command. If Corban said that she isn’t allowed to take the dark mark, then, she had to follow his orders, no matter what she wants.

Amelia knew that the woman would be furious, but no one can save her from that fate. She will see, what will happen.

Podmore Manor, February 22nd, 2002

There was another order meeting regarding the school board meeting on Monday. Albus was planning to remove the blood pressure regulating potion from the curriculum. That potion needs volatile ingredients and it could lead to a lost life or to a lost limb in the minimum case. Albus had been forced to go through the potions for the NEWTs classes and found many potions that were used in the medical profession. If he removes some of the key potions, then, he can lower the potion class standards and many of his pawns would be able to attend the class even with an EE.

Albus announced: “This time, we are going to remove the blood pressure regulating potion. The ingredients are dangerous and one little mistake could lead to a loss of limb or in the worst-case scenario to a lost life. We can’t allow this to happen. So, we have to remove the potion from the curriculum.”

Many nodded dutifully. James wanted the class to be easy like it was during Horace’s time, but with Snivellus being potion professor, it would be a lot harder. Stupid Snivellus. Why did he have to make things even more complicated for them? He remembered that the headmaster promised him that Snape would owe him a life debt, when Sirius was planning to prank him by showing Snape, what Remus really is, but it failed horribly since Sirius believed Lily, who told her remaining friends that she broke off her friendship with Snivellus. Sadly, no one knew that it was Snivellus that broke off their friendship. That simple lie nearly led to Remus nearly dying. James had been furious that Lily lied and that later, it was revealed that Snape was the one, who ended their friendship and took away most of her friends like Marlene and Dorcas. He remembered that Sirius cursed Lily and started to prank her for a bit until he put a stop to it and told him that Snape is to blame for everything. He hadn’t found a reason, but Sirius just answered that his simple existence is reason enough. He didn’t understand why Sirius really hated Snape, but he later found out that Alphard Black, Sirius’ uncle and one of Sirius’ favourite relatives beside his mother, wanted to marry Eileen Prince, Snivellus’ mother, but she ran away and eloped with a muggle. It broke Alphard’s heart and Sirius hated Eileen Snape for choosing a muggle over his uncle. When he met Snape, James understood that he was representing the fact that Eileen Snape chose another man over Alphard Black and Sirius hated Snape with a passion since every time Alphard looked at Snape, there was a hurt look on his face, because the woman, he so loved, choose another man and had a son with him. That was the reason why, he was so persistent with Lily. James didn’t want to end up like Alphard Black, who loved Eileen Snape until the end even though the woman died in Azkaban after she was convicted for manslaughter and other charges, and wasted his life for a woman, who didn’t love him back.

Sirius was the same with Marlene, but the woman in question couldn’t stand to be in the same room like him and hated his guts due to their pranks against Snape. Every time, they pranked Snape, in order to save Marlene and Dorcas from his darkness, the angrier and more hateful, they became. They gave up after their fifth year since they would realise their mistake, when Snape joins the death eaters, which he did. But what he hadn’t considered that Snape was a ministry spy and that Marlene and Dorcas had known about Snape’s status in the ministry after their graduation. He was furious and betrayed that both Marlene and Dorcas had known about it and they didn’t bother to inform the order about Snape being a ministry spy. Sirius’ reaction was even more volatile since he loved Marlene and his heart had shattered into pieces, when he and Sirius, who was under the same secrecy and privacy wards like the Wizengamot members, had confronted Marlene and Dorcas about Snape. They revealed that they had known about Severus’ status when he had joined the death eaters and were aware of his crimes. Sirius never suffered such a heartbreak in his life, but this was one hell of a break, and both were lost causes in their view even though Sirius held feelings for Marlene, which were never returned.

James knew that Snape needs to be brought to justice for his actions, but the question was, how. Snape’s status as a spy is something that would be hard to go away. Maybe with the light’s victory over Voldemort, they would get rid of anyone, who is dark and evil.

Arthur left the meeting. He needed to inform the others about Albus’ plan.

Greengrass Manor, February 24th, 2002

Narcissa was watching Draco play with Daphne, Neville, Tracy and Susan. There were also the Weasley children apart from Bill, Ron and Ginny and Penelope Clearwater-Lestrange, who was spending a lot of time with Percy. If Narcissa was squinting, she could see the bond between Percy and Penelope and it was beautiful. Watching the children play reminded Narcissa about the harsh childhood she had with her sisters and her mother. Narcissa never bonded with her sisters and her mother and preferred to spend her time with her father. She mostly ignored the bigoted lessons about muggleborns and blood traitors like her older sister, Andromeda, but unlike her older sister, Narcissa listened to the lessons from her father since they were more concerning, how to be cunning. She was planning to visit the Kurusus during the summer break, in order to see, how they were doing with Akira.

Narcissa was interrupted in her thoughts, when Lucius came up behind her and told her: “Cissy, the meeting is starting soon.” Narcissa nodded and she made her way to the formal meeting room of Greengrass Manor.

When everyone was seated and the tea was served, Arthur started to explain that Dumbledore was planning to remove the blood pressure regulating potion from the curriculum. Narcissa asked: “And what reason are they going to give us?”
Arthur answered: “They want to use the excuse that the ingredients are volatile and dangerous and that the students could lose their limbs or even their lives in the worst-case scenario.”

Narcissa shook her head. That excuse was so flimsy that even Kreacher would have made a better excuse to the removal of the blood pressure regulating potion. She proposed: “We will just point out that the potion is an important medical potion in St. Mungos. If we remove it, then, the students would learn it during their apprenticeship and I can tell you that the trainee healers are expected to know, how to brew this certain potion. Lady Meadow will help us since she is a healer herself in St. Mungos and she knew, what the healers are expected to brew.” Everyone agreed.

Another point is to put a distraction and there Narcissa had a plan. “I have an idea. We should nominate to install a bathroom with a sink and toilets in front of the main entrance and staff entrance of the great hall, so that the students and the staff can go to the bathroom without running to the ones in the first floor. It always annoyed me as a student that I have to go at the other end of the castle, in order to get to the bathroom from the great hall.” Everyone agreed on that and many were annoyed by that fact.

The next thing, they discussed was the curriculum of the primary school. Narcissa exclaimed: “Let’s now talk about the curriculum of the school. The first subject, I would like to discuss, is the transfiguration class.” Narcissa had a file on the ICW curriculum on transfiguration that is at the level of the primary school. The material was cut to the theory part of the first five years until the OWLs since the students wouldn’t be able to use their wands until their eleventh birthday. The children would learn the theory part of transfiguration earlier and could do their theory OWL before they start Hogwarts.

Everyone was looking at the file and they were astounded that their children would do their theory OWLs earlier. Cyrus asked concerned: “And what happens, if someone fails their OWLs?” Adrianna answered: “Then, they have the possibility to revise their OWLs in their fifth year again, but these are only minor cases, because many children are able to pass their OWLs earlier and not be bothered with the theory OWLs on a later date, in order to focus more on the practical portion of the class. The children also can revise their OWLs, if they have a lower grade like an A or an EE, but this is also in a minority.” Many nodded in understanding. If the children in the other countries are capable of doing their theory OWL, then, their children should be able to do the same. Furthermore, there is also a second chance, which would be useful.

They decided to start with the transfiguration class and continue on. With that the meeting ended.

School board, February 25th, 2002

Another school board meeting had started and Narcissa was prepared to bring some changes in the school and the primary school. They will allow Dumbledore and his followers to make their nomination, but they will put up a distraction, so that Dumbledore and his followers would be busy.

After five minutes of being late, Albus arrived at the meeting. Narcissa was already counting down the days, when Albus would be forced to be early. She was getting tired of how he is displaying his importance. When the board meeting started, the last session was summarised. She could tell that Albus didn’t like the result of the last session and when it was time to make nominations, Edward Podmore was the first to make his nomination to remove the blood pressure regulating potion from the potion curriculum. Narcissa really wanted to roll her eyes, but she couldn’t since it would be improper. Thankfully, she wasn’t the only one, who was getting tired of this stupidity.

Narcissa barely withheld a yawn, when Edward Podmore was finished with his nomination. Seriously, couldn’t Dumbledore’s followers shorten their speech? Why did they have to make long speeches, when they were nominating something. She had seen that Lady Meadow looked ready to object, but she would make sure that her objection would be heard, when they put up their distraction.

Dumbledore asked, if there was another nomination and much to the man’s resignation Amelia was the one, who wanted to make the next nomination.

“Amelia?” Albus really hoped that Amelia was not going to make things harder for him.

Amelia didn’t react to her dropped title and nominated: “Lords, Ladies, there is another matter that we are overlooking at the main and the staff entrance of the great hall.” Those from the Grey Alliance knew, what the woman was talking about, whereas the rest wore confused looks. One of the neutral lords asked: “And what would that be, Lady Bones?” Amelia withheld her smile and answered: “It is the matter that in front of the great hall, where the staff and the main entrance are, the school is lacking a bathroom, where the students and the staff could wash their hands before they would eat the food in the great hall. We need to make hygienic measures, so that the students are healthy and are not suffering from diseases that could have been easily avoided.” Many were surprised and horrified by this aspect. No one had nominated that and many agreed with Amelia about this.

Albus had seen the conflict in his followers again and he was ready to kill someone. Why couldn’t things be easier for him once? Why did the nomination had to be so hard? Like previous times, he requested the privacy and secrecy wards, in order to discuss Amelia’s nomination with his followers. His followers are not making things easy even for him.

When Albus was distracted by his followers and Aurelia took over, she continued, if there were any other nominations. The woman was excited since it is about time someone changes this backward world. Narcissa was the one, who rose her wand to make her nomination. She knew that from what Arthur had told her that Dumbledore and his older followers were not going to antagonize her and her husband as much as the younger generation of Dumbledore fools would. Aurelia’s attention was on Narcissa. “Lady Malfoy?” Narcissa rose from the Black seats and announced: “I nominate that we should start to work on the curriculum of the primary school. My first nomination would be to install the ICW primary school curriculum in transfiguration.” She summoned the ICW curriculum and standards regarding the transfiguration class in primary schools and everyone was given the information. The Lords and Ladies were going through the files and noticed that the theory part of the transfiguration class would be taught and the children would be prepared for their OWLs at the end of their fifth year in primary school. Narcissa explained: “They would be able to do their theory OWL before they start Hogwarts and in case, they fail or want a better grade, then, they would be able to retake their theory OWL during their fifth year In Hogwarts, but they would have to self-study the subject from there on. Another point are the expectations. The transfiguration class is an advanced class and the theory OWL demands an EE, so that the children could continue to learn the NEWT theory in transfiguration during their first two years in Hogwarts. With that, the students would be able to focus better on the practical version in transfiguration.” Many had to admit that this sounded to be a good idea and the students would be prepared. And if they reach the expectations, which are entailing mostly an EE, then, the students would be able to continue with their NEWT theory in their first two years of Hogwarts.

They agreed that the students should be able to do that. The next issue that Narcissa brought up was her concern regarding Edward Podmore’s nomination and Lady Meadow protested his nomination: “Lord Podmore’s nomination is ridiculous. The blood pressure regulating potion may be a difficult potion, but it is better that the students learn that potion during their NEWT class than later. When I started as a trainee healer in St. Mungos, the first thing that I was ordered to brew was the blood pressure regulating potion, which I managed since I had been tutored in potion. If I had been dependant on the Professor Slughorn’s curriculum and didn’t attend the tutoring, I would have failed to brew that potion. I will give you all a warning, all the NEWT potions in the ICW curriculum are going to be demanded to be brewed during the training as a healer.”

Many nodded mutely and didn’t protest Lady Meadow since the woman is a known healer. Even the darker purebloods knew that the woman was serious even though she is a light witch. Everyone apart from Dumbledore and his followers are going to vote against that nomination since it is doing more harm than good.

After a while Dumbledore was finished with his discussions with his followers. They are going to vote for this nomination since it wouldn’t change much and could also benefit them.

When Albus was finished and retook his seat, he asked Lady Acton: “Aurelia, were there new nominations?”

Aurelia answered: “Yes. Lady Malfoy nominated to start with the curriculum of the primary school and she started with the transfiguration class. She showed us the ICW primary school curriculum of transfiguration, which entails the theory portion of the transfiguration class.” She left out Ophelia Meadow’s protest since it wasn’t a nomination. Albus was a little bit startled by this nomination, but he should have seen it coming. He really can’t protest, but he didn’t like the ICW curriculum since he didn’t want the students to learn too much and lose control of them.

After some thought, he nodded, but tried: “I think it is a good idea, but I believe that the ICW curriculum is going to be difficult for the students since they would be doing their theory OWL in transfiguration earlier and many students are going to be terrified of that.” He looked at Narcissa Malfoy.

Narcissa knew that Albus was going to use that and countered: “Headmaster, it is true that the students would be doing their theory OWL in transfiguration earlier, but they have a second chance in case they want a better grade or have failed the OWL in their fifth year in Hogwarts, but they had to self-study in that case. Don’t panic, Headmaster, everything is taken into consideration.”

Albus didn’t know, what to say. He looked at the file and saw that the students had a second chance in case they had failed their theory OWL or want a better grade. He reiterated his sentiment that the students would have a difficult time to pass their theory OWL, if they use the ICW standards and curriculum.

Afterwards, they moved to the voting. The first nomination from Podmore failed epically. The man fumed in rage and Albus closed his eyes trying not to lash out. How dare these fools? The next nomination from Amelia had a unanimous vote and the third nomination from Narcissa passed with a majority. Albus was not happy, but he knew that his excuse was too weak and he couldn’t find any arguments against Malfoy’s nomination.

The meeting ended and everyone went home.

Headmaster’s office

Albus was angry, but also resigned. Angry, because Edward’s nomination didn’t pass and resigned since the ICW primary school curriculum regarding the transfiguration class had passed. It was not surprising that the curriculum of the primary school would be next. Albus wanted some control over the content, but now he had failed in the transfiguration class and the fact that the students would have a second chance to take their theory OWL made things even more difficult.

Lost in his thoughts, his followers were chattering about the lost vote. James said with a smirk: “Well, Podmore. Another failure.”

The man glared at James and said: “At least, Albus trusted me with the nomination and not you.”

James’ smirk was gone much to Edward’s amusement and the man became angry. Edward had to admit that James was easily to be angered. “Shut up, Podmore. It was only a mistake that I have made.”

The others glared at James and Herbert Jones snapped: “A mistake!? Because of you and your stupidity, we have this problem with the potion class and Snape. And it seems like that we can’t find a way to solve this problem since you supported Snape with the evidence that you have provided for the removal of the warding section.”

James wanted to scream in fury, but he was stopped by Emmeline Vance. “And to make matters worse, you brought all of us in a bad light, James, when it was revealed in front of the board that you have falsified evidence. You know as an auror that you need waterproof evidence and without any proof, you can’t convict anyone.”

Before James could counter his friend, Alastor Moody agreed with the woman: “Aye, she is right, laddie. When you became junior auror, you made baseless accusations against the Greengrass, Davis and even the Zabini families of being death eaters since they were in Slytherin. That is the reason why, I will delay your promotion due to your bias. You also caused Rufus to be suspended without pay back then and now, the man is on probation and has a permanent mark on his record as an auror, because of you and your anti-Slytherin rants that are still on-going.”

James was getting tired of being berated by his friends and allies, but he had done the right thing. He knew that the Greengrass family had contacts with Voldemort, but there was no proof since he had made it up and Rufus followed the tip by creating a false search warrant, which nearly resulted the man’s dismissal from the DMLE. He never expected that Rufus would get in trouble for what he had done. No wonder, he wasn’t offered a promotion this year and it seems like that he would remain a junior auror for another two years. But he hoped that he would get promoted to an auror soon since the promotion of junior aurors is every two years and his second year should have taken place this year in July. He hated this position since the other aurors looked down on him regardless of his son’s status of being the saviour of the wizarding world and the boy-who-lived.

James just glared at them, when the others ignored him, and believed that he was doing the right thing. Lady Magic shook her head. She thought that with this message, James would realise, how judgemental Dumbledore’s followers are and how they are not accepting any failures and setbacks. The man would never learn it and would just follow them blindly like his wife and his two closest friends. Fate and Destiny explained her that John would be the same even though the boy would be leading a hard life, which would be blamed on his own twin brother and not the old man.

Looking at Arthur Weasley, Lady Magic shook her head in sadness since she also knew that Ronald and Ginerva are in the same boot. She had examined the connection between Arthur and the two youngest and noticed that the connection was barely visible, because even though the blood adoption made the two youngest Weasleys biologically Arthur’s children, the blood adoption in this case can’t create a parent-child bond, because of Molly’s actions and Arthur’s unwillingness. Other than that, it would have worked. Both children had a strong connection to their mother and they would be listening to her more than Arthur no matter what Arthur would be doing.

She continued to watch Dumbledore and his fools and couldn’t wait for the old fool’s fall of grace. Lady Magic tried to create a balance in the wizarding world. In the 19th century, she made a mistake by giving Dumbledore the powers of the Light Lord and Grindelwald the powers of the Dark Lord, so that both could create a balance, but sadly, it didn’t work the way, how it was supposed to go. Both had started to coin the phrase “The Greater Good” and made plans to enslave the muggles, which was not in her plans. The Global Wizarding War was her biggest regret since she gave two arrogant fools the powers of the Dark and the Light Lord. When Tom Riddle started Hogwarts, Lady Magic decided to give him the powers of the potential Dark Lord due to his power level and his dark core, in order to stop both Dumbledore and Grindelwald, but somehow Dumbledore had plans for Riddle and it was too late for her to stop Dumbledore from doing any harm to the boy. In 1945, when Grindelwald was defeated, Lady Magic acted quickly and stripped Grindelwald from his powers as the Dark Lord. Unfortunately for her, Grindelwald’s powers were transferred to Thomas Marvolo Riddle, the current Dark Lord, who received a power boost, and sadly, the man became even more unstable with the creation of five horcruxes. When she had examined the book about horcruxes after his defeat, it had strong compulsion magic that could be traced back to Albus Dumbledore. Since Tom was not solely responsible for his actions, she can’t punish him since she needs to punish Albus too and that could only happen, if Dumbledore is brought down.

When the war started in the wizarding world in the 1990s, Lady Magic was enraged. After ten years of fighting and a lot of bloodshed, the deity had enough and when the Potter twins were born, she gave the older Potter boy the powers of the Grey Lord. With that, she would make both Voldemort and Dumbledore pay for their disrespect towards her and for abusing the powers of the Light and the Dark. It had been about time since Death was getting tired of collecting the souls and she was exhausted with the judgements of the deceased.

Lady Magic watched the meeting end, when Dumbledore promised them to find a solution at the next meeting. The deity shook her head, she knew that it would be fruitless, because everything will not go the way, how it was supposed to go for Albus and his followers. For now, she had more important matters to deal with and for that reason, she had to focus on Aurelius Yaxley, who is going to attempt to destroy a sacred bond between his older brother and Clara. Lady Magic knew that that man would suffer hell for his actions like his mother, who is still punished for her actions. When Octavia died, Lady Magic made sure to make her displeasure known and send her to hell, where she was made to watch her eldest’s happiness with Clara and her grandchildren. She also showed her that Clara is a squibborn and was descending from the Evandrus family, which infuriated Octavia even more since that family outranks the Yaxleys. Lady Magic also told the former Lady Yaxley that she bestowed this gift to her son and that by trying to break this bond is a direct insult towards her. Some people needed to learn the hard way that you don’t insult her and try to get away with it. She isn’t a merciful deity, if she is insulted. Lady Magic also had the perfect punishment for Aurelius Yaxley, when he dies, but there are still some details, she had to work on.

Currently, she had to wait and be very patient. Revolutions are taking a long time and it would be entertaining to watch Dumbledore’s and Voldemort’s worlds to fall apart slowly.

Chapter Text

Knockturn Alley, March 6th, 2002

Aurelius Yaxley was less than pleased with his black-market dealer, Jack McLean. He had waited for more than a month for the ritual materials and he was getting tired of waiting. He made his displeasure known. “Jack, I am getting tired of waiting. When am I getting the needed ritual materials? My family’s honour is at jeopardy, because of my brother, and our popularity is sinking more and more.” Jack, a blond-haired and black-eyed young man in his mid-twentieth, huffed at Aurelius Yaxley and his impatience. “Aurelius, the ritual materials are coming from Russia. It takes time, but my contact informed me that the ingredients would be here in two weeks.” Aurelius sneered, but had to accept it for the time being. He growled: “I hope that you are telling me the truth or I will make sure that no one would find your body.” Jack pressed his lips together and knew that this was not an empty threat. The younger man answered: “I understand, Aurelius, but you must be patient. You know, how distrustful Magical Russia is towards the British, especially Dumbledore.”

Aurelius withheld a growl, but he couldn’t deny it. The Russian Ministry of Magic never trusted Britain ever again after the Global Wizarding War and even today the relationship with Magical Russia is rocky. After Grindelwald and his forces attacked Stalingrad, many witches and wizards were killed in the initial attack. The Russian Ministry of Magic requested help from Britain, but due to the incompetence of the ministry, they didn’t receive any help, which angered the Russian ministry and nearly caused a conflict. The conflict between Magical Russia and Britain was stopped, when Arcturus Black and Charlus Potter decided to intervene due to their alliance with some pureblood families in Russia. Grindelwald was nearly killed by Charlus and Arcturus and both men murdered hundreds of his followers, which caused Grindelwald to retreat and the Germans to suffer a defeat in Stalingrad. Even today, the Blacks and Potters were respected in Russia.

Aurelius returned back from his thoughts and said: “Alright, Jack. But do not think that my patience is endless. I am coming back in two weeks and if I am getting delayed again, then, I am going to look for someone else, who works faster. Furthermore, the ritual works only on a full moon and the next full moon is in April due to the delay.” Jack nodded and knew that he had to hurry with the materials or no one would be able to find his body, if he is delaying Aurelius again.

With that Aurelius left Knockturn Alley not noticing that Amelia’s informant had listened to everything.

DMLE

Christina made her way to the DMLE, in order to inform Amelia about Aurelius. She already sent a message to Amelia that there are some important information regarding Aurelius and his activities. When Amelia allowed her in her office, Christina took her seat and she was given a cup of tea.

Amelia knew that Christina would never waste her time. This means that there is something important for her. The female head auror asked: “Christina, are there any news in Knockturn Alley?”

Christina nodded and answered: “Yes, I know Yaxley’s black market dealer.”

Amelia rose her eyebrows in shock. This was good. If she arrests Aurelius’ black-market dealer, she was sure that the man would sell Aurelius out, so that he wouldn’t risk a long prison sentence. She asked: “Who is Aurelius’ black-market dealer and what did they discuss today?”

Christina started: “It is Jack McLean, who is well-known for not getting caught and had been a thorn in Moody’s side. But back to the topic. Aurelius Yaxley is getting impatient with the arrangements of the ritual materials, but he had to wait due to the bad relations with Russia.” Amelia nodded knowing that it is true that currently the relations between Britain and Russia are bad due to the ministry’s incompetence in dealing with Grindelwald and his followers in Stalingrad. Russia only respects the Black family for now. They had also respected the Potters, but due to James being a Dumbledore fool, all the respect was gone since Magical Russia hated Dumbledore.

Amelia asked: “When are the arrangements going to be finalised?”

Christina answered: “In two weeks, but Aurelius would do the ritual in April since it had to be done on a full moon.”

Amelia nodded and prepared herself. She requested from her informant her memories. Amelia went over the memories and certified them. She also opened a file against Jack McLean for being an accomplice, buying and selling illegal goods and being in possession of these goods.

Amelia will wait for the right time to arrest Aurelius and Jack since if she arrests Jack now, then, Aurelius would look for another black-market dealer and she would be in the unknown. And without undeniable proof, she can’t arrest the man.

Amelia explained her plan to Christina and told her to keep her ears open. She should inform her immediately, if Jack had sold the needed materials for the ritual, so that she could arrest him. From there, she would have it easy to arrest Aurelius, because she was sure that Jack would sing like canary with the threat of a long prison sentence of being an accomplice of breaking a soul bond.

With everything ready, Amelia dismissed Christina and prepared her plans.

Headmaster’s office, March 12th, 2002

Albus was doing some ICW paperwork and enjoyed the peace in his office until the floo flared green and Mundungus ‘Dung’ Fletcher stepped out. Albus sighed and laid the paperwork aside and summoned a seat for the man.

Albus had many complaints from a vast majority of his followers, because of his position as a black-market dealer, but the man had its uses since Dung can get him restricted ritual materials and ingredients that are banned without any problems. Albus knew that they are illegal, but he is using them for the ‘Greater Good’, so his mind is clear.

The headmaster looked at the man in front of him. “Mundungus, my boy, what can I do for you?”

The filthy man answered: “I have some news regarding Aurelius Yaxley that can be useful.”

Albus quickly mustered himself up and allowed him to continue. Mundungus smirked and continued: “Yaxley approached one of my ‘colleague’ in the black market and demanded to know, if the ritual materials for the breaking of a soul bond is ready. Unfortunately for my friend, they were not ready since he had to order them from Russia and you know as I do, how distrustful the Russians are towards the British.” Albus nodded in understanding. Magical Russia had never trusted him and joined the ICW with a lot of resistance like MACUSA. The bad relationship is making many trades between Magical Russia and Britain difficult since the Russian Ministry of Magic is deliberately slow. Even the black-markets are like this and are as slow as the government.

Mundungus continued: “I managed to gather some information regarding the ritual and I can tell you, Albus, that the ritual can only be conducted on a full moon. Since Aurelius was delayed, he would conduct the ritual in April.”

Albus smoothed his hand down his beard and was thinking hard, what to do. He needed to make sure that the ritual is a success, because Clara like Rachel Nott was a thorn to his side. It is better that she is dead since Albus would have a distraught husband, who wants revenge against his own family, at the end and children, who would miss their mother. And with some well-place compulsion, the man would side with him and abandon the dark like Sirius. Yes, this would work. Albus quickly explained the man his plan, which was eavesdropped by Phineas, who was disgusted by the old fool. He will make sure that the plan would be stopped.

Malfoy Manor

The Malfoys were enjoying their lunch, when they heard Phineas, who wanted to speak with them about an important matter after they were finished with eating. After they were finished, Lucius took their son to his room and Narcissa was with her ancestor alone. Narcissa was a tad bit annoyed, but she knew that her ancestor will not waste her time with nonsense. She also noticed the disgusted look on his face and she knew that something is happening. “Phineas, what has happened? You look like you had seen a rat.”

Phineas sighed deeply and answered: “Narcissa, before I talk about Albus, I need to tell you that Aurelius Yaxley has been delayed with the ritual materials due to the bad relations with Magical Russia. He will not get the materials in two weeks.” Narcissa nodded and confirmed her suspicion: “And he will not be able to conduct the ritual until next month.” Phineas nodded and was a little bit proud, how smart Narcissa was. The blond woman asked: “But what is Dumbledore’s role in this?” Phineas answered gravely: “Albus is planning to allow Aurelius to kill off Clara, so that he can gain control over Corban. That man doesn’t have any scruples.” Narcissa gritted her teeth, how disgusting Dumbledore could be. She will make sure that Aurelius’ plan fails completely and she will also tell Amelia, what Dumbledore’s plans are. Furthermore, she will also invite Corban to one of their meetings, in order to warn him about Dumbledore’s plans.

After Phineas left the portrait, in order to spy on Dumbledore further, Narcissa told her husband and his reaction was a little more volatile due to the potions he was fed, when he was a death eater. Both promised that both plans would be destroyed.

Hogwarts, March 16th, 2002

After the trials of the Wizengamot were finished, Albus informed his followers that there is an order meeting in his office. He needed to discuss with his followers about Aurelius Yaxley and the information, he got from Mundungus. Looking at his followers, Albus had a grandfatherly smile on his face.

After his followers had sat down, Albus started in a sad voice: “My dears, I have grave news regarding the Yaxley family. It seems like that Aurelius Yaxley is planning to use a ritual on Clara, in order to break the soul bond between her and her husband.” Albus was happy that his oldest friends and followers paid close attention. He gave them the look and they understood that they would surely gain Corban Yaxley as an order member and his children would be raised the light way.

But the younger generation just shrugged and James asked rudely: “So what? It would free Clara from this farce of a marriage she is stuck in with that death eater and make sure that she would find someone from a good and light family. Her children could also be saved from a bad father.” Albus and his older followers just shook their head questioning, how James even passed his NEWTs. Albus knew that James was decent in many classes, but his potion grade wasn’t high enough to get into the NEWT class. Without his interference, Albus wouldn’t have been able to get him into auror training and he isn’t doing well in his job now as junior auror. He hoped that James would get a promotion now, in order to not listen to his whining that he is still stuck as junior auror.

Elphias was the one, who explained: “James, I know that there must be a brain in your head that should be working, but it seems like that your mind is clouded with pranks, jokes and your bias against Slytherins, so, I will make it easier for you. If Aurelius is successful with this ritual, then, I am very sure that Corban would want revenge against his own brother and the rest of his family for killing his wife. Do you even understand, what this means?” James grounded his teeth, but nodded regardless. Elphias took a deep breath and explained: “And we can step in and help him to get revenge on his brother and his entire family.” Many liked the plan and they would have Yaxley on their side, who could provide them more information on the dark than Severus. James crossed his arms and was angry. The idea didn’t sound bad, but it is infuriating that they are treating him like he is a child.

Albus smiled at the prediction. His followers knew, what they had to do and he will not care, what James and the younger ones want. They need to understand that they need to make more alliances, in order to be more successful. Currently, they don’t have enough allies to sway the vote. He may be Chief Warlock due to the numbers of votes in the light section, but not everyone is voting for his nominations and they need to work on that.

Dedalus asked: “Albus, what about the Wizengamot meeting in three days? What is your next nomination?”

Albus was startled that he forgot that the Wizengamot meeting this month is on March 19th or as it is called the Ostara meeting. The old headmaster answered kindly: “Thanks for the reminder, Dedalus. I nearly forgot that we have the meeting in three days.”

Elphias asked his old friend: “So, what are we going to do at this Wizengamot meeting?”

Albus explained: “At this meeting, my dear friends, we will ban Arcane Magic. If you all remember that Voldemort,” everyone flinched at the mention of the man’s name, “has practised Archaic Magic, then, I can tell you that Voldemort also is a master in Arcane Magic, the sister of Archaic Magic.”

James asked: “Albus, why is Arcane Magic the sister of Archaic Magic?” Many were curious about that too.

Albus sighed and answered: “Because Archaic Magic is focusing on defensive magic, whereas Arcane Magic focuses on offensive magic. It is like Occlumency and Legilimency. Occlumency is used to shield your mind from a legilimens and Legilimency is used to read someone’s mind. The same goes for Archaic and Arcane Magic. Archaic Magic is shielding you from Arcane Magic.”

Arthur questioned: “If that is the case, why didn’t you ban first Arcane Magic at the February meeting, so that you would have had an advantage to ban Archaic Magic.”

Albus remained silent. He never thought that someone would bring this up and he was ready to slam his head on the desk. Why didn’t he think about this? He knew that many of his followers including Arthur do not know about the more dangerous fields of magic, because he made sure to remove the books from the library and made sure that it was not mentioned in any of the books that are in the library. Albus said with a sigh: “Thank you, Arthur, for the advice. I wish, I had explained Archaic and Arcane Magic in our last meeting before the Wizengamot meeting, but the fields were so dangerous and I didn’t want to endanger you too with that kind of information.”

With that, Albus and his followers planned to ban that field of magic with the information Albus had gathered. Sadly, the information Albus got is only a small fraction about Arcane Magic and it is the Black magical aspect of that field, which wouldn’t be enough since the Grey Alliance would introduce the entire field about Arcane Magic, which would cause another fail for Dumbledore.

Bones Manor, March 17th, 2002

The Grey Alliance had another meeting and Arthur announced that Albus is planning to ban Arcane Magic. Narcissa knew that Arcane Magic would be a tad bit harder to defend since mostly it is offensive magic. She knew that that field of magic had its perks since the more powerful aurors like Alastor Moody or Amelia Bones would be strong enough to fight against high-ranking criminals like Bellatrix or Voldemort. Furthermore, the Battle Mages are taught this field of magic… Narcissa suddenly realised that during the last war, the Battle Mages weren’t allowed to interfere in the war, because of Dumbledore and his sheep. She knew that the Battle Mages would have been powerful enough to go head-to-head against Voldemort since they were taught Arcane, Archaic and even Ancient Magics. Voldemort would have been a sitting duck against the Battle Mages. Narcissa also realised that the Battle Mages are also a part of the Magical Military Unit in Great Britain and would have been able to win the war within only four years. They would have realised that Voldemort had created horcruxes and the Battle Mages would have made sure to destroy them, but Dumbledore blocked it and the war had been going on for nearly eleven years. Many people died due to the senseless violence since the ministry was arrogant and thought, they would be able to deal with the issue on their own. Narcissa just shook her head, how foolish the ministry had handled this war and that they didn’t leave it to the professionals. Thank Merlin, the muggle world didn’t suspect anything, if they had done so, then, she was sure she wouldn’t be alive today.

When everyone was despairing, Narcissa had a good argument. “Guys, I know, how to counter Dumbledore’s nomination?”

Everyone looked relieved and were surprised that Narcissa knew, how to counter this nomination. The woman in question continued: “What we are overlooking is the Magical Military Unit of the UK and their Battle Mages?”

Augustinus looked at the ceiling annoyed, but he had also a relieved look. “Why didn’t I think about them? If Dumbledore bans this field of magic, then, he would be interfering with the Magical Military Unit, which is illegal since they are under the protection of the queen and after Elisabeth II. became queen, she with the help of the Minister of Magic of that time managed to pass a bill that the Wizengamot and the ministry are not allowed to interfere with the Magical Military Unit of the UK. To make the bill binding, every minister had to swear an oath to uphold the bill or they would be stripped of their magic.” Everyone was shocked.

Narcissa said: “I believe that Milicent Bagnold will not allow this law to pass. I remember, when Dumbledore nominated to ban Archaic Magic, the woman looked pale and also relieved, when his nomination failed to pass. We need to make sure to bring that oath to the Wizengamot’s attention and the fact that Dumbledore is endangering the minister with his nomination.” Everyone agreed on that.

The next thing was to put up a distraction against Dumbledore and his sheep. Narcissa had already an idea that she is now introducing: “The one thing that annoys me the most that we do not have any homeless shelters. Many homeless witches and wizards end up in Knockturn Alley, which means more followers for Voldemort, so that they can have a better life.”

Lucius agreed and explained: “Voldemort had many followers that were homeless and were living in Knockturn. They were promised a better life and better future aspects. If we open up homeless shelters, we would be able to cut the numbers of death eaters to a minimum.”

Many loved the idea. Adriana joked: “Boy, I am glad that my father does not have to deal with such an old fool in the Italian Wizarding Senate.” Many had a sour look. They wished, there was a way to get rid of the old fool, but killing him is no solution. So, they have to hobble him until he is brought down.

The next issue that was discussed was Aurelius Yaxley and the black-market dealer, Narcissa revealed to Amelia that Albus wants Clara dead, so that he and his followers could manipulate Corban to side with them. Everyone was disgusted and Amelia was going to make sure that Aurelius’ and Dumbledore’s plans would fail. It would annoy Dumbledore and it would make things more difficult for Voldemort’s followers. For now, Amelia will not open a file against Dumbledore since she knew that the man would try to weasel his way out, but she would put everything in a private file against Dumbledore. Amelia will start to go against Dumbledore after Voldemort’s defeat until then, she would just collect evidence against the fool.

Wizengamot, March 19th, 2002

The Wizengamot meeting came to an end and Narcissa was hiding a grin. Their plan had worked and she was taking great pleasure in watching Dumbledore’s reaction about the result of this meeting. When the Wizengamot session started, Albus nominated to ban Arcane Magic and he nearly managed to convince many members to vote for his nomination. During that time Bagnold was pale like a sheet of paper and was thinking of ways to shoot down Dumbledore’s nomination.

After he was finished, Callidora nominated to open up a homeless shelter for the homeless in Knockturn Alley. That nomination caused many protests from the light section or better to say from Dumbledore’s sheep, where they were whining and complaining that these people didn’t deserve anything and that they should be left on their own since they were too dangerous and also dark and evil. Albus tried to keep control over his people since they were making a very bad image, which unfortunately was the case and he didn’t manage to keep them quiet. Many neutral and even those from the light, who were not aligned with Dumbledore, were disgusted by their behaviour. It became even worse, when Lucius announced that due to the neglect of this body and the homeless’ desperation and current living conditions, many in Knockturn Alley joined Voldemort and his death eaters in the belief of better living conditions. This resulted to an even worse argument since the light or better to say Dumbledore’s followers were demanding that the homeless in Knockturn should be monitored closer, in order to stop their criminal behaviour, which was stopped by Amelia, who was disgusted by their words. Amelia explained that the Wizengamot and Voldemort were to blame for this mess. Furthermore, she continued that if the Wizengamot had stepped in earlier, then, the homeless would have never been swayed by Voldemort and his followers and Voldemort would have had fewer followers. Dumbledore had to put up silencing, privacy and secrecy wards, because of his followers’ whining and their childish behaviour. The man was embarrassed by this.

When Aurelia Acton took over, she asked, if there were any other nominations. This time, it was Augustinus Lestrange, who nominated to put the ban regarding Arcane Magic into question since that law was endangering the minister. Many questioned the minister, why, and Augustinus pointed out that Arcane, Archaic and Ancient Magic were used by the Battle Mages in the Magical Military Unit of the UK. A great majority were shocked that they had a military unit and questioned angrily, why they didn’t help during the war against Voldemort, but the old Lestrange lord told them bluntly that someone or better to say multiple someone blocked them from interfering. This little revelation caused a lot of anger and distrust against Dumbledore and his followers.

When the fools were finished with their whining and complaining, Dumbledore retook his seat and the man looked resigned since he had to calm down his younger generation of followers. Aurelia announced that there was another nomination. This time, things went to hell for Dumbledore since the man was confronted by the majority of the Wizengamot that with his nomination, he was endangering the minister. When Albus asked in confusion, what they were talking about, Pandora revealed the law and the oath that every minister had to vow and it included that neither the ministry nor the Wizengamot are allowed to interfere in the matters of the Magical Military Unit of the UK or consequently, the minister would lose her magic due to a broken oath. She also explained that with his ban against Arcane Magic the entire country would have been affected and it would be seen as an interference in the military unit, which is illegal. To make matters worse, Pandora requested to rescind Dumbledore’s nomination since the ban is endangering the minister’s magic and supported Augustinus’ nomination to put the current ban in the civil population into question. With nearly everyone apart from Dumbledore’s followers voting for the request, the nomination was removed from the docket and wouldn’t be voted on much to Dumbledore’s fury.

The only two nominations that remained, were Callidora’s and Augustinus’ nominations that both received a majority of the Wizengamot. That really angered those in the light even more.

Albus wanted to kill Augustinus Lestrange. That man destroyed his plans in one row. If he had known that his ban would also affect the Magical Military Unit of the UK including the Battle Mages and the minister, he would have rewritten his ban, but no, his nomination was rescinded from the docket and wouldn’t be voted on. Then, there were the nominations from Callidora regarding the homeless scum in Knockturn Alley and from Augustinus to put the current ban regarding Arcane Magic into question, which were passed much to his fury.

Albus didn’t want the homeless of Knockturn to get anything since they deserved nothing due to their dark nature and that they were weak scum on earth that had achieved nothing and had to be stamped out from their society, but he can’t say that in front of the Wizengamot since it would tarnish his reputation as kind, old grandfather. Then, there is Augustinus Lestrange, who was responsible for rescinding his nomination and for putting the current ban regarding Arcane Magic into question.

The next thing that angered him were his followers. He couldn’t believe that they have behaved like spoilt brats and have made a really bad impression in front of the other members of the Wizengamot. He was sure that Callidora’s nomination would have failed, if his followers didn’t behave like this, but no, James and the younger Lords and Ladies in his camp behaved like spoilt toddlers, when Callidora nominated to open up homeless shelters for the homeless in Knockturn. He had seen the disdain and the disgust from the other members of the Wizengamot, when James and the younger Lords and Ladies from his order started to whine and complain about the homeless in Knockturn, and he knew that the vote would be clear as day. Albus was going to make his younger followers suffer for this gross conduct of behaviour. It was really embarrassing and it had caused many problems with his influence in the Wizengamot.

Hogwarts

Albus stormed into his office in a fury with his followers in tow and sat down giving every younger Lord and Lady a sever disappointed look, in order to make them feel guilty for their behaviour in the Wizengamot and also the lost vote. After some time of silence, Griselda snarled at them in rage: “You ungrateful little brats, do you have any idea, how your behaviour had reflected on us. You threw fits like spoilt children that were told no for the first time. Have you any idea, how embarrassing it was for us? You all are representing our future and how you had represented yourselves showed everyone in the chambers that you lot are not even mature enough to handle the responsibilities of being Lords and Ladies.”

The younger Lords and Ladies were furious, but they looked down on the floor like they were children, who did something wrong. Before the others could agree with Griselda and scold them for their disgusting behaviour, Albus quickly intervened and told the younger generation of Lords and Ladies: “My dears, we cannot allow this to happen again. You have made a really bad impression in front of the other members of the Wizengamot with your behaviour. Like Griselda had mentioned, you cannot behave like this since many Lords and Ladies would not take you seriously, if you are making a nomination.” Albus looked at James and the other younger Lords and Ladies severely. They nodded and felt humiliated.

Elphias asked: “What are we going to do, Albus? I never thought that nothing is going our way. This was our fifth Wizengamot meeting that had gone wrong and completely failed.”

Albus knew that Elphias is right. The last five meetings were setbacks. Why is everything failing now? He thought that after Voldemort’s defeat, things would go his way, but no, things were going in the opposite direction. Albus sighed and answered: “I know Elphias, but right now, we can’t do anything against those nominations since they have passed and we need to have a really good reason to overturn them. The excuse that these nominations are supporting the dark is not going to be enough.” He added that last part, when he had seen that James was ready to argue with his dark vs. light argument.

Albus dismissed his followers and was left to think. Things were not going his way and since Voldemort is gone, he can’t blame him or his followers. He knew that there was someone, who is making his life a living hell, but he can’t pinpoint it on anyone since the proposals are coming from individuals of the three fractions that have nothing in common. He is suspecting that they are working together, but he didn’t believe that since they were too different. He needed to find a way to regain control over the Wizengamot and make them listen to him. There is still the school board meeting in less than a week. Maybe there he would regain some of his lost influence.

Knockturn Alley, March 21st, 2002

Christina was making her way through Knockturn Alley and saw Jack McLean and Aurelius Yaxley alone in a dark corner. She quickly hid in the shadows and used multiple Notice-Me-Not charms and disillusionment charms. The woman was listening quietly to the conversation. Thankfully, those two didn’t think of using alerting wards since both believed that the residents of Knockturn will not care, what they were planning, which is sadly the case, but both forgot that she was working with the DMLE as an unofficial auror. Christina is still a ministry auror and is getting paid by the DMLE, but she works underground as an informant and spy, which was beneficial to the DMLE since they were getting a lot of information from her. Focusing on Aurelius and Jack, she overheard a good conversation.

Jack said: “Here are the materials.” The blond man took out a suitcase that was the size of a walnut and enlarged it. Opening the suitcase, Christina was able to glance at the contents of the suitcase and recognised many banned ritual materials. This was their final nail in the coffin.

Aurelius smirked in victory and was happy that soon enough his brother will be free from the clutches of that filthy mudblood whore and line thief, and his family line would be pure from any filthy halfbloods. “Good. Here is your payment.” Aurelius handed the black-market dealer the gold for the ritual materials.

Jack first counted the gold before he gave the Yaxley heir the suitcase. When he saw that it was enough, he gave Aurelius the suitcase with the ritual materials and both men went their separate ways.

Christina quickly apparated to the ministry apparition area.

Ministry

Arriving at the ministry, Christina made her way to Amelia’s office and knocked on her office door. With a Come-in, Christina entered the office.

Amelia was startled about Christina’s visit and quickly summoned a seat since she knew that it is about Aurelius’ plans. “Christina, is there an update on the case of Aurelius Yaxley and Jack McLean.”

The woman nodded and said: “Yes, Amelia. Today, Jack had sold the ritual materials to Aurelius. I can take out my memories.” Amelia nodded and prepared the vials for the memories. Christina took out her wand and focused on today’s meeting between Jack and Aurelius. The vial was filled with her memories of the meeting and Amelia took out her pensive to watch the memories and to certify them.

Watching the memories and taking notes, Amelia also certified them and left a certification mark on the vial. These memories would be enough to arrest Jack McLean. She is going to wait for the arrest of Aurelius Yaxley, but the man will fall soon.

“Thank you, Christina. Now, return back to work. No one should know that you are my informant and an unofficial auror of the ministry.” The woman nodded and flooed from Amelia’s office to the Leaky Couldron, from where she went back to Knockturn Alley.

Amelia quickly went to Bartemius’ office, in order to get an arrest and search warrant against Jack McLean. Entering Bartemius’ office, the said man was surprised by Amelia’s visit. Bartemius asked: “Amelia, what can I do for you today?” Looking at the file, the man sighed. It must be auror business, which makes sense since they were in the DMLE.

Amelia answered stoically: “Bartemius, I am here for an arrest warrant against Jack McLean for buying, selling and being in possession of illegal goods and for being an accomplice of attempting to break a soul bond. There would be further charges against the man, but for that I need a search warrant for his place. Here is also the evidence.” The female head auror laid down her file and the memory vials. Amelia first requested from Bartemius a vow of silence since they were talking about an unofficial auror and informant in Knockturn and there is a vow of silence mandatory, in order to protect the said auror from being exposed. Then, she revealed that Auror Christina O’Neill had been an informant and an unofficial auror in the ministry, who is secretly patrolling Knockturn Alley. When that was done, she allowed Bartemius to watch Christina’s memories and allowed the man to certify the memories.

When Bartemius was finished with the evidence, he acted fast. First, he quickly wrote out an arrest warrant against Jack McLean and signed a search warrant for his place, in order to find more evidence against the man.

Amelia quickly called Kingsley Shacklebolt as her partner for the arrest and she called Aurors Yaxley and Proudfoot to search the house.

Kingsley, Corban and Proudfoot were confused until Amelia showed them the arrest and search warrants against Jack McLean. Amelia and Kingsley went to arrest Jack McLean and Corban and Proudfoot went to the Registry Department to get McLean’s address, in order to search his place. With the search warrant, the aurors are allowed to get the address since it is work-related for their jobs.

Knockturn Alley

Amelia and Kingsley made their way through Knockturn Alley. The auror robes were intimidating to the residents and both aurors knew that no one would interfere against them since the residents knew that any attack against them would bring the entire ministry here, which would make things even worse.

Looking around, Amelia caught sight of Jack McLean. Both aurors went to him.

Jack was talking to one of his clients until the conversation was interrupted by Amelia’s and Kingsley’s presence. Jack answered in a fake innocent voice: “Aurors Bones, Shacklebolt, what do you want? I am not doing anything wrong.” The man was annoyed, when his client left, because of the presence of the aurors. Amelia Bones is even worse since the woman was one of the most dangerous and intimidating aurors in the DMLE. Those two ruined his business for today.

Amelia took out the arrest warrant and announced: “Jack McLean, you are under arrest for buying, selling and being in possession of illegal goods. Through a witness and their memories, we have enough evidence to bring you down. There would be more charges coming against you, but these are the grave ones. There is also a search warrant for your place. So, currently, your house is searched for any other evidence and if we find more, then, there would be more charges coming against you.” Whereas she was speaking, Kingsley quickly disarmed the man, who had taken out his wand, and put magic-restraining cuffs. Some spectators, who were listening to Amelia, were not surprised by the charges, but they were glad that McLean was gone. The man had been causing trouble here with his activities. With him gone, they were sure that there would be less aurors rotating in their alley.

Jack was furious. He knew that helping Aurelius would get him into trouble, but he never thought, he would be caught. How did the aurors got wind of that. Amelia continued: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say would be used against you in the court.” They quickly were leading the man away from Knockturn Alley and threw him in the ministry holding cell. Amelia is going to interrogate him after the school board meeting.

McLean residence

Corban and Proudfoot had a less than pleasant time by searching through Jack’s house. They found in a secret room and even a compartment many illegal and banned ingredients, books, ritual materials etc. The man would serve a long prison sentence. Both aurors were sure of that.

In his ‘office’, Corban found many letters from his clients and he was sure that some would be arrested and the majority would receive some fines. There would be a lot of work to be done and he was dreading the paperwork that was going to pile on his desk. For that reason, he would allow the junior aurors to deal with the clients, who would receive fines or would be under probation, whereas he and Proudfoot would be dealing with the arrests of the other clients, who would receive prison sentences since the goods they received were highly illegal and dangerous.

Both aurors started to collect a lot of evidence against McLean and the letters as evidence against his clients. With everything packed and ready, Corban and Proudfoot left the house and put a sealing charm that was used by the aurors, in order to make sure that no one unauthorised would be able to enter the property. Furthermore, there would be an alarming spell on the seal and a tracking charm that would make sure to find out, who has tried to enter the property without their consent.

DMLE

Proudfoot and Corban were going through the letters that they had gathered from the McLean residence and were filing the letters between three groups. The first group of letters are for the junior auror, who would hand out fines and would deal with those, who would receive probation. The second stack would be given to the normal aurors, where the clients would receive a minimum sentence of more than two years and a maximum sentence of five years in Azkaban. And the third pile would be handled by the head aurors since these clients are going to spend more than five years in Azkaban. There would be a lot of work.

Corban and Proudfoot as head aurors ordered the junior aurors to come here and handed them the copies of the letters from the first pile and ordered them to interrogate the clients and investigate them. These clients can’t be locked up in the ministry holding cells since their crimes are minor, but they were not allowed to leave the country, in order to escape prosecution since the aurors would have the right to arrest them. There would be some minor charges coming against them and they wanted the reports due to next week. The aurors received the same tasks, but they also received arrest and in some cases search warrants. They are also responsible for the interrogation and their reports are due to two weeks. The last group of head aurors received arrest and search warrants and the reports had to be finished and given to the head of the DMLE three days before the Wizengamot trials, so that they could be charged appropriately.

The clients, who would receive fines, a probation or a prison sentence that are not longer than two years would be in front of a single judge, who would deal with the case alone. Cases that are between the sentences of more than two years and five years are dealt by a board of twelve juries, who are members of the Wizengamot, and a judge, who has the deciding vote in case there is a fifty-fifty within the jury. High ranking cases, where the sentences are above five years would be handled by the head of the DMLE and the Wizengamot, where the entire Wizengamot would vote for or against conviction.

With minors from the age of eleven to sixteen, there wouldn’t be full trials of the Wizengamot since they were only intended for adults. Magical minors, who are charged for minor crimes and are going to be sentenced to community service, leisure arrest or to probation, are charged in a court with only a judge. Cases, where the minors would be sentenced to more than two years to five years, would be judged by the head of DMLE and two juries. In the wizarding world, minors are maximally sentenced to fifteen years in Voggekk and in these cases, there would be the head of the DMLE as the judge and six members of the Wizengamot. That is the judicial system of their world. In case a minor is tried like an adult in front of the Wizengamot, then, the head of the DMLE would face censure and the entire case would be dismissed, which would be annoying.

They continued with their work and started to get active since there were many clients to be arrested. Corban was angry that his brother managed to erase his traces, but he was a Slytherin like him, and Corban knew that Aurelius would have made sure to erase any traces of him. Currently, they have the memories of Auror O’Neill, but Amelia needed a little bit more than that since Aurelius would be only charged with buying and being in possession of illegal goods and it could be reduced to a probation period due to his family’s influence. Corban wanted his brother to rot in jail.

Hogwarts, March 22nd, 2002

The order meeting this time is about the school board meeting on Monday and Albus and his followers were planning to remove the term project that every NEWT student had to do. The project is that each student would receive a poison or flawed potion and they had to break down the individual ingredients in the potion or poison and find a way to counter the flawed potion or poison. This time, they had managed to get some evidence that this project is too wasteful in time, ingredients and money and that mistakes had been proven to be dangerous and even lethal in some cases. Sadly, the evidence wouldn’t be enough since there would be a rock thrown in his way. With that goal in mind, Albus returned back to the topic about Aurelius Yaxley.

Phineas listened carefully, what the old fool was planning and he can tell that the plan would have more holes than Swiss cheese since Amelia Bones is aware of his plans and was ready to counter them. Albus turned his attention to Hestia about the arrest of Jack McLean. “Hestia, my girl, I have heard about the arrest of Jack McLean.” Hestia nodded and explained: “Currently, McLean is sitting in the ministry holding cells and is awaiting his trial at the middle of April. Amelia is very tight-lipped about McLean’s case file, but I have managed to overhear a conversation between Yaxley and Proudfoot. It seems like that Aurelius is a customer of Jack McLean and he recently bought some ritual materials, but they did only have evidence to charge him with buying and being in possession of illegal goods and with the influence of the Yaxleys in the ministry, the sentence could be reduced to a probation period. So, they won’t strike against him now.” Albus was pleased. He only hoped that Aurelius isn’t stupid enough to get caught. With Corban Yaxley on his side, he would gain access to the dark. Severus had refused to use his contacts to get him information and he was getting tired that the man absolutely refused to cooperate with his order. It was hard to deal with someone, who isn’t loyal, and he curses Antonius Prince to the depths of hell for destroying his plans.

James was ready to snarl since Yaxley is a death eater. It had to be a ruse that he loves a muggleborn and that in reality, he had a pureblood witch by his side, but sadly, no one does believe him that due to the so-called soul bond. He will find a way to remove Yaxley from the DMLE since the man is a clear danger to their society, but he had to find a really good reason to get him fired. For Crouch, it wasn’t enough to give the reason of being dark and evil to be fired due to his son’s incarceration. James will make sure that the wizarding world would be cleaned of any dark witches and wizards, but this goal would never be fulfilled since the dark and the light would live in harmony in the future, when the balance is brought back through his eldest son, who would be the light’s worst enemy.

Albus is waiting for the ritual to be conducted. From what, he had gathered, the ritual can only be conducted during a full moon and he couldn’t wait to get Yaxley on his side.

Lestrange Manor, March 24th, 2002

Like last time, Arthur informed the others about Dumbledore’s plan to ban the term project in the potion class and this time, they have three additional members in the Grey Alliance. Severus Snape-Prince, Corban Yaxley and his wife, Clara Yaxley. With their help, they would be able to stop Dumbledore’s plans. Severus rolled his eyes. That man is very focused on really dumbing down an entire generation. Severus explained: “That man is trying to dumb down an entire generation. This term project is important that the students learn, how to detect a poison or a flawed potion and try to find out an antidote. Healers and even aurors are expected to know that, so that in case of a poisoning, they should be aware, what is the reason behind the poisoning and break down the ingredients, in order to find out the antidote and to brew it.”

Many were in agreement. It was ludicrous, what Dumbledore and his light fools were planning, but sadly, this was their mindset and this mindset is dangerous. Narcissa was sure that Lady Meadow would make a protest against the motion again. This time, Narcissa planned to put up another distraction that would change the school even more. “I believe that we should nominate to order these desks from MACUSA that Severus had once mentioned. I mean, they have anti-cheating charms and wards against sabotaging.” Severus grinned. Finally, his prayers had been heard. Narcissa knew that it would please Severus and the rest of the staff, but it would be an annoyance to Dumbledore and McGonagall. It was about time to lower the cheating cases and stop the on-going sabotages between the Gryffindors and Slytherins during the practical lessons. It would bring some changes in the school. Severus answered: “Good. I would have made a request to order these desks.” Narcissa knew that Severus would have made sure to bring this in front of the board.

Everyone agreed on this nomination and Narcissa could admit that Hogwarts would look really different than before. Cyrus interrupted in her thoughts: “And we will introduce the ICW primary school curriculum for charms in this meeting. Like transfiguration, charms is a core class.” Everyone agreed on that. The short meeting came to an end and all of the parents went with their children home.

School board, March 25th, 2002

Lucius may have a neutral expression on his face, but inside, the man was smiling. Narcissa’s plan had worked perfectly. Like it was done in the previous meetings, one of Dumbledore’s stooges nominated to cancel the term project in the ICW potion curriculum. Lucius really questioned, how these fools had passed their OWLs, let alone their NEWTs, but he was reminded that they were fools with at least some brain in their head. If they thought that the evidence was good, then, everyone must have their blinders in their eyes. According to the evidence that is more than 50 years old, when these accidents had occurred and the ICW curriculum was first introduced, the term project is dangerous, wasteful and difficult. Not everything works perfectly in the first time, but on the later date, many students were used to the curriculum and the accidents became less and less.

The evidence was examined and the board realised that the accidents occurred fifty years ago, when the curriculum was introduced for the first time. When a newer statistic was shown regarding the term project, many agreed that not everything works for the first and at the end, many voted against the nomination. Dumbledore looked like he was punched in the gut, when the motion hadn’t passed.

The nomination regarding the desks from MACUSA caused many board members, mainly in the light, to discuss the motion that was presented by Muriel Prewett. Dumbledore’s older followers somehow liked the idea, whereas the younger generation of Lords and Ladies in Dumbledore’s camp were against the motion, and that caused a fight within the light section. Lucius could tell that within Dumbledore’s followers, there was a generational conflict between the old and the young. This motion passed with a majority vote, which angered some fools in the light section.

The third nomination that was presented by Cyrus Greengrass had a landslide vote and passed much to Dumbledore’s foul mood, which had worsened, when the nomination regarding the ICW curriculum had passed.

Albus was in a blind fury. This time, they were prepared and had evidence, but he overlooked the date, when the accidents had occurred. When the other board members reminded him that the statistic was out of date, Albus was ready to counter them and took a better look at the statistics’ date, when it was created. Albus had been ready to slam his head on the desk for Herbert’s stupidity by showing everyone a statistic that was half a century old. The statistic was nearly fifty years old, when the ICW curriculum was introduced for the first time, and this caused that many board members voted against the motion, when one of the members of the board showed them a newer statistic that showed everyone that the number of accidents had fallen to nearly a zero. The date of the statistics was in 1999, which was newer, and many were assured that the term project is not dangerous. It may cost a bit money, but it was nothing in comparison to the costs of the other term projects.

Then, there was the nomination from Muriel Prewett about the anti-cheating and anti-sabotaging desks from MACUSA. It was another setback since these desks would stop the students from cheating or sabotaging other students’ work and through them, he wouldn’t be able to do anything, if one of his pawns made an accusation of cheating against those, who were not loyal to him, or if they are sabotaging other students’ work. At the next school year, things wouldn’t work for his pawns anymore since his staff would be alerted, if a student is cheating or even sabotaging other students’ work. The affected students would demand in case of an accusation, if the teacher was alerted by the new desks since the desks’ magic would be tied to his staff. Every member of staff would feel a jerk, if a student was cheating or sabotaging another student’s work, and the jerk would get even more unbearable and worse, if a staff member was actively ignoring until the issue is dealt with. He needs to inform Minerva about this since she would be affected by these new desks. What makes matters even worse is the fact that the desks would be tied to the school’s wards and every time a student cheated or sabotaged another student’s work, it would be recorded and it would be in the archives. Albus and Minerva may have access to the archives, but Pandora does too due to her position as Lady Ravenclaw and the woman was not going to allow the students to get away with cheating and sabotaging. He really is in a bind now.

The last nomination had passed without issue. Albus wasn’t able to stop the motion since he was out of excuses like during the February meeting. He needed to talk to his followers about this setback.

Hogwarts

Albus was sitting behind his desk silently seething. His followers were scattered in his office. After some while, the old man calmed down and turned his attention to Herbert Jones angry at the man for showing the board an old, outdated statistic from the 1950s. “Herbert, my boy, can you explain me, why you used an old statistic from the 50s instead of showing newer evidence, which would have helped us to lower the standards of the new potion curriculum?”

Herbert swallowed a lump, whereas the others glared at the man. “I am sorry, Albus, but I have tried to find evidence to our claims. Sadly, I only found this statistic in my research. I didn’t think anyone would notice that the statistic is old and outdated.” Albus sighed. He knew that the man did his research, but the results were dissatisfying. When the newer statistic was shown, it disproved the old statistic and the nomination was doomed to fail. Albus answered: “It’s fine, my boy. You tried your best, but it didn’t work. Maybe next time, we would be successful.” Albus hoped that they would be successful at the April meeting. All three meetings in this new year were failures and setbacks. He will look at the curriculum, which potion could be easily removed, but that would be now harder.

The others in the office chattered for a while, when the headmaster was thinking. Many were frustrated that the ICW curriculum in the potion class is a tough nut to crack. Snape really made things needlessly hard for them and many blamed James for supporting Snape in his nomination during the December meeting. James had been ready to combust in fury, when the others were blaming him that they were in this situation, but he remained silent since no matter what he said, they would turn his word against him.

When Albus dismissed his followers and told them that they would be successful at the next board meeting, his followers left. On the other side, Lady Magic, Destiny, Fate and Death were entertaining themselves. It may be getting a little bit boring listening to politics, but it is entertaining to watch, how Dumbledore and his fools were failing every time. It was about time that Albus Dumbledore will never get his way anymore. And clearly, it started. She also let her brother, Time, confirm it, which meant that Dumbledore’s time is coming to an end soon.

Ministry, Interrogation Room 15, March 30th, 2002

Amelia and Corban were sitting in an interrogation room questioning Jack McLean. The man had been brought to the interrogation room a few minutes ago by Alastor and Kingsley and they started the interrogation, when the recording started and McLean’s lawyer came. Amelia started: “Mr. McLean, you had been arrested for selling, buying and being in possession of illegal goods. We found plenty of things in your house during our search and we are here to inform you that it doesn’t look good. We are also aware of your clients’ action and I can tell you that they are facing charges too for buying and being in possession of illegal goods, but there is a chance of a reduction of sentence, if you give up some information regarding one of your clients, who had managed to slip under our radar.”

McLean was silently talking with his lawyer and the man asked: “What client are you talking about, Auror Bones?”

Amelia answered: “We are talking about Aurelius Yaxley, Attorney Drake?”

The lawyer and Jack were looking to Corban and then, back to Amelia. Jack McLean swallowed hard. He knew that he was a dead-man-walking, if he betrays Aurelius Yaxley and is found out, but he also know that his brother is as dangerous or even more dangerous than Aurelius. He is stuck between a rock and a hard place. After a while, Jack said: “I want to speak with my lawyer about this privately. I am not sure about your offer.”

Amelia knew that the man is terrified of Aurelius Yaxley and she said in a calming voice. “Mr. McLean, your arrest is currently classified since we got the information that your dealings have a bigger picture. Corban and I know, what Heir Yaxley’s plans are and we have made plans to stop him and have him arrested. Furthermore, no one apart from the Wizengamot is aware of your arrest. And the members of the Wizengamot are under strict secrecy wards. Lord Yaxley can’t tell his son anything about you. You don’t need to be afraid of him since no one knows and the press just wrote a small column about your arrest, which would be ignored by the public. Your name isn’t mentioned and there are no pictures of you. We also put secrecy wards as an extra precaution here in this interrogation room. Another aspect that we have dealt with are your clients. We made sure to vow them to silence. So, we can assure you that Aurelius Yaxley will not find out that you have been arrested or that you have snitched.” Jack calmed down slightly. He was still on edge. He knew, what Aurelius was capable of, and he doesn’t want to end up dead.

When Jack was completely calm, he nodded and started: “Aurelius ordered from me restricted ritual materials that combined, they are used for breaking a soul bond. He wanted to use a ritual to break the soul bond between Auror Yaxley and his wife, in order to bring back the family honour, clean the House Yaxley from ‘impure’ blood and pay the debt to the House Jugson.” Amelia just shook her head. A soul bond is sacred and Aurelius is a fool to believe that breaking the soul bond between Corban and Clara would bring back the honour of House Yaxley. If Aurelius succeeds, then, he would bring dishonour to the House Yaxley and the entire family apart from Corban would be seen as blood traitors. And things would get worse. If Aurelius is brought to justice, which she was sure, the Yaxley family would lose their fortune and their seat in the Wizengamot. The goblins would make sure of that. It would be the beginning of the end of the House Yaxley.

Amelia continued: “Can you give us the memories from your recent encounters with Aurelius Yaxley?”

Jack sighed and discussed it with his lawyer. A few minutes later, both agreed and Amelia removed his memories. She viewed them and examined them. After she put the certification mark on the memories, Amelia said: “Mr. McLean, we thank you for your cooperation and we are going to make sure that your cooperation would be included in your trial. Is there anything else?”

Attorney Drake added: “Auror Bones, my client wishes to make a plea deal, in order to avoid a long trial. Is Lord Crouch ready?”

Corban and Amelia exchanged a glance at each other and Corban answered for the first time: “We will see, but we accept the plea deal.”

Amelia sent a patronus to Crouch, who immediately made his way to the interrogation room. “Amelia, I hope it is urgent.” Crouch knew that the woman would never waste his time for some nonsense.

Amelia answered: “It is. Mr. McLean wants a plea deal since he doesn’t want a long trial. Apart from that, he was cooperative in our investigation.” Bartemius nodded in understanding and sat down on another seat that was summoned for him. He turned his attention to Jack. “Very well, Mr. McLean, let’s start with the plea deal, but I hope that you are choosing wisely since the evidence is damning.” The man nodded. There is nothing much to lose. The only hope, he has, is a small sentence. Jack didn’t want to spend a decade in prison, because of Aurelius.

The plea deal was discussed and Amelia offered a sentence of five years in Azkaban. His cells would be in the lower level of the prison, where there are barely any dementors and it is a lot warmer there than in the upper level of the prison, where it is dreadfully cold and the exposition to the dementors is higher. Drake wanted a lower sentence of four years and that Jack is released under probation after serving two years, but Amelia refused although she accepted the probation.

After a lengthy debate, the plea deal was made and Jack would spend four and a half years in Azkaban. He would be released in case of good behaviour and after he had served two and a half years in Azkaban. With that, the rest of the sentence would be put under probation that would be extended to another five years, when he is released. It was accepted by both sides and Jack was led back to his cell awaiting his short trial. He prayed that Aurelius Yaxley would never find out that he had snitched him, but he didn’t care, because he is responsible that he was caught. Why did he agree to help him? He should have known that going against an auror like Corban Yaxley is the worst thing, you could do. Then, there is the fact that he was helping the man to destroy a soul bond, which is sacred in the magical world. He should have listened to his gut feeling telling him not to help Aurelius, but he was broke, desperate and he needed money. Now, he is paying the price for his desperation. Jack hoped that Lady Magic would forgive him for helping Aurelius to destroy a soul bond, but he doubted it.

Chapter Text

Weasley Manor, April 1st, 2002

Fred and George were on a mission. Today is their fourth birthday and they were ready for the day. They couldn’t wait to wake their older brothers and their father up. The only ones, who they didn’t want to wake is their mother and their younger siblings since they didn’t trust them and they hated Molly’s scolding. Unknown to the Weasleys, Molly nearly destroyed her connection with her older five children due to her action. There is only a thin string that is holding the bond, but that string can be destroyed by Arthur, if he dissolves the marriage contract between him and Molly. The Weasley Family Magic is slowly cutting the ties to Molly and her older five boys, but the tie with the marriage contract can’t be easily destroyed since it is Arthur’s responsibility, if he wants to destroy that small tie. And in case the marriage contract gets annulled, the children would only feel apathy towards their mother and there wouldn’t be any love that a child would have towards their mother.

Fred and George woke their older brothers apart from Bill, who is still at Hogwarts, and their father with bells and glitter.

Arthur came out of his room with a smile on his face, but there was a dangerous glint in eyes, where both twins swallowed hard. “Boys, come here now and face your punishment. It will get worse, if you are not coming.”

Fred and George faced their father, who was still looking at them with the same smile and the same glint in his eyes. Arthur was glad that the Wizengamot meeting was scheduled for next week. Normally, the meeting should have been today, but many didn’t want the meeting to take place during April Fools Day, and it was rescheduled. He wasn’t sure, if he should be glad or displeased since the twins are active during their birthday. After cleaning himself and making sure that twins are glittered as punishment, the other children came out. Percy and Charlie were glittered and were less than pleased, when they were woken up by the bells. Arthur quickly cleaned them up and ordered one of the cook elves to prepare for breakfast. Sometimes, he is dreading that the twins would become like Fabian and Gideon. When he was in his first year, he had been friends with the older twins and Arthur had known that both were pranksters. It seems like that the twins inherited the same love for pranks like Fabian and Gideon and are as mischievous as they had been. Arthur sighed. He missed his friends. Their deaths hit him hard since they were really good friends and he had trusted them. But Arthur doesn’t have the time to dwell on the past.

When breakfast was ready, Molly, Ron and Ginny joined them at the breakfast table. Thankfully, it was quiet since even Ron and Ginny focused more on the food than their surroundings. Arthur didn’t know, what to do with Ron and Ginny since they weren’t his, but he will try his best to be in their lives. He really can’t blame them for their conceiving since it was Molly’s fault that she was unfaithful to him. He already had a talk with Bill and Charlie and both boys would take care of the youngest two even though they have a clear dislike towards them.

During the twins’ birthday, many guests have arrived and he had managed to get Bill here until tomorrow. The teachers sent him the needed assignments home. Arthur was proud that his son had finished them in the afternoon. Thankfully, the mandatory tutoring sessions in potions are finished and Bill is up to par with the ICW curriculum in potions. Arthur was grateful that Minerva hasn’t noticed anything amiss. He told Bill to floo from her office to the Burrow and then, floo to Weasley Manor. The Weasley patriarch made sure that everything was untraceable. Not even Dumbledore would be able to track them down. It was a mix of dark and light families in the UK and the Delacours from France, who had come to visit. Arthur felt at peace. He remembered that Ron’s birthday last month in the Burrow was tiring since he had to act like he was a blind fool in front of Dumbledore. Many order members were invited. The only ones that he had trusted are Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody and strangely Dedalus Diggle. He had told his newly gained friends and allies about Dedalus Diggle and everyone saw that the man is very distant towards Dumbledore and the order. He knew that his son is a blind fool, but his daughter was not and Arthur knew that she left the house after graduation. From what, he heard, she was disowned by her brother for marrying Augustus Rookwood, but when he visited Diggle Manor, Arthur had managed to find out that according to Dedalus, she wasn’t disowned from the family since he would never go against a soulmate couple like Julius had done to Evan and Regulus. So, Claudia Diggle is still a Diggle only she is married into the Rookwood family.

The Grey Alliance quickly contacted the Rookwoods and they had been introduced to Lady Claudia Rookwood neé Diggle. Claudia revealed some things about her father and how he was forced to take a loyalty oath by her grandfather, who was a blind follower of Dumbledore. She wanted to help her father, but sadly, she couldn’t due to her tyrannic brother, who had never forgiven her for choosing a dark wizard as marriage partner.

They couldn’t think any lower about the headmaster, but this was the lowest of the low to force a kind man like Dedalus into a loyalty oath. They promised Claudia to find a way to save Dedalus from Dumbledore’s clutches, but it would be difficult.

Molly was furious about all those dark wizards and witches like the Malfoys, Greengrasses, Lestranges etc. in her house. She couldn’t believe that Arthur was allowing their children to be exposed by all these people. She tried to invite some of the order members, but couldn’t due to the house arrest. Not even the new family owl wanted to listen to her. Her husband is becoming dark, because of Crouch, the goblins and the person that sent the anonymous tip and she can’t do anything.

She saw everyone talking peacefully and there was happiness. The only family that didn’t make sense are the Clearwaters. She heard the name from somewhere, but she couldn’t place her finger until she remembered that their daughter, Penelope Clearwater, is Percy’s soulmate. She was glad that Percy has a soulmate that Albus would be able to control and she would approve, but she wasn’t sure now. Molly didn’t like her older boys’ soulmates and for that reason she had it blocked. Bill’s soulmate is a dark creature and she will not allow her son to marry a disgusting veela, but sadly, it seems like that that veela tramp is getting her clutches on her oldest son and she can’t stop it. Charlie’s soulmate is another boy and she will not accept one of her children to be a faggot, but Molly was sure that Arthur had allowed to purge her children from the needed treatment. Fred and George shared a soulmate and Molly hated polygamy. So, she blocked the soul bond with the help of Minerva and Albus. Molly hoped that Fred and George would marry two girls and not be savages that would share one girl. This was also destroyed.

Molly was lost in her thoughts, when Narcissa approached her. Narcissa was planning to inform her that it was her that gave Crouch the anonymous tip. She wanted to make sure, how her reaction would be.

Molly groaned, when the Malfoy bitch was approaching her. The woman started with her damnable smirk. “Ah, Molly, what a surprise that you are allowed to be here, let alone to be near your children after everything, what you have done to Arthur and your trueborn sons.” Molly growled at that, but remained quiet. She knew that the woman wants to poke her at the fact that her youngest two are not Arthur’s biological children. Narcissa continued much to Molly’s misery: “And now, you are under house arrest for your own actions. To be honest, Molly, I have known that something was wrong with Arthur, but I needed proof. So, I made an anonymous tip to Lord Crouch, where I made my suspicions clear that Arthur was under spells and potions.” Molly suddenly stopped in her tracks. That bitch was responsible for ruining her life. She was going to make her pay for this mess that Malfoy had caused and for destroying Dumbledore’s plans.

Narcissa quickly left the woman before she would blow up like a bomb. She quickly informed her friends that she revealed Molly the truth about the anonymous tip and quickly left. Arthur and the others could see that Molly was ready to combust in fury, but she is restraining herself from lashing out in front of a public event.

The birthday went on until it was late in the evening, when the twins had to go to bed. From there on the guests started to leave.

Before Augustinus could leave, he also went to Molly. The woman glared at the man. She knew, what the man had done to the former Lestrange trio, but she believed it to be a ruse and that the man is a pureblood supremacist. The old Lestrange lord said: “Well, Molly. I am glad that soon enough House Lestrange and House Weasley would be allied through marriage.” Molly was confused. How are they going to be allied to the House Lestrange since the Lestranges are dying out. The man will not live a long time. She was sure of that.

Augustinus noticed the confused look on the Weasley matriarch and it is time to drop the bomb about Penelope. “You are asking yourself, how this is going to happen since my house is seemingly extincting. Well, I can give you the answer. Muggleborns are not really coming from muggles.” Now, Molly was confused. Muggleborns are born to a non-magical couple and were gifted with magic. Augustinus just smiled, when he had seen that Molly is still clueless. The woman didn’t get the message. So, he continued: “Actually, muggleborns are actually squibborns and well, currently, I have an heiress, who will continue the Lestrange line and would be the next Lady Lestrange since she is descending from the House Lestrange.” The man’s sight went to the Clearwater girl. Suddenly, Molly was hit with a realisation. NO! Her third eldest will marry a dark witch. She never thought that Penelope would descend from such a dark family like the Lestranges. If she had known about that, then, she would have blocked the soul bond too. This must be a nightmare. Augustinus left the woman chuckling to himself. Molly is now panicking, how everything is going the wrong way.

The birthday ended, when the last guests left the manor. Molly was furious. This was her worst day yet. Malfoy destroyed her life and Lestrange told her that Percy is going to marry his cousin and heiress. This is her worst nightmare. She hoped that she would wake up and have her life back, but sadly unknown to her, her life would get even worse.

Hogwarts, April 5th, 2002

Albus was sitting with his followers in his office discussing the ban against Ancient Magic. Albus knew that Voldemort had dabbled into that kind of magic, but it would be disproved since the man only dabbled into olde dark magic that is in most cases illegal globally. Ancient Magic is difficult to wield and only some have been successful. It is something that you have to be gifted with by Lady Magic and this gift is only given to those, that had to stop a great evil like it was done during the 19th century, when Ranruk and his supporters and Viktor Rookwood and his crooks were causing havoc in the wizarding world and the goblin nation. Many Ancient Magic users in history start their magical education normally in their fifth year since their core needs time to develop with the Ancient Magic. Voldemort only received the powers of the Dark Lord from Lady Magic. If he had received the gift of Ancient Magic, Voldemort wouldn’t have started Hogwarts during his first year, but during his fifth year. Furthermore, the man would have been treated differently by the orphanage since Ancient Magic users barely do any accidental magic and if they do, it would be very small and unnoticed. Lady Magic really should have gifted Riddle with Ancient Magic since he would have started his school life very late during his fifth year. The orphanage would have been dissolved due to the increased bombings since Dumbledore wouldn’t know about Riddle until it is too late and furthermore, he wouldn’t have been able to set up any protections and wards against muggle bombs like in this timeline, in order to keep the boy in an abusive environment. Of course, Tom would have been raised very differently since he would have experienced the war in a new aspect and he would have different views regarding the muggles and wizards. It would have been too difficult for Dumbledore to manipulate someone, who has lived through a war and would recognise a manipulation from miles away. The boy would have been successful to bring both Dumbledore and Grindelwald down and destroy their power base, but Fate and Destiny told her that Tom was destined to be a dark lord, which would cause more problems than they are worth it.

Lady Magic can’t dwell on that missed opportunity. It is now time to fix things and this time, she has a Grey Lord. Normally, the Potters would only have John, but Harry was born too due to the imbalance. Lady Magic knew that it is cruel to give a young child such a great responsibility, but she knew that he would be ready, when he is finished with Hogwarts to bring back the balance with a new light and a new dark lord.

Lady Magic was watching Albus plotting, but she can tell that it would not work. Another benefit is that Arthur Weasley is there to spy on the order meetings.

When the meeting ended, Lady Magic was sure that the information would be used to counter the nomination.

Davis Manor, April 6th, 2002

Narcissa smirked slightly, when Arthur was finished with his story about the order meeting. She knew that she would use the same excuse like the first time around since Ancient Magic is used in the Magical Military Unit here in the UK since many Battle Mages were strong enough to wield that kind of magic. This kind of magic is rare since only a few are able to wield it and the books regarding Ancient Magic are very rare and only accessible to those, who have got the gift from Lady Magic. Furthermore, Narcissa also plans to reveal that Ancient Magic users are either born or are receiving the gift on a later date like the Battle Mages in the Magical Military Unit, in order to make sure that it is not misconstrued as evil.

But there was another issue and it is to put up a distraction for Dumbledore and his followers. Many were not sure, what to put as a distraction until Narcissa had an idea. “What we are missing in our world are orphanages and there we could be more successful.”

Augustinus smiled and said: “Oh, we are going to be successful. When my former great-nephews joined that maniac, I researched him and found out that he had lived in a muggle orphanage called Wool’s orphanage. According to some of the children that had lived there, they informed me that Tom had no friends and was abused due to his strange abilities by the head of the orphanage. Sometimes, there was even a priest to try an exorcism against the boy, which nearly led to his death. If he had been non-magical, he would have died.” Narcissa really would be successful with that and she was furious, what had been done to Voldemort, when he was a child. If the man had been removed from such a place, then, she was sure that Voldemort wouldn’t have become a maniacal, crazy, dark lord. Even though, it is Voldemort, she would never wish this to happen to any magical child. She looked at the Clearwaters and asked: “Mr. Clearwater, is there maybe a way to ban exorcism in the non-magical world?”

Jeremy answered: “Sadly no since it would be seen as an interference within the churches, but now it is regulated since 1999, the exorcists needed the expertise of a psychatrist, before they could start an exorcism. It is actually illegal to do an exorcism without the consultation of a psychologist and psychiatrist.” Narcissa had to admit that with this regulation, parents wouldn’t be able to order exorcisms on magical children without any expertise. She was sure that with the right people, they would be able to stop most parents from thinking that their children were possessed by demons.

For now, they have everything. Dumbledore’s nomination would be stopped by pointing out that this branch of magic is also one of the branches of magics in the Magical Military Unit and that the minister would be again endangered.

Cyrus had a thoughtful look. When he had seen Jack McLean, the Greengrass Lord had the suspicion that the young man could be his nephew, Jaques Greengrass, but he looked too different, since he had black eyes instead of blue eyes and he looked a bit older. Cyrus never talked about his brother since he was a death eater, but the only person he cared in his brother’s family is his nephew, Jaques. When his nephew was born, his brother treated him as a disappointment since he was a male bearer, but Cyrus and Danielle loved their nephew regardless like he was their own. But during the summer after Jaques’ fifth year, something has happened that led to his nephew running away, which really saddened them. He had been in the unknown for why his nephew would run away from the family until a letter from his account manager had arrived that informed him that his brother tried to create an illegal betrothal contract between his nephew and Atticus Mulciber. Cyrus was furious and cancelled the contract since he, as the head of the family, was not consulted in this and he absolutely refused that match since Atticus Mulciber was a brutal and violent man. He also disowned his brother from the House Greengrass for the dishonour he brought upon the family and through the Family Magics, he banned the man from ever seeing his son. Cyrus and Danielle moved heaven and earth to find their nephew, but it seems like that he had hidden himself, in order to protect himself, and they had prayed to find him. They suspected that the reason why he ran away was to escape an unwanted betrothal. Next month would be his 17th birthday and Danielle and he were slowly losing hope of finding him. Maybe Jack McLean is a lead, but they can’t put up their hopes up on the man.

Cyrus asked Amelia: “Amelia, have you done an inheritance test on Jack McLean, in order to check up his identity?”

Amelia shook her head and realised that she made a little mistake that could throw the case through the window. She will make the inheritance test after the Wizengamot meeting. Amelia answered: “No, but I am going to make an inheritance test after the Wizengamot meeting.”

Cyrus nodded. Maybe he could be wrong that Jack is his missing nephew, but he hopes that he isn’t wrong.

Narcissa knew, why Cyrus asked that. She knew about Alfred Greengrass and his son, Jaques, and the scandal with the illegal betrothal contract with the Mulcibers. It led to a feud between the Houses Greengrass and Mulciber and until today, it had not been solved. Narcissa hoped that Jack McLean is the missing member of House Greengrass, but she wasn’t sure. Both looked so similar, but also different. They needed to be carefully not to set their hopes up.

With that, the meeting came to an end.

Wizengamot, April 8th, 2002

Narcissa was sitting at the Wizengamot meeting bored out. Only a few minutes after the session started, Dumbledore nominated to ban Ancient Magic and now, the man was droning on and on about the dangers of that branch. Narcissa let out an unheard huff. Turning to her husband, who was equally bored like her, Narcissa whispered: “The man likes to hear his own voice. Seriously, can he make these nominations any shorter?”

Lucius chuckled lightly and answered: “No, Cissy. We are talking about Dumbledore. The man loves to drone on about something, so that everyone would vote his nomination. He also wants us to suffer for the lost nomination during the March meeting.” Narcissa just rolled her eyes. Sometimes, Dumbledore can be petty, when he doesn’t get his way, but they were going to make sure that things would not go his way again. When Dumbledore was finished, Narcissa let out a sigh of relief. The man is making things really difficult.

When it was time for another nomination, this time, Lord Rosier was the one, who wanted to speak. Albus hoped that the man was not going to make things needlessly hard, but he would be happy to shoot something down that the dark is proposing. “Lord Rosier.”

Darren took a deep breath and nominated: “I propose that we open here in the magical world our own orphanages, so that we can give magical orphans a roof over their heads care for them.”

Albus tried quickly: “Lord Rosier, we have enough orphanages here in the UK. We don’t need more.”

Augustinus was hiding a smirk. The man doesn’t want orphanages in the magical world, so that he can send orphans in muggle orphanages that in some cases were a danger to magical children, but he had a way to counter the man. “Chief Warlock, are you referring to the orphanages in the muggle world?” Albus nodded and Augustinus got him in a trap. “Then, I am afraid that a majority of these orphanages are not safe for magical children. You know, when my former great-nephews joined that insane madman, I have researched him and I was surprised by my results.” Albus was trying to hide his panic. He wanted to throw a killing curse on Augustinus Lestrange, so that he can silence him permanently, but that would be a very bad idea now since there were too many witnesses. Augustinus continued satisfied with the panicked look on Albus’ face: “According to what I have found out, Lord Voldemort or as he was known by his birth name, Thomas Marvolo Riddle, was raised in a religious, muggle orphanage and I can tell you all that the man as a boy was abused horrendously, because of his magic. I managed to get some records from the archives of the neighbouring church of the orphanage and there I have noticed that Nicola Cole, the late head of the orphanage, where Voldemort was raised, had ordered some exorcisms against Thomas Marvolo Riddle due to his ‘devil’ abilities. I believe that the abuse and the exorcisms made Voldemort to hate muggles and due to his sorting in Slytherin, his hatred extended to muggleborns, squibs, halfbloods and magical creatures. So, I ask you all here, do any of you want to risk another Voldemort, because of a muggle orphanage that is prejudiced against witches and wizards.” Everyone shook their heads vehemently and chattering broke out. Augustinus hid a smirk and watched Dumbledore’s reaction.

Albus really wanted to kill Augustinus Lestrange. That man destroyed so many plans in one row. What was he supposed to do now? If he tries to shoot down the idea, many would think that he wants another dark lord and he can’t have that. He is getting tired of nominations that were ruining his Greater Good. He tried: “The idea sounds to be good, but what about the funds for the necessities and a building, where the orphans can have a roof over their heads.” Suddenly, many spoke up: “We can put up a donation.” “We can offer some of our unused manors and rent them to a very small price less than 10 Galleons a year as an orphanage.” Many started to talk at once offering to help the orphans in their world and there Albus got furious. He needed to talk to his followers.

Narcissa smiled at her husband. “Well, Albus got a nasty surprise. Even his followers are furious and unhappy about those revelations regarding Voldemort.” Lucius hid a grin and said: “I can imagine, how loud the argument is inside these wards and thank Merlin, we are not dealing with these fools.” Narcissa just repressed a snort.

When the privacy bubble was up, Aurelia Acton took over. The woman had to repress a laugh and remained stoic. “Whereas they have a press conference about this topic, we can continue.” Many chuckled at the comment. She looked around and questioned: “Are there any further nominations?”

This time, it was Lucius Malfoy, who rose his wand. Aurelia turned her attention to the Malfoy lord. “Lord Malfoy?”

Lucius stood up and proposed: “I have serious questions about Lord Dumbledore’s nomination regarding Ancient Magic. From what, I have learned about this branch of magic, it is used by the Magical Military Unit and it is only gifted by Lady Magic to certain individuals. If we look at our history, then, we would notice that the last wielder of Ancient Magic was born with that kind of magic and started to attend Hogwarts in his fifth year since his core needed time to adjust to the additional magic. And the same individual stopped the last Goblin Rebellion by defeating Ranruk and his followers. Furthermore, some members of the military unit are also able to wield this kind of magic after they gained Lady Magic’s favour and you all know, what happens, if the Wizengamot is actively interfering against the Magical Military Unit or have you all forgotten the last Wizengamot meeting. So, I ask you, would this ban be seen as an interference to the military unit and would this interference be another risk to the minister’s magic.” Many were horrified and looked at the minister. Bagnold’s look alone made everyone realise that again they nearly risked their minister’s magic. Lucius continued: “We have forgotten our laws very fast and I will tell you now that we can’t ban Archaic, Arcane and Ancient Magic without risking that our dear minister loses her magic. Do you want to be responsible for turning Minister Bagnold into a squib? The punishment is a life sentence in Azkaban no matter, if it was purposeful or not.” Everyone shook their heads fearfully and had to admit that they do not want to spend the rest of their lives in Azkaban, because of Dumbledore. Lucius finished: “For that reason, I nominate to put the current ban against Ancient Magic into question, because we should re-evaluate the law with these revelations.”

Callidora draw the attention to herself by announcing: “I request Dumbledore’s nomination to be rescinded. This nomination alone is dangerous and a risk to an innocent woman.” Many agreed with her and Aurelia put it in the docket. The request would be voted first since it is about a nomination that had been made by the old fool.

When Dumbledore was finished, the man was tired and angry. After he retook the podium, things got worse for him since Aurelia explained him the request from Callidora Longbottom and Malfoy’s nomination. Albus tried to protest the request, but when it was voted on, the majority demanded the rescinding of his motion. Albus was furious, when he was forced to remove his nomination from the docket.

The next vote was on the orphanages in the magical world and he was forced to vote for the motion since he was boxed in a corner by Lestrange. The third nomination was a landslide and Albus became even more furious. This meeting was a complete nightmare.

After the votes, the Wizengamot meeting came to an end. Albus sent his followers home, because he couldn’t deal with their whining and complaining now.

Headmaster’s office

Albus stormed into his office and started to destroy it in his pure rage. How dare they? How dare they rescind his nomination? He wanted to make their world a lot safer and they were going in the opposite direction. After he had calmed down, Albus fixed his office and sat down sucking on a lemon drop, in order to calm his nerves down.

After a while, he heard a knock on the office door. Albus noticed that it was Minerva and allowed her in.

Minerva was concerned, when she heard the headmaster’s office being destroyed. She thought that some students were demolishing the office, but she recognised that it was Albus. Whatever had happened during the Wizengamot meeting, it wasn’t good. She asked in a concerned tone: “Albus, is everything alright? Did something happen during the Wizengamot meeting?”

Albus sighed and explained: “Yes. The Wizengamot voted for the opening of magical orphanages and put the current ban regarding Ancient Magic into question.”

Minerva was shocked. “WHAT?!” She thought that she had misheard Albus.

Albus nodded and answered: “Darren Rosier had brought it up. I was close to dismiss the motion, but Augustinus Lestrange destroyed everything.” Albus’ anger reawakened at the mention of the man’s name. That man had become a thorn to his side that is becoming bigger and bigger. Albus continued brushing his anger off: “The man researched Voldemort and found many information that I wanted to keep hidden. Now, they became public knowledge and we can’t send any orphans back to the muggle orphanages since many would think that we are trying to create a second Voldemort.” Minerva was furious. How dare that man? She would have scolded the man for using fear to get his way.

“Now, we are stuck. That man caused so much damage and it can’t be repaired since many would be reminded, what Voldemort had become, when he was raised in a muggle orphanage. I already can foresee that the Wizengamot would put a ban that would forbid magical children to be sent to muggle orphanages at the next meeting.” Albus hoped that this would not happen, but sadly, it could be a possibility. He hated this. He thought that he had hidden everything about Tom’s past, but it seems like that he was proven wrong. How did Lestrange get this information? He needed to find out, if there are some lose ends and if he had to get rid of them. Albus made sure that the orphans that lived with Tom wouldn’t talk about him, but sadly, he may have overseen some and Lestrange got to them. Albus should have killed them personally, but he believed that Tom would deal with them appropriately. Sadly, he didn’t and now he had to deal with the fallout.

Minerva and Albus were discussing the ban against Ancient Magic and Malfoy’s nomination regarding it, which was also setback, and what to do during the board meeting at the end of the month. Albus still didn’t find anything that he can remove from the potion class, but he will work harder. His pawns’ futures are depending on him.

Ministry, Interrogation Room, April 10th, 2002

Amelia ordered her aurors to bring Jack McLean back in the interrogation room and requested a goblin in the ministry since she is in a need of an inheritance test. The woman is waiting for the goblin and McLean. The goblin arrived first and was escorted inside. Karkstone didn’t know, what was going on, but he hoped that the witch was not going to waste his time, which he doubted. Amelia greeted the goblin politely and explained: “Account Manager Karkstone, you are here for an inheritance test regarding one of the prisoners. We have a suspicion that we may have found a missing minor.” Karkstone mused at that knowing that the ministry had made those requests in the past to identify the missing. Amelia knew that she is putting a high stake on this, but she knew that she wanted to help the Greengrasses to find their nephew.

Karkstone answered: “Very well, Lady Bones, but if this proves to be a waste of our ingredients, then, you know that the ministry had to reimburse us.” Amelia knew that, but she was sure that there is more to Jack McLean than the eye would meet. Amelia answered: “I know the consequences and if my suspicion proves to be wrong, I am willing to pay the price, Account Manager Karkstone.” The goblin nodded and smiled slightly knowing that the woman is honest.

When Jack was led in and saw the goblin with the heritage potion and the parchment, the man started to panic and tried to get out, but the two aurors were holding him firm. Amelia was surprised by this. Maybe it is the missing nephew of Lord and Lady Greengrass, but she needed proof. After Jack’s attorney entered the interrogation room last, the man was surprised to see the goblin. Drake asked: “Amelia, what is going on and why is a goblin here?”

Amelia answered strictly: “Attorney Drake, Account Manager Karkstone is here, because we suspect that this case is connected with a case of a missing minor. I have the suspicion that Mr. McLean is the missing nephew of Lord and Lady Greengrass. If you remember the scandal with the illegal betrothal contract, then, you can make the connection, why he is missing.” The attorney remembered that and realised that maybe his client is a minor. Jack was confused. Illegal betrothal contract? But his father said that the contract was perfectly legal and that he had to marry Atticus Mulciber no matter what he wanted. What had happened? Quickly, returning back from his thoughts, Jack was terrified and wanted to go, when the goblin stepped in front of him.

Karkstone examined the young man in front of him and noticed that the man is wearing glamours. The goblin said: “Auror Bones, it seems like that Mr. McLean is wearing glamours that would make him look older and different.” Amelia stared at the goblin in shock. Could the man be the missing boy? If it is the case, then, the case would have to be handled differently since he can’t be charged in front of the whole Wizengamot. She requested: “Then, please remove the glamours, Account Manager Karkstone.” With a wave of his hand, Karkstone removed the glamours with goblin magic and in front of them stood clearly a teenager and not a young man that has blue eyes and blond hair. Amelia noticed the Greengrass features and was ready to run to her office, in order to call Cyrus and Danielle here.

Karkstone asked in a curious tone: “Now, let’s make an inheritance test, in order to find out, who you really are even though it is obvious that you are a member of the House Greengrass?”

Amelia nodded in agreement and summoned four seats. The four apart from the two shocked aurors sat down and Karkstone started with the inheritance test. After the boy let a few drops of blood fall on the potion-soaked parchment, they waited until the inheritance test was finished.

When the parchment was finished, Karkstone took a look and confirmed that the boy in front of them is really Jaques Greengrass. Amelia quickly sent one of the aurors in the room to get Lord and Lady Greengrass, whereas she was going to interrogate the boy in front of her. The other auror was sent to get Bartemius Crouch Sr. since the case had to be changed.

Amelia asked still in shock: “Mr. Greengrass, you have a lot to explain.” The boy nodded. The woman didn’t know, where to start, but began to ask: “Tell me from the beginning, when you have run away from home to now, what you have been doing.” She noticed Bartemius in the side room watching the interrogation. This is good. The man was shocked and unhappy that the case had to be changed to a minor case, but there was nothing to be done since he didn’t want to be censured by the Wizengamot and did not want to piss off the Greengrass Family. Last time, he got lucky since Rufus was the one on the receiving end of Cyrus’ fury.

Jaques didn’t have choice. He should tell her the truth and started: “It all started, when my father announced to me that I am going to be betrothed to Atticus Mulciber, one of his friends and allies. His wife had died under mysterious circumstances, but I suspected that he had her killed.” Amelia knew about this case and she was sure that there was foul play. Sadly, she didn’t have any proof against Atticus. She nodded to him to continue. Jaques continued: “He explained to me that the betrothal contract was already filed and that my future was set, but I didn’t want to marry him and so, I ran away. I arrived at Knockturn and there, I got my looks reapplied by a witch to look older and changed my eye colour. I couldn’t use magic since I knew that I would be tracked down by my father. So, I waited until my 17th birthday. Everything was alright until Aurelius Yaxley found out, where I was living.” Now Amelia was paying close attention, if there was something that she can use, in order to press charges against the man, then, the better.

Amelia asked kindly trying to calm the scared teen down: “What is his role, Jaques? If there is more against that man, then, please tell us. You are safe here.”

Jaques was ready to continue, but stopped and turned around, when the door opened and Cyrus and Danielle came in. Both were shocked beyond their belief to see their nephew here. The couple was quick as lightning and sat down on two other seats opposite Amelia. They were glad to have their nephew back. Danielle even had some tears streaming down her face and Cyrus was trying to remain calm since the man was at the brink of tearing up. They were glad that Jaques was here and they couldn’t wait to introduce him to his new cousin, when she is born in a month. Jaques had known about Daphne since she was a newborn, before he had disappeared, and the boy was really close to his cousin. They should have known that something was wrong, when Daphne became fussy around Jaques before he had run away. Maybe their little girl had noticed that something was wrong and they had ignored it. Cyrus had blamed himself after he had received the letter from Gringotts about the betrothal contract, when his nephew ran away. Danielle remembered that Cyrus had made sure that his brother suffered for his actions by disowning him and by using family magics to never come near a member of the Greengrass family ever again. Danielle knew that Alfred is now in the goblin mines reaping what he had sown.

Jaques was happy, but also terrified and sad that he had disappointed his aunt and uncle with his actions. Cyrus looked at Amelia and the woman explained, what Jaques had told her until now. The man nodded and seethed silently. He was going to pay a visit to his brother during one of his breaks in the goblin mines. Amelia returned back to her question. “Jaques, back to the question. What role did Aurelius Yaxley play in this? I mean, during your departure, you told me that Aurelius Yaxley found out, who you really are.” Cyrus clenched his teeth. Danielle was trying to calm her husband down. She knew that he is angry, but she herself was not going to like, where the questioning is going.

Jaques had more courage since his aunt and uncle were here and explained: “He threatened me. He told me that he needed another black-market dealer for his deals and that his last dealer suffered an accident. So, he ordered me to do his illegal dealings.” Amelia was going to investigate that. There was a case about a dead black-market dealer, but it was deemed as an accident. Now, she is doubting it. She continued to listen to Jaques’ story. “If I didn’t play by the rules, then, he is going to tell Atticus Mulciber about my whereabouts and hand me over to him, so that I can become his ‘dutiful wife’.” The boy shivered at that and Cyrus and Danielle were furious. There was no way in hell, they would have allowed that man anywhere near their nephew. Amelia was ready to arrest the Yaxley heir, but she needed more information from Jaques. Maybe he is the key for Aurelius’ arrest. She has exploitation charges against the man.

She asked: “Jaques, is that everything, what Aurelius Yaxley had done to you?”

Jaques shook his head and Amelia allowed him to continue: “In some instances, he forced me to undress until I was naked. It was embarrassing and sometimes, he… he… touched me. Thankfully, he didn’t go any further, because he wanted to save my purity for Mulciber.” Amelia was ready to skin the man alive. There are going to be sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual abuse charges on a minor against Aurelius. Cyrus had to be restrained on the chair, in order to stop the man from killing Aurelius Yaxley and Danielle gave him calming draughts before he could kill the man. She was livid, what Aurelius had done to her nephew.

Amelia asked: “Jaques, is there anything else to add?” The boy shook his head. Amelia said in a kind, soothing tone: “Jaques, you are going to be released to your aunt’s and uncle’s custody. As a minor, I am not allowed to hold you in a ministry holding cell, but the charges are going to remain, understood?” Jaques nodded and was happy that everything is out. Amelia, then, turned her attention to the Greengrass couple. “Lord and Lady Greengrass, I would like to speak with Attorney Drake and Lord Crouch, how we are going to proceed. Your nephew will be released to your custody, but the charges would remain, but there are going to be some changes regarding his trial.” She glanced at Attorney Drake, who remained quiet since he knew that Amelia was not going to make his client’s life difficult. Attorney Drake said: “I will keep you updated regarding his case since you are his guardians.” The couple nodded and trusted Amelia to handle this. They left the room with their nephew. There are some things, they needed to go over.

After the couple left with their nephew, Amelia informed Karkstone: “Account Manager Karkstone, I believe that everything had been resolved. The money for the bill would be transferred.”

Karkstone answered: “The money is not needed, Lady Bones, since it was clearly a case of a missing minor and the bank will be covering the costs. I am also going to request an audit of the Yaxley vaults since a part of the fortune has been gained illegally through black-market deals. I am going to make sure to track down, where the money came from and the illegally gained money would be used as restitution money for Jaques Greengrass. We also will close down the vault of Jack McLean and seize the money in that vault since he doesn’t exist and as a punishment against Mr. Greengrass for falsifying personal information and the illegality of the funds he put in the vault. Gringotts will send you the bank statements, Lady Bones, Lord Crouch.” Amelia nodded. The bank statements would solidify the case against Aurelius Yaxley.

After the goblin left, Bartemius entered the interrogation room perplexed. He knew that the case would be reduced to a minor trial, but he can accept it since there is a big fish with Aurelius Yaxley. The man would face multiple charges of exploitation of a minor, sexual abuse, assault and harassment, buying, selling and being in possession of illegal goods and maybe a murder charge regarding the death of Yaxley’s last black-market dealer. He will allow Amelia to reopen the case. He always thought that there was something fishy regarding the death of Alan Cane, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. There is a lot of work since the man is planning to break a soulbond between one of his best aurors in the DMLE and his wife.

Amelia turned her attention to Attorney Drake. “Mr. Drake, the case against Jack McLean will be dismissed since he doesn’t exist, but there are still charges against Jaques Greengrass regarding the fact that he is an accomplice. I know that he had helped Aurelius Yaxley unwillingly and had suffered under the man’s hand, but he could have avoided this fate, if he had gone to Lord and Lady Greengrass regarding the betrothal contract since it was made illegally by his father. As he was raised in a noble house, Jaques should have known that in a betrothal contract, the head of the family needs to be consulted and has the final say in a marriage or betrothal contract.” Drake wanted to protest, but remained quiet, when Amelia was finished. Even he knew that betrothal and marriage contracts should be consulted by the head of the family and that the head of the family has the final say regarding them. The man asked: “What are you offering, Amelia?”

Amelia smiled and answered: “I am offering you that Jaques should receive a warning and should do 100 community service hours in St. Mungos. Furthermore, the record would remain for five years due to special circumstances since his crimes were done under force, before it would be wiped out from his record.”

Drake had to admit that the punishment is light in comparison, what had been offered beforehand. It was also fair. The boy would do community hours and his record would be clean after five years. The man answered: “I can accept that. I will discuss this with Lord and Lady Greengrass.”

Amelia nodded. “Good, and Lord and Lady Greengrass should hire a mind healer for him, in order work through the trauma, he had suffered. He had gone through enough. Furthermore, he is allowed to continue with his NEWTs since the charges are not affecting his education.” Drake nodded and wrote it down. After he shook his hand with Amelia and Bartemius, he left the interrogation room, in order to speak with Lord and Lady Greengrass.

Bartemius sat down on one of the empty seats and said: “Good job, Amelia. Keep working like this and you will become head of the DMLE in no time.”

Amelia just smiled and said: “You know as I do, Bartemius, that I am not working here to get a high position of power. I am here to help our world to be safe and fight crimes.”

Bartemius answered: “And people like you are more deserving of being the head of the DMLE than certain pompous pricks, who want to be in a position of power.”

Amelia had the suspicion that Bartemius is referencing to Rufus, but she couldn’t disagree with him. She stood up saying: “Let’s get some lunch, Bartemius, and not stay here any longer. Many would think that I am sleeping with you, in order to get the position as the head of the DMLE. I am starving.”

Bartemius just laughed knowing that if it comes to that, then, it would be denied instantly since everyone knew that he and Amelia had a platonic relationship and were only friends. Amelia smiled shaking her head having the same thoughts. Both left the interrogation room going separate ways. Amelia to the floo terminal, in order to get lunch from Diagon Alley. There was no way in hell, she was going to eat the food from the ministry canteen. She did it once and got food poisoning. Bartemius went back to his office. He gets his lunch the freshest from Winky and it is homemade.

Greengrass Manor

Cyrus and Danielle didn’t leave Jaques’ side, when they arrived at their manor. They were afraid to lose him again. When they arrived home, an elf popped in with their sweet little girl, Daphne. Daphne ran to her parents and squealed in happiness, when she saw her cousin again. Jaques took her in his arms and he was happy to be back home. He knew that he was still in trouble, but he hoped that things would look up to him.

Daphne had remained with her cousin until it was time for her nap. When the three remained alone in the room, Cyrus started hugging the younger male: “Jaques, I am so glad that you are back. I wished, we had avoided this back then. If you had come to me and/or Danielle, we would have checked it up. There is no way in hell, I would have allowed this match.” The man finished the hug and placed both hands on his nephew’s shoulders.

Jaques looked down on the floor and said: “I was too rash. I believed that father got his way with the betrothal contract and I panicked.”

Danielle said in a soothing voice: “I know, sweetie, but we are here now and maybe you will get your chance with Anton Abbott. Who knows? Maybe things would look up for you.” Jaques blushed hard, when his aunt mentioned his crush from school. He had always been in love with Anton, but he was too afraid to confess his feelings to him since Anton was in Hufflepuff and he was in Slytherin. Jaques was afraid of being rejected due to the growing prejudice against his house within the other houses.

But what now? He was going to be charged and will be punished. No one would want to associate with someone, who has a criminal record. Jaques had screwed it up and if he hadn’t been such a Gryffindor, he could have avoided it. He is terrified to face his school mates and had tears streaming down, when Jaques thought about Anton. He asked: “What chance, aunt Danielle? I mean, I really screwed it up.”

Danielle answered trying to sooth her nephew down. She knew, how sensitive male bearers are, if they were distressed. “No, not really. There is something that I want to tell you both since I kept it a secret. Even from you, Cyrus.” Cyrus pouted: “Danielle, we are married. Why didn’t you trust me? I am your husband.” Danielle glared at her husband. “Because I was afraid that you are going to go overboard. Furthermore, it isn’t an affair, but something that I wanted to keep for myself private.” Cyrus just continued to pout.

Danielle just sighed and shook her head at her husband’s immature behaviour. She continued to tell them her secret: “Jaques, after you ran away and after the scandal with the betrothal contract, I had a surprise visit from a certain someone. Your uncle was at that time in the ministry and I was still in maternity leave with Daphne. That is the reason why your uncle isn’t aware of it. It was Anton. The boy came here one afternoon and wanted to court you, but I gave him the sad news that you ran away. He was devasted and left the manor without a word. I really wanted to help him, but he wanted to be alone. It had really hurt him and well, I cursed Alfred until my jaw was sore since he ruined everything. At the next day, I received the letter that House Abbott will support House Greengrass against the Mulcibers in the feud.” Cyrus now understood, why Lord Abbott helped him during the feud against Mulciber. It was due to the Abbott heir that he had gained an ally in the feud. Danielle continued before her husband could say something stupid: “Jaques, Anton really loves you and he will not care about your criminal record. I believe that he wants still to court you. You have my blessing, if you two marry.” Danielle had a tight grip on her husband’s hand squeezing the hand painfully. This is a warning not to screw it up.

Cyrus knew that he is going to be killed by his wife, if he tries something stupid. So, he answered: “I will also support you, but please wait some time, if you are going to have children.” Jaques was red-faced by that. Cyrus chuckled lightly at the embarrassed face of his nephew until he felt a sharp pain on his hand. His wife was squeezing his hand painfully. “Danielle, it was only a joke.” Danielle’s face was full of pain. She said in a pained voice: “No, Cyrus, but the contractions started.” Both males started to panic and Jaques quickly ran to the floo to call the healers from the hospital. He quickly explained that his aunt has contractions and the healers quickly came through the floo. They quickly examined Danielle and managed to help her through the contractions.

One of the healers asked: “Lady Greengrass, I would really suggest, you come with us to the hospital since these contractions are the first stages of birth.” Danielle sighed and nodded. It is better to be safe than sorry.

After Danielle left, Drake flooed to Greengrass Manor to inform them about the plea deal. Jaques and Cyrus were interrupted in what they are going to do, when an elf popped in and informed them that Attorney Drake had arrived. Cyrus greeted the man, when they met up with him in the formal meeting room. Cyrus greeted him: “Mr. Drake, welcome to Greengrass Manor. Take a seat.” The Greengrass lord turned his attention to one of his house elves, after he sat down. “Blinky, bring us some tea and biscuits for us.” Cyrus returned his attention to the attorney and asked: “What can I do for you?”

The man sat down and started: “Lord Greengrass, Mr. Greengrass, I have been discussing the plea deal with Amelia and she is offering you, Jaques, that you do 100 community hours in St. Mungos and you would receive a warning. It would go into your record for five years. Afterwards, it would be wiped out. Furthermore, you can continue your education and get your NEWTs since the charges are not affecting your education.” Cyrus nodded and was massaging his bearded chin. He knew that this punishment is fair. Turning his attention to Jaques, the boy was looking down in shame. Cyrus rubbed his back and told him: “Jaques, don’t be sad. I know that it could have been avoided, but I am not blaming you for your current situation completely. Mostly, I blame Yaxley for your current predicament.” Jaques looked up and said: “Okay, I take the plea deal.”

Drake smiled and said: “Good. I will inform Amelia and Bartemius and in a few days, your trial will take place. It will be short. Don’t panic.” The man left the formal meeting room and returned back to the ministry, whereas Jaques and Cyrus were taking care of Daphne until her mother returns. Jaques was better at it than Cyrus due to the fact that he is a male bearer and he was more maternal to the little blond ice princess than Cyrus.

Ministry, Courtroom 14, April 15th, 2002

The trial of Jaques Greengrass was small and the judge, Helena Kirby, had not much to do since Jaques accepted the plea deal from Amelia and was sentenced to 100 community hours in St. Mungos and was given a warning. The judge also added that the record would be removed in five years and that he can continue his education and get his NEWTs since the charges are not educational relevant. Furthermore, Jaques would start the community hours tomorrow and would continue to work them off until he is finished.

When Jaques left the courtroom and was on his way home, someone closed his eyes with his hands. He became terrified, but relaxed and smiled, when a familiar, husky voice whispered into his ears: “I have missed you, Jaques.” Turning around, he was surprised to see Anton and blushed. The Abbott heir adored the blush and wanted to take Jaques here and now, but doing it here in front of a public courtroom would be really bad. Anton had always been in love with the ice prince of Slytherin, but he didn’t know, how to approach him. His closest friends told him to confess, but he was too afraid and had been dragging his feet much to his best friends’ annoyance until he had the courage to ask Lady Greengrass to court their nephew. He was devasted, when he learned that Jaques ran away and Anton blamed himself that if he wasn’t such a pansy, then, Jaques wouldn’t have run away. He was furious, when he found out, what Alfred Greengrass tried to do to his own son. His friends and his head of house were there to help him through and after some time, Anton requested from his father to help the Greengrasses in their feud against the Mulcibers. His father supported the decision since his dad had known about the fact that he wanted to court Jaques Greengrass and he supported the relationship knowing that he was gay. Now, he is happy that Jaques has returned and when he found out through Lady Greengrass that Jaques had feelings for him, Anton didn’t want to miss his chance to meet his crush from school.

Both went into a corner, where they wouldn’t be seen by anyone and they started kissing each other like their lives depended on it. Jaques felt like he was on cloud nine, when they started to make out. He felt happier and he was lost in Anton’s lips for a time being. Unfortunately, they had to stop before Jaques’ uncle finds them and both knew that the man will not stop with his teasing.

Anton said in a sultry voice: “We are going to continue, Jay, where we started later.” Jaques became excited and he was hard, but he had willed his erection down after Anton returned back to school and quickly followed his chuckling uncle home. Jaques was embarrassed by this and tried to hide his blush.

Both Greengrass males made a visit to St. Mungos, in order to check up on his aunt, how she was doing, and Jaques’ temporary work place for his community hours. They returned back home after a long day. They were grateful that Daphne was on a play date with the Davis family. But they knew that she would return back. The Greengrass heiress never left Jaques’ side since he had returned and even she was terrified to lose her cousin again.

Greengrass Manor, April 19th, 2002

After Jaques was finished with his shift in St. Mungos, he found the manor empty. Jaques knew that his aunt is still in the hospital, but where are his uncle and his young cousin? Finding a note from his uncle that he is still in the ministry working a bit overtime and Daphne was on another playdate with Tracy. So, he was going to be alone. The boy shrugged and went to take a shower. What he didn’t know, was that he had a surprising visitor that was allowed in the manor by his aunt. That would be funny.

After Jaques dried himself with his towel and put it around his waist. The boy nearly let out a scream, when he entered his bedroom and wanted to get his pjs and briefs, and saw that Anton was waiting there for him. Jaques was red-faced since he was only dressed in his towel. Anton had signed himself of school for this weekend and wanted to see Jaques. He never would expect to meet him to be only dressed in his towel. Anton was blushing hard, but got closer to Jaques and started to have a make out session with him. He was not ready to take him to bed. Anton will wait for that since he heard that Aurelius Yaxley had dared to touch him and Jaques had still issues regarding this. It angers him, what had been done to his crush. Thankfully, the creep is going to pay for what he had done.

When the towel suddenly dropped on the floor, Jaques quickly stopped and covered himself. He was still uncomfortable, when others watched him undressed. It felt like, when Yaxley was watching him, but he was hugged by Anton and he felt more comfortable around him even though he was naked. Anton smirked, when he felt Jaques’ erection and started to stroke his member, which earned him a moan from the younger male.

Both continued with their make-out session and Anton started to undress himself completely. They laid down completely naked on Jaques’ bed. Jaques had taken Anton’s member in his mouth and started to suck it. Anton’s breath hitched a bit, but he also started to stroke Jaques’ member. It really felt good. When Anton had his release and Jaques swallowed the cum, they changed their position and it went on until Jaques felt his release coming.

After a while, when Jaques had his release, both teenagers stopped and were lying in the bed looking up at the ceiling of the canopy bed with Jaques curling up and using Anton’s bare chest as a pillow and the Abbott heir softly stroking Jaques’ back. They felt more in peace and were happy that things went well for them. Anton was terrified that in case Jaques was never found that he would have to marry Sarah Fenwick. He couldn’t stand the girl since she was a stalker and made unwanted advances towards him due to his position as Heir Abbott. Even his parents realised that the girl is up to no good and was only interested in his title and vault size and were discouraging him from meeting the girl. He had promised his parents that there was nothing between them and he confessed them that he wanted to marry Lord and Lady Greengrass’ nephew, Jaques, and that he was gay. Both parents were happy and supportive, but also a bit terrified since the Greengrasses were not be messed with, if they were angered. Both of his parents made sure to give him the push to request a courtship between him and Jaques. But when it was revealed that he was gone, it nearly crushed him. Anton blamed himself. If he had done it earlier, nothing like this would have happened. His parents were there for him and were saddened that Jaques ran away. But sadness turned into fury, when it was revealed about the illegal betrothal contract, his father supported Lord Greengrass against the Mulcibers. There was also a feud between House Abbott and House Mulciber.

He was thrilled, when Jaques was found and when Lady Greengrass revealed to him that Jaques loved him during the meeting, but was also terrified like him, Anton didn’t let anyone stop him to see Jaques again and make sure to see, if he is alright, which was the case.

Both started to fall asleep and Anton wrapped his arms around the younger male since he was terrified to lose him again.

Cyrus arrived home from work. Merlin, sometimes he hated his job since he had to work overtime. He ordered his cook elf to prepare dinner for him, his daughter and his nephew. Cyrus quickly floo-called Lady Davis to get Daphne home. His little girl was really close to Tracy Davis and he can see that those two are going to be close friends in the future. Looking around, he didn’t see his nephew. He called his nephew’s personal elf: “Vinny.”

A small house elf popped in the living room. “Master Cyrus called for Vinny.”

Cyrus had a small smile on his face and asked: “Do you know, where Jaques is?”

Cyrus was a little bit surprised, when the elf started to giggle and said: “He’s in his bedroom, Master. He’s had a special visitor.”

The Greengrass lord raised his eyebrow and quickly made his way to his nephew’s room. He opened the bedroom door only slightly and saw his nephew and the Abbott heir lying together. Both were sleeping and wrapped around each other with their arms. Furthermore, it seems like that both are naked. Cyrus was ready to storm the room, but stopped himself, when the elf explained to him that they didn’t take that step. Cyrus let out a silent sigh of relief and planned to put up a contraception ward on his nephew’s room since both would not be stopped from tying the knot. He really wanted to avoid a teen pregnancy. The man quickly made his way to the dining room, in order to greet Lady Davis since she would arrive with Daphne soon and he didn’t want to wake the two teens up.

For some time, Lady Davis arrived with his little girl and Cyrus welcomed them back. Amanda Davis asked: “How is Danielle? Is she okay? Her admittance to St. Mungos was so sudden.”

Cyrus reassured her: “She is alright, Amanda, Danielle had gotten her first contractions and to be better safe than sorry, she decided to follow the healer’s advice to be admitted to St. Mungos before she could give birth.” Amanda nodded in agreement and hoped that her best friend would be alright.

Looking around, Amanda noticed that Jaques isn’t here and she asked: “Where is Jaques?”

Cyrus had a grin and answered: “Well, he is in his room. He had a special guest there. So, I didn’t disturb them.” Much to Cyrus’ dismay, Amanda let out a squeal. She answered: “I bet my entire dowery that it is with Heir Anton Abbott.” Cyrus’ grin widened, which made Amanda even squeal an octave higher. “I want to see them.” Cyrus quickly stopped her and said: “Amanda, it wouldn’t be prudent to disturb them or do you want to see them naked and annoyed?” The woman quickly stopped in her tracks and returned back to her seat shocked. “Did they?” Cyrus quickly answered: “No, they didn’t. My wife would have committed a massacre, if they did it.” Amanda let out a sigh of relief and said: “Be happy that they didn’t take that step. I wouldn’t be in your shoes, if Jaques got pregnant at 16.” Cyrus shuddered in fear at that. His wife would have killed him, then, Jaques and then, again him, if that had happened.

Amanda wanted to continue, when suddenly, Jaques and Anton entered the living room completely dressed. Both adults had wide grins and the Davis matriarch asked grinning like the cat that got the cream: “Did you two have fun?”

Jaques blushed slightly and Anton looked away not wanting to meet the woman’s gaze. Both fidgeted slightly and said: “Well…”

Amanda quickly said: “Don’t answer, sweeties. I don’t need the juicy details about your bedroom activities.” Both boys blushed furiously. They forgot that the manor does have small magical beings with big ears that could listen to anything.

Cyrus turned his attention to the Abbott heir. “Heir Anton Abbott, I have heard from my wife that you want to court my nephew.” Amanda rolled her eyes at that. There is no need for that to be official. It is clear, they love each other, but it seems like that Cyrus is enjoying to tease those two love birds.

Anton’s face was crimson and answered: “Yes, I want to marry Jaques, because I love him and he is the love of my life.” The Abbott heir looked at Jaques lovingly and had his arm around his waist. He isn’t ashamed that he is in love with another male. This answer was honest and earnest and Cyrus could tell that the boy really loves his nephew.

Much to Amanda’s annoyance and Cyrus’ entertainment, the Greengrass lord built up a tension in the room until he smiled and answered: “I accept your proposal. I mean, Danielle would have murdered me and buried my corpse in the garden, if I didn’t.” Amanda snorted: “That would be the easy way to die. I think Danielle would have become a little bit more creative.” Everyone laughed at the joke and Cyrus just huffed not that he was disagreeing with her since she is right. Danielle is dangerous, if angered. After some time, both Amanda and Anton left the manor, in order to return back home.

Jaques still was red-faced about this embarrassing meeting. The worst thing is that it would become known in the pureblood social circles that he is now betrothed to Anton through Lady Davis. He is a bit terrified, how certain people are going to react to Anton’s and his betrothal. He remembered that during his time in school, there is a certain girl that had basically stalked Anton and declared them as a couple even though Anton never liked the girl. It was Sarah Fenwick. She was obsessed with Anton and the girl only dreamed of becoming Lady Abbott. There was also Dumbledore. Jaques never trusted his former headmaster and his light fools, which also includes the Fenwicks, and after his aunt and uncle explained to him, what the man was planning to do to Corban Yaxley and his wife, he was disgusted by his old headmaster’s plans. Furthermore, the man would support the basically non-existent relationship between Anton and Sarah, in order to sway the Abbott family to his side, which would never work since the Abbotts may be light, but they have been neutral during the war. Jaques was sure that Sarah Fenwick will throw a temper tantrum that he was going to marry Anton and not her.

Cyrus said: “Jaques, we are going to make the announcement of your betrothal after Yaxley’s trial in May. We don’t want to endanger you and Anton.” Jaques nodded in agreement knowing that after that man is in jail, he is not going to be safe from him. He was sure of that. After Anton and Amanda left, all three enjoyed their dinner and through Jaques’ maternal instincts, the boy was able to put his baby cousin to bed.

Cyrus and Jaques both went to bed, when it was really late and Jaques wanted to enjoy his weekend before he had to go back to do his community hours.

DMLE, April 22nd, 2002

Corban, Amelia, Kingsley and Proudfoot were frustrated. Jaques’ testimony is maybe damning, but it isn’t enough to arrest Aurelius for the attempted breaking of a soulbond and attempted murder. Clara was also involved in this meeting, but their children remained with the Malfoys since they shouldn’t be involved in this. The woman was thinking, how to make her brother-in-law pay for his crimes and transgressions. She was wracking her brain, how to make sure that Aurelius paid for his crimes. Clara felt really sorry, what Jaques had endured under that man’s hand and the boy had even apologised for what he had done, but both brushed it off that he wasn’t to be blamed for the issue and wished him good luck in his own engagement. Amelia also investigated the death of Alan Cane, but she could only prove that the man’s death wasn’t accidental since someone used a rare, untraceable poison on him.

They were at a loss until Clara had an idea. “Maybe the Unspeakables could help us. Corban, you told me once that Lords Rowle and Rookwood had been spies for the ministry and are very well known Unspeakables in the DoM. Maybe, they would be able to help us in this situation.” The other four attendants had to admit that the idea didn’t sound bad. Amelia quickly sent a patronus to the DoM and requested Unspeakables Rookwood and Rowle. They waited for the time being thinking, how the Unspeakables are going to help them.

When the said Unspeakables arrived, they were thinking, why they were summoned. Entering the office, both saw Aurors Yaxley, Proudfoot, Shacklebolt and Bones and Corban’s wife sitting and planning. Augustus and Thorfinn looked at each other and had to admit that this meeting would not be funny. Augustus asked: “Head Auror Bones, you wanted to see us.”

“Yes, Clara thought that you two maybe knew, how we should deal with Aurelius Yaxley.” Amelia didn’t know, why Clara thought that those two would be able to help them.

Both looked at Clara cluelessly and the woman asked the two Unspeakables: “Unspeakbales Rookwood, Rowle, I wanted to ask you, if there is a ritual that would protect a witch or wizard against another ritual like a soulbond-breaking ritual that Aurelius wants to use on me.” Both had a thoughtful look and Augustus suddenly realised, what Clara was planning. That was very devious of her.

Augustus explained: “There is a ritual that would negate all rituals on an individuum. It’s a ritual that would allow us to call upon Lady Magic and to request her protection for you and your husband.”

The aurors in the room were happy and thought that the ritual would be a way to stop Aurelius Yaxley.

Augustus quickly said: “But first, we need to have the approval of our head of department before we would be allowed to use the ritual. This would take a day in case it is an emergency and since Clara’s life is endangered, it can be classified as an emergency. We will file the request as a risky case and make sure that on April 24th, the ritual could be conducted on Clara.”

Many agreed with the plan and it would be entertaining to see Aurelius’ plan fail.

Department of Mysteries, April 24th, 2002

When the request to conduct the protection ritual on Clara was approved by the head of the DoM since the woman is clearly in danger. Both Unspeakables worked hard to get the needed materials, in order to help their friend and his wife against his brother.

Clara was less than pleased, when she was lying on a cold stone table. She swore, when this was over, then, Aurelius would suffer. Both men started to chant, when everything was prepared and they called upon Lady Magic to help them. Lady Magic felt a pull and she appeared in a ritual chamber of the DoM. The Department of Mystery was always one of her favourite places and she was always curious on what, her children were working here. Once, the Unspeakables annoyed her brother, Time, with their time turner and Lady Magic restricted the time turner to six hours, which was acceptable for her brother’s standard. Originally, Time wanted to curse them, but Lady Magic stopped him by explaining that the curiosity of witches and wizards should not be hindered and he agreed on the restriction on the time turner. Furthermore, the person would age a little bit faster as punishment, if they are overusing the time turner. But back to the fact, why she was summoned.

She was here, because one of her children is in danger. Lady Magic was furious that someone is planning to break a soulbond, in order to save the so-called family honour. She would have liked to have some words on that certain individual and his accomplice, but Lady Magic can’t deal with that person right now. She had to protect her child from harm.

With a few quick tugs with her own magic and a shield around the soulbond, it should be enough to stop the ritual that Aurelius Yaxley is planning to use.

Both Unspeakables watched as Lady Magic put up protections around Clara and waited patiently until she was finished.

After a while, she turned her attention to the two men in the room. Lady Magic said in a lyrical voice: “I am finished with the protections. Clara should be protected from the soulbond-breaking ritual and make sure that you punish the fool for treating my gift like trash.” Both men nodded. They knew that they can’t allow Aurelius Yaxley to run around free.

Before Lady Magic left, the entity said: “After his arrest, you would be able to find more evidence against certain individuals and make sure that the world is safer.” With that, she left the two Unspeakables, who were clueless about the message. Maybe after Aurelius Yaxley’s conviction, there would be evidence against some people, who had worked for Yaxley, but they had to wait and see.

Fenwick Estate, April 26th, 2002

Something was in the air and Albus Dumbledore could feel it. Today, Aurelius Yaxley is going to take his sister-in-law as hostage and destroy the soulbond with Corban. It would maybe kill her, but he didn’t care since she was a hindrance to his plans. The woman had been distrustful towards him and had stood in his way to lead the Yaxley children to the light. Now, she wouldn’t stay in his way. His older followers also felt the same thing and they were ready to gain a new ally. Sadly, Dumbledore’s plan will not work and it would be destroyed.

Arthur also felt that something big is going to happen. He was a little edgy regarding the Yaxleys, but he was sure that the others had a contingency plan to stop Aurelius Yaxley from using the ritual. Arthur was disgusted that Dumbledore is counting on Aurelius being successful with his plan, but he really is not surprised. Clara had always distrusted Dumbledore and the woman had become a target from both fractions.

Albus refocused back to the reason, why the meeting was taking place in Benjy’s home. He found a way to ban a certain potion from the curriculum and it is the tracking potion that the seventh years had to brew. This potion should be handled to a professional and not to school students. Albus laid down his plan to ban the tracking potion from the curriculum, which was agreed upon since the students are not responsible enough to brew such a potion even though all seventh years are adults. Albus would face many problems regarding this nomination since many would disagree with him about the seventh years.

Arthur was glad that Dumbledore had made the meeting on the day, where they were going to set up Yaxley and make sure to arrest him. The aurors put a tracker on Clara and in case, it is a Yaxley property, Corban would be able to enter the property without any problems since his blood cannot be excluded. The man is still member of that family.

Albus planned to discuss with his followers next week about the death of Clara Yaxley and how they could sway Corban to their side.

Hogsmeade

Clara was walking around the village and noticed that she was followed. She quickened her steps trying to get the persistent stalker of her, but it was fruitless. The woman knew that it is Aurelius and he was after her. The man was also fast and was clear hellbent on capturing her.

Turning left in a corner, the woman made sure that they were in a public place, where the man would become frustrated since he couldn’t attack her in front of witnesses.

This had been going on until Aurelius got tired running in circles and quickly stuns the woman, when she tried to turn left in the same corner, where there would be many witnesses. Now, he has her and it is time to do the ritual, in order to break the soulbond. His brother should be grateful that he is freeing him from a gold-digging mudblood whore. Then, he will deal with those filthy halfbloods that are his nephews and his niece and then, his line would be clean. Sadly, the man didn’t notice that Clara was protected since she is wearing the mark of protection from Lady Magic. The ritual, Aurelius will conduct, would fail since Lady Magic’s protection will negate the ritual. Aurelius will notice this, when it is too late. To make matters worse, the ritual can only be conducted once on a full moon. A second time is dangerous and it could kill the caster.

Aurelius had to admit that it was too easy, but he was frustrated to capture her since he knew that the bitch had been playing with him. Now, it is time to make her pay for besmirching his family name and turning his brother away from the right path. Aurelius took out the portkey to the cottage, where he will conduct the ritual and quickly portkeyed to his destination, where he will keep the woman stunned. She will only wake up after the deed is done and Aurelius is going to teach the bitch a lesson for messing up with a pureblood family. It would be excruciating and painful, what he is going to do to her and he couldn’t wait for that. With a sadistic glee, the Yaxley heir left the room and started to prepare himself for the ritual.

Corban and the aurors knew that Clara had been kidnapped and Aurelius had taken her away in a cottage that belonged to his brother. Through Jaques, they found out that the man had bought a cottage recently, where he would conduct the ritual tomorrow night. Thankfully, the teen had managed to tell them the exact location of the cottage and the aurors had been sent to observe the cottage. Aurelius had put up his own wards and for that reason, they had a team of ward and curse breakers, in order to enter the property. Furthermore, Amelia casted a recording spell on Clara, which would record the ritual, and make sure that Aurelius is toast.

Now, they had to be patient. Corban was uneasy. His wife had participated to be the bait. Corban didn’t want that, but Clara told him that Aurelius would find many other ways to get his hands on her. No matter what they are going to do, Aurelius will try to do it again and again. Apart from that, she is also well protected. It is the fastest way to get rid of him, if she plays the bait, because no matter what they would do, his brother would never give up until the soulbond is broken.

Aurelius’ cottage, April 27th, 2002

When the full moon had risen, Aurelius Yaxley started to conduct the ritual of breaking the soulbond between his brother and the bitch. After he finished with the final chant, the man watched in a maniacal glee and in exhaustion, when the dark magic started to do its work to destroy the bond.

The ritual magic tried to tear the soulbond into pieces, but it stopped and dissolved itself since the protection of Lady Magic had started to kick in. The protections were so strong that Aurelius had been blasted of Clara and hit his head on the wall. The man was shocked and dizzy that the ritual failed, but how? When he had recovered from the blast, Aurelius felt that the wards around the cottage were starting to weaken and after some time, they fell. He was furious, it seems like that this was a trap and he needed to escape before the aurors could get here. He knew that it must be the ministry’s curse and ward breaker, who have managed to dismantle the wards around the cottage. And he was also sure that the aurors are right behind them. What Aurelius didn’t notice, was that the stunning spell on Clara wore off and the woman silently managed to get her wand from the table. She quickly stunned and restrained Aurelius and gave the aurors the signal that it was safe to enter.

Corban sighed in relief, when his wife came out safely from the cottage. He felt a tug at the soulbond and he was terrified that the ritual was successful, but thankfully, it was the only thing that he had felt before the tug stopped and the soulbond remained. The auror sighed in relief, when his wife came out. He quickly hugged his wife and led her out of the cottage. Clara was quickly sent to St. Mungos, so that she could be checked, if everything was alright.

The aurors quickly entered the cottage and put magic-restraining cuffs on Aurelius and rennervated and removed the restrains him. The man was led away to the ministry holding cells by the aurors. Aurelius started to protest and that his father will make them pay for treating him like this. Sadly for the Yaxley heir, the evidence was clear and now, he was going to suffer for his actions. This time, there was no escaping justice.

Corban made his way to the holding cells and took a look at his brother. Aurelius was not in the mood to see his brother. He demanded: “What do you want? Come here to gloat that I got caught. How could you abandon our family for that mudblood whore? I would have done you a favour.”

Corban took a deep breath and said: “It is not me, who has abandoned the family. It was you, father and Seraphina. When I found out that Clara is my soulmate, I started to research about soulmates and found out that she was my other half. Without her, my life would have been terrible since I would have felt that something is missing, but I wouldn’t know what. Soulmates are sacred, Aurelius, and a gift from Lady Magic. And you tried to destroy that due to your so-called standing in the pureblood circles. Aurelius, open your eyes. No one wants to associate with our family that treats a soulmate couple like trash.”

Aurelius sneered: “Where would you know that?”

Corban really wanted to slam his head on the near wall. “Aurelius, have you even heard the rumours regarding our family. From what I see, you ignored the content of the rumours. Mother did so much damage to our house’s standing. She like you tried to stop a soulbond and it disgusted many Lords and Ladies how callous she was since a majority knew that a soulmate is sacred and a gift from Lady Magic and it is an insult to her, if you try to break it. Many Ladies told her off and said that if she is attempting to break a soulbond, then, she was no longer welcome to the ladies’ luncheon. It costed us our family’s standing in the pureblood circle, when she was kicked out. You should also know that Clara is also an active member of the ladies’ luncheon due to her position as Lady Evandrus. Mother never accepted that loss and that she was replaced by my wife. Her ego couldn’t stand that and that is the reason why she lied about Clara. And worst, you believed in her lies. You thought that Clara was damaging our standing in the pureblood circles, but in reality, it was quite the opposite. But I can talk here until I am blue in the face since you wouldn’t believe me.”

When Corban noticed that his younger brother didn’t accept his reasoning, he left the cells sighing. His brother is irredeemable. How has it come to this? His family is starting to fall apart and now, his brother is going to be convicted and the future of his family is now in jeopardy. Corban knew that his father will try everything to deny him the heirship and get Aurelius out, but since the House Yaxley is a patriarchy, there was barely anything he can do, and the evidence is clear as day. Furthermore, his brother was caught in the act. His father would be stuck.

Corban quickly left the ministry and went home. It was already midnight and his wife is waiting in the hospital.

Malfoy Manor, April 28th, 2002

Many celebrated the arrest of Aurelius Yaxley. When Corban and Clara, who looked unharmed, came with their children and announced the arrest of Aurelius, everyone sighed in relief and Lucius opened a bottle of his best wine, in order to celebrate the occasion.

After some time, everyone calmed down and they started their pre-meeting regarding the board meeting tomorrow. Arthur informed them that Albus is planning to ban the tracking potion from the curriculum. Severus started to hate the man for trying to dumb down the students and why the hell is the man targeting his potion class. Corban sighed and answered: “And how does Dumbledore expect the aurors to brew tracking potions, if there is a missing case? The aurors had to be ready to know, how to brew this particular potion since the time period of a missing person is very short.” Many agreed and they were sure that Corban would be able to make the protest since he is an auror and additionally, no one would be able to deny his argument.

But in order to stop Dumbledore’s nomination, they needed a good distraction. Lucius decided to do something regarding the most boring class in Hogwarts. “We need to do something about Binns. The man or better to say the ghost is teaching for nearly a century in this school and he is the most unsuccessful teacher that does exist. Only a quarter, who is attending his class, does manage a NEWT in history and half of them manages their OWLs.” Many nodded in agreement. Most of them had attended Binns’ class as students and found the teacher and the class to be dreadful and boring. They only managed to get their OWLs and NEWTs in history by self-studying and it seems like that the history class is getting worse. Apart from that, how can Binns correct assignments and tests, when everything goes through him, and then, there are the final exams and midterm tests since both are standardised and what Binns is teaching isn’t enough since both exams were covering more than the goblin wars. They needed a teacher in this subject that knows, what to teach and how teach. It is time to bring some changes to the school that would benefit the students.

It was discussed for the time being and they decided to get rid of Binns since the man or the ghost is a failure of a teacher since he is still stuck in the goblin wars and the education of the next generation is endangered through the falling standards in the NEWTs and the OWLs. Apart from that, if the money issue is brought up, Pandora will help them in that instance since she has access to the Hogwarts Vaults.

Narcissa suggested to introduce the ICW curriculum for DADA in the primary school. The students would learn the theory part of defence and Dumbledore wouldn’t be able to stop the curriculum since the man can’t claim that the theory is dangerous. She knew that the theory part is less dangerous than the practical portion and the old fool wouldn’t be able to do anything.

Afterwards, they returned back talking about Jaques. Cyrus just grinned and said: “Well, my nephew is officially betrothed to Anton Abbott.” There were many squeals from the ladies in the room. The males had to rub their ears, but were happy. The women in the room were already discussing about the wedding and children, but Cyrus quickly interrupted: “Please, we have enough time for planning a wedding since Anton had to finish school this year and Jaques is planning to redo his sixth year during the summer and finish his NEWTs.” Many nodded in understanding, but there was still excitement in the air.

Amelia said: “I am also glad that Jaques provided us with enough evidence against Aurelius Yaxley. It must have been difficult for him to provide us the memories regarding the sexual abuse and assault that he had suffered under the man’s hand.” Many wanted to make Aurelius suffer for what he had done to Jaques. The boy still had nightmares about the events in Knockturn Alley, but thankfully, they are becoming less and less through the mind healer sessions.

Cyrus and Jaques agreed that they would make Jaques’ return public three days before the trial and would explain, what had happened to him, in order to turn the public against Aurelius. Rita made sure to prepare everything for the upcoming article since it would be a good story. The announcement of the betrothal had to wait until it is safe. It would also put pressure on the Yaxleys apart from Corban, who doesn’t give a shit regarding his brother and had made it public, what he had been trying to do to his wife. It would make things really hard for the dark fraction to defend the man. It would also discredit Voldemort’s followers even more.

Things are going to change for the better.

Headmaster office

It was late in the evening and Albus was preparing himself for the school board session tomorrow and his plans regarding Corban Yaxley. He was sure that Clara is dead and now it is about time to sway the man to his side. Another benefit would be the access Corban has within the head aurors. He may have Rufus and some, who were owning him, but he needed Corban, in order to get access to the dark. Albus was plotting, when the evening edition of the Daily Prophet landed on his desk. He gave the owl something to nibble and opened the newspaper. The headline was blaring: “HEIR AURELIUS YAXLEY ARRESTED!” Albus was a bit surprised that the man got caught, but he started to read the article.

When Albus was finished reading, the man was stunned. How didn’t the man manage to kill Clara and how did the ritual fail? All his plans depended on Aurelius’ success and Clara’s death, but now, everything was ruined since the woman is still alive and Aurelius Yaxley didn’t even succeed into breaking the soulbond. This was a setback and there is nothing he can do, but let go of his plans regarding Corban.

Albus will discuss this with his followers before the Wizengamot meeting in May. He has to rework his plans since Aurelius failed horribly and Corban will not be easily manipulated since his wife is alive. He growled. He was so close to gain control over the man, but it had failed and now, he had to deal with the fallout.

Phineas grinned, when he had seen the old fool’s resigned face. It seems like that one of his plans didn’t work at all. He can’t wait to see Albus ruined and removed from his powerful positions in the Wizengamot, school board, ICW and his position as headmaster. It would be priceless and the best thing is that he had the front row to watch Dumbledore’s loss of control and power. Phineas couldn’t wait. Now, he had to inform Narcissa about Albus’ reaction regarding the arrest of Aurelius Yaxley.

Yaxley Manor

Gerald and Seraphina Yaxley were panicking. Aurelius had been arrested. They were notified by the ministry this morning about his arrest and now it became public knowledge. This was a nightmare. Both cursed Corban for what had happened to Aurelius, but when they inspected the newspaper article in detail, they found out that Corban was not even involved in Aurelius’ arrest due to his familial relation, but he was still to blame since he married that infernal mudblood.

Gerald called his family lawyer and demanded from him to defend and represent his son, in order to get him free before things got worse for them. The man quickly nodded and started to work. First, he viewed the evidence under the watchful eye of Amelia Bones. The man looked over the file and had to admit that the evidence was really solid and that Aurelius had been under observation by the aurors. The charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and the attempted breaking of a soul bond couldn’t be easily dismissed since it was recorded and there were multiple memories of an anonymous undercover auror in Knockturn, Clara Yaxley and Jaques Greengrass, what the man had been planning to do. Furthermore, there were many pictures of the place, where Aurelius tried to conduct the ritual and the worst thing is that he was caught in the act, which is making things even harder to get the case dismissed. Then, there were the charges filed by the Greengrass family for exploitation of a minor, sexual abuse, harassment and assault on a minor and the evidence was damning since Jaques provided the memories and testified against him. It was difficult for the younger Greengrass, but with the help of a mind healer, Jaques was able to provide the memories about the instances, when Aurelius had sexually abused and assaulted him. Furthermore, there are also the charges of buying, selling and being in possession of illegal goods and running an illegal business. There were additionally the memories of the clients of Jaques Greengrass a.k.a. Jack McLean and the boy himself provided the evidence by allowing the property to be searched. Charles realised that this was a hopeless case and he can tell that Gerald was not going to like it that he can’t bail his son out.

After he was finished with his viewing, the man informed Gerald and Seraphina that the case is hopeless since the evidence is solid and this time, there is no escaping justice. Seraphina was crying and Gerald was furious. What are they going to do? Everything is going in the wrong direction. They had to stop this since with a conviction, Aurelius would be stripped from his title as Heir Yaxley and Corban would regain his position as heir irrevocably. Gerald wouldn’t be able to stop this and had to accept Corban back. He also can’t announce Seraphina as heiress since the Yaxley family is patriarchal and Corban is the only male that can take the title. Gerald was stuck. What was he supposed to do now? His house’s honour is again in jeopardy and this time, he can’t fix it. Gerald hoped that there is a way out.

Seraphina was angry. Her brother, Aurelius, is going to end up in Azkaban and her disgrace of an older brother is going to retake his position as Heir Yaxley. There must be a way for her to claim the title as heiress, but since the Yaxleys were patriarchal, her chances were really slim since she had to get rid of Corban and his sons, but that is too risky since she could end up in Azkaban. Her father also can’t will her the heirship and the headship due to the family clauses. They are now in a tight. Why didn’t Aurelius leave Corban and his family alone? Everything could have been avoided with that, but now, things are looking bad.

Both father and daughter are thinking overtime, how to save Aurelius, but they have come to nothing. They hoped that things would not get worse.

School board, April 29th, 2002

Another school board meeting had started and one of Albus’ light fools made sure that his nomination was the first to be heard. Amelia was ready to fall asleep. Beside her was Corban, who was trying to remain awake, but was barely successful. Albus isn’t the only one, who could put them to sleep. His followers are as good as him. Corban whispered: “If that man doesn’t finish, I am going to sleep.” Amelia whispered back: “Corban, be polite. You can’t fall asleep in a formal meeting. The man is doing his nomination.” But the former Yaxley heir just grumbled silently about the nominations taking too long and wishing his wife would suffer this. Amelia chuckled. There is nothing to be done, then, to suffer under those fools. Corban also noticed some looks his father had sent him during the board meeting. He knew those looks. It means that he needed to speak with him.

When the nomination finally was finished, many let out a sigh of relief. Some muttered a “Finally” and Albus continued with the session, if there were any other nominations.

Lucius rose his wand first and he was chosen to speak. Albus looked resigned. He didn’t know, what will happen. The Malfoys are wildcards like the Lestrange and the Rosier lords in the dark section. It could be annoying. Lucius started to speak: “I am nominating to remove Binns from the staff since he is unsuccessful in his teachings and his class is seen as a nap time by the students.”

Albus’ eyes rose in shock and tried: “There is no need for that, my boy, Cuthbert is a loyal staff member and had been teaching for decades.”

Lucius countered: “Headmaster, I don’t want to be contrary, but he isn’t a successful teacher and his class is seen by the students as a nap time. According to this statistic, only half of the students manage their OWLs and only a quarter manages their NEWTs.” Everyone received the statistic and were shocked and horrified about these revelations.

Albus was not happy. There was no way, he will allow this. He needed Binns, in order to dumb down the history class. Apart from that, he was able to use Binns’ wage to fund his side projects since the man is dead. Albus said: “I know that Cuthbert may have some difficulties as he is a ghost, but he has been doing his job very well in the last decades and you must be exaggerating that Cuthbert is so bad and that so many students hadn’t been able to pass their OWLs and NEWTs. Apart from that, we don’t have enough money to hire a new member of staff.”

But Pandora countered: “Headmaster, there is enough gold to hire hundreds of teachers. I know about the contents of the Hogwarts Vaults. This is not an excuse. We can easily replace Professor Binns with someone living and competent with a history mastery and make sure that the students are learning something useful in the history class. It is an embarrassment that our students are not learning anything from Binns and are failing their history OWLs and NEWTs. This issue should have been taken earlier, but it isn’t late to make this change.”

Albus curses himself. He had temporarily forgotten that Pandora is Lady Ravenclaw and has access to the vaults like him. Many of his followers were arguing about the change. The younger generation wants Binns gone, whereas his older followers want the man to remain since they knew about his plans better. He needed to discuss this with his followers. He curses Lucius Malfoy for bringing this up to the board’s attention.

After Aurelia took over, Pandora was the one, who rose her wand, since she wanted to introduce the ICW primary school curriculum for DADA. When Aurelia chose Pandora, the woman nominated for the primary school to introduce the ICW primary school curriculum for DADA. Like with Charms and Transfiguration, the curriculum had only the theory part from first to fifth year and the students would be even more prepared to take their OWLs at the end of their fifth year in the primary school.

On the point of Edward Podmore’s nomination regarding the removal of the tracking potion from the potion curriculum, Corban Yaxley made his protest by pointing out that the trainee aurors are even expected to know, how to brew that particular potion in case of a missing case. The aurors in the school board agreed with him and didn’t want the nomination to pass since in the past, the training aurors had to reteach many of the trainee aurors, how to brew some potions that Professor Slughorn didn’t teach during his potion class. Many agreed with him since it is taking a lot of time to reteach the aurors everything, what they had missed during their time in school.

The other governors were waiting patiently for Dumbledore and his followers. Many were chattering with each other until Dumbledore was finished and returned back to his seat as Head Governor.

Albus asked Aurelia, if there was a new nomination. The man frowned, when Aurelia announced that Pandora made the nomination to introduce the ICW primary school curriculum of DADA. Albus didn’t know, how to counter the curriculum since he is out of excuses, why the curriculum is a bad idea.

When the vote came, Podmore’s nomination failed epically. Albus was seething and Edward was outraged about the failed vote. The second vote had a majority and Albus now had to look for a new history professor. He thought that Andromeda would be good for the job. The woman had a mastery in history and law. Maybe she would help him in this endeavour. The last nomination had also a majority even though he and his followers voted against the curriculum.

With that the board meeting came to an end.

When the meeting came to an end, Corban was ready to go home until he was stopped by his father. Well, so much for peace and quiet. He asked his father in slight annoyance: “What can I do for you, father?” There were times, Corban once respected the man, when he was still a kid, but now he doesn’t even care about him. Gerald withheld a growl, but remained calm. Corban lacked respect for him. “I need to talk to you about your brother’s arrest. There must be something that you can do for him. You need to understand, Corban, that these are tedious times for our house and our family had to stay united since your brother’s arrest could be our downfall. You may have been rebelling against us, but now, it isn’t the time for your foolery. You need to leave that woman that you dare to call wife and those children. She is the reason, why our noble house is crumbling.”

Corban wanted to snap at his father, but remained calm and he answered: “There is nothing, I can do since I am not allowed to have a role in this case due to my familial relation. Furthermore, why should I help him, when he tried to kill my soulmate, my second half. And before you go on a rant that the soul bond is faked, then, tell that to the goblins.” Gerald shivered at that. He wasn’t a fool to start a war with the goblin nation, but he is cursing them for ruining everything. “And lastly father, my wife isn’t to blame that the noble house of Yaxley is ruined. It is you, mother, Aurelius and Seraphina. You all have been attacking my marriage, because it didn’t fit in your world view that my soulmate is a muggleborn.”

Gerald really was getting tired of that argument and tried: “But she is not the right woman. Can’t you see it?”

Corban was getting annoyed. “No, I married my soulmate, my other half, I will not let anyone dictate me, how I should lead my life. Soulmates are a gift from Lady Magic and with your attitude, you are directly insulting her.” Gerald was really getting desperate, but sadly, his son is right. Soulmates are a gift from Lady Magic and his opposition regarding his son’s marriage could be seen as a direct insult against her. Gerald is still a strong believer in Lady Magic, but in this instance, he is conflicted. Why did Lady Magic gift his eldest a mudblood as his soulmate? Out of all the fine witches, his son is married to a dirty mudblood. What did they do that they were punished like this? He had asked himself often, when his eldest had married that bitch. Corban continued: “Enough, father, leave me and my family alone. I don’t want you anywhere near my children.” With that, Corban left the Wizengamot.

Gerald was furious, but there was nothing to be done. If Corban can’t help him with this issue, then, he is out of options. Some of the members of the Wizengamot overheard the conversation. Albus was one of them and he knew that Gerald Yaxley is getting more and more desperate. He could help him, but he will not since he is the leader of the light and it could tarnish his reputation since he is helping a blood purist and dark wizard.

But first he needed to think about this school board meeting and where he went wrong with his planning. Albus dismissed his followers since he needed some time to think alone in his office and he needed to speak with Andromeda about the history position.

Hogwarts

Albus was sitting behind his desk looking out of the window towards the Black Lake. He was thinking about the lost vote during this meeting. He didn’t understand, why he had lost the vote and didn’t manage the majority to negate Malfoy’s and Pandora’s nomination. In the past, it was easy to get a majority, but now, things were harder. He had sent a message to Andromeda, in order to hire her as the new history professor since she is the only one that has a mastery in history. But the biggest question that he wants to find out is, when did he began to lose control so fast? Looking back, everything had started after the attack in Godric’s Hollow. The week after the attack, there were some things that he wasn’t able to control like the disownments of the former Lestrange trio since he wouldn’t be able to go against Augustinus Lestrange, but he thought of these little issues as small nuisances since he believed that Augustinus wants rather to have his line extincted than leaving the Lestrange fortune and seat to his great-nephews. But the revelation that there is another member of House Lestrange that would be able to claim the title sent him into a panic since it destroyed his plans regarding the House Lestrange. He still didn’t figure out, who the heir or heiress was and he was sure that Augustinus will not disclose the future Lord or Lady Lestrange to him since the man didn’t trust him at all.

Albus had theorised that the catalyst is the disownment of Sirius from the Black Family. He still couldn’t believe, how cruel Arcturus was towards his own grandson. He didn’t understand, why he would disown Sirius, but when the Daily Prophet revealed Sirius’ activities in school, he was ready to hex the man and his manhood, because from there Sirius had no one than himself to blame for his current predicament. Maybe Sirius’ disownment and Narcissa Malfoy’s announcement as Regent Black is the catalyst, why he had lost control, but he can only theorise it since even before he had lost some control, when Remus had nearly died due to a prank gone wrong and how he had to remove Lily and Remus from their perfect positions due to Horace threatening him and Minerva to use his connections to have Sirius, Remus, James and Lily expelled from Hogwarts.

Unknown to him, Lady Magic knew that the catalyst goes back, when Severus Snape found out that he was used and abused by his mother and his so-called best friend and when Antonius Prince took custody of him. When Severus betrayed Lily the first time around and revealed her true nature and her potioning ways in front of the student body, Albus had lost many followers that he would have gained through Lily Evans. Lady Magic knew that the order would have doubled through Lily, but due to Severus, the order remained small and only a few joined the order as new recruits. Then, there was the rift between Severus and his cousin, Ryan. This rift caused Voldemort to lose many followers since many Slytherins sided with Snape due to his position as Heir Prince. Lady Magic continued to watch Dumbledore and how his world is slowly crumbling.

Andromeda was confused, when Albus sent her a message that he needed to speak with her. She wasn’t sure, what was going on, but she hoped that it would be short. She had a daughter to take care of. Andromeda flooed to the headmaster’s office from her office in the law firm and saw Albus lost in thoughts. The man regained his focus and said: “Ah, hello, Andromeda. Please take a seat. Lemon drop?” Andromeda declined the candy and took a seat. Albus popped a lemon drop in his mouth and said: “I needed to speak with you about the open history professor position.”

“What!” Andromeda was shocked that Albus had to hire a history professor, but to be honest, it was about time. Binns was one of the worst teachers and many students failed their OWLs and their NEWTs.

Albus answered sadly: “The board of governors ousted Binns from his position due to the failing standards in the history class. Now, I am forced to find a new history professor and I think, you would be perfect since I can trust you that you would teach the students the right things and the children do not become corrupted. Furthermore, it wouldn’t be prudent that we lose control over the material and also the class.” Albus needed one of his people that would be able to teach the students the right information.

Andromeda nodded. She knew that the students needed to be led correctly and she will manage it for the Greater Good. Andromeda answered: “I will do it, Albus.”

Albus smiled. Good, he covered the history class and didn’t need to worry about losing control over the class.

Phineas is not happy to see another former member of the Black Family, who has turned their back on the family. He remembered that Andromeda had refused to marry Evan Rosier and ran away with a squibborn. As a result, she broke the marriage contract with the Rosiers and caused a conflict between the Houses Black and Rosier. The former Lord Rosier demanded restitution and that included the disownment of Andromeda from the Black Family. Thankfully, Evan married Regulus Black, in order to fulfil the marriage contract and they had a son, who could be the next Heir Black. Currently, Akira is the heir due to the blood adoption of Sirius and the firstborn clause since Sirius was the eldest, when Akira was blood-adopted, but that could change soon. He was sure of that.

For now, Phineas will entertain himself and watch, how Dumbledore’s world would be slowly falling apart.

Chapter Text

Potter Manor, May 2nd, 2002

Dorea and Charlus were bored, when they have to listen to another order meeting in Potter Manor and they were listening to Dumbledore and his nonsense about dark magic. Charlus was not happy that his son believes in that gospel, but there was nothing to be done and here he is listening to the doddering old fool talking about how dark and evil Elemental Magic is even though this branch of magic cannot be really categorised as dark, light or grey magic since this kind of magic involves the four elements that are more likely neutral magic. He wished that he had listened to Dorea, when she told him that it would be for the best for James to be tutored in what Hogwarts was lacking, but he had been stubborn and now, here is the result. The only saving grace is that his grandson is safe and out of their control. Those two don’t deserve to be parents at all. If he had been alive, he would have disowned James and Lily and kicked them out. Charlus would have raised both of his grandsons and he would have made sure that both would have been co-lords of the House Potter since magical twins are sharing the title unlike identical twins. The twin bond is still there, but he is sure that it would be dissolved since both boys would be raised completely differently and would have different views and the bond would have become a leech since John was magically weaker and would have taken his twin’s magic for granted, in order to be more powerful. Thankfully, the leech would be gone, when both boys become six. Charlus didn’t need to be a seer that John would be raised to be a light fool like his parents and would believe in Dumbledore’s gospel, whereas Hadrian or Akira would learn to be morally grey or neutral and would question Dumbledore, which would anger the old fool.

When Albus was finished with his plans regarding the Wizengamot meeting in May 6th, he turned his attention to the problem he has with the Yaxleys. First, Albus wanted some updates regarding Aurelius Yaxley. He was glad that Hestia was the one, who would report about Aurelius’ activities. “Well, Yaxley is still in the ministry holding cells and is daily visited by his lawyer, who is trying to get him out, but failing miserably. Amelia is busy with the case and it is confidential since a minor is involved. No one apart from Amelia and Crouch have access to Aurelius’ case file. So, I wasn’t successful in getting a look at the evidence, Albus.”

Albus sighed. If the case file is confidential to one of the head aurors, then, there was nothing that can be done. Only the head of the DMLE can override a head auror. That was the reason why, he wanted Rufus to become head of the DMLE, so that he can get access to some confidential case files that the head aurors were working on, but that would be difficult. Albus reassured the woman: “It is alright, my dear. You have tried your best, but we need to be prepared. Gerald Yaxley is getting more and more desperate, if you had overheard the scene after the last board meeting.” Some nodded since they have heard the argument between Corban and his father. They still were miffed that their plan to sway Corban to their side had failed.

Dedalus said: “It would be impossible to convince Yaxley to side with us since his wife doesn’t trust us and especially, she hates certain individuals that had arrested Corban without proof back then. Should I remind you, Albus, that my son was nearly fired, because those two idiots thought that it was funny to mislead the head aurors and claim that Yaxley was a death eater after he became head auror.” The man looked at James and Sirius with disdain. Albus wanted to groan. He forgot that when James and Sirius became junior aurors, they spread the rumour that Corban was a death eater. One of the former head aurors, Albert Diggle, had opened a file against Corban for conspiracy, treason, rape and spousal abuse and through an illegal arrest warrant, Corban was arrested. Clara had been less than pleased and ruined Albert Diggle publicly and financially. The woman squeezed out two million Galleons from Dedalus, freed her husband and had managed to push through a demotion of Albert Diggle. Albus had to intervene there, in order to stop the complete dismissal of Albert from the auror department, but the demotion couldn’t be stopped. Albert had been ready to beat the hell out of James and Sirius for ruining his career, but he stopped it since he would make the situation worse.

Neither James nor Sirius liked to be reminded of that, what had happened. They just wanted to remove a dark wizard from the auror department and save the ministry from the death eaters’ influence. Sadly, they did more damage than good, which angered them.

Albus answered: “I know, Dedalus, but we must work with the circumstances we have and not the once, we wish.” Albus didn’t understand, why Voldemort didn’t kill James and Lily. Those two have been a nuisance since they have joined the order and wanted to assist him against the dark. There were many incidents, where James, Sirius and Lily did more damage to his side than to the dark with their stupidity. Thank Merlin, they were fixable, but those incidents were annoying since they could have been avoided. The one example is the werewolf incident during James’, Lily’s, Sirius’ and Remus’ fifth year, where poor Remus had nearly died, because of Sirius’ stupidity and because Lily didn’t tell any of them that Severus and she were no longer friends and that she lost her base of friends that she had managed to make during her first four years in Hogwarts due to Severus revealing her true nature. Then, there was Rufus’ scandal with the Greengrass family and Albert’s demotion, which nearly costed both men their jobs. It had caused that his side had received some weird looks regarding those incidents, but thankfully, they had been covered through the fame of the Potter boy. The fame had helped to fix all the mistakes in one row and repaired the light’s image.

Albus regained his focus and told his followers to keep their eyes on certain things and to be prepared for the Wizengamot meeting.

Prewett Estate, May 4th, 2002

“Is that man serious?”, Augustus Rookwood asked Arthur incredulously, when the red-head was finished with his story about the order meeting in Potter Manor. When Narcissa invited him and Thorfinn, they were glad that there were people, who are opposing Dumbledore and Voldemort. But hearing, what Dumbledore was planning is just outrageous since the man is banning magic that had the potential to help their world to advance. Thank Merlin, there are people from the dark and light fractions, who are not supporters of either Voldemort or Dumbledore.

Arthur just grimaced. “I wish, I was joking, but this is, what Dumbledore is planning.” Augustus muttered, how Dumbledore needs to have his mental health checked. Narcissa really couldn’t disagree with that sentiment, but for that they needed to have a good reason to have the headmaster checked, if the old fool is mentally fit to continue his job as headmaster.

Lucius suggested: “We need something that could distract him, but what?”

Adriana answered: “Maybe you should advance your world with some inventions from the muggle world. It would put Dumbledore in a bind since the man is championing the rights of muggleborns and muggle-raised and many muggle-raised will support it.”

Amelia answered: “This doesn’t sound to be a bad idea since I am sure that the man will not want to lose his support base.”

Arthur suggested: “Maybe we should introduce the Wizengamot to the typewriting machine. It would make things easier for those that are on desk duty and have to write reports for their bosses and for the department heads, it would be easier to read their employees’ reports without having to decipher everyone’s handwriting. We also could enchant the paper that any mistakes could be removed magically unlike, how the muggles are doing it.” Many, who are working in the ministry, really liked the idea since it would make their lives easier. Jeremy Clearwater asked: “Why don’t you introduce the magical world to the computers?” Many were confused and Jeremy explained, what a computer is. Furthermore, he had a book, how a computer does work and how it is used. Many thought that the computers sounded better, but Arthur explained: “It is a decent idea, but we need electricity wards, so that the computers could work and the ministry doesn’t have that since we are stuck in the Victorian era.” Jeremy nodded in understanding and agreed with the idea.

The other participants were discussing Arthur’s motion and liked the idea. At the end, they agreed on Arthur’s nomination and suggested that he as the department head of Misuse of Muggle Artefacts would do the nomination.

But now, they had to convince the rest of the Wizengamot, why the current ban regarding elemental magic should be put up in question. Adrianna explained: “Guys, elemental magic is a rare type of neutral magic. It is neither dark nor light nor grey since the four main elements fire, water, earth and air are affected by this branch of magic and the elements are neutral based. If Albus manages to ban this branch of magic, then, you can suit yourself that Great Britain could become a wasteland with no life. Elemental Magic helped our world to become liveable and without it, we would end up like Mars or even worse like Venus, the twin sister of earth.”

Cyrus questioned horrified: “You want to tell me that without elemental magic Great Britain would become lifeless.” Adrianna nodded seriously. Everyone was terrified of that aspect. This was the last thing that should happen to their world.

Everyone agreed on that argument. No one wanted to endanger the UK to become lifeless.

Wizengamot, May 6th, 2002

James was bored during the Wizengamot meeting, but he was listening to Albus regardless since the man wants to ban Elemental Magic. Looking around, he noticed that the Malfoys were chattering and were basically not listening to Albus. He was not happy, how they were disrespecting the headmaster like that and talking through the speech. Furthermore, the silencing wards are also active, which made sure that Wizengamot members can talk without disrupting the nominee. James was not happy and pointing it out to the other Wizengamot members will also not work since both would make the excuse that they were discussing Albus’ nomination quietly and everyone would just shrug it off.

James had a suspicion that Narcissa Malfoy had a hand in Sirius’ disownment, but he is lacking the proof. Even though Sirius is magically adopted in the Potter Family, the stigma of the disownment has remained, because many people are still whispering about Sirius. He really hated it that the stigma had remained, but James hoped that after this year, the whisperings and rumours would end.

When Albus was finally finished, many were still chattering about the nomination and moved to the next potential nomination.

When Arthur stood up, James let out a sigh of relief since it would be about muggles. He hoped that it wouldn’t be a hard nomination like in February, but James doubted it.

Arthur had a humble smile, which was a perfect mask in his opinion since he was known as a humble man. He knew that many would expect an easy nomination, but it would be one that would make Dumbledore hesitate. Arthur had reflected on Dumbledore and his talks about the muggles. The old fool may sound pro-muggle, but during his speeches, the man always talks about, how they needed to guide the muggles for their own good and wanted to portray the muggles as simple beings that needed to be guided. Arthur thought that this was foolish since muggles are independent and intelligent like witches and wizards and they could be also dangerous due to their beliefs regarding magic and their fear about the uncontrollable and the unknown.

But their inventions are quite useful and the wizarding world could profit from them. “Lords, Ladies, I am nominating to use another useful invention from the muggle world.” The darker purebloods were ready to shoot down the idea and Albus was getting worried, but he hoped that he can find a way to shoot the idea down without looking like a dark blood purist who hates muggles. Arthur continued knowing that some are ready to contest his nomination: “I am nominating that many bureaucratic occupations inside and outside the ministry should use the typewriting machine.” He summoned his invention that he had worked for weeks on and had finalised it. Many department heads that were muggle and wizarding raised, knew, what the machine was and they were happy that someone was nominating this idea. The blood purists know that this muggle trash can be useful and they couldn’t find a reason to shoot the nomination down. Albus was stuck. He knew that this invention would make the life of the ministry workers a lot easier. Even his life would be easier with that device. The department heads that are following him blindly are supportive of this, but his followers are not and there is a rift again that he needed to close.

When the privacy bubble was put around, the other members of the Wizengamot continued with the nominations or better to say to counter Dumbledore’s nomination and the current ban on Elemental Magic will be countered and put in question. This time, Cyrus Greengrass made the protest. “Lords, Ladies, Lord Dumbledore’s nomination doesn’t make any sense since it is well known that Elemental Magic is neutral. It means that it can’t be used for neither good nor evil since we are dealing with the natural elements that we can control and create through Elemental Magic. But without this magic, natural magic cannot be regulated and the consequences would be dire for both the magical and the muggle world. If you allow this ban, then, there are going to be uncontrollable disasters that could turn the UK into an unliveable wasteland at the end. One instance, where Elemental Magic was banned, was in Russia during the rule of Tsar Nicholas II., because Rasputin, who was a known wizard with his own agenda, believed that Elemental Magic was making his son, Alexei, sick and he should ban it. The Tsar did it as he was told since he had had a very tight control over the Russian Ministry of Magic back then due to his absolute rule over his subjects. Many Russian wizards and witches were furious, but had to accept the ban, and this led to Russia’s declining nature and fertility on the soil. And without a good soil, many muggles and wixens suffered hunger and death due to the lack of food. And I don’t need to remind you all, what had happened to the Tsar and his family later on.” Many, who didn’t know about the infamous Tsar, were horrified, what they had learned and what they had nearly risked to do to the muggle and magical world. The nomination alone is too risky.

Cyrus gave everyone an article written by a Russian wizard about Russia’s decline in nature and soil during the 1900s and World War I. Cyrus made sure to mark the more important passages and it showed everyone that since the ban of Elemental Magic, natural magic started to decline. There was even a chart that showed that Elemental Magic is needed, so that nature can thrive and the soil remains fertile.

Everyone apart from Dumbledore and his followers are not going to support Dumbledore’s nomination after these revelations.

When Albus and his followers were finished discussing Arthur’s nomination, they agreed to vote for the nomination. After he retook his seat, Aurelia informed him that there is a counter-nomination to his nomination from Lord Greengrass and a nomination to put the current ban into question. Albus was startled, but he believed that his speech would have been enough to get a majority. Apart from that, Greengrass is dark. So, he didn’t say anything and moved to the voting believing he would win this time since he is right. He didn’t even read the article that was given to him and his followers, when they were finished. The Grey Alliance was astounded, how stupid Dumbledore was, but it was useful. The man is full of himself and believes that everyone would agree with him.

The first nomination regarding the ban of Elemental Magic failed. Albus was shocked. How did this happen? Thankfully, he moved on to the next nomination, when he had recovered from his lost vote. The next nomination had nearly every vote apart from the blood purists. The last nomination had nearly every vote apart from Albus and his followers.

Albus’ eye twitched. This couldn’t be happening. He had worked so hard to ban Elemental Magic and now, it was all for nothing.

When the meeting officially came to an end, Albus left the ministry with his followers. Narcissa swore that she had seen storm clouds over the man’s head.

Hogwarts

Albus was sitting behind his desk trying to restrain his fury. The meeting ended badly and he didn’t understand, why nearly everyone apart from him and his followers voted against his nomination and why did this majority vote for Greengrass’ motion. He had presented, why Elemental Magic is dark and dangerous, but Arthur came with his motion and he was distracted for the time being. Albus didn’t realise that during the time, he had been discussing with his followers about Arthur’s nomination, Greengrass made a protest regarding the ban and made a counter-nomination to put the current ban into question. Now, the ban is put under question and would be reviewed for five years. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Six laws are now frozen, because of certain individuals. He needed some dirt against the members of the neutral fraction, but what can he use.

Albus’ followers were miffed and they were unhappy that the law didn’t pass. Minerva was also attending the meeting and had a sour look on her face.

Albus needed to change the topic since he can’t dwell on the lost vote. He needed to think alone, what he is going to do at the next Wizengamot meeting.

Looking at Minerva, Albus asked: “Minerva, I wished, I had asked you earlier, but I am asking you now. How are the students doing in potions. Are there any complaints?”

Minerva huffed: “There are still some complaints from Elanor and his close friends regarding the potion class, but the others lost hope and accepted it. Albus, you need to fix this. My lions are still believing in you to lower the standards of the potion class, but each month that is passing, the children are losing more and more hope that someone would fix this injustice. You need to act fast or my lions’ dreams of becoming healers and aurors are going to be destroyed.”

Albus was not happy that most of his pawns in Hogwarts have lost hope in him, but it was hard to lower the potion class since somehow the other members of the board are countering his and his followers’ motions to ban certain potions and the term project. He needed to find a way to lower the potion class. He had until July. Maybe he needed to have a word with Severus, but the man is difficult and is questioning him on every aspect, which is annoying. In July, he is going to plan to ban certain books from the library and in June, he will try to get Andromeda hired. His biggest problem is the board since the members had to approve Andromeda and her curriculum. Andromeda is still working on the curriculum and she promised him that she would be finished with it until June. The students had to self-study for their history exams and the free slot is used for that. The seventh years are of course helping the younger years with their studying and are also benefitting from tutoring the younger years since they are revising everything for their NEWTs.

Albus needed Andromeda, so that she can make sure that the students are learning the right lessons and not become corrupted. Sadly, for him, that would not happen since the Grey Alliance would not allow this to happen.

When the meeting ended, Phineas left his portrait and went to his portrait in Malfoy Manor. There are some things that he needed to spill to his descendant.

St. Mungos, May 8th, 2002

In the maternity ward, Danielle let out screams of fury and pain, when she was giving birth to their youngest daughter. There were many threats to Cyrus’ manhood and the woman let out something fierce. The healers and midwives were trying their best to calm the woman in labour down.

After ten hours of labour, a baby’s scream could be heard, which calmed both Greengrasses down. Finally, their baby girl was born. The healers examined the baby and were horrified at the results, but they gave the baby to Lady Greengrass regardless, who took the girl in her arms and was coddling her, in order to calm the crying child down, which worked. The head healer requested: “Lord Greengrass, can I have a word with you in my office?” Cyrus turned his attention to the healer and nodded. Cyrus promised his wife that he would be back and the woman nodded since she heard the request from the healer. She hoped that her baby girl is alright.

Cyrus followed the healer to his office and both took their seat. He asked the head healer: “Paul, is something wrong with Astoria?” They already decided to name their little girl, Astoria.

The healer nodded and answered: “Yes, during our examination, we found out that the curse of the blood maledictus in Astoria is really strong.”

“No, not our baby.” Cyrus couldn’t believe it. That curse had been plaguing the female members of the family for generations. It is still not curable, but with the help of some darker healing potions, the worst symptoms could be treated. That was the reason why he is the strongest advocate against Dumbledore’s ban regarding blood magic since that kind of magic had helped Daphne against her blood maledictus. In Daphne’s case, the curse was weak and easily to be treated with the right potions. But the potions were made through blood magic and without these potions, his eldest’s blood maledictus would have worsened over the years. But in Astoria’s case, only the symptoms could be treated and her life span is cut short. She will not survive her fortieth birthday regardless of the potions, she would receive.

The healer nodded sadly. He wished, he could help the girl, but sadly, there was nothing to be done. Cyrus prayed that there would be a cure for his sweet daughter. Lady Magic was saddened about the younger Greengrass girl’s condition and there was nothing, she could do to help them, but she was sure that Severus Snape-Prince will develop the cure, but for that the man needs help from a certain curse breaker in Japan.

When both returned back and Astoria was laid down on the crip beside Danielle’s bed, Cyrus confessed to his wife about their youngest’s condition since Danielle demanded to know, what had been discussed in the office. Even though, the woman was finished with her labour, Danielle was not someone, who wanted to be left in the dark. The wail could be heard through the entire hospital. Danielle was hugging her husband and had a strong grip on his robes. The man was doing everything to comfort his wife telling her that they would be doing their best for their daughter. After some time, Danielle calmed and fell asleep due to the exhaustion.

Jaques and Anton, who had signed himself from school for this evening, entered the room carefully. They were worried, what had happened that his aunt was crying. The head healer explained Jaques about his cousin’s condition. Jaques had a strong grip on Anton’s robes and was crying. This couldn’t be happening. Anton was trying to calm his betrothed down, who was caressing his cousin’s cheek and was sobbing hard. The Heir of the House Abbott was saddened that this tragedy had befallen House Greengrass and hoped that someone would find out a cure for his future cousin-in-law.

It was a sad day for House Greengrass.

Daily Prophet, May 9th, 2002

Rita was busy writing her article about Aurelius’ schemes in the black-market. It was a really good story that would be another nail in Yaxley’s coffin. The blond woman couldn’t wait to publish the article about Jaques and his role in all that. The last article about his arrest and his actions caused an outcry in the public since everyone knew that breaking a soul bond is a no-go, but Rita also knew that she had to remain within the facts since many believed that she is a gossip journalist and not a serious reporter, which is an insult to her profession. She only writes some juicy gossips that are true in Witch Weekly and her superior knew that and had nothing against it. Rita never liked Barnabas Cuffe since the man is an ally to Dumbledore and is following the man blindly, but she had to get around him, which is easy since the man is easily to manipulate. Rita knew that Dumbledore doesn’t have her under his radar yet, but she was sure that the man is planning to discredit her since he is aware that she was friends with Narcissa and Adriana during her time in school. Narcissa warned her to be factual with her articles in the Daily Prophet since the man would have discredited her that she is exaggerating and is a gossip journalist due to her side job in Witch Weekly.

The current article would ruffle some feathers within the aurors, but there wouldn’t be a big outcry unlike with her last article. Amelia told her that she is allowed to write about Aurelius’ schemes in the black market and that the article about Jaques should wait. Rita wanted to publish the article about Jaques right away, but she was told that the Greengrasses are planning to publish Jaques’ story three days before the Wizengamot trials, in order to put more pressure on the House Yaxley and to put the final nail in Aurelius’ coffin, which she understood. If she published Jaques’ story now, then, it would cause a pandemonium that would last for six months since a minor is involved, but the strongest pandemonium would be the week of the Wizengamot trial. It would paint a really bad image to the Yaxley Family apart from Corban.

For now, she can’t publish it without the approval of Jaques’ guardians since she would be in a lot of trouble and would face a probation maximum, if she did it. But the black-market story would be enough.

After Rita was finished with her article, she looked at the title and smirked. “HEIR YAXLEY INVOLVED IN BLACK MARKET BUSINESS! HOW AN ILLEGAL BUSINESS STARTED AND HAD CONTINUED TO BREED!” This would be funny.

Great Britain, May 10th, 2002

When the article was published, it had caused many mixed reactions from the dark, light and neutral fractions. There wasn’t an outcry unlike with the first article, but many were not surprised since the ritual materials for breaking a soul bond are illegal and could only be bought in the black markets. But it really did a lot of damage to the already poor reputation of the House Yaxley.

Gerald Yaxley was apoplectic, when he read the article. This nightmare was getting worse and worse. He tried to talk to his eldest, but Corban refused and told him that Aurelius made his nest and now he had to live in it. Furthermore, he warned his father that he will not risk his job for Aurelius and that his brother should discuss a plea deal, in order to reduce his sentence since a confession would mitigate his punishment. Gerald left his eldest with a growl. After the unsuccessful meeting, the family lawyer was under a lot of scrutiny, because Gerald demanded from him to work really hard to clean his son’s name. Unfortunately for both men, this wouldn’t be possible since Rita included the bank statements in her article and also had gotten a statement from Gringotts, which made things harder since the goblins would declare war, if they were accused of lying. The evidence is damning and Charles was working hard to get his client released, but it is barely possible. He will not give up.

The dark fraction members or better to say the blood purists were trying their best to hide their panic. If they lose Aurelius, then, they will also lose the Yaxley seats after Gerald’s death due to his disgraceful son. They will try their best to get Aurelius out and make Corban pay for his betrayal. The other members were not surprised about Aurelius’ black-market business since they had a suspicion that the man had been running a shady business in the dark. They were outraged, what he tried to do to Corban and Clara. A soul bond is sacred and a gift from Lady Magic even if their other half is a muggle.

The light and neutral fractions were happy about another criminal being taken down and the neutrals and some from the light, who were not following Dumbledore blindly, hoped that Corban, after the death of his father, would lead the House Yaxley to a new path. The sheep was celebrating the arrest of Aurelius Yaxley, but one person in the light was nervous. It was the leader of the light fraction and Chief Warlock, Albus Dumbledore. Albus was a bit nervous that Aurelius’ black-market business would also reveal his and Dung’s schemes in the black-markets. He knew that if it is found out that he is involved in a black-market business, then, his reputation would be destroyed beyond repair. Albus can’t afford that. So, he ordered Dung to keep his head down, in order to avoid any revelations from his side. He hoped that after Yaxley’s trial, everything would return to normalcy and he would be able to continue with his business in the black markets.

Daily Prophet, May 12th, 2002

After Jaques was finished with his shift in St. Mungos and his mind healer session, his uncle told him that they are going to the Daily Prophet today, so that he can reveal himself that he is alive and well and to pressure the House Yaxley with Aurelius’ actions against him. Cyrus didn’t declare a feud with the House Yaxley since Corban and Clara are very close friends with the Greengrass couple. This friendship is stopping the feud, but there is an animosity with the current Lord Yaxley. The news regarding his newly born cousin and her condition was terrifying. He at first blamed himself, but his aunt and uncle reassured him that it isn’t his fault that Astoria had the worst case of the blood maledictus since no one would have expected that. He remembered that curse very well since he as a male bearer had suffered the weaker symptoms of the curse. The potion regime, he received was not pleasant, but he had to take the potions, in order to be rid of the curse, but Astoria has a stronger case of the blood maledictus and even with the potion regime his cousin will not survive her fortieth birthday. His uncle will ask Lord Prince to try to find the cure, if it is possible, but for now, they don’t want to reveal Astoria’s condition to the public since it would be too overwhelming. Jaques returned back from his thoughts and prepared himself for the interview.

When they arrived, Rita was prepared for everything since she knew that this interview with Jaques would take a toll on her. Cyrus and Jaques entered Rita’s office and closed the door. Rita ensured that there are privacy and silencing wards around her office, so that her co-workers do not eavesdrop on the interview and write the article. Rita took out some parchment and her dicta-quill that is recording everything, what is said. The quill had a spell that is tied to her intentions, so that she can exclude everything that she and the interviewer do not want to include in the interview, and she made sure that the quill is tested, so that she isn’t accused of libel and slander.

Rita greeted them: “Good afternoon, Lord Greengrass, Mr. Greengrass. You have made an appointment with me to write about your ‘miracolous return’, Jaques.” Jaques and Cyrus wanted to roll their eyes. Rita just grinned and offered them to take a seat. The dicta-quill started to write exactly, what Rita had said.

After everyone was comfortable, Rita started: “Well, let’s get to business.” This was not written since Rita didn’t want it mentioned in the interview. Jaques took a deep breath. He was a little bit nervous since he is talking about his time, when Aurelius forced him to be his personal black-market dealer and toy.

Rita started with her first question: “Mr. Greengrass, we will begin, how everything had started. At the end of your OWL year, you have run away from home and were never seen again. You were declared missing by your aunt and uncle. Can you tell us, why you have run away?”

Jaques took a deep breath. It was painful, when he remembered his ex-father’s smiling face and his declaration that his future is set with Atticus Mulciber. It felt like his world had fallen apart. “Well, Ms. Skeeter, when I returned home from school for the summer holidays after my fifth year, my former father, Alfred NoName formally Greengrass, has declared that he had filed a betrothal contract in Gringotts and that I will be doing my duty by marrying Heir Atticus Mulciber. At that time, I hadn’t been aware that the betrothal contract was illegal and that my aunt and uncle as their roles as Lord and Lady Greengrass were not involved in this. I panicked and during the night, I packed some of my things and fled, in order to escape an unwanted betrothal. I didn’t know, where I should go, but I ended up in Knockturn Alley, where I got my looks reapplied by a witch, who helped me, so that no one would be able to recognise me. I also changed my name to Jack McLean thinking that I was safe.”

Rita asked: “But that was not the case since you were involved with Aurelius Yaxley’s black-market business. How did this happen? Can you elaborate, how you got caught in this?”

Jaques swallows hard and answered, when his uncle put a comforting hand on his shoulder: “When I thought that I was safe, I was a little bit reckless and got caught by Aurelius Yaxley. Somehow, he found out about my real identity and blackmailed me that if I didn’t help him with his black-market deals, then, he would hand me over to Mulciber, so that I can become his ‘dutiful wife’. He also revealed to me that his last black-market dealer suffered a fatal accident and there I feared for my life, because I was suspicious that this was no accident.”

Rita suspected the same. Alan Cane’s death was ruled as a murder after the case was re-examined and his body was exhumed. Through Severus Snape-Prince, it was revealed that the man was given a very fast-acting poison that can’t be revealed through an autopsy scan since it dissolves itself very fast. Unfortunately, the poison is commonly used in greenhouses since it is used to keep pests away from plants. Thankfully, Snape was able to extract the poison and found out that it bore the magical signature of a potion master in France. The man was interrogated and they found out that Aurelius Yaxley has ordered the poison even though the Yaxleys don’t have a greenhouse at their manor added. The potion master will not be charged since the poison is commonly used in Herbology, but they will keep an eye on him for the time being. She asked further: “And you became a black-market dealer, because of that reason and were one until you were arrested by Head Auror Bones and Auror Shacklebolt?”

Jaques answered: “Yes. At first, I tried to hide the fact that I am underage and I was ready to spend some time in Azkaban, because I was afraid, what will happen to me, but after Lady Bones requested a goblin for an identity test since she believed that I am involved in a missing case, I started to panic since I would be revealed and it could get back to Heir Yaxley or Heir Mulciber. After the revelations of my identity, I found out that the betrothal contract was illegal and that it was cancelled by my uncle. Furthermore, my uncle explained to me that my father was disowned from the Greengrass Family due to his betrayal he had committed against the family. I was glad about that and I was released to go home since I am a minor.”

Rita nodded knowing the laws regarding minors and continued to question the boy about his time with Yaxley. The woman was ready to skin Aurelius Yaxley alive, when the boy described, how the man had forced the boy to undress until he was completely naked and had sexually assaulted and abused him. Rita was glad that the man didn’t rape the boy or she would have made a small visit in the man’s cells.

With that out of the way, Rita finished: “Thank you, Mr. Greengrass, for this interview and I hope, what had happened to you would be a small smudge in your past.”

Jaques answered politely: “The pleasure is mine and I am thanking you for your time, Ms. Skeeter.”

Rita asked Cyrus: “Are there any last words from you, Lord Greengrass?”

Cyrus answered: “I would like to give a warning to the other heads of house to make regular check-ups with your account managers in Gringotts, if there are any surprising and illegal betrothal or marriage contracts registered. It is important to make these check-ups since I do not wish that the other Lords or Ladies are committing the same mistakes like me. Furthermore, I hope that Heir Aurelius Yaxley will be punished appropriately for his actions against my nephew, Corban and Clara Yaxley and Alan Cane and make sure that his shady business is no more.”

With that final statement, the interview came to an end and Rita was prepared for an outcry, when she publishes her story. Her grin was long gone, when Jaques revealed to her, what the man had done to the boy, and felt only rage and sadness, what had befallen to the young lad in front of her. But her grin returned quickly, when she thought about the next story that she will write about Jaques and Anton. Rita asked: “When are you going to announce your betrothal to Anton Abbott, Mr. Greengrass?” Jaques blushed slightly, which made Rita’s grin wider. Cyrus just grinned and answered: “After the trial, the betrothal would be revealed. I hope, I don’t become a great-uncle too soon. I am too young for this, but looking at the development of my nephew’s relationship with his betrothed, I am not so sure.” Jaques didn’t bother to stop himself from rolling his eyes regarding this statement. He and Anton had started to take their relationship further and they had their first time during a Friday night. He had panicked, when his uncle asked him, if he and Anton used protection. He breathed a sigh of relief, when his uncle told him that he had put contraception wards on his room. The last thing, he wanted, was a teen pregnancy.

Rita spent a lot of time on the article. She made sure to include also the murder of Alan Cane and Jaques’ involvement in the black-market business, but she made sure that he was seen as a victim and not a perpetrator and also his sentence. This was going to cause an outcry.

After she was finished, Rita went to eat a late dinner. Tomorrow is going to be a great day.

May 13th, 2002

When the Daily Prophet was delivered, there was an outcry in the wizarding world, where the head of Aurelius Yaxley was demanded. The public was enraged, what the Yaxley heir had done, but many were assured by Lord Greengrass that the Wizengamot is going to appropriately punish Aurelius Yaxley, in order to avoid any lynching. The blood purists were having a hard time to defend Aurelius Yaxley since this was damning. Atticus Mulciber was furious that Aurelius didn’t tell him that he found the Greengrass boy and that he hadn’t bothered to inform him about the brat. He would have taught the brat a lesson about trying to break a betrothal and would have impregnated him, in order to extend the Mulciber line. The Greengrass Family would have been forced to marry their nephew to him, in order to save Jaques’ and their reputations from disgrace. It would have also ended the ridiculous feud with the Greengrasses that has been going on since Alfred was disowned and the betrothal was dissolved. Now, the boy is back with Lord and Lady Greengrass and both would never agree on the betrothal. He wished his lord would have targeted that family, but he wasn’t willing to do that since the Greengrasses would have brought ruin to their cause. Things are going to be difficult.

Albus was startled about the return of the Greengrass boy. He remembered that the former brother of Cyrus Greengrass planned to marry his son off to Atticus Mulciber. Back then, he didn’t care since it would have benefitted him to prove that the Greengrasses are connected with the death eaters. It would have discredited Lord Cyrus Greengrass about his standpoint against the death eaters, but things went wrong, when the boy ran away. At first, he didn’t care since he believed that he would be found, but after the scandal, all his plans for the Greengrass Family were destroyed. This was a setback. The disownment was another failure since it destroyed the death eater connection within the Greengrass Family. He had to see, what would happen.

Gerald Yaxley was suffocating in his anger until he felt pain in his left side of his body. The man is suffering a heart attack. He yelled out for help and his daughter quickly came into his home office and floo-called the healers from St. Mungos. The man was quickly admitted and Seraphina was praying for the survival of her father since he is the last hope for House Yaxley. She doesn’t want her disgrace of a brother to take over as Lord Yaxley, but she wouldn’t be able to stop it. To make matters worse Corban’s dirty half-blooded firstborn son would be the next Heir Yaxley and that couldn’t be allowed, but she was powerless since her family is patriarchal. Seraphina was praying that Aurelius would get out and her father would recover from this heart attack. If she loses both of them, then, she will be under the control of her elder brother and she is shivering in fear, what Corban was going to do to her. Seraphina had started to cry. This couldn’t be happening. Her family cannot fall apart like this. There must be a way to fix this.

James was happy and angry about this article. At one point it is damaging the Yaxleys apart from his superior, Corban, but at the other point, it is angering him that the Greengrasses are getting positive press and that the younger Greengrass received such a light sentence and sympathy. He should be in prison like his father. James went to Amelia and requested to reopen the Greengrass case. He also practically demanded an arrest warrant against Jaques Greengrass, but Amelia told him in a sever tone that the case is closed and furthermore, she kicked him out of her office. But the Regent of the House Potter didn’t accept this and went to Crouch, but the man dismissed him immediately and told him that the case is closed and he will not reopen it. James was furious and went back to work. He hated his superiors, but soon enough, he will work his way up and show those fools, what the right thing is.

The Greengrasses received a lot of letters of sympathy. Especially, Jaques, who had been bombarded with these kinds of letters. He hoped that with this the man will suffer.

Evandrus Manor, May 14th, 2002

Corban, Clara and their children were eating their lunch, when one of the Evandrus house elves appeared in front of them announcing that an official looking letter from St. Mungos had come for Corban. The man wasn’t sure, what was going on, but he would finish his lunch first and then, read the letter.

After lunch, Corban opened the letter and there he was informed that his father had suffered a heart attack and is in St. Mungos. Corban knew that yesterday’s edition of the Daily Prophet had caused an outcry for his brother’s head and he was sure that his father would receive another shock that would really rattle him further. That he got a heart attack wasn’t surprising since Corban knew that his father has a weak heart, but what had saddened him slightly was the fact that the healers didn’t have a good prognosis that he would survive another heart attack.

Clara saw her husband’s pensive look. She asked: “Corban, is everything alright?”

Corban turned to his wife and gave her a sad smile. “My father suffered a heart attack. I believe that yesterday’s article was too much for him. He is currently in St. Mungos and it doesn’t look good.” Clara nodded in understanding. She knew that her husband and her father-in-law had a rocky relationship after their marriage. Even though, she didn’t like her in-laws since they hated her blood status, she would never wish them any harm. She hoped that things do not turn from bad to worse.

Wizengamot, May 16th, 2002

Today was the trial of Aurelius Yaxley. Many spectators had come to watch the trial and there were many witnesses that included Jaques Greengrass, his clients, who were sentenced the day before, and the remaining Yaxleys that included Clara, Corban and Seraphina. Corban was waiting in the antechamber of the Wizengamot waiting to be called as witness. It was quiet for the time being apart from Jaques and Clara, who were talking about the trial.

Seraphina entered the antechamber and when she had seen her brother, she stormed to Corban hissing at him furiously: “You bastard! You disgrace! If you hadn’t married that filthy mudblood, nothing like this would have happened.”

Corban let out a low growl and answered: “She is my soulmate, Seraphina, my other half and my wife. I would have married her regardless. How dare you call her that!”

Seraphina huffed: “She is not your soulmate. That bitch must have faked the soul bond, so that she can get her hands on the Yaxley fortune.”

Corban was getting tired of this argument. “Seraphina, you can’t fake a soul bond. If you want to declare it fake, do it in front of the goblins, not in front of me. Apart from that, my wife is the Lady of the Ancient and Noble House of Evandrus since she is a squibborn and she has her own fortune. You should not forget that squibs unlike muggles do have magical blood in their veins. And in case, two squib lines cross, then, there is a 50/50 chance that a magical child can be born from that union.”

Seraphina flinched at the idea. She doesn’t want to be the cause of a Goblin Rebellion, if she declares the soul bond between her eldest brother and that woman fake, because the consequences are dire. Then, there is the fact that the woman committed line theft. Why didn’t the goblins stop her from claiming a pureblood title? She didn’t deserve it, but no one does anything. Didn’t they understand how foolish it was to allow the bitch to become a Lady of an Ancient and Noble House. Sadly, it did fall on deaf ears and no one would do anything. Seraphina gave up with the arguments and sat down far away from Clara and Corban glaring at them.

Aurelius Yaxley was forced out of his cells. The aurors informed him that today is his trial. The man was furious, how things went wrong. First, his father suffered a heart attack and the healers are not sure, if he is going to survive another. Secondly, his sister is all alone and her fate depends on his father’s survival. If his father dies and he is convicted, then, Corban will become Lord Yaxley and his sister would be under his vicinity. This can’t be allowed. He will fight tooth and nail to get out of these charges. And finally, Greengrass has been found and he is testifying against him.

Aurelius was lost in his thoughts until he was in the Wizengamot courtroom and the man was forced down on the accused’s chair, where the chains wrapped around him and kept him restrained. The Wizengamot courtroom was filled with many spectators and the members of the Wizengamot have taken their seats. In the middle, the head of the DMLE was sitting, who will be the prosecutor in his case and beside Aurelius, his lawyer was standing and had his own seat on the left side. On the right side, Amelia Bones was sitting with the evidence.

After Dumbledore opened the second day of the Wizengamot trials, Bartemius started: “Today is the trial of Heir Aurelius Yaxley for running an illegal black-market business, being in possession of illegal goods, tax evasion, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault on a minor, the exploitation of a minor, kidnapping, the attempt for breaking a soul bond and the attempted murders on Clara and Corban Yaxley as well as for the succeeded murder of Alan Cane. How do you plead, Heir Yaxley?”

Aurelius slightly paled, when his last black-market dealer was mentioned and asked himself, how they had found out that Alan’s death was not an accident. He quickly collected himself and said: “Not guilty. This is a conspiracy against me set-up by my brother.”

Bartemius and Amelia knew that he would answer like that. It’s time for the evidence to be shown and with that they would have no problems of using veritesarem on Aurelius. The difference between Yaxley’s and Pettigrew’s trial is that in Peter’s case, Pettigrew was already found guilty and they only used veritesarem, in order to see, why he joined the death eaters and if there were any information, he could give them regarding the death eaters. The death eater trials were back then short and since they were wearing the evidence on their forearms, they didn’t need to go through the other evidence and they were immediately questioned under the veritesarem.

Amelia asked formally: “Heir Yaxley, can you tell us your side of the story or do you want to remain silent?”

Aurelius answered: “I am going to remain silent.”

Amelia said in a slight dissatisfied tone: “Very well, then, we will continue with the evidence.” Amelia showed him the confiscated goods and the letters from Jaques’ former residence and the memories of the clients and Jaques himself. “Heir Yaxley, we found these goods in Jaques Greengrass’ former residence, where you kept the boy against his will and forced him to work as a black-market dealer. I have also the memories of the clients and Jaques himself. Let’s begin with the viewing of the memories.”

The pensive was activated and the members watched the memories. It has taken an entire hour to get through the evidence. Amelia and the other members of the Wizengamot turned their attention to Aurelius Yaxley, who was furious. Amelia asked: “What do you have to say to this?” Aurelius remained silent.

Amelia accepted his silence as his response and laid out the evidence to the charges from the Greengrass family. There would be a testimony from Jaques later, but Amelia could hear the outrage from the other members of the Wizengamot, how badly a minor had been treated by this man. The worst were the memories, where things became a little bit graphic and had to be censored. In these scenes, the members watched a nude Jaques Greengrass being touched by Aurelius Yaxley. Everyone could clearly see that the boy didn’t like it. It was sickening to watch the scenes. Thankfully, the man didn’t rape Jaques and Amelia assured that it didn’t go any further, which relieved many members of the Wizengamot, but the fury was still there and obvious. Aurelius was ready to kill. It is getting worse and worse from his perspective and his allies are looking unsure, if they could defend him. He should have given the boy to Atticus and looked for another man, who would help him with his business, but no, he had thought that the Greengrass brat was the way to go and that the boy would be able to run a successful black-market business since he looked younger and more appealing than his last black-market dealer. Now look, where it had led him too.

When Amelia turned her attention and asked the same question, the man remained silent. She turned her attention to the evidence with the ritual and his attempt to kill Clara and the breaking of a soul bond. On this issue, pandemonium broke out in the Wizengamot and many demanded that Aurelius is a danger and he should be kissed immediately. Aurelius was for the first time scared and the man realised that his chances to get free were getting slimer and slimer. Even there, he remained silent.

After the evidence has been viewed, Aurelius was freed from the chains temporarily and the aurors moved him to sit down on the defendant desk on the left side. Beside him his lawyer took his seat, where the chains were wrapped around his body again restraining him on the chair.

Bartemius called the first witness. “Bring in Jaques Greengrass.”

After some seconds, Jaques entered the courtroom and many members were pitying the boy, what he had gone through, but thankfully, he was found and is now living with his aunt and uncle. Bartemius looked at the boy with a slight smile and the boy sat on the witness chair that replaced the accused’s chair. Jaques is their key witness in Aurelius’ conviction. Bartemius noticed that the boy was also well protected by his aunt and uncle. Aurelius glared at the brat. Because of him, he is in this mess.

When Jaques was questioned about Aurelius’ dealings, the boy had no problem telling them, what Aurelius had been up to. The boy even told them about Yaxley’s plans against his brother and his sister-in-law. Jaques explained them that Aurelius had come to him with his plan of breaking the soul bond at the end of February. At first, he was hesitant, but Aurelius managed to get his way by threatening him that he would hand him over to Atticus Mulciber, who the boy had been illegally betrothed to by his father. But when it came up to the discussion about the sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment, Jaques had been very hesitant and it did take some encouragement from Amelia to get the boy speaking about it. There were some questions regarding those charges, but no one wanted to pressure the boy with more information. Bartemius was pleased and finished with Jaques.

Bartemius announced: “The next witness is Clara Yaxley.” Clara entered the room with self-confidence. James didn’t understand why a beautiful woman like Clara would marry a suspected death eater and filthy dark wizard. There were many light and good wizards she had the chance to marry, but she chose Corban Yaxley. He didn’t understand it. Of course, many reasoned that it is due to the soul bond she shared with Yaxley, but Clara should have broken it and chosen someone from the light, where she would have been really happy. In his mind, Clara is just pretending to be happy and is hiding her real feelings towards Yaxley.

Clara sat down and noticed those looks from Dumbledore’s ilk that hadn’t grown up. She knew, what they were thinking. Those fools think that she is miserable in her marriage. Well, it is time to burst this bubble. Clara knew that Stuart Fenwick was spreading the rumour that Corban was an abusive husband and father and that she and her children needed to be saved since he had a crush on her. She knew that many were ignoring the rumours since they were soulmates and both are meant to be. She and Corban rarely argued and mostly, they have managed to solve the issues they had.

Bartemius asked her: “Lady Evandrus.” Many blood purists had furious glares including Aurelius that were pointed towards Clara. “On April 26th, 2002, you were kidnapped by Aurelius Yaxley and on the next day, April 27th, 2002, he tried to use an illegal ritual to break the soul bond with your husband, but it failed. How?” Bartemius knew, what had transpired, but he wanted the rest of the Wizengamot to know, how the ritual failed. Clara smiled and answered: “Well, I have already known, what my brother-in-law was planning to do to me and my husband since February.” Aurelius was mad. How did she find out?

Albus was confused. How did she know, what Yaxley was planning. There must have been a loose end that Aurelius didn’t get rid of. There were many questions, how she had known about Aurelius’ plans for months. Clara answered: “One of the undercover aurors found out about Aurelius’ plans and informed Head Auror Bones. And from there, Corban and I were informed about Aurelius’ plan and we made our own plans to counter them.” Aurelius was furious. There was an auror watching him.

Albus was trying to hide his panic, if Amelia had an undercover auror stationed in Knockturn Alley, it would risk his and Dung’s work in the black markets. He really hoped that the auror didn’t get anything damaging against him and Dung. It would destroy his reputation. Albus needed to find a way to get rid of the undercover auror, but he needs to find out, who the auror is. Unfortunately for Albus, the auror found out about their dealings and had been keeping track on them too. Christina O’Neill had found a lot of dirt against Dumbledore and his sycophant Mundungus Fletcher and she was sending the information to Amelia, who is collecting it as evidence against Dumbledore and Fletcher. Amelia originally wanted to charge both fools for their involvement in the black markets, but Narcissa convinced her to wait until they have managed to destroy his power base, so that he cannot weasel his way out of the charges. The head auror accepted it hesitantly knowing that Albus will manage to weasel his way out by using his Greater Good nonsense and she can’t afford it. So, she will wait patiently with the charges since first, they needed to chip off on his power base and then, they will strike against the old fool.

Bartemius continued knowing about Auror O’Neill. “Can you elaborate?”

Clara answered: “Yes. After Jaques Greengrass was arrested and had provided us with more evidence against Aurelius, my husband, Head Auror Bones, Aurors Shacklebolt and Proudfoot and I were planning, how to catch Aurelius in the act, but we didn’t know, how without breaking the soul bond. So, I thought that we should consult the Unspeakables, how to counter the ritual and they had the idea of using a ritual of protection. With that, the ritual failed and Aurelius was incapacitated. Furthermore, there was also a recording charm on me that had recorded everything, what Aurelius had said.” Bartemius nodded in understanding and asked, if there were any questions for Clara.

Aurelius’ lawyer questioned: “Lady Evandrus, there are some rumours that your marriage with Corban Yaxley is not going well. There were even some accusations regarding spousal abuse and child abuse against your husband. What do you have to say to this?”

Clara smiled and took a deep breath before she answered the man’s question. “Wherever you have got this information from, Attorney Pucey, I can tell you that these accusations against my husband are wrong. Rumours are just rumours. Without proof, they are baseless and as a lawyer, you should be following cold-hard facts and not some fanciful rumours from school.” Charles thinned his lips in annoyance knowing that the woman is right. She continued: “There is a certain individual, who had a crush on me during my time in school, and this person couldn’t accept that I chose my soulmate due to his beliefs about how evil dark wizards are. And that is how, these fanciful rumours were created.” Many members glanced at the light fraction and returned back their attention to Clara.

Albus withheld a sigh knowing that Stuart is behind this. The man had been in love with Clara since his fourth year and Albus encouraged the relationship like he had done it with James and Lily, but this time, it didn’t work. Clara had rejected him multiple times and told him that she was not interested in him. When Stuart and later Clara had graduated, the man went to him to make a marriage contract between him and Clara since Clara was still underage and he was her magical guardian. When the contract was filed, he thought things between his pawn and Clara would work out, but later, they were demanded back at the bank. There they were shown that the marriage contract was blackened and destroyed since the girl had a soulmate and was soul-bounded with the said person. Stuart had thrown a fit and wanted to create a new marriage contract to force the girl to break the soul bond, but the goblins warned him that the magic of marriage contracts are basically powerless against soul bonds since the soul magic is stronger than an absolute contract. When Stuart found out that Clara was married to Corban Yaxley, he tried everything to break the couple up. The man even spread rumours that Corban is abusing Clara and the children, but sadly, it hasn’t been working.

Bartemius hid a grimace and said: “Very well. Let’s move on.” The head of the DMLE continued with the questioning of Clara and it was not looking good for Aurelius.

The next witness was Corban, whose questioning was nearly the same like his wife, but was shorter, and the man incriminated his brother even further. Bartemius wanted to know the background and asked: “How did this animosity start, Head Auror Yaxley?”

Corban sighed deeply and answered: “It all started during the Yule break in my fifth year in Hogwarts. I went to Gringotts and wanted to make an in-depth inheritance test, where I found out that I have a soulmate in the form of Clara Anderson. From there on, I knew that my path has changed and that I can avoid joining Voldemort. Originally, there was a betrothal contract between me and Isabella Jugson, but I used Lady Magic’s judgement to annul the betrothal, which has worked. And from there on I started to drift away from the path my parents had set-up for me. After graduation, I started my training as an auror for two years and became junior auror. I used that, in order to avoid the dark mark. When I became an auror and was able to provide more than for myself, I moved away from my parents and married Clara, which angered my family to no end. First, we lived in a cottage that I have bought with the money I earned, but later on, we moved in in Evandrus Manor, when we found out that muggleborns are actually squibborns, it was revealed that my wife was descending from the Evandrus line. The rest is known through the scandals that my mother had caused, when she tried to break my soul bond with Clara, and also about my disinheritance.” Bartemius nodded. The last aspects are well-known, so he didn’t bother to ask about the details.

Aurelius and Isabella were furious. That couldn’t be. How dare Lady Magic dissolve the betrothal contract that Isabella had with Corban. Lord Jugson was enraged. Another slight on his family and to make matters worse, this slight came from Lady Magic too. Why did the deity choose the mudblood over his own daughter, who is a pureblood from a well-respected family?

After the questioning of Corban was finished, Bartemius announced Seraphina Yaxley as witness. The questioning of the woman was short, where she was proclaiming the innocence of her brother even though the evidence clearly spoke against the man. The next were the clients, who have immediately identified that they got the illegal goods from him and Jaques Greengrass, who was known as Jack McLean back then.

When the clients were finished, Bartemius turned his attention to Aurelius. “Heir Yaxley, how do you plead now?” The man was fuming and answered: “I still plead innocent and that this is a set-up.” Bartemius acknowledged his words and moved to his nomination of using veritesarem on the man, so that Yaxley can prove his innocence or he will prove his guilt.

When it was nominated to use veritesarem on Yaxley, there were some objections from the darker purebloods, but there weren’t enough people to stop the vote and at the end, it was put to the vote and a majority agreed on using veritesarem.

Aurelius was temporarily free, before he was forced down on the accused’s chair in the middle and the chains wrapped around him again. One of the aurors administered him the truth potion and the man was in a trance-like state.

Bartemius started with the test questions. “What is your full name?”

Aurelius answered: “Aurelius Maximus Yaxley.”

“What is your date of birth?”

“June 28th, 1975.”

Bartemius nodded and checked up Aurelius’ records confirming to the Wizengamot members that the potion does work and continued with his questioning. “Do you own an illegal business, where you are selling and buying illegal ritual materials and if yes, then please elaborate, how everything started?”

Aurelius answered in a trance: “It all started, when the dark lord wanted to build up a network in the black markets, so that the lord himself can have access to the resources that are restricted here in Great Britain. I gladly helped him and his followers by building up my network in Knockturn Alley, in order to join his ranks, but because of his defeat, I never managed to get the dark mark.” There was chaos in the Wizengamot. Bartemius was hiding a grin. Jackpot. A sympathiser or better to say a death eater is going down since the man actively helped You-Know-Who during the war. Bartemius was hitting with his gavel on the table and yelled out to the startled crowd: “Order! Order in this court!” Everyone quickly quieted down due to Crouch’s booming voice and turned their attention to Bartemius. “Let us proceed. I don’t want to sit here until midnight.” Many members nodded in agreement not wanting the same and Bartemius demanded: “Heir Yaxley, continue.”

Aurelius of course continued to sing like a canary even though his inside voice was screaming to shut up. “I continued with the black-market business and waited for the return of the dark lord since I know that he isn’t truly gone. But Alan started to demand more and threatened to sell me out in the ministry. So, I decided that he needed to go and with the help of a poison, the man suffered an accident.”

Bartemius interrupted before Aurelius could continue: “So, you are confirming that you killed Alan Cane, because he wanted more money from the deals and when you refused, he threatened you.”

“Yes”, Aurelius grumbled.

“Then, how did you manage to replace Alan with Jaques Greengrass?”

Aurelius said: “That was easy. I have heard that there was a new resident in Knockturn Alley and I privately investigated him. The boy nearly fooled me, but he made one mistake and it was that Jaques grew too complacent that no one would recognise him. At first, I wanted to dismiss him until I noticed that he was wearing glamours that would make him look older and hide his family’s features. With the help of the revelio glasses from China, I was able to see through the glamours and from there on I had a plan for the man or better to say for the boy. He would be my black-market dealer and a better replacement than Cane.” Cyrus was ready to spit fire on the man, but thankfully, Michael was holding him back. Aurelius continued in a monotone voice: “Furthermore, I had the perfect threat that would have made sure that Jaques is going to fall in line and it was Atticus. Like I have predicted, at the next day, I confronted McLean that I know about his secret identity and blackmailed him to help me with my business in Knockturn or I will hand him over to Atticus, so that he can fulfil his betrothal and not escape it like my brother. Greengrass was too afraid and did as he was told. It was good to have complete control over the brat for the time being, but he wouldn’t have remained very long as my black-market dealer since I had plans to replace him with another man when he became 17 and I would have handed him over to Atticus, so that he can become his consort like Alfred had wanted to. There was also the fact that he was perfect and appealing for my clients and the business was booming. Sometimes, I couldn’t resist to order him to get naked, so that I can have some fun by making him cum or to finger him. Out of respect to my friend, I didn’t fuck him since I wanted to save his purity for Atticus even though it sounded appealing.” Many people in the courtroom were disgusted by his actions against Jaques. Even those, who were wearing a perfect mask, didn’t bother to hide their disgust and disdain towards the Yaxley heir. Cyrus was ready to throw a killing curse at Aurelius, but restrained himself. The man will suffer greatly in Azkaban.

Bartemius couldn’t believe, how the man could be so callous and evil. How Corban is related to this bastard is beyond him? But this also confirmed the charges from the Greengrass family. He quickly changed the topic and went to the attempted murder charges. At this point, Aurelius became furious and growled: “I wanted the mudblood bitch gone, in order to save the family’s honour. I ordered Greengrass to get me the ritual materials for breaking a soul bond. At first, the boy hesitated and wanted to refuse, but with the threat of Atticus, I managed to get him going. But due to the bad relations between Magical Russia and Britain, it had taken me a month, in order to get the needed materials. Everything was ready, when Greengrass told me that the ritual materials have arrived and from there on, I thought that soon enough everything would be fixed. But I never thought that an undercover auror would be my downfall.”

Bartemius knew that this was his last question and ordered the antidote to be given. He nominated: “I am also amending the charges of aiding and abetting a terrorist organisation, blackmailing, child abuse, conspiracy and treason.”

On each charge, there was a discussion and a vote, where all the members voted for the extending of the charges.

Bartemius erected privacy and silencing wards, in order to discuss Aurelius’ sentence.

During the discussion, Jaques was trying everything to withhold his tears, but it was difficult. Clara, who was sitting next to Jaques, was trying to comfort him by rubbing his back, but it was difficult due to Jaques’ fragile nature as a male bearer and requested from the aurors to get out for a while since Jaques was feeling unwell. The aurors were sympathetic and allowed them to get out of the courtroom for the time being, but they would be called back for the sentencing.

Getting out of the courtroom, Jaques let it out and was sobbing on Clara’s shoulder, whereas the woman was telling him in a comforting voice: “Let it out, Jaques, just let it out. Soon, this will be all over and Aurelius will pay for everything, what he had done to us.” She knew that male bearers are very fragile and are easily distressed, when they were in a situation like this. So, Clara let Jaques cry on her shoulder until he had calmed down enough. After some time, Jaques had stopped crying and he and Clara were called back by the aurors to return in the courtroom.

Going in, both sat down on the witnesses’ seats and waited for the sentencing. Bartemius saw that Clara and Jaques had arrived back and the man felt bad, what the boy had gone through. Maybe he should push a rule change in the courts that minors should be interrogated separately from the adults like in the muggle world, where children and youths were questioned under the supervision of a mind healer and an educator. It would be less pressuring and things would go easier.

After the chattering had died down and Bartemius got the attention from the attendees of the trial, the man announced: “Heir Aurelius Yaxley, you have been found guilty by this court. For the murder of Alan Cane, the attempted murders of Clara and Corban Yaxley, for the attempt of breaking a soul bond, for exploiting, sexual abusing, sexual harassing and sexual assaulting Jaques Greengrass as well as for running an illegal business in Knockturn Alley, for being in possession of illegal goods, for child abuse, for blackmail, for conspiracy, for treason and for aiding and abetting a terrorist organisation, this court sentences you to two life-time sentences in a high security cell in Azkaban with round the clock presence of dementors. You will serve the first twenty-five years before it is brought back in front of the Wizengamot and there the governing body will decide, if you should spend another twenty-five years in Azkaban or in case, if you have shown true remorse for your actions and we acknowledge that you have adequately paid for your crimes, you would be given a swift execution by the kiss. If this is not the case, then, you will spend another twenty-five years in the high security cell before you will be executed. Furthermore, your personal vaults would be seized to pay back the victims of your plot and the rest of the money would be used to pay the war damages.” Everyone paled at the sentence. Death would be preferable than being exposed to dementors for so long. Aurelius was terrified. This cannot be happening, but things got even worse for him. “Furthermore, you are stripped from your heirship and you are banned from ever claiming any noble titles.” Crouch hit with his gavel on the resonating body finalising the trial and making the sentence binding until there is an appeal. Aurelius screamed in pain, when the heirship ring melted on his ring finger removing itself due to the chamber’s magic founding him guilty and the family magics’ act of removing Aurelius as heir and future lord from the line of succession. All the Yaxleys felt the shift in the Family Magics and the ring appeared on Corban’s ring finger, which confirmed that he is the only acceptable, male heir to the Yaxley family. It also annulled the disinheritance from his father. Seraphina was ready to scream. This was a nightmare. Corban is the family’s heir again and he is the future lord of the noble house of Yaxley. The woman can only pray that her father would recover from this heart attack, but it doesn’t seem to look good for her.

Aurelius couldn’t believe it that he had lost everything even his heirship and his chance of succession. He had seen the desperate look on his sister’s face and Aurelius knew that if his father doesn’t survive this heart attack, she would be under his traitorous brother’s control and that can’t be allowed. But what can he do? He had been convicted, stripped from his birth right and he will spend in prison until he is executed or he dies due to the dementors’ exposure. Aurelius needed a plan to get out, but how? The only way is to wait, when the dark lord returns, then, he can take his revenge against his brother, the mudblood whore and their bastards. He isn’t going to allow the Yaxley line to be under control of dirty half-bloods and blood-traitors, but for now, he had to let it go.

The chains from the accused’s chair unwrapped themselves from Aurelius’ body, but the aurors quickly handcuffed him and escorted him to the aurors, who would escort him to Azkaban. His sentence will start today.

The Wizengamot trials came to an end after Yaxley was led out of the courtroom, everyone started to return home since his trial was the last in the docket.

The remaining Yaxleys left the courtroom. Seraphina went home numb with shock and Corban and Clara quickly hurried, in order to get to the kids since a nanny elf was looking after them.

Jaques and his uncle left the Wizengamot courtroom and made their way home. It was exhausting to testify against Aurelius and he was glad that everything turned out fine. Thankfully, he was finished with the community service and now, he had only to prepare himself for his NEWTs. His uncle told him that he had to do the exams for his NEWT classes during the summer, he wanted to take, in order to be qualified for his seventh year. For the weekend, Jaques also had a date with Anton and he is ready for some fun.

May 17th, 2002

Aurelius’ conviction caused many mixed reactions in Britain. The light and the Grey Alliance celebrated like it was Christmas. Additionally, the Grey Alliance celebrated Corban’s return as Heir Yaxley. A majority was glad that Aurelius was brought to justice and would serve a long prison sentence before he is executed. The only ones, who were furious, were Voldemort’s followers since they lost the Yaxley heir and they would also lose the Yaxley seat, if Gerald dies. They despised Corban and called him a blood traitor, because he married a mudblood and has been associating himself with filthy half-bloods, blood traitors and mudbloods. And now, the man was going to be in charge of the House Yaxley and his filthy halfblood of a son is going to be Corban’s heir. This is unacceptable, but they can’t interfere in family matters of another house since the penalty of doing so is death.

Seraphina locked herself up in her rooms and cried. This was an utter nightmare. Aurelius is gone and he will never return. What is she going to do? Telling her father would be the final blow to his already poor health. She hoped that no one will tell her father about Aurelius’ conviction until he is better.

Unfortunately for Seraphina, Gerald had found out about his youngest son’s conviction through the Daily Prophet during his recovery. The man took only a glance at the headline of the newspapers and the man suffered another heart attack, when he had read the headlines. “AURELIUS YAXLEY! A PEDOPHILE, A MURDERER AND AN EXPLOITER!” by Rita Skeeter. Gerald didn’t survive this heart attack. The healers tried everything, but this final blow killed the man. The only thing, the healers did, was writing down his death certificate and to inform the family. The head healer made her way to her office, in order to write letters to Corban and his wife and Seraphina Yaxley, in order to inform them about Lord Yaxley’s death. The letters were quickly sent and the head healer waited for the time being.

Seraphina received the letter from St. Mungos. Her presence was demanded since there were grievous news regarding her father’s health. The same letter was sent to Corban and his wife. Both left their children under the care of the Grey Alliance members, in order to see, what was going on with his father.

Arriving at the hospital, they met Seraphina, who threw them an icy glare. She despised them for the suffering, they had caused her, her mother, Aurelius and her father. Before anyone could say or do something, the head healer came out of her office and told them to come in. The woman’s voice was sorrowful.

Entering the office, she summoned three seats, where the three remaining Yaxleys sat down and the head healer returned back to her seat behind her desk. The woman started: “Ms. Yaxley, Heir Yaxley, Heir Consort Yaxley, I have very bad news regarding your father and in your case, Heir Consort Yaxley, your father-in-law. During his recovery, Lord Yaxley suffered another heart attack. It seems like that the news regarding his youngest son caused a lot of stress in your father that had led to another heart attack that he didn’t survive.” Seraphina froze in shock. Tears started to stream down and the young woman started to sob hard. This couldn’t be. Her father can’t be dead. Corban let out a sad sigh. He wished, his relations with his father were better, but he chose the wrong path with the other blood purists and ignored the truth due to his bigoted views. Now, he had to arrange a funeral for his father. Clara had her hand on his shoulder. She was saddened that Gerald had died even though the man was against her.

Corban received a fierce slap. He was lost in thoughts and didn’t notice the in-coming hand from his sister. Now, he is paying attention and rubbing his cheek. Clara was quickly on her husband’s side to defend her husband from her sister-in-law. The woman screamed at him in fury: “You fucking bastard. You killed our father.” Seraphina was irrational.

The head healer sighed knowing about the issues in the Yaxley family. “Ms. Yaxley, no one is to blame for your father’s death. His health was very poor and he wouldn’t have lived through this decade with how fast his health was deteriorating.” The woman grounded her teeth and gritted out: “But he could have lived a little bit longer and he wouldn’t have died so early.” The head healer just shook her head knowing that Gerald wouldn’t have lived longer than a decade.

Corban said: “Can we see him? I need to arrange the funeral.” The head healer nodded and led them to Gerald Yaxley’s death bed. Seraphina was sobbing, whereas Corban and Clara watched the corpse in sadness. Clara asked: “What about Aurelius?” The head healer answered: “We will write to the warden of Azkaban, so that the former Heir Yaxley can be informed about his father’s death.”

Corban nodded and said: “I will also make arrangements with Amelia to allow my brother to attend the funeral of our father for the time being, so that he can say goodbye.” Clara nodded.

Both returned back to Malfoy Manor, where their kids were, leaving Seraphina alone, who wanted to mourn her father a bit longer.

It was quiet for some time, when they returned back. Narcissa asked: “What has happened that you had to go to the hospital? Has something happened to Lord Yaxley?”

Corban and Clara looked at each other and Corban asked the adults in the room: “Can you usher the children to the playroom? There are really bad news and I don’t want them to be here to hear it.” Everyone nodded in understanding knowing that something terrible had happened and ushered the kids to the playroom. Corban turned his attention to the other attendees, who had managed to usher the children into the playroom and returned back in the formal meeting room. Corban started: “I have very sad news. My father has died today. It seems like that the news regarding my brother’s conviction gave him the final blow since he suffered another heart attack.” Many were shocked and a quiet chattering started.

Clara continued for her husband: “For the next few days, we are going to arrange the funeral and you are all invited to come.” Many nodded in understanding. Corban turned his attention to his colleague: “Amelia, I need to speak with Lord Crouch tomorrow about the arrangements for my brother. I want him to attend the funeral. Even though, he is the worst scum on earth and isn’t deserving this privilege, I don’t want to be seen as a heartless, cold and cruel man, but I want to show him, what he is lacking. Mercy.” Amelia nodded in understanding and will inform Bartemius about the arrangements tomorrow.

The celebration continued, but there was a somber atmosphere.

Gringotts, May 18th, 2002

Corban, his wife and their children were making their way to the bank, so that he can claim the Yaxley Lordship. He received a letter from Gringotts, where he was informed that he is able to claim the lordship and take over the seat and the estate of the House Yaxley. Reaching one of the tellers, the elder Yaxleys greeted the teller politely since they knew that insulting those, who are handling the money, is a bad idea. The goblin teller was ready to help them to the best of his ability, when the greetings were done, but there wasn’t much to do, then, to escort the family to Yaxley account manager. “What can the bank do for you on this day, Heir Yaxley?”

Corban took out the letter from the Yaxley account manager out of his pocket and handed it over to the teller. He answered: “I have a meeting with Stonehard, the Yaxley account manager.”

The teller skimmed the letter and nodded understanding the gist of the letter. The goblin stood up from his stool and said: “Please follow me, Heir Yaxley.”

The Yaxleys were following the goblin to the account manager office, where they were expected by the Yaxley account manager. “Ah, Teller Hilfax, thank you, for bringing Heir Yaxley, his consort and his children here, I will take over from here. You can return back to work.” The teller nodded and left.

The account manager led the Yaxleys inside his office and summoned some seats, so that Corban, Clara and their eldest son can sit down. The other two children were sitting on their parents’ lap. Stonehard took his seat behind the desk and began to take out the paperwork regarding the Yaxley Vaults. He also took out the Lordship ring and laid it down on his desk. “Heir Yaxley, since your father had died and there are no other available Yaxleys that can claim the title as Lord Yaxley due to your brother’s imprisonment, your disinheritance had been annulled and you are able to claim the title.” Corban nodded in understanding and the goblin proceeded with Corban’s claim.

Corban let the lordship ring slide down his ring finger and allowed the Family Magics to test him. After a while, the Family Magics tested Corban until the ring resized itself perfectly on his ring finger. Corban is now the new Lord Yaxley.

Stonehard was pleased and started with the paperwork of the Yaxley estate, where Corban had to sign some papers regarding the business of the Yaxley estate and had to renew his contract with the account manager, so that Stonehard could continue with the managing of the Yaxley Vaults. The only time, an account manager is switched, is in case the goblin has been proven to be untrustworthy or there is a conflict between the client and the account manager. In other cases, the account manager is switched, if the goblin is getting too old and it is time for retirement or the account manager isn’t able to care for the account due to a long-term illness. Corban looked at the renewal and had the plan that his account manager should take in an apprentice, so that in case Stonehard goes into retirement, there is a trustworthy replacement. Normally, only a handful of wizards or witches would sign this part of the contract, if the account manager is allowed to take in an apprentice, but Corban wanted to have a trustworthy replacement in case Stonehard isn’t able to take care of the accounts.

Stonehard looked at the filled paperwork of the business and was pleased. When he took a look at the renewal contract, the account manager was shocked that Corban Yaxley is allowing him to take in an apprentice. This was good since in 15 years, he would have gone into retirement and a new, inexperienced goblin would have taken over. Corban smirked at the shocked expression of his account manager. The goblin turned his attention to the new Lord Yaxley. “Lord Yaxley, I am surprised that you are allowing me to have an apprentice.”

Corban answered: “Well, I signed this part, because I wanted to make sure that in case, you are going to retirement or you are permanently unable to take care of the accounts that there would be a trustworthy replacement, who knows, what to do.” Stonehard nodded and was pleased with Corban Yaxley. The man is thinking forward.

After everything is checked, Stonehard questioned: “Do you want to make it public that you are the new Lord Yaxley?”

Corban answered: “Yes and there would be some changes coming.” The goblin nodded and he had a feeling that this young man in front of him is going bring a new wind in the noble House of Yaxley.

Corban told Rita to write about the death of his father after he had claimed the Yaxley Lordship ring. In the afternoon, the funeral will take place since the Greengrasses wanted to announce the betrothal between Jaques and Heir Anton Abbott.

Witch Weekly

Jaques was going with Anton to Witch Weekly, in order to announce their betrothal. Rita informed them that during the morning, she had a lot of work to do since she had to write an article about Gerald Yaxley’s death and Corban’s new status as Lord Yaxley. They managed to schedule the meeting in the late noon. Both teenagers were making their way to Rita’s office in Witch Weekly. Some reporters like Rita Skeeter are also working for Witch Weekly, but this is only for the weekend and it is only for volunteers.

Rita was going over the article she wrote for the Daily Prophet about Gerald Yaxley’s death and Corban’s coronation as the new Lord Yaxley. There are going to be many changes within the Yaxley family. She was so focused on the article until she heard a knock on her office door. Rita laid the article aside and said: “Yes.” One of her co-workers opened the door and said: “Rita, Jaques Greengrass and Heir Anton Abbott are her.” Rita’s eyes light up and said: “Let them in.”

Both blondes entered her office and Rita closed the door with a wave of her wand. She put a locking charm on the outside, so that no one would be able to open the door from the outside, but Rita, Jaques and Anton would be able to open the door from the inside. Rita took out her dicta-quill and parchment. Thank Merlin, that it would be her last month to use quill and parchment since Arthur had introduced the wizarding world to the typewriting machine. She hoped that one day, she would be able to write her articles on a computer, which would make her life a lot easier. Rita said: “Well, dearies, let’s talk about your betrothal and how your relationship had started. It is about time to write something romantic.” Both rolled their eyes at her dramatics.

After Rita was finished with her introduction part of the interview, the woman asked her first question: “When did you two have feelings for each other?”

Jaques turned to Anton and the older of the two started: “It all started at the end of my fourth year, when I realised that I liked boys and not girls. My parents were supportive of my sexual orientation, when I confessed them that I was gay. During my fifth year, I felt attracted to Jaques Greengrass, who was in his fourth year, but I admit that I was dragging my feet to ask him out.” Rita turned her attention to Jaques, who blushed a little and admitted: “For me, it was the same. I was in love with him during my fourth year, but I was terrified that he was biased against my house since I was a Slytherin and he was a Hufflepuff. There is also Sarah Fenwick.”

Rita looked quizzical and asked: “Who is Sarah Fenwick?” She knew that the Fenwicks are Dumbledore’s sheep, but she doesn’t know the entire family.

Anton huffed: “Sarah Fenwick is a year mate of mine, who had been stalking me since I started and had been spreading the rumour that we were meant to be and that we are going to be betrothed even though half of Hogwarts knew that I was gay.”

Rita pursed her lips. Well, the reaction of her article would be explosive. She asked: “How would this Sarah Fenwick react to your relationship?”

Jaques and Anton grimaced. They knew that the girl would combust in fury, if she finds out that Anton was going to marry Jaques and that he is gay. Anton answered: “Ms. Skeeter, you can imagine, how someone, who is obsessed, is going to react to this.”

Rita didn’t need to be a seer that the girl was going to throw the biggest fit in the world. She already can imagine the scream of fury and denial. And as an insult to injury, Anton is dating a Slytherin. She asked: “And from your side, Mr. Greengrass. Are there certain individuals, who would react negatively to your future nuptials?”

Jaques sighed and answered: “Well, in my case, there is Atticus Mulciber. The man is going to be furious that I am sullying myself with a ‘halfblood’ in his words and that the Greengrasses are in his views blood traitors for allowing this relationship.” Rita knew that this relationship is going to be viewed negatively by the blood purists too. “And your ex-father, Mr. Greengrass?” Jaques took a deep breath and answered: “I don’t care about Alfred’s opinion since that, excuse me for my language, bastard nearly ruined my life. The only person beside my aunt, uncle and my cousins that I really want to be there for my wedding is my mother, but she is dead.” Rita knew that she had to change the topic or there were going to be some tears.

Rita asked further changing the topic, so that their focus is not on the annoyances and the missed ones in this relationship. “After many challenges you two had in the past, when do you two plan to marry? We are just going to skip them since they are tragic and infuriating to hear.” Both boys were surprised by Rita’s sever tone. They never thought that someone, who is known for pulling puns and being so optimistic, could be so serious. But they returned back their focus to her question.

Both boys were discussing quietly and Anton announced: “We are going to marry after Jaques’ graduation next year since we have an entire year for the organisation of the wedding.”

Rita grinned expectantly. Both sighed and assured her: “And you are invited, Ms. Skeeter, but please leave this information out from your article since I am sure that you are going to write about the wedding.” The woman nodded and the quill didn’t write this.

Rita knew that the allotted time is coming to an end and asked: “Are there any last words, you want to add?”

Anton and Jaques discussed for the time being until Jaques was the one, who is going to finish: “I hope that no one would have such a rocky way to start a relationship.” Rita just chuckled and Anton just grinned. Jaques rolled his eyes. No one should start a relationship in such a way.

DMLE

Whereas Anton and Jaques were doing their interview, Corban was sitting with Bartemius Crouch Sr. discussing the arrangements regarding Aurelius’ short time release for the funeral. Bartemius never thought that this conviction would have killed a man. He agreed on the arrangements and wrote a letter to the warden of Azkaban that Aurelius Yaxley is allowed a temporal release for the funeral.

Corban changed the topic, when he noticed that Bartemius had a pensive look on his face. “Lord Crouch, is something wrong?”

Bartemius knew that Corban is very perceptive and said: “Yes, there are two things that are bothering me.”

Corban questioned: “And what are those two things?”

Bartemius sighed, but he answered regardless: “The first thing is that I would like to make a rule change during the Wizengamot trials. I noticed that during the trial of Aurelius Yaxley the Greengrass lad was uncomfortable and I thought that during the Wizengamot trials and the trials against adults, the minors should be questioned separately, in order to lessen the stress on the children and the youths.” Corban found the idea good. Maybe it should be their next nomination, which would distract Dumbledore and his followers. “Then, nominate it at the next Wizengamot meeting. I can tell you that you would find a lot of support now from the other Wizengamot members due to my brother’s trial.” Bartemius found the idea good and will nominate it.

Corban asked: “And what is the second problem that you have Lord Crouch?”

Bartemius hated to admit it, but he needed to let it out. “My second problem is my wife. I am planning to divorce her in December, but this would be a rocky way.”

Corban understood the issue. “Then, I would suggest to make it quick since you both don’t have underage children. Furthermore, Wilma has her own dowery from her family and it is separated from the Crouch estate. Finally, Lord Crouch, you have the good cards against your wife since she would not be able to take a part from your estate as recompense since she is to blame that your ex-son became a death eater. Every divorce judge would side with you on this matter.” Bartemius agreed. Barty’s mind healer reports alone would make the divorce clear. He had to prepare all the evidence against his wife since he knew that the woman was going to put up a fight.

Azkaban

Aurelius Yaxley is suffering pure hell. He was already two days here and it seems like that he will not get out of here. Aurelius knew that he will die, but he had to stay resistant against the dementors’ effects. The dark lord needs him. He heard the boots from the guards here in Azkaban. Two auror guards stopped in front of his cell and opened the cell door. One of the aurors ordered in a harsh voice and were forcing him to stand up: “Stand up, you piece of trash. Your older brother made arrangements for a short time release.” Aurelius sighed in relief, but why did that bastard arrange that.

The other auror guard just answered: “Your father, Gerald Yaxley, had died two days ago. It seems like that he wasn’t able to handle your conviction very well and suffered a second heart attack. Corban, the new Lord Yaxley, is arranging the funeral and wanted you released temporarily, so that you can attend your father’s funeral and can say your last goodbyes before you are brought back here.” Aurelius was furious. This must be a nightmare. His father is dead and Corban is now the new Lord Yaxley. His family is doomed, but sadly, he wouldn’t be able to do anything.

The guards put magic-repressing cuffs and led the man out of his cells. There was a funeral to attend.

Yaxley Family Crypt/Yaxley Manor

The funeral of Gerald Yaxley was going smoothly in Corban’s opinion. His speech was good, but he also made sure to point out that Gerald made a lot of mistakes during his time as Lord Yaxley like not accepting a soulmate couple, which angered the blood purists especially the Jugsons. There was also the speech from Clara Yaxley, which also annoyed Voldemort’s followers, Aurelius and Seraphina.

Unfortunately for Corban and Clara, Albus Dumbledore and his followers were attending the funeral. The older followers had neutral expressions, whereas the younger ones like James, Sirius, Lily and Remus were unhappy to be in another funeral of a dark wizard. Albus had wanted to attend the funeral, in order to find a way to sway the Yaxleys to his side, but since Clara is still alive, it would be a lot harder. He noticed that there were many members from the dark, neutral and light section. Albus could guess that the attendees alone are making it clear that Corban Yaxley is changing the path of House Yaxley. He didn’t like it that another dark, well-known house is going neutral, but he can’t interfere in these matters since there would be consequences. Looking around, he saw Aurelius Yaxley. The man’s hands were bound by magic-restraining cuffs and four auror guards are keeping an eye on the man. The man looked defeated. Beside the group, there was Seraphina Yaxley, who looked miserable. Tom’s followers looked angry especially Lord Henry Jugson, his heir and his two daughters. They were practically glaring at Corban, his wife and their children. Well, this is a clear statement that Yaxley would not support the death eaters, but the support towards the dark would remain.

After the speeches and when everyone said their goodbyes to Gerald Yaxley, Aurelius was taken back to Azkaban and Seraphina and the other blood purists took their seat on the right side of the room for the funeral feast. Albus and his followers did the same on the left side and the Grey Alliance took their own seats in the middle.

During the feast, Corban was keeping an eye on the blood purists and Dumbledore and his followers. He had to be careful since these fools are dangerous, if they were sitting in the same room, but thankfully, it was quiet since many were more focused on the food than the surroundings.

Corban wouldn’t have invited Dumbledore, but his wife thought that with the invitation, they would give the old fool a false sense of security like the Malfoys. Corban liked the idea to keep his enemies closer than his friends.

When the feast was finished, Voldemort’s followers excused themselves for leaving the funeral earlier than expected. In reality, none of them wanted to spend any time here with that blood traitor. They had pity with Seraphina Yaxley, who had to remain with that disgrace. The woman in question went to her room, in order to rest since she was exhausted. With the blood purists gone, only the Grey Alliance and the light fools remained.

Albus was ready to kill. James and Sirius were whining his ears off that Corban Yaxley was up to no good. Those two behaved like children and Lily and Remus were not any better since they were questioning him that the man and his children are a danger especially to John. Albus and his older followers were ready to put a silencing ward around the younger generation, who were throwing silent fits that Yaxley is a death eater.

Corban and Clara noticed that Dumbledore looked ready to murder James, Sirius and the younger generation of light fools. It was entertaining to watch the scene.

After the feast, Albus left the manor again offering his condolences about the loss and marched out of the manor with false confidence. The feast was nearly a disaster. Albus will have some choice words for his followers. Some hours later, Corban, Clara and their children were left alone, when the final guest left their house. It was hilarious, but also worrisome since they noticed the pensive looks from the Greengrasses and the Abbotts like something terrible had happened in their family. Whatever it is, they would find it out.

May 20th, 2002

The article about Gerald Yaxley’s death and Corban’s announcement of being the new Lord Yaxley repaired the image of the House Yaxley tremendously. Basically, everyone believed that Corban would be a better head than his father and his ancestors. Albus and his oldest and most loyal followers were somehow pleased that another dark house is turning away from Voldemort, but Albus’ younger followers were distrustful and didn’t like Corban since he is a dark wizard in their view. The blood purists were not happy, but they had to swallow the bitter pill.

Unfortunately, things went from bad to worse, because Corban wrote letters to the known blood purists like Parkinson, Bulstrode, Crabbe, Goyle, Jugson, Selwyn, Avery, Mulciber and McNair that he is freezing the alliance with them. There was blind fury, when the Lords received the letters. They were going to make Corban regret ever thinking he could do this and get away with it, but they can’t act against Corban due to his alliance with House Malfoy and the blood purists are not insane enough to go against the Malfoy and Black Families. They had to accept it, but they swore to make the man pay in case the dark lord returns.

The betrothal of Jaques and Anton had made many women squeal in the pureblood circle apart from the ladies coming from the darker houses. Especially, Lady Mulciber was angry that the brat was choosing a filthy half-blood in favour of her perfect, pure-blooded son. Atticus was furious, when he was finished reading the article his mother showed him. He wanted to kill Anton Abbott for touching his betrothed, but restrained himself. He was going to make Abbott and Jaques pay for this. The ladies from Dumbledore’s camp were not happy with the betrothal. Especially, Lady Fenwick was enraged that Anton chose a death eater spawn over her precious girl. The woman prayed that her daughter doesn’t read today’s Witch Weekly since she knew that her poor girl’s heart would break at reading this, but the woman will send the Abbotts a howler for betrothing their son to a death eater spawn. They will not get away with this.

Unfortunately for Lady Fenwick, Sarah will find out and there was going to be hell to pay. Bill Weasley was reading the Daily Prophet about the Yaxleys, when he heard a squeal from some Hufflepuff girls, who were reading this week’s edition of Witch Weekly. At first, Bill wanted to ignore them until he had managed to take a glance at the headline. Bill had heard about Heir Anton Abbott, because one of his housemates, Sarah Fenwick, was obsessed with the boy and was a clear stalker since the girl was following him everywhere like a lost puppy and was spreading the rumour that they were going to be betrothed and would get married one day. Bill also heard that she would be the next Lady Abbott. Well, this dream was going to be destroyed. His father also told him about Jaques and Anton and how much those two are loving each other.

Bill approached the girls and asked: “Hey, can I see the article that you are reading about Anton Abbott and Jaques Greengrass?” Both girls just glanced at each other and nodded. Both had a wide grin. They gave him the magazine. Bill quickly skimmed the article and he had to admit that those two could be a good couple. One of the girls started: “Finally did those two manage to get together! Merlin, those two pansies were frustrating to watch dragging their feet.”

The other girl agreed. “You are right. If I had my way, I would have locked them up in a broom closet and I would have only let them out, if they had confessed to each other.”

Bill grimaced at the idea, but he would have done the same with those two. “Fenwick is not going to like this.”

Both girls turned their attention to Bill and the black-haired girl said: “Well, then, she needs to find someone else, because Anton is already taken.”

Bill answered: “That would be impossible since Fenwick is practically obsessed with Abbott.”

Both girls had to acknowledge that he was right on this matter. The girl would be furious, if she finds out about Anton’s betrothal with Jaques. Bill asked: “Can I borrow the magazine? I will bring it back tomorrow at breakfast.”

The girls discussed it and nodded. The redhead asked: “You want to show it to Fenwick?”

Bill nodded. “I want to see her reaction.”

The black-haired girl said: “Well, it’s about time to burst that bubble that she would become the next Lady Abbott, but be carefully Weasley. I don’t want to visit your funeral, if she blows up and kills you.” Both girls laughed at that. Bill just rolled his eyes. That will not happen. He hopes.

Hogwarts

After dinner, Bill entered the common room with the Witch Weekly magazine and was looking for Sarah Fenwick. He already told his closest friends about the article and many were dreading the reaction of Fenwick. Bill took a deep breath and collected his courage, in order to tell Fenwick about Anton’s relationship status. The girl was talking with her friends. He managed to overhear the conversation. “Girls, I don’t know, what is going on with Anton. This is another weekend, where he signed himself away from school. He is hiding something. Maybe I should check-up.”

One of her friends said: “Maybe you should. He could be cheating on you.”

Sarah just brushed her off. “Please, Anna, Anton is not going to do that to me. He will be mine and I hope that the Abbotts would agree on our betrothal soon. I hate this waiting. My parents are still waiting on their response.” Bill could tell that Fenwick is delusional. The Abbotts had already agreed on Anton’s and Jaques’ betrothal.

The other girl beside Anna noticed Bill and asked: “Weasley, what do you want? Haven’t you been taught not to eavesdrop?” The other girls turned around and scowled at Bill, but the redhead smiled and said: “Well, I was interested in your conversation about Abbott.”

Sarah just huffed: “And? Everyone knows that we belong together.”

Bill had a thoughtful look and asked: “Are you sure?”

Sarah was annoyed. “Yes, we are. My parents are going to arrange a betrothal between Anton and me.”

Bill grimaced. It’s time to drop the bomb. “Well, Fenwick, have you read today’s Witch Weekly?”

The girl shook her head and narrowed her eyes. Bill grinned and handed her over the article. “Your so-called betrothed is already engaged and look, who it is.”

Sarah took the article and read it. The girl let out a scream of fury that could be heard through the entire common room. “NO!” Bill quickly took the article and left the girl. Sarah was screaming in denial that Anton wouldn’t do that to her. Her two friends tried to calm her down, but the girl was irrational. Both were furious, what Anton had done to Sarah.

Minerva was startled by the scream and quickly left her office to see, what is wrong with her cubs. “What is going on here?” Everyone turned their attention to Sarah Fenwick as response. The girl was sobbing hard. Minerva quickly went to her distressed cub. What has happened that she is reacting like this? The transfiguration teacher was trying everything to calm the girl down, but it didn’t work.

Sarah stormed out of the common room and was on her way to find Anton. That bastard will pay for breaking her heart and she will make Greengrass suffer for taking her future husband away.

Minerva was confused, what was going on until she noticed that everyone looked at Bill Weasley. “Mr. Weasley, can you tell me, what has happened?”

Bill answered: “I believe that this article will answer your question, Professor McGonagall.”

Minerva took the magazine and started to read the article about Anton’s and Jaques’ betrothal. The woman was enraged that Anton chose a Slytherin over one of her lions. And to make matters worse, both boys announced that the betrothal was approved by their families. It was also explained that Anton had planned to court Greengrass after his OWL year, but it didn’t work since the boy ran away. She wished that Greengrass was never found. It would have saved her this trouble. She also needed to talk to Albus. “Mr. Weasley, can I borrow the article?”

Bill answered: “Well, yes, but the magazine is not mine. I have borrowed it from two Hufflepuff girls and I have promised them that I will return it back. How about you make a copy of that article, so that I can keep my promise.”

Minerva sighed, but she quickly copied the article and gave it back to her cub. She quickly made her way out of the common room, in order to stop her lion from doing something irrational.

Anton was talking with his friends about Jaques. He had still a few hours left before it is time for curfew. “Hello, my dearies. I will remind you all that you have only two hours before it is curfew.” Jaques and his friends turned to their head of house and Herbology professor. “Yes, Professor Sprout.”

Pomona was happy that Anton was practically glowing. The boy found the love of his life after all these months of his disappearance, but the happiness was only short-lived, when they heard a scream of fury. “CONFRINGO!” Pomona quickly took out her wand and casted a strong shield charm, which stopped the explosion charm from harming the other students. Then, she noticed that Severus threw a stunner on the irate girl before she could throw another spell. Pomona quickly took care of her badgers and sent them back to the common room. Severus quickly spelled a calming draught into the girl’s stomach and treated her injuries before he rennervated her.

Severus demanded in his sever, teaching voice, when the girl had stood up: “Ms. Fenwick, what is the meaning of this?”

Sarah was terrified and furious. Out of all teachers, it must be Snape that had caught her. The girl noticed Professor Sprout, who looked angry. “Well, Ms. Fenwick, can you please explain me, why you tried to attack one of my badgers?”

Sarah became furious and ranted: “Because Anton broke our betrothal. He had cheated on me and for that, he needed to pay.”

Both teachers looked confused at each other. The girl was delusional. Pomona said slowly: “Ms. Fenwick, Mr. Abbott doesn’t have a betrothal with you. You and your friends were the only ones, who were spreading the rumour that you and Mr. Abbott were going to be betrothed. Unfortunately for you, Mr. Abbott is homosexual, which means that he doesn’t like girls, but boys. The article in Witch Weekly made a pretty, bold statement.”

Severus sighed. Love could be dangerous. “Ms. Fenwick, 100 points from Gryffindor. We are going to the headmaster’s office, in order to decide about your punishment.”

Before they could lead the student to the headmaster’s office, Minerva came. “Ms. Fenwick, Severus, Pomona, what has happened?”

Severus gave the woman a cold and calculating look. “Ms. Fenwick had attacked Mr. Abbott and his friends with the explosive charm. Thankfully, Pomona stepped in and casted a strong shield charm. She has lost 100 points and we are now on our way to the headmaster’s office.” Minerva was stuck. She can’t excuse that since it had happened in front of two staff members. Minerva hoped that Albus knows a way around this.

Albus was having a calm evening until he heard arguing. He sighed deeply. This was not going to be pretty and it wasn’t, when Pomona, Severus, Minerva and Sarah Fenwick entered his office. When the office door was closed, Albus asked: “What is going on, my dears?”

Severus was the one to answer: “Well, headmaster, Ms. Fenwick had attacked Mr. Abbott, his friends and Pomona with an explosive charm. For that reason, we came here to demand a suspension of two weeks. There is no excuse for, what she had done. Apart from that, we need to talk with her guardians.”

Albus wanted to groan. It is impossible to cover this up since one of his staff members was involved in this. Minerva said: “I will contact her parents.” The other two staff members gave her a nod and Minerva went to the floo. Albus tried: “Come on, Severus, there is no need to be cruel. Maybe detention for the rest of the year would make her realise her mistake.”

But much to Albus’ annoyance, Pomona butted in: “No, Albus, either you give her the suspension or I am going to file a grievance to the board, which would even risk an expulsion.”

Albus grounded his teeth. That was the last thing, he wanted. Sarah paled at the idea. She can’t be expelled. If that happens, then, she is ruined. Albus knew that currently his control over the board is slipping and Sarah’s attack has come in an inopportune time. He sighed deeply.

But things went from bad to worse, when Benjy and his wife came following Minerva. Both were demanding answers, why their daughter was here. Severus and Pomona explained the situation and both staff members told the couple that they were here to discuss her punishment, which consists of a two-week suspension. Benjy and his wife started to protest the punishment and demanded from the headmaster to fix this, but both Pomona and Severus were insistent on the suspension or the board would decide her punishment, which could consist of being expelled. Benjy paled at the idea with the board. His daughter could be expelled. The argument took an hour until Albus was forced to suspend the girl for two weeks, but she will receive her homework even though she is only revising for her NEWTs. Furthermore, there was going to be a permanent mark in her record, which angered the Fenwicks even further.

When everything was arranged, Albus was left in his office alone with Minerva. He needed to know, what had caused this attack. He was exhausted and furious. This was another instance, where he wasn’t able to help one of his pawns due to his staff. The girl was stupid enough to attack the Abbott boy in front of two staff members. Albus knew that this case was impossible to win.

Returning back from his thoughts, Albus said in an old voice: “Minerva, please take a seat, I need to speak with you.” The woman nodded and took her seat. Albus was rubbing his eyes and asked: “Can you tell me why Sarah attacked Anton? I thought, she loves him and they are going to marry.” Albus had allowed the rumours to spread through Hogwarts, but somehow only his pawns believed in them. He is encouraging the relationship and he is planning to use some compulsions on Zachary and Amelié Abbott to betroth their son to Sarah since it would allow him to sway the Abbott Family to his side.

Minerva took a deep breath trying to restrain a growl. “Well, it seems like that all of our plans regarding this relationship are flushed down the toilette, because of this.” Minerva gave Albus the copied article from Witch Weekly.

Albus was reading the copy and his fury rose. That couldn’t be. Anton was supposed to marry Sarah, but no, the boy is in love with the Greengrass boy and he is planning to marry him. To make matters worse, Anton revealed that he was the first to fall in love since he wanted to court Jaques Greengrass after his fifth year and that half of Hogwarts knew that he was gay. Another aspect is that the article damages the reputations of Sarah and Atticus Mulciber slightly due to Sarah’s stalker tendencies and in Mulciber’s case, the scandal in the Greengrass Family, where the Mulcibers were also involved, was putting Atticus Mulciber in a bad light. There was nothing that could fix this since additionally, both families are supporting the match. Not even love potions would help him in this endeavour since now the entire population of Hogwarts knew that Anton is gay and loves Jaques Greengrass.

Minerva hissed: “Albus, fix this. We need to get them together. I will not accept this insult lying down.”

Albus questioned: “And what are you proposing Minerva? We can’t force the separation since both families approve the betrothal.”

Minerva answered: “Then, we will use potions. We had decent responses to them in the past.”

Albus countered: “Minerva, the boy is wearing his heirship ring. He is well-protected and would be warned about any potions in his food and drink. Compulsion and love spells would also never work due to the magic in the heirship ring. Furthermore, Greengrass is going to give his nephew some protections against the same.”

Minerva gritted her teeth. There must be something. Her cub deserves better than this rejection. Albus held up his hand before Minerva could continue. “Enough, Minerva. There is nothing that we can do against Anton and Jaques. You need to leave them be since the article made things harder for us. We have to accept this setback and find a better match for Sarah.”

“But Albus-“

“No, Minerva, we are stuck, if we try anything against either Anton or Jaques, then, everyone would know that there was foul play. And either Sarah or Atticus are going to be blamed.” Minerva admitted defeat. Albus was right. If they try to use spells and/or potions, then, everyone would know. Why did this have to happen now?

Albus hoped that the Fenwicks were not going to do something stupid. The last thing, he needed, is a lost alliance.

Fenwick Estate

Sarah and her parents arrived home. The girl was still furious about Anton’s betrayal. Benjy and his wife Tamara sat down on the couch. Both enraged about Anton’s decision of marrying a death eater spawn. Tamara sent a howler telling the Abbotts, how disgraceful they were and that they should stop consorting with dark wizards. She also explained her husband that the Abbotts have betrothed their firstborn to Jaques Greengrass, which infuriated Benjy to no end since he despised the dark families like James and Sirius.

But this made things worse since the Abbotts were furious at this insult and the members of the House Abbott had agreed to end the alliance with the House Fenwick. The alliance was rocky since the Fenwicks were trying to dictate the Abbotts with whom they should ally and with whom they should feud. Lord Zachary Abbott wrote a letter that House Abbott is ending the alliance with House Fenwick due to this insult against them. They had reached their final point with the Fenwicks.

Benjy was pacing in the living room and said: “I can’t believe that the Abbotts would do this to us. It is insulting that Anton chose that death eater spawn over our precious daughter, who is a light witch from a good family.” Tamara nodded in agreement. “I want them to pay for their insult against our daughter.” Benjy nodded in agreement. Maybe, the Abbotts need a good public trashing. A good sob story, how Anton made empty promises to their daughter and how he had betrayed her would be the perfect story. They were interrupted with their thoughts, when an owl flew in with a letter on its talon. Benjy took the letter, whereas Sarah and Tamara were fuming in rage until they heard a thunder of rage. “HOW DARE THEY! HOW DARE THEY DO THIS TO US?!”

Tamara asked: “What is it, sweetheart?”

Benjy ranted: “THOSE BASTARDS HAVE ENDED THE ALLIANCE WITH OUR HOUSE!”

“WHAT!?”, both females screamed as one.

Benjy was furious. This couldn’t be. This alliance had helped his family in the past, when their financial situation was dire. It is now gone and they are blaming his wife for pulling the trigger. His wife did the right thing to remind them that consorting with dark wizards is dangerous and instead of being understanding, they are severing all ties with his house.

But there was another problem. How is he going to raise his fortune without that alliance and how is he going to support his family with the current state of their vaults, which are depleted? His other friends and allies including his family has lost the majority of their fortune to the audit of the Hogwarts Vaults. Benjy had managed to make good investments, but these are not enough to raise his fortune back to the original numbers before the audit. What was he supposed to do?

Tamara screamed: “HOW DARE THEY! I AM TRYING TO WARN THEM AND THIS IS THE THANKS!”

Benjy quickly calmed his wife and daughter down. “I know, sweetheart, but sadly, there is nothing to be done. I will discuss this with Albus and the order. The Abbotts will not get away with this.” Unfortunately for him, the Abbotts are preparing to announce the end of the alliance with House Fenwick due to Tamara Fenwick’s howler and Sarah’s attack on Anton and his friends. Alone the content of the howler would damage the reputation of House Fenwick.

May 22nd, 2002

Albus was doing some of his paperwork as headmaster. Normally, Minerva would be doing the paperwork, but since his control over the board is slipping, he can’t risk the board finding out that he mostly passes the work to Minerva since they would believe that he is lazy. So, he had to do his share. It was peaceful until the owl delivered him the newspaper. Normally, he wouldn’t read the newspaper now, but he can take a break for the time being to see what the prophet was reporting. Albus popped one of his lemon drops in his mouth and opened the newspaper after he had paid the owl. He nearly choked on the sweet, when he read the headline “HOUSE ABBOTT ENDS ALLIANCE WITH HOUSE FENWICK! WHAT DID THE FENWICKS DO THIS TIME THAT HOUSE ABBOTT HAD ENOUGH!”.

Albus was reading the article and was ready to slam his head on the desk. Tamara and Sarah Fenwick destroyed the alliance by insulting the Abbotts through a howler for their decision to marry their son off to Jaques Greengrass and for Sarah’s attack on Anton. The content of Tamara’s howler alone was damaging the reputation of the House Fenwick. Albus sighed. He had scheduled an order meeting on Thursday, so that he can discuss with his followers about the school board meeting on the last Monday of the month. He can already feel the headache coming since Albus dreaded the meeting already.

Albus sighed deeply, why is everything so hard.

The Fenwicks let out roars of rage, when they read the article, why Zachary Abbott ended the alliance. The man also made sure to point out many instances, where the alliance had flaws and was not working well. The other order members were furious, what the Abbotts had done. James tried to convince Amelia that Jaques Greengrass was using love potions and spells on Heir Anton Abbott, but Amelia just shot the idea down since the boy was wearing his heirship rings. The man argued that maybe a darker potion or spell was used that cannot be detected, but Amelia had enough and told him that he doesn’t have any evidence that is supporting his claim. Furthermore, she showed him the evidence to the contrary, which annoyed James to no end. The article in Witch Weekly is negating his claims. James returned back to his workplace in fury. Why doesn’t anyone believe him? Greengrass must be using a potion or spell or he is using the imperio on Anton Abbott. There was no way a light wizard would be a faggot and would be in love with a filthy snake. Unfortunately, he is wrong and he will realise it too late.

Anton was happy about the end of the alliance, but he was annoyed with Dumbledore’s pawns in Hogwarts. Fenwick’s friends came to him and practically demanded from him to be checked since in their opinion, he must be under a potion or spell, but he refused since his parents agreed on the betrothal, which angered Sarah’s friends even further. They started to insult him that he is making a big mistake and that he will regret ever breaking Sarah’s heart like this, but his friends defended him telling the girls off that half of Hogwarts had known that Anton was gay and that Sarah had an unhealthy obsession towards Anton due to her delusions. Some even said that she needed a mind healer. This really angered Dumbledore’s pawns greatly. Bill was able to determine, who he could trust from his circle of friends and who is a Dumbledore fanatic.

All in all, for Dumbledore and his followers, this move from the Abbotts was a great setback.

Hogwarts, May 24th, 2002

Albus was pacing his office. He knew that this meeting is going to be explosive since the news on Tuesday were damaging the Fenwicks slightly. Why did Tamara have to send that blasted howler to the Abbotts and why did Sarah had to attack Anton like this? It could have been avoided and he would have been able to smooth things over with the Abbotts. Maybe he would have been able to place some compulsions and love spells to break the ridiculous betrothal and make sure that Anton married Sarah Fenwick, but everything was destroyed because of Tamara and their daughter. He needed to speak with the boy alone in his office and he scheduled the meeting for tomorrow.

His thoughts were interrupted, when he heard the floo flare and his followers stepped through in his office. Benjy was the first to arrive. “Albus! I need your help.” There he goes.

“Benjy, my boy, what seems to be the problem.” Albus already knew, what had happened, but he needed to learn this information from the view of his followers.

Benjy was flustered and started to rant: “Albus, the alliance between my family and the Abbotts is over. I don’t understand why. Tamara tried to warn them off to betroth their son to that death eater spawn, but they didn’t listen and to make matters worse, they ended the alliance since they had seen the warning as an insult. And the attack… was only a misunderstanding between school children.”

Albus wanted to groan. He had read the content of the howler and knew that Benjy was not that truthful with his endeavour and the attack was witnessed by two staff members. Even he cannot claim that it was a slight misunderstanding. Albus said: “Benjy, my boy, I have read the content of the howler. You know that the howler was insulting to the Abbotts and that you and Tamara should have come to me after the attack, so that I could have dealt with the issue on my own. Maybe I could have convinced the Abbotts to cancel the betrothal with the Greengrasses and with a little bit of encouragement, I would have arranged for your daughter to be the next Lady Abbott. Furthermore, the attack was witnessed by two staff members and I cannot dismiss this as a misunderstanding. I wished your daughter had apologised for the attack and Tamara hadn’t sent the howler, in order to fix things with the Abbotts, but right now, there is barely anything that I can do for you.” Benjy sighed sadly. He wished that Tamara and he had gone to Albus after the attack to fix this issue, but both thought that they would be able to fix this problem on their own.

Benjy sat down at one of the summoned seats in the headmaster’s office. Phineas rolled his eyes at the man-child. Anton Abbott had always loved Jaques Greengrass no matter what. Sarah Fenwick is a spoilt brat that never learnt the word no. It’s about time that the girl was taught, what it means to be denied something.

When the others started to arrive, more seats were summoned and the office expanded.

Edward saw Benjy and he asked his old friend: “Benjy, how are you doing? How is Sarah? How is Tamara?”

Benjy answered: “Not really good. With the end of the Abbott-Fenwick alliance, I needed to restrict the vaults and I have to find a new alliance, in order to make the ends. We are now struggling. Sarah is still furious that Anton is betrothed to Greengrass and Tamara is trying to find alliances that could help us.” Edward nodded. The man was furious that Anton Abbott would choose a death eater spawn over a good and light witch. Unfortunately, there was nothing to be done.

James exclaimed: “Benjy, maybe I could arrange to arrest Greengrass for the use of love potions on Abbott. There must be something wrong with him that he is choosing a death eater over your own daughter.”

Alastor quickly bursts the bubble. “Forget it laddie. For the use of love potions, you need concrete evidence. Apart from that, the heirship ring on Abbott’s finger would warn him of such potions.”

James countered: “Maybe Greengrass used darker potions that are undetectable.”

Alastor shook his head. “Impossible. The goblins are immediately informed, if a new potion is created. They recall the rings back for the time being and update the protections. Furthermore, the rings have multiple, ancient spells woven that protects the wearer from the older potions and spells.” That information was new and James grounded his teeth. There must be something that he can do, in order to help the Fenwicks. The Abbotts can’t treat them like that and get away with it.

Albus quickly stopped James. “James, my boy, there is nothing that can be done. I will talk with Anton tomorrow, in order to see, if he is under a potion or spell, but I doubt it. From what I managed to learn from the Hogwarts rumour mill, half of the school knew that Anton was gay and that he was in love with Jaques Greengrass. The article in Witch Weekly also shows that both boys were dragging their feet, in order to get together, which would also negate any claims of love potions being used.” James huffed. There must be something that can be used against Greengrass. He will not allow that a light witch is insulted like this.

Albus sighed deeply. He knew that James plans something and that needs to be stopped before it backfires on them and James gets fired. If that man loses his job, James will never let it go and he would have to deal with a headache.

Thankfully, Albus was able to change the topic and draw his followers’ attention to the upcoming school board meeting on Monday. This time, they need to be successful. Albus planned to remove the marking scheme from the ICW standards and curriculum since his pawns grew dissatisfied with their grades in potion. He tried to speak with Severus, but the man just told him that he is following the marking scheme and that the issues with his pawns’ grades lies within his pawns and not his marking scheme or him. Albus was not happy, but he couldn’t argue against the man.

Many agreed that the marking scheme needed to go since the students are not getting the grades they deserved. Especially James, who was practically ranting that Snivellus loves to make the students’ lives difficult and that he is expecting too much from the students. Some like Podmore and Jones agreed since they despised Snape for what he had done to Julius and Hestia.

It was decided to abolish the marking scheme in the potion class.

Phineas would have had a vein popped, if he wasn’t a portrait. Those fools are past delusional and idiots. The marking scheme from the ICW is fair and he wished something like this had existed during his time as headmaster, but unfortunately, there was no ICW in his tenure since that organisation was founded after Grindelwald was defeated. It would have made his job easier. But now, he had to warn the others from Dumbledore’s plan of action.

Bones Manor, May 25th, 2002

There was a pre-meeting of the Grey Alliance and Narcissa explained them, what Phineas had reported to her about Dumbledore’s next plan and many were frustrated especially Severus, who was muttering: “Why? Why me? Why my class?”

Everyone chuckled at Severus’ complaint. Augustus answered: “Sev, your class became a target the day, you managed to have the ICW curriculum and standards passed in the December meeting. You should have known the risks.” Severus just pouted at his friend. “I really wish, the old fool would accept defeat, but he keeps going.” Many wished that Dumbledore should focus on something else.

Adrianna asked Narcissa changing the topic: “When is Dumbledore going to hire your former sister, Andromeda, Cissy?” Narcissa sighed. She had been surprised, when Phineas informed her at the end of April that Andy was going to be the new history professor. Andy does have a mastery in history, but Narcissa knows that her sister despises anyone dark, which would make things a lot harder for the students, who are coming from dark families. Especially, the death eater children are going to suffer under Andromeda’s prejudice. She answered after she returned back from her thoughts: “She will be hired at June. I can already tell that at the June meeting, there are going to be at least two nominations from Dumbledore. One is for hiring Andy as the new history professor and the other to lower the standards in the potion class.” Severus groaned: “This man is persistent.” Adrianna just laughed. She is so glad that she doesn’t have to attend the Wizengamot meeting here. She would have cursed Dumbledore and his annoyances.

Danielle had a thoughtful look and said: “Maybe we should force Andromeda to use the ICW curriculum and standards for the history class. With that, we would have two classes that are going to hinder Dumbledore from further trying to lower the class material and removing books from the library. We also would have it easy with the other classes in the primary school.”

Many nodded in agreement. It would put Dumbledore in a bind and they would be able to stop his plans regarding the library.

The next thing was to put up a distraction and there Narcissa had a very good idea. “We should change the school supply list and make it mandatory that from the next school year, students are required to buy pen and paper. Both are easier to handle than quill and parchment and I have also heard that the business is booming.” Since they introduced pen and paper at the Wizengamot and allowed it to be sold in the magical world, it was a great success and there were large imports from the muggle world. A great majority of ministry officials had liked the change and most departments used pen and paper now. It is time to make the change in Hogwarts too since the pens could be charmed like the quills.

Many liked the idea. Especially, Severus, since he thought that things would be easier with pen and paper than with quill and parchment and it is about time to modernise the school.

When the meeting was supposed to come to an end, Narcissa announced: “At this meeting, we are going to introduce the ICW primary school curriculum of Herbology.” Many nodded in agreement, but before the meeting could be finished, Amelia wanted to talk with the other members of the alliance about the Abbotts. “I think it is time that we should add the Abbotts to our alliance since they broke the alliance with the Fenwicks.”

Cyrus answered: “I agree, Zachary and Amélie should be warned about Dumbledore and his followers and what they are capable of. We still have the copy of Akira’s inheritance test. It would be enough to remove them from Dumbledore’s chessboard.”

Narcissa didn’t need to think twice since she knew that the Abbotts are like the Bones Family light-leaning neutral. Dumbledore would lose another light family and this is good for their books. She said: “Then, show them the inheritance test, but that should be done under secrecy, silencing and privacy wards, in order to ensure Akira’s safety.” Many didn’t like the idea. Especially Amelia since the woman knew the Abbotts very well and she knew that the couple would be impatient with the Potters’ and Lupin’s punishment.

Arthur had an idea, how to sway the Abbotts without endangering the Potter heir and his new parents. “Narcissa, how about, if I show the Abbotts my and my sons’ inheritance tests? I will explain them that Molly is already punished and that I am working with you all here to bring Dumbledore and his followers down. I know that they would be angry about Molly’s, Dumbledore’s and McGonagall’s actions against me and my sons, but they would trust me that I would be able to handle it appropriately.” Many liked the idea and agreed with Arthur that he should be the one to sway the Abbotts to the Grey Alliance. It would help them tremendously.

Headmaster’s office

Anton somehow knew that he would be called to the headmaster’s office. His parents warned him that somehow the headmaster got involved since they broke off the alliance with the Fenwicks. For that reason, he was accompanied by Professor Sprout. Anton didn’t trust the headmaster since the man was biased and favoured the Gryffindors more than the other houses. He knew that many people are going to perceive his betrothal negative and he should have known that the Fenwicks are Dumbledore’s followers. This meeting was not going to be funny.

Entering the office and closing the office door, Anton and Pomona sat down on the two seats in front of the headmaster’s desk. Albus turned his attention to Anton and Pomona and frowned. This meeting shouldn’t be too difficult to convince the boy to change his mind. “Ah, Anton, my boy, Pomona, my dear, lemon drops?” Both declined the sweets and Pomona asked: “What can we do for you, Albus?” Pomona didn’t trust the headmaster due to the child abuse cases and she knew that Albus wants something from Anton. Maybe he wants from her badger to cancel the betrothal with Jaques, because Pomona knew that the Fenwicks were closely aligned with Albus and that the man was willing to help them to betroth their daughter with Anton.

Albus answered with a twinkle: “I want to speak with Anton about his sudden betrothal. I am a little concerned that he is betrothed to someone unknown and with a dubious past.”

Anton immediately knew, what the headmaster meant with that. Dumbledore is referring to Jaques’ criminal record and past actions. He also could interpret that the headmaster wants to hint him to Alfred’s allegations with the death eaters and he also could refer to the scandal a year ago in the Greengrass Family. It’s time to prove this old man wrong about Jaques. Anton brushed it off: “Headmaster, there is no need to concern yourself on my love life. My parents and Lord and Lady Greengrass have agreed on the betrothal and are supporting our relationship. Surely, you have read the article in Witch Weekly. Furthermore, I am aware of Jaques’ record and past and I blame his father and Aurelius Yaxley for all this mess.” Anton was still angry, what had been done to Jaques, but much to his satisfaction, Yaxley and Alfred NoName are paying for their crimes and he hopes that he and Jaques would never see those scumbags ever.

Albus had a brittle smile. This was not, what he wanted to hear. Anton continued: “Apart from that, headmaster, haven’t you read the articles in the Daily Prophet at the end of April and during the first two weeks in May about Aurelius Yaxley? I mean even someone, who is blind, would see that Jaques hadn’t done these actions on his own volition. Furthermore, you were there for the trial against Yaxley, Headmaster.” Albus’ twinkle in his eyes was missing. The man realised that he is stuck. He had read the articles and he was there during the trial. So, he can’t claim ignorance.

Albus regained his focus and said: “I am just concerned, my boy, but it seems like that I exaggerated with my concerns. You can return back to your classes.”

Anton nodded and left the office with Pomona.

Albus sighed deeply. The meeting didn’t go the way, he wanted it to go. He couldn’t use anything against the Greengrass boy due to the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly. If he had known beforehand that Jaques Greengrass had been found, he would have made sure to discredit the Greengrasses for their criminal nephew. Unfortunately for him, the boy was kept hidden by Cyrus and Danielle Greengrass and when his return was made public, it was already too late to do anything. At first, Albus had ignored the boy thinking that the boy wouldn’t have any impact to his plans, but now that brat destroyed his plans regarding the Abbott Family. He never thought that the Abbott Heir was gay and was in love with Greengrass.

Albus was also angry about his followers’ stupidity. Tamara Fenwick acted too irrational and look, what had happened. The Abbott-Fenwick alliance was gone through one insult amongst many other instances, where Benjy and his wife tried to dictate Zachary and Amélie Abbott with whom they should ally and with whom they should feud, which was annoying to the Abbotts since they had some alliances with some dark-leaning neutral families like the Greengrasses that the Fenwicks disapproved and ranted about, when Zachary refused to end the Abbott-Greengrass alliance. Albus knew that to the Abbotts, the alliance with the Fenwicks was more of an annoyance than a blessing due to his followers’ biases against the dark. He never thought that this would bite him hard in the back.

He needed to think of how to help his friends without causing the Abbotts to leave the light section forever.

School board, May 27th, 2002

When the meeting had started, Albus opened the session and allowed one of his followers to make the nomination to abolish the marking scheme in the potion class. This time, Cormac Dearborn was the one to make the nomination and the man was complaining that the students are facing discrimination and are unfairly marked by Snape. The man was also showing the other members a pile of complaints from the students about how unfair the potion class had become and that Severus was showing favouritism towards his snakes. Narcissa flared her nostril since she had to repress herself from insulting the idiot. Pandora had a thin line on her lips. The woman was going to be the one to make the protest. Seriously, this was getting ridiculous. Is Dumbledore so desperate to dumb down an entire generation? Well, it seems like that this is the case.

Narcissa let out a sigh of relief, when the fool stopped whining like a child about the bad and hard potion class. It’s time to make their own nomination and Dumbledore can prepare himself for a great argument.

Pandora was the next, who rose her wand. Albus choose her hoping that she would not make it hard for his followers. When the attention was on the founder’s heir, Pandora started: “Lords, Ladies, I am nominating a change in the supply list. I request from this board that from the next school year, the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry should buy pens and papers instead of quill and parchment. It seems like that both materials became really popular in the wizarding world and I think that the students would benefit from them too.” Many, who worked in the ministry, nodded in agreement. Albus’ followers were already arguing amongst each other. The younger generation of Dumbledore’s fools are for the nomination, whereas the older generation is against Pandora’s motion. Albus wanted to slam his head, when his followers started to argue with each other. One Wizengamot meeting of peace and quiet was difficult to get in these past months. He quickly put up some privacy wards, in order to discuss Pandora’s nomination with his followers. It seems like that things are getting bad.

After Albus stepped back and allowed Aurelia to continue with the nominations, Narcissa and the other Grey Alliance members were ready. It’s time to continue to construct the curriculum. Muriel was the one to nominate their motion. “Lords, Ladies, I am nominating that we continue with the primary school curriculum and I am putting forward the motion to introduce the ICW primary school curriculum for Herbology. It is important that we continue to construct the core classes in the primary school.” Many agreed on that matter and they discussed it a bit, what the curriculum entails. The students are learning the theory part of Herbology for the first five years in Hogwarts before they would work on the practical portion in Hogwarts.

Aurelia asked, if there was another nomination and there was one from Pandora. “Lady Lovegood-Ravenclaw?”

Pandora started. “This is not a nomination, Chief Witch, but more of a protest regarding Lord Dearborn’s nomination about removing the marking scheme in the potion class. I am against the idea since the marking scheme seems to be good since the students would be marked fairly and I have to disagree with Lord Dearborn that a majority of the students are struggling with the marking scheme. I have looked in the archives and managed to conclude that only a minority of the students are struggling with the marking scheme and are not getting the grades, they want. But I can tell you all that Master Snape is following the marking scheme jealously and didn’t show any favouritism towards his snakes. And this minority were the ones, who have written the most complaints to us. Please take a look at the handwriting and the signature of the complaints and you would notice, if you do a comparison that the great number of complaints was actually written by only twelve students.” Pandora questioned herself, how Dearborn thought to convince the school board with these complaints. She had admitted that the pile was big, but if you take a closer look at the handwriting and at the signature, it is noticeable that the complaints were coming from only a small number of individuals in the school and through the records from the school, the complaints were written by only twelve students. Many understood the message that this was just another attempt to dumb down the potion class and everyone was going to vote against this nomination since they managed to conclude that only twelve students were complaining about the marking scheme.

Another discussion broke out about Andromeda, who had applied to teach History of Magic. It was Narcissa, who announced to the rest of the board that her former older sister, Andromeda, has applied to the headmaster to be the new history teacher. Aurelia nominated that Andromeda Tonks should present herself here in front of the board, in order to see, if she is qualified to teach and what kind of curriculum is she going to use since they are not going to permit her to use Binns’ ‘curriculum’. Many agreed on her nomination since they wanted to make sure that the students are getting a very good education. With that out of the way, the rest of the board waited patiently for Dumbledore.

After Dumbledore and his followers were finished, the old fool retook his seat as Head Governor. “Aurelia, my dear, were there any other nominations?”

Aurelia answered neutrally: “Yes, Dame Prewett nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for Herbology, so that we can further structure the curriculum for the primary school.” After Aurelia retook her sit as vice, she continued. ”Furthermore, I am also nominating that Master Andromeda Tonks present herself here in front of the next board meeting since we have got information that you are planning to hire her to replace Professor Binns as history professor. The board would be interested to know about her qualification and her mastery and we want from her to present her curriculum here that she is going to use, so that we are aware of what she is going to teach to the students.”

Albus wanted to sigh. This was not good. How did the board find out about Andromeda? Glancing at the dark fraction, where Narcissa Malfoy was sitting, Albus could only suspect that that information came from Malfoy. There is nothing to be done since the board is aware of his plans of hiring Andromeda to be the new history professor. He will just move onto the voting since he can’t find any argument against the ICW primary school curriculum and Andromeda’s presence here in front of the board next month since in case, Andromeda doesn’t present herself here in front of the board, then, the application could get rejected and Andromeda would not be able to apply for the position again for the next six month. This was a big setback. The first nomination from Cormac failed. The man was ready for a rant, but Albus managed to stop the man. Cormac like Alastor loved to rant about death eaters and dark wizards and witches, if something was not going his way. Albus was furious that the vote failed. His plans to dumb down the potion class has not been going well since this was his fifth nomination regarding the potion class that had failed. The second nomination had a clear majority, which was an annoyance since it distracted him and his followers greatly. The third nomination regarding the ICW primary school curriculum had a land-slide vote, which was another setback to his agenda against the primary school. And the final nomination from Aurelia had also a majority, which was not what he wanted, but he wasn’t able to stop. Albus needed to think, what to do. Four classes have already been introduced and had passed during the board meetings. There must be something that he can use against the ICW primary school curriculum, but what? The curriculum has been used internationally for nearly fifty years and has proven to be a success. He needs to find something damaging against the curriculum.

When the school board meeting came to an end, everyone returned back home. Albus sent his followers home since he wanted to be alone, in order to think about the setbacks.

Headmaster’s office

Albus was pacing his office. He didn’t understand, why his nominations were failing. Since November nothing had been going his way. He doesn’t manage to get a majority. Albus knew that the primary school is rather popular in the wizarding world and he can’t dismiss the school as dangerous since it was introduced by Narcissa Malfoy of all people. Lucius Malfoy would have been easily brushed off as a supporter of Tom even though he didn’t join him willingly, but Narcissa Malfoy was another story since the woman never joined him and she despised Tom due to his actions against her husband. This is, where things are difficult.

Another issue, he is facing, is the potion class. He had worked very hard with his followers to dumb down the class, but nothing worked. Every nomination failed and the potion class remained like this. Maybe he should lower the expectations. An O in the potion OWL is impossible to get for his pawns, so that they can continue the class.

There are also the changes in his school and the wizarding world. They are maybe small and are not disrupting his plans, but they are inconveniences in some cases.

This month was altogether bad since the Fenwicks have lost an alliance with the Abbotts and with this, the Abbotts have distanced themselves from him and his followers. The loss of this alliance is a setback since the Abbotts are light-leaning neutral like the Bones Family. He had wanted Zachary Abbott to remain in the light section, in order to have more votes in his fraction, but through the attack on Anton and the howler, things went the wrong way and now the Abbotts could reassign their seats to the neutral fraction, which would be a setback. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

Maybe at June, he could get some support with hiring Andromeda as the new history professor. Albus wanted to hire her without the board’s meddling since he is headmaster, but somehow the board found out about Andromeda and now they have demanded her presence at the school board, so that the governors can approve of her curriculum. He already sent her a message that she had to work hard on her curriculum since her presence was demanded in front of the board. The woman had responded that she will try her best with the curriculum and that she will prepare all her documents that she needs to convince the board to hire her.

Albus sighed in relief. He can trust Andromeda to do her job since she at least behaves like an adult unlike some of his younger followers. Thankfully, the next Wizengamot meeting is on June 20th, one day before the summer solstice, which gives him enough time to plan his next move.

Inaba, May 30th, 2002

Akira was walking beside his mother, who was pushing the stroller in case he grew tired of walking. They were making their way to the park, so that Akira can play, but it had to be in a time period, where there was barely anyone since Aika didn’t want anyone to find out about Akira’s magic and abilities. They bought everything, what a toddler needs, but thankfully, Akira is not a demanding child unlike some toddlers, they had met. Akira sat on one of the bigger, netted swings, where his mother had been pushing him. The boy was giggling.

“Aika!”

Turning around, she saw her neighbour approaching her. “Tanaka-kun, what a surprise? You are jogging again. I thought after your claim that you are too old for sports, you have stopped.”

The man huffed: “Aika-san, I only said that during the winters I am too old to go jogging, because who in their right mind wants to jog on an icy-cold winter day.” Both adults just laughed and Aika countered: “Hijiro, you know that there are many people, who are jogging through the year, and it is good for the immune system to jog during the winters.” The man huffed again and changed the subject. “How is our little man doing there?”

Aika just smiled. “He has his fun.”

Both were in a deep conversation not realising that they were watched by a member of the Japanese Wizengamot. The wizard didn’t pay any attention to the few muggles around him, but noticed that in the park, there was a magical child that was on a swing, which was pushed by a young woman, who was talking with another man. He had noticed that the boy was doing some accidental magic and he quickly measured the boy’s power. The wizard was stunned of how powerful the toddler was and there, he had developed many plans.

The man grinned in malice and said: “Well, brat, one day, you will become a powerful wizard, but let’s see, if you are useful to our cause for the greater future here in Japan.” The wizard quickly left, in order to call a meeting, so that he can speak with his allies about his findings. The boy seems to be familiar, especially his messy, raven-black hair is somehow familiar, but he had to investigate that first before he can make a decision about the brat. But at least, he was able to find another pawn for his plans.

Chapter Text

Greengrass Manor, June 1st, 2002

Severus was waiting for Lord and Lady Greengrass in the informal meeting room in Greengrass Manor. He had left the school since it is the weekends and through his contract, Severus was able to leave the school every weekend. But he had to return on Sunday afternoon, in order to prepare for the next day. He had received a letter from the couple, in which they are in need of his expertise as potion master and medi-wizard since there is a family emergency. Severus had a bad feeling regarding this meeting and dread was filling his stomach since something is telling him that this meeting is not going to be a good one. There are going to be bad news.

Cyrus and Danielle entered the informal meeting room with a bad feeling. They have called Severus here, in order to discuss the condition of their youngest daughter with him. Astoria has the worst affliction of the blood maledictus in generations and her life span was cut short due to the condition. Cyrus knew that he needed all the help, he could get, in order to help his daughter and maybe he should start with Severus since he has a potion mastery and soon his DADA mastery.

Entering the meeting room and sitting down, the elves served them tea. When the greetings were done, Severus asked: “Cyrus, you wanted to see me. Is it something urgent that the others can’t know?”

Cyrus sighed deeply and started to explain: “Severus, do you know the curse that is plaguing the Greengrass family for generations?”

Severus felt dread in his stomach, when Cyrus asked him this. It is well known around the UK that the Greengrasses especially the females and the male bearers in the family are suffering an old bloodline curse, when they were born. “The Blood Maledictus.”

Cyrus nodded gravely and explained: “Astoria has the worst symptoms of the curse and according to the healers in St. Mungos, her life-span has been cut short. She will not survive her fortieth birthday.” Danielle had tears streaming down her face, when Cyrus was finished, and the man himself was trying everything to remain calm. Severus looked down saddened. He wished, he could help them, but sadly, even his expertise in potions has limits, but he will work on the issue in his free-time. There must be a way to help the girl. Maybe Narcissa, Augustus and Thorfinn could help them in that endeavour. Narcissa is a healer and Augustus and Thorfinn are experts in rituals. Maybe if they work together, they would be able to help Astoria.

Severus said after some time: “I will try my best to help her, but I need assistance in this situation. I would need Narcissa, Augustus and Thorfinn for this problem.”

Cyrus had a thoughtful look at that. Lady Malfoy is a licensed healer. Lords Rookwood and Rowle are Unspeakables and knew many rituals that could help them, but both men needed permission from the head of the DoM, so that they are allowed to work on the bloodline curse. He decided: “This is a good idea, but how about if we add a curse breaker in our team since the Blood Maledictus is a curse.” Severus and Danielle nodded in agreement and Danielle added: “Maybe we should go to Gringotts to see, if there is any other way that we can help our daughter.” Both men had to admit that this would be a good idea. Cyrus already planned to make an appointment with his account manager. Maybe the goblins knew a way, how to help them.

Severus questioned: “When are you going to reveal your daughter’s condition to the others? I mean nearly everyone noticed the pensive looks on your faces during the celebration of Aurelius’ conviction.”

Cyrus and Danielle looked at each other and had to admit that Severus was right. Maybe they should tell the others about Astoria’s condition. Furthermore, they would tell Narcissa, Augustus and Thorfinn about Astoria’s condition and would request their help in this endeavour.

Danielle answered: “We will tell the others about Astoria’s condition at the next pre-meeting in Lestrange Manor.” Severus nodded in understanding and took a long drink of his tea wishing that there was some scotch in it.

Gringotts, June 5th, 2002

Cyrus and Danielle, who had Daphne and Astoria in their arms, made their way to their account manager’s office, in order to consult the goblins about Astoria’s condition. Maybe the goblin nation could give them some answers. The teller knew that it was a private meeting, but whatever it was, he felt dread. The goblin knew that the Greengrasses would not risk a goblin war, but there was going to be something tragic that would happen, where even the goblin nation wouldn’t be able to help them.

Entering the account manager’s office, Cyrus and Danielle thanked the goblin and the Greengrass account manager, Ulk, took over. He sent the teller back and sat down behind his desk. After the couple took their seat, Ulk asked: “Lord and Lady Greengrass, you had made an appointment with me since you want to discuss something private, but also very urgent.” Both nodded and Lady Greengrass was the one, who explained the situation. “Ulk, our youngest daughter has the strongest case of the Blood Maledictus and we had hoped that maybe the goblin nation could help us in this situation that would help our family to break the bloodline curse.”

Ulk sighed sadly. The Blood Maledictus in his client’s family is the worst curse that even the goblin nation wouldn’t be able to break. It was annoying and frustrating to the goblins to not know, how to break a curse, but the goblins were researching all the ways to help the families like the Greengrass Family, who were affected by the bloodline curse. Ulk can only suggest to give the girl a regime full of potions that would help the girl with the symptoms and that would extend her life to sixty or seventy years. Unlike the wixens, the goblins managed to create the potions that would help the girl to extend her life span by twenty to thirty years.

The account manager answered: “Unfortunately, Lady Greengrass, we don’t know, how to break that particular curse since the goblin nation is still researching many ways to break the curse, but unlike the wixens, we have developed a potion regime that would extend your youngest daughter’s life to sixty or seventy years.” Both parents didn’t like the answer, but they were glad that the goblins have potions that would extend Astoria’s life span a bit longer.

Cyrus asked: “How much does the potions cost?” The man would give half of his fortune, in order to extend Astoria’s life. The goblin knew the expression and assured them: “It will cost you 7,000 Galleons. So, there is no need to give us half of your fortune for the regime.” Both parents were surprised at the costs. 7,000 Galleons is only a very small fraction of their fortune. Cyrus and Danielle discussed it quietly and agreed that it should be worth it since their daughter would live a longer life, but there was another question regarding the side-effects with other potions and spells. “Ulk, would the potion regime react negatively with other potions or spells like a pain reliever or a healing spell and would it also react badly, if Astoria partook in a ritual?”

Ulk quickly reassured: “No, the potions in the regime are created in a magically neutral area, which is also the reason, why we would be able to extend your daughter’s life longer than with the help of the potions in the wixen world. So, there is no need to worry about any negative reactions with the other potions and spells. You should be worried about the potions created by wixens since they had not been brewed in a magically neutral area and those potions could have some nasty side-effects.” Cyrus and Danielle let out a breath of relief and were going to arrange the potions from the goblins from here on since they were safer than the potions from their world.

Cyrus answered: “Good, can you make the arrangements for the potion regime? We are willing to pay for the potion regime and we also want to extend our daughter’s life.” Ulk nodded and prepared the paperwork for the purchase.

Cyrus and Danielle filled the paperwork and Cyrus stamped the vault key on the parchment, in order to authorise the payments. With that, the meeting was finalised. Ulk hoped that one day someone would find a way to break the bloodline curse on the Greengrass Family. For generation, he had watched the females and male bearers of his client’s family suffer from this curse. The account manager would not even subject his worst enemy to this.

Malfoy Manor

In the afternoon, the Malfoys started to celebrate their son’s birthday. Narcissa had everything prepared. The cake, the decoration and the dinner. When the guests started to arrive, the Malfoys expected their allies, but there were going to be some blood purists like the Crabbes, the Goyles, the Parkinsons and the Bulstrodes with their children. There were some hostile looks from the blood purists towards Arthur Weasley and his four boys, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George, and the Clearwaters. They kept their glares away from Pandora Lovegood, Muriel Prewett, Callidora and Augusta Longbottom due to their power in the Wizengamot or in Muriel’s, Augusta’s and Callidora’s case, the social circles. Narcissa knew that they are keeping their heads down, in order to avoid anything to their reputation.

Little Draco had a lot of fun. Especially with his cousin, Penelope, who he called Penny. Raphael Parkinson didn’t understand the muggle family in the manor and questioned Lucius about the girl. Lucius just smirked and answered: “Lord Parkinson, little Penelope is a squibborn.” This caused the man to stare at the Malfoy lord. Another potential line thief. Augustinus Lestrange joined their conversation. He had overheard the man asking about his little cousin and he is going to drop a bomb that would anger those fools that believed in blood supremacy. “Lord Malfoy, Lord Parkinson, why are you two discussing my heiress?”

“Heiress?!”, Raphael questioned disdainfully. “But what about your great-nephews and niece, Lord Lestrange?”

Augustinus hid a scowl and huffed: “Don’t even mention those three abominations. They are nothing to me, when I have disowned them. Little Penelope is my new heiress since she is descending from my aunt, Esmeralda Lestrange.” Raphael was furious that Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Rabastan were kicked out of the family in favour of that brat. But before he could say something, Lucius continued: “Furthermore, she is also a welcome relative of the Malfoy Family through her mother, who is descending from Licinius Malfoy.” Raphael swallowed hard, when Lucius told him that the girl was a descendant from the Malfoy line. It was better to leave the Malfoy Family be. There was nothing he could do without causing a feud.

The birthday party continued on without any fuss.

When the party came to an end, Lucius and Narcissa checked up the presents, if there were no harmful curses or spells. Fortunately, the presents were clean, but there were more presents than they had thought. They asked one of their elves, why there seem to be more presents than there were guests. The elf answered that some presents were sent through owls. Looking at the presents, Narcissa noticed that some came from Dumbledore and his older followers. Both parents quickly examined the present and were happy that there were no spells or curses in them. But both knew that this was a way to sway them to the light side. This is good that Dumbledore and his older followers were less biased than the younger generation.

Japan, June 9th, 2002

In an estate, a meeting was taking place. There were many witches and wizards dressed in formal wizarding robes sitting debating about the political climate in Magical Japan and how to gain more influence within the Japanese Ministry of Magic, but they needed pawns for that. A grey-haired man was sitting in the middle and he was the leader of the group. He had received a message with a power-level chart of a magical child from his second-in-command that he had found a new pawn that could help them. The man was shocked at how powerful the child is and could only agree that the brat would be really useful. The man was interrupted from his musings by a man with dark hair, brown eyes and square glasses. He had enough of waiting. “Owada-san, I hope that Shido-san has a good reason to waste our time. You know that I have a business to run and time is money.”

Jyun Owada knew that he had to calm his followers down. “Okumura-san, do not worry. Masayoshi is not going to waste our time like this, but with his message, he sent me this.” He showed the man the chart.

Another man with light brown hair questioned: “A power-level chart for magical children? Why would we waste our time with the power-level of a child?”

The grey-haired man answered annoyed: “Because Shido had found a powerful child, if you had paid attention to the results of the chart. I am surprised, that the brat could be so powerful, and maybe he could be useful for our cause.”

Before anyone can say anything, a house elf appeared in front of Owada, who informed him that Shido is here, and as the elf popped away, a thin, bald man with brown eyes and a short beard entered the room. He was wearing formal robes for the meeting and the man was wearing yellowish glasses. Furthermore, the man was carrying some files. “Owada-san, I am here. I apologise for the lateness, but I had some research to do.”

Owada noticed the files and nodded in understanding. “Take a seat, Shido-san and let start the meeting that you have called.”

After everyone was seated, Owada’s attention was on Shido and he asked: “Masayoshi, you called this meeting regarding a magical child with very high power-level, correct?”

The bald man answered shortly: “Yes.” Owada continued: “Then, elaborate, what you have found? You know the punishment of wasting our time.” Shido nodded and started to explain: “I was this year in Inaba, in order to recruit more followers for our cause, and coincidently, I found a mother with a magical toddler in a muggle park. The boy was doing a lot of accidental magic and I measured his power-levels. I was surprised, how powerful the brat was and thought that he would be useful. So, I started to research the boy and his parents and the results were surprising. With some memory charms and compulsions, I was able to get information from the muggle government about the family. The parents are simple muggles, who have some connections in our world. The father, Kurusu Toisho, is currently working in the muggle prosecution office and through some high-ranking cases, he was in contact with the magical world. His wife, Kurusu Aika, who works as a scientist, has a cousin, who married a wizard and that is the reason, why she is aware of our existence. Then, there is their son, Kurusu Akira, or better to say their adopted son. According to the file, I managed to get about the boy, I know that he is not from Japan, but he was actually born in Britain of all countries. There are adoption papers in the file from the muggle child services in Britain regarding the family. But I wasn’t able to investigate the boy’s birth name since his name was changed and only his changed name was on the adoption papers. The only way to find out the boy’s birth name is to travel to Britain, which I have no intention to do since I am not in the mood to go on a wild goose chase.”

Okumura questioned, when Shido took a break and drank some fire whiskey: “Is there something else?”

Shido smirked and answered: “In the file, there is also a letter from the British Embassy in the muggle world about the adoption and furthermore, there were some documents from Britain sent to the child services here in Japan, but unfortunately, the boy’s birth name was not mentioned in any of the documents.” Okumura nodded and became worried, when he looked at the copy of his own file and the power-level of the boy. He hoped that those monsters, who killed his wife, will not get their hands on the child. That would be terrible. Kunikaze never wanted to join them, but he had been forced to by his father and when he started to resist after his father had died, those monsters killed his wife after his daughter was born. At first, Kunikaze wanted to send Haru to his and his wife’s close friend and Haru’s godmother, Mariko Hyodo, so that she can live safely, but it would endanger the woman needlessly and he can’t risk her. At least, Kunikaze made sure that his daughter spent the majority of her time with Mariko, in order to give her some protections against the Anti-Social Force. Unfortunately, Sugimura Hiashi had wanted to betroth his son and heir to his daughter. At first, he wanted to refuse, but Owada agreed with the betrothal and like always, in order to protect his daughter, Okumura agreed. Kunikaze had to keep his head down since he doesn’t want his daughter to meet an early grave like his wife. Laying the paperwork aside, the man was restraining a sigh.

Sugimura asked: “Does he have a magical guardian?”

Shido grumbled: “Yes, I requested, if it was possible to gain magical guardianship over the boy since he has non-magical parents, but the child service department explained to me that they received a notification from the goblins that the brat already has a magical guardian and that he or she is residing in Britain. But that was everything, what I have managed to get legally from the department.”

Many were displeased since the magical guardian is out of their reach. Kunikaze was relieved that the boy is protected and that the magical guardian is living far away, but who could it be? Kunikaze had a lot of questions regarding this adoption case since the adoption was done very fast to his liking. Normally, there would be a lot of bureaucracy especially, in the muggle world, and it would have taken months or even a few years until the Kurusus managed to become parents to the boy. But both parents got custody of the boy in 24 hours and everything was finalised and sealed. How and why did the muggle child services in Britain do this adoption so fast? Looking closer, he noticed that this adoption was not a normal adoption since the former guardians of the Kurusu boy signed away their rights to the Kurusus, but even that, would take weeks or months to be finalised by the child services in Japan and Britain.

Okumura managed to get the attention and explained surprised: “My dear Lords, Ladies, what I have noticed, is that the adoption is not a normal adoption since the former guardians of the Kurusu boy signed away their rights to the Kurusus. From what I know, the transfer of guardianship rights does also take weeks or even months due to the bureaucracy in the muggle world here in Japan and Britain. And I am asking myself, how the child services in the muggle world managed to do that in only 24 hours and why?”

Many took a closer look at the paperwork and questioned, how this was possible? Even Shido was confused, how and why the muggle child services in Britain did this so fast? Maybe he should pay a visit in the UK, in order to see, what was going on.

The meeting came to an end and Owada ordered Shido to send some of their subordinates to keep an eye on the boy. He also told him that they will wait before they will act. There was going to be a lot of work.

Hogwarts, June 15th, 2002

The students of Hogwarts were revising for their second week of exams. Bill was revising for his exams with the help of the books, he had received from Lady Apolline Delacour. Bill knew that the normal exams were made by the professors, whereas the OWL and NEWT exams were coming from the ministry, which were following the educational rules, standards and mandates of the ICW. The normal exams are written by the professors, where the class material is tested. That is the reason why many Gryffindors were struggling during their OWLs and NEWTs since the standards are higher and the material is more challenging. He had noticed that his other year mates from Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin had books from either France or the States since the material and the books here in the UK are lacking. Only the Gryffindors do not have that. Bill could only theorise that the other heads of house are sending their own messages to tell their students that the current course books were outdated. That is the reason why the other houses are doing better than Gryffindor since McGonagall is following the headmaster blindly.

When it was time for dinner, Bill went down to the great hall, in order to eat. He will ask his friends in the other houses about the books.

After dinner, Bill met up with his friends from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw and asked them about the course books that they were reading since he noticed that they are not from the UK. One of the Ravenclaws said that their head of house encourages them to buy their course books from the States or France, in order to be better prepared for their OWLs and NEWTs in their fifth and seventh year. Furthermore, the OWL and NEWT exams cover more than the class material in Hogwarts and additionally, the course books are up to par with the ICW curriculum.

Bill was grateful that he had the books from Lady Delacour since his education would have been subpar in comparison to his year mates. He had plans to attend summer school for the muggle subjects and he would be doing English, Math, Latin, French, Science, Muggle history and Geography. His father already signed him up for these classes and arranged the tutors for him.

For the practical portion in his magical subjects, Bill went to his professors apart from McGonagall and their current DADA professor. For transfiguration and DADA, he would be taught by a magical tutor. He also chose to self-study magical theory during the summer. He would be busy during that time.

Minerva was surveying the students and frowned, when she looked at Anton Abbott, who was talking with his fellow house mates. She was furious that Anton has chosen Greengrass over Sarah. She turned her attention to Sarah, who had a look of longing at Anton hoping that he would come to her and be with her, but that isn’t the case since the boy was avoiding her like the plague since the attack on him and his house mates.

What Minerva also noticed, is the fact that Sarah seemed to be withdrawing more and more. A majority of her lions were furious that she had lost 100 points. She tried to help her lions to get the points back, but it was barely possible since the other members of staff didn’t want to let her get away with this. There must be something that she could do for her lion.

But Minerva’s planful expression didn’t go unnoticed since Pomona noticed it and made plans to protect her badger from Albus and Minerva. She knew that those two are planning something and she will not allow Anton to be harmed. Thankfully, Albus was currently in the Wizengamot dealing with the Wizengamot trials for this month and her badger would be finished with school this year. So, she had to worry about Minerva and she is going to keep an eye on her.

When Albus arrived back from the Wizengamot trials, he was exhausted. He informed his followers that on Monday, there was going to be an order meeting, in order to discuss the Summer Solstice Wizengamot meeting. He had plans to ban Bardic Magic from their world. The magic had been used in the mind-healing arts to treat trauma and psychological issues by playing magical instrument, but in the darker aspects, the magic was also used to control people and to create mindless drones. The Pied-Piper-flute for example is a very dangerous, dark-magical instrument since it is able to entrance every living being with its magic. The victims would become mindless drones and would follow the flutist around or even dance. It was once used by a German wizard in Hamelin, who had wanted to help the city’s inhabitants against a rat plague. The man was successful, but the muggles refused to pay him and even scorned him, because he was a wizard. And to make matters worse, they tried to kill him since in their view, witches and wizards were devil worshippers. Out of revenge, the Pied Piper used his flute to entrance the children of Hamelin and made them follow him to the nearest lake, where they were all drowned to death.

The magical government acted fast and arrested the man. He was sentenced to death for mass murder of innocents. The instrument was locked away by the magical government especially the Department of Mysteries since they wanted to study the flute closer, but the muggles were also charged and found guilty for the attempted murder on a wizard. Furthermore, they were also blamed for the death of the children due to their ungratefulness and their actions. The muggles were killed on sight since in their case killing or attempting to kill a witch or wizard was an automatic death penalty, which angered the muggle rulers back then. This led to a rift between the magical and the non-magical world and it was also one of the catalysts to the Statute of Secrecy.

Albus will try to get the Pied-Piper-flute from the German Ministry of Magic, in order to make sure that he has complete control over the muggle world and to make them pay, for what they had done to his family. His first attempt was thwarted, when the German Department of Mysteries sent the flute in Switzerland. It was an annoyance, but he will get the flute and from there, he would be ruling the muggles. But first, he needed to gain control over the wizarding world globally.

Headmaster’s office, June 17th, 2002

Albus was sitting behind his desk and was surveying his followers. He hoped that this time, they would be successful with banning Bardic Magic by using the Pied-Piper-flute as a way to convince the other members of the Wizengamot for the ban. Furthermore, Albus made sure that his followers were behaving. He noticed the sombre expression on Benjy and knew that the month must have been hard on him. Since the Abbotts broke the alliance with the Fenwicks, things have gone the wrong way. Whereas his followers chattered, Albus had a private conversation with the head of the Fenwick Family. “Benjy, my boy, I am a little worried about Sarah. She had retreated herself from her friends and is a bit left out. I am concerned that she is isolating herself more and more.”

Benjy sighed. He didn’t think that his daughter would have it bad at school, but he can tell that Abbott is responsible for Sarah’s problems. If the brat had accepted his daughter as his fiancée and not Greengrass, then, nothing like this would have happened in the long run. The man sighed. “If I had been aware, I would have helped her. I blame Abbott for this mess, Albus. Why did he choose Greengrass? My daughter is a better match.”

Albus was smoothing down his beard with his hand. He was thinking about his next approach. He knew that if they act now against the Greengrass Family, they would face a backlash that would destroy his and his followers’ reputation, but if he waits for Tom’s return, then, he could use this opportunity to discredit the Greengrass Family and make sure that Anton would divorce Jaques and marry Sarah, but he has to wait for that to happen. Albus said: “I know, my boy, but we will have to wait and see the results. Maybe Anton would realise his mistake on a later date and then, we could assist him in getting a divorce. Then, maybe there Sarah would have a chance.” Benjy nodded and was more optimistic.

Albus knew that he had to use this tactic since he didn’t want his more biased followers to take matters into their own hands and get in trouble. James is a prime example for this.

Whereas the others were discussing the ban against Bardic Magic in the headmaster’s office, Lily was making her way to Severus’ office, in order to find a way to convince the man to lower the standards and the expectations since her boys’ education is in jeopardy. Maybe she would be able to sway him to the light even though Lily knew that it was impossible and Severus was responsible for taking her base of friends and as an insult to injury, she was called a liar, a mudblood and a bitch by her former friends. Lily wanted to make him pay for this, but sadly, he was untouchable and most of her friends turned their backs on her even Marlene and Dorcas wanted nothing to do with her and Mary and sided with Severus even though she tried everything to warn them that Severus was dark and evil. It was painful to watch her former friends abandon her in favour of Snape.

Reaching Severus’ office, Lily prepared herself for an argument. She went in without knocking.

Severus and Aurora were discussing their plans for the summer holidays. Aurora was planning to visit her relatives in the States, whereas Severus was going to spent his vacation in Spain. “I can’t wait to leave everything behind me and enjoy the sun in Spain. The only thing that I will dread is to return back to school.” Aurora chuckled. Both were interrupted, when someone went into their office without knocking. Severus was surprised to see Lily. Aurora was the same.

Lily had a fake smile on her face and greeted both professors. “Hello, Severus, Professor Sinistra, I would like to have a private word with you, Sev.” Severus turned his attention to Aurora, who retreated back to her new office.

Severus was less than pleased to be with Lily alone in the room. Thankfully, he had protections against potions and spells. So, Lily wouldn’t be able to do anything harmful against him. He knew, how vindictive she could be. It had taken everything in him to withhold his disdain for her actions against Akira and her past actions and inactions against him. “Lily, what can I do for you?”

Lily knew that this meeting was going to be difficult, but she hoped that she would be able to gain some grounds with her first friend. “I came here to talk to you about the potion class and the new standards and curriculum that you have implemented in December.”

Severus sighed knowing that Lily is here to convince him to lower the potion class standards and curriculum for the Potter twins. That was not going to happen. He asked: “What is there to talk about?”

Lily was slightly annoyed by Sev. “It is that those standards and the curriculum that you have managed to pass at the December meeting are going to make things harder for the students especially for John and Harry. I want both of my boys to become aurors like James and Sirius, but with these changes in the potion class, it would be harder. Surely, you could make an exception.”

Severus was startled by this approach. The woman is slightly delusional. He answered: “No.”

Lily’s eye twitches. What did he mean with no? “But Sev-“

Severus interrupted the woman before she could continue: “No, Lily, I will not change the standards and the curriculum of the potion class, because you are demanding it for your children. For every student, this rule will apply equally. I will not change the rules, because your youngest is the boy-who-lived.”

“But you have to.” Lily started to become angry that John would be equalised with the other children like this. It is an insult. Her baby is the boy-who-lived.

Before she could go any further, Severus interrupted: “No and that is final. The potion class will remain like this, so that the students are better prepared in their careers.”

Lily was angry. Why does nothing work? Severus was supposed to be so smitten with her that he would agree with her argument. “But-“

“Lily, listen. I know, you want, what is best for your children, but I can’t prioritise your children over the other children that are going to attend Hogwarts in the future. The best suggestion, I can give you is to make sure that both of your boys work hard, in order to earn their grades.” When Severus thought that the conversation was over, his office door opened again and James, Sirius and Remus came in. Aurora entered the office, in order to avoid a fight. James wanted to know, where his wife had gone since she left the headmaster’s office so sudden. Seeing her here with Snivellus made his blood boil. “Lily, what are you doing here with that scum? You were supposed to wait until the meeting ended.”

Lily said angrily: “I am here to change Sev’s mind about the curriculum and the standards in the potion class, in order to ensure that both of our boys can pass their NEWTs. You want them to be aurors and without a NEWT in potion it is impossible, James. I am trying to ensure our boys’ future.”

Severus was getting annoyed and cleared his throat. “Lily, like I said it before and I am saying it again. The answer is no. I will not change the parameters of the potion class.”

“But-“

“But nothing and can you kindly leave my office? I now want peace and quiet dome, because I am planning my vacation.”

Lily growled at the back of her throat. “This is not over, Severus.” The redhead left the office.

James curled his lips in anger. He wanted to say something, but he didn’t know, what. He wished that there was a way to fix the potion class.

All three remaining marauders left Snape’s office. There had to be a way to help Harry and John to pass the potion class easily, so that his boys could become aurors. But with Snape stonewalling them, it was going to be hard. James left the office with Sirius and Remus.

After the fools were gone, Aurora returned back and continued with their holiday plans. “I am glad, Severus, that this meeting didn’t end up in violence.”

“Me either, but I believe that attacking me, so that I have to change the standards and the curriculum back under force, would have made a bad impression on the board and it would have had the opposite reaction in the school board.” Aurora nodded in agreement. The rest of the day was talked about the different locations that Severus was going to visit in Spain.

Abbott Manor, June 18th, 2002

Arthur was visiting Zachary and Amélie Abbott, in order to sway them away from Dumbledore and his followers. His children are currently supervised by Muriel. He had his and his sons’ inheritance tests to show them, what kind of person his wife, Dumbledore and McGonagall are.

Zachary and Amélie were sitting and waiting for Arthur. They both were enjoying a cup of tea and some biscuits. Zachary has been friends with Arthur since they were in school and he had no problems with the man. The only problem, he had, was his wife. Molly Weasley was someone, who he didn’t like due to her overbearing behaviour. He never understood, how Arthur could love that woman, but he didn’t want to argue about this point since Arthur was stubborn.

When Arthur was led to the informal meeting room by one of the house elves, he saw Zachary and Amélie sitting drinking tea. He quickly greeted them: “Hello Zachary, Amélie. Thanks for your time.”

“Hello, Arthur. How are you doing? How are your children? Your wife?”, Zachary asked.

Arthur tightened his face, when his wife was mentioned, but remained relaxed. He answered: “They are all alright, Zachary. Thank you for your concern. But I am here, because of my wife.” Arthur took a sip of his tea that was served by the elf. He wasn’t sure, how strong their allegiances are towards the old fool and his lap cat, but he doesn’t believe that they are really strong: “This also concerns Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall.”

Zachary and Amélie shared a glance and were confused. Both turned to Arthur and Amélie asked: “Okay. What do you want to tell us about your wife, Headmaster Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall?”

Arthur answered by taking out the inheritance tests he had made in November and had spread them on the table: “I want to give both of you a warning, because of this.”

Zachary and Amélie read the inheritance tests and were furious, what Dumbledore, McGonagall and Molly had done. Amélie said in outrage: “How dare they. How dare they do this to you and your children. I should have known that something was fishy in your family, but I couldn’t put my finger that something was wrong.”

Arthur smiled sadly and assured them: “I know, Amélie, but thankfully, I managed to get a purge and escape their clutches. Molly is currently under house arrest and Dumbledore and McGonagall are clueless that I am free.”

Zachary questioned: “Why don’t you divorce her?”

Arthur answered quickly: “Because I don’t want Dumbledore to know that I am free from his influence.” Zachary and Amélie agreed on that, because Dumbledore would focus on Arthur and his children again and he would try everything to get Arthur back under control, which can’t be allowed. They also came to the conclusion that they can’t align themselves with Dumbledore any longer with these revelations, but they also can’t leave the light section since there would be too many questions regarding their reassignment.

Zachary asked: “How did you manage to free yourself from their influence?”

Arthur answered: “Lady Narcissa Malfoy was indirectly responsible for helping me since she wrote an anonymous letter to Lord Crouch that I was under potions and spells.” Both were surprised by this revelation. They thought that the Weasley-Malfoy Feud would not allow this. Zachary asked: “Arthur, how is that possible? I mean the Malfoy-Weasley Blood Feud would not have made it possible.”

Arthur explained: “Zachary, there is no blood feud between the Weasleys and the Malfoys. It was made up by the former Lord Malfoy, Abraxas Malfoy, and Dumbledore, but in reality, the Weasleys are owning a life debt in the form of a marriage contract to the Malfoy Family since the Malfoys were one of the families that saved the main branch from being massacred.”

Amélie questioned: “Are you talking about the Weasley Massacre from 1841?” She remembered reading about this event and never understood, how this had happened since most books didn’t explain the Weasley Massacre. Arthur explained the incident and they were shocked that the side branch and Archibald Dumbledore planned to kill off the main branch, but thankfully it failed due to the help of the combined forces from the Malfoy, Black, Potter and Longbottom families, which led to the eradication of the side branch and the death of the former Light Lord Archibald Dumbledore.

With that, Amélie and Zachary were discussing, what to do, but they don’t know, how to leave Dumbledore’s fraction without causing a scandal. Arthur had seen their discomfort and he had an idea. “Zachary, Amélie, I know, how I can help you both with all these nasty revelations about our ‘benevolent’ headmaster.”

Both turned to Arthur for answers and the redhead provided them. “In these times, the magics in our world have become imbalanced and it seems like that Lady Magic has sent a Grey Lord, in order to bring back the balance in our world.”

Zachary and Amélie were shocked and Zachary said in an incredulous tone: “A Grey Lord. But a Grey Lord is only sent in times of great imbalances between the light and the dark.” Arthur raised an eyebrow answering their question that these times are really imbalanced especially, if they have considered, what had happened in the 90s. The Abbotts realised that this was the case, but they needed to know, who the Grey Lord is. Maybe he could help them.

Zachary asked: “Where is this Grey Lord? Can he help us?”

Arthur knew that he managed to get them interested. “The Grey Lord is currently not here in Britain, but you can speak with his magical guardian tomorrow in Lestrange Manor. You are both invited to a small gathering.”

Amélie questioned: “Magical guardian? Are you telling us that the Grey Lord is still underage?”

Arthur nodded and answered: “Yes, he is the same age like Ronald.”

“WHAT?!”, both exclaimed in shock and anger. Amélie was the first to recover. “But he is only a toddler. How could Lady Magic thrust this responsibility to an innocent child?” In the other world, Lady Magic sighed deeply knowing that Amélie Abbott was right that thrusting this responsibility to a toddler was cruel. There were many other candidates, but Akira was the best, viable option.

Arthur quickly calmed them down and answered: “Amélie, Zachary, I know that you are angry, but the lad is not going to deal with adult stuff until he is at least 17. His magical guardian would be responsible for this until he is an adult.” Both were relieved with that revelation. At least, there is a responsible adult, who would deal with this until the Grey Lord was off age. But there was another question that the couple wanted to know. Who is the Grey Lord? And who is his magical guardian? They asked Arthur, who they are, but the man answered: “Amélie, Zachary, I can’t tell you that since the magical guardian forbade everyone to talk about the Grey Lord’s identity. The boy’s life would be at risk.” Both nodded in understanding and Zachary said: “We will come tomorrow. I hope that the Grey Lord’s magical guardian could help us.”

The rest of the afternoon, Arthur spent talking with the Abbotts about the Grey Alliance that has been formed to oppose Dumbledore, Voldemort and their followers.

Lestrange Manor, June 19th, 2002

There was another pre-meeting in Lestrange Manor regarding the Wizengamot meeting tomorrow and today, they could gain another noble family to their alliance. After the children were sent to play, the Abbotts arrived at the meeting, so that they can see, if the Grey Alliance is more promising than Dumbledore’s light fraction. The revelations yesterday had shaken their world and both wanted to take their distance from Dumbledore and his followers. They knew that Arthur and the old Lord Lestrange are members of the Grey Alliance, but they wanted to know the rest. When they were led to the formal meeting room, they were startled, who was there. Both recognised Lord Lucius and Lady Narcissa Malfoy, who is also the Regent of the House Black, Cyrus, Danielle, Amelia, Dame Muriel Prewett, Lady Callidora Longbottom, Lord Michael and Lady Amanda Davis, Lord Rowle, the current potion master of Hogwarts, Severus Snape, Lord Augustus and Lady Claudia Rookwood, Lord Tarquinius and Lady Rachel Nott and Lord Corban and Lady Clara Yaxley. There was also a muggle couple with their daughter, which also confused them even more.

Augustinus greeted them politely. “Lord and Lady Abbott, welcome in Lestrange Manor. I hope, you had a nice trip.”

Lord Abbott returned the greeting. “Thank you, Lord Lestrange. Our trip was safe.”

Augustinus let out a gruff laugh and quickly summoned two seats for them: “Please take a seat.” Both went to the two summoned chairs and sat down. Augustinus continued: “Narcissa will explain you, what is happening.”

Zachary and Amélie nodded and turned their attention to Narcissa. The woman in question prepared Akira’s inheritance test and started to explain: “Lord and Lady Abbott, I hope that Arthur had explained to you, what we are doing.” Both nodded and explained, what Arthur had told them. Narcissa was glad that the Weasley patriarch avoided to say names. When they were finished, Zachary asked: “But the question that I am asking myself is, who is the Grey Lord?”

Narcissa had a slight smile and requested: “Lord Abbott and Lady Abbott, can you both swear a secrecy oath? I am requesting this due to safety reasons regarding a minor.”

Amélie questioned: “Is this about the Grey Lord, because we also know that he is still underage?”

Narcissa answered: “Yes.”

Zachary and Amélie discussed this for a few moments and agreed with the terms. Zachary was the first to make the vow. “I, Zachary Daniel Abbott, swear on my life and my magic that I will keep all the information regarding the Grey Lord a secret. So, mote it be.” There was whirl of magic until a click finished the oath making sure that Zachary would not reveal anything about Akira. Amélie did the same and both returned their attention to Narcissa and the others in the room.

Narcissa started to explain about Akira and what had been done to him by the Potters and Remus Lupin. She showed them the inheritance test, which infuriated the Abbotts. When the couple was ready to demand that Amelia arrest them, the female head auror quickly reassured them: “I am on the works on it, Zachary, Amélie, but currently, James, Lily, Sirius and Remus are too influential and famous due to John’s status as the ‘boy-who-lived’ and his fame. We need to wait until the fame has cooled down and I thought that after four years it would be the perfect opportunity.” Zachary and Amélie sighed. They knew that she is right.

Zachary had a sheepish smile and said: “Before we start the meeting, can you tell us more about Dumbledore and You-Know-Who?”

Narcissa nodded and said: “Let’s begin with the dark lord first. Voldemort is only a moniker and that is not his real name. His birth name is Thomas Marvolo Riddle. If you are fearing his name, then, call him by that name.” Both nodded and allowed Narcissa to continue: “Voldemort attended Hogwarts during the Second World War, when Dippet was headmaster. He was sorted in Slytherin and due to the exposure of the bigotry against muggles and muggleborns in the house, Voldemort started to hate them. But things went from bad to worse in the coming years since he was responsible for the attacks in the school year 1942/43 and framed Hagrid for the attacks, when he had killed a muggleborn named Myrtle Warren and created his first horcrux.”

Amélie questioned Narcissa: “What is a horcrux?”

Narcissa sighed and answered: “A horcrux is a soul piece that has been split with the help of a ritual, but in order to create a horcrux, you need to kill someone in cold blood and use the victim as ritual material, so that you can split your soul.” The Abbotts were sickened, what Riddle had done to his soul. Narcissa furthermore explained: “And it is one of the worst crimes against Lady Magic since splitting your soul is against the laws of nature.” Both nodded in understanding still horrified about these revelations.

Narcissa continued: “During his sixth year, Voldemort created another horcrux by killing his father and his paternal grandparents. For that, he framed his maternal uncle, Morfin Gaunt, who died in prison.” Zachary and Amélie were asking themselves, how no one did become suspicious of Voldemort’s actions back then. “After his graduation, he created three other horcruxes and with the soul-splitting, he had split his mind, which had led to his insanity. And if you look at Akira’s inheritance test, you would notice that he had been carrying a soul piece of Riddle.” Zachary and Amélie took a look at Akira’s inheritance test and noticed that in the section of blocks/leeches, it was mentioned about a horcrux that is working as a leech in the boy. Amélie was furious. “Those bastards left their son and godson with a soul piece in his body. If I had my way, I would have tossed them all four into Azkaban.” Zachary put a calming hand. He was furious, but his wife was more volatile. Amelia quickly calmed her friend down. Even she was angry since it is about her godson. “I know, Amélie, but Azkaban is not enough. I want them to bleed for their actions against Akira and the best way is to leave them be. When the time is right, they would not only spend some time in Azkaban, but they are going to spend also some time in the goblin mines.”

Amélie was confused by this. “The goblin mines? What do you mean with that? How are they going to spend some time in the goblin mines?”

Amelia just turned her attention to Narcissa, who explained, how: “James Potter is not Lord Potter, but currently, he is only the regent with limited power since his father skipped him as lord. As Regent Potter, he will get from the Potter Family Vaults for each child a monthly allowance. A regent will receive 3000 Galleons from the Family Vaults for the care of the heir. For the other children, the regent will only receive 1500 Galleons. Since the Potter twins should also have been magical twins, both would have shared the titles they were in line for and both would have been twin lords. In that case, James would have received 6000 Galleons since he had to care for twin heirs, but that isn’t going to be the case anymore since those fools have destroyed the twin bond by making it a leech that would give John limitless access to his brother’s magic. With that, there is a slow process of separation that would be finished, when both children have reached the age of six. John and Akira are going to have two separate souls unlike other magical twins, who are sharing a soul. Thankfully, the leech will not work and the twin bond has been closed down for the next four years until the separation.” Everyone was furious. This is the worst shame and disgrace, if magical twins are developing two separate souls since the twin bond has been found unworthy by Lady Magic herself. John and Akira are going to be separate individuals like identical twins and this process can only be reversed, if the Potter twins become close again. But Narcissa doubted that this was going to happen since both boys would be raised differently and would have different views about the magical world. John would be a headache with his light views and blind devotion to the headmaster. She continued with her explanation: “Since November 2001, James is receiving 4500 Galleons instead of the 6000 for magical twins and unfortunately, I can’t stop it without risking Akira’s whereabouts. But before Akira is going to start his first year in the primary school, I am sure that the Potters are planning a family reunion, which I am going to destroy with their arrests.” Everyone smirked evilly. So, this is Narcissa’s plan.

Amélie requested: “And how is Dumbledore connected to this?”

Narcissa answered: “Albus Dumbledore is aware of the existence of the horcruxes and where they are or in some cases, where they were. He could have stopped Voldemort by destroying them and killing that monster, but the fool had been doing nothing. Furthermore, he was the one, who had ordered the Potters, Sirius and Lupin to block, spell and potion the boy and for that, Dumbledore and his followers need to suffer.” The Abbotts were furious that Dumbledore knew, how to stop Voldemort and as a result to avoid the war. It was infuriating that he did nothing. Narcissa saw the furious faces and wanted to tell them something that would calm them down. But before she could continue, Amélie questioned her: “Where are the horcruxes? I mean, Lady Malfoy, you must be aware of them since you seem to have the knowledge about them.”

Narcissa smirked at Lady Abbott. The woman is very observant. “Well, Lady Abbott, four of the six horcruxes had been destroyed.” There was a relieved look on their faces, but there was also concern since two horcruxes are still out there. “The first horcrux that he created during his fifth year was his diary. It was in our manor and I ordered my personal elf to bring it in Gringotts, where the goblins had dealt with it. The second horcrux is currently unreachable, because it is in the Gaunt Shack and we need Akira to claim the Gaunt Heirship, in order to get access to that property. The third horcrux was in Gringotts and the goblins were only able to destroy it after Bellatrix was disowned from the Black Family and my great uncle was able to reclaim her vault. The fourth soul piece was Salazar Slytherin’s locket and it was in Grimmauld Place. As a daughter of the House Black, I was able to get the horcrux through Kreacher and it was also destroyed. The fifth horcrux is in Hogwarts.”

“WHAT!?”, the Abbotts thundered in rage.

Narcissa nodded and understood their fury. “Yes, the fifth horcrux is currently in Hogwarts and from there I know that Dumbledore must be aware of the soul pieces. Severus is working hard, in order to get the horcrux in Hogwarts, but it seems like that it is difficult.” Severus nodded and explained: “It is difficult since Albus and Minerva are like prison wardens. I can’t talk to the Grey Lady without drawing suspicions from those two.” Narcissa now understood why Severus was having a hard time to get the horcrux from the school.

Amélie questioned confused: “The Grey Lady? What does she have to do with the horcrux in Hogwarts?” Severus quickly explained: “The Grey Lady is Rowena Ravenclaw’s only daughter, Helena Ravenclaw.” The Abbotts were shocked that the house ghost of Ravenclaw is the house’s founder’s child.

Severus said: “The only way for me to get the horcrux is to make a big distraction, where Albus and Minerva would not pay me any mind. The best way would be the loss of the Head Governor position. Phineas told me that there is a difference between the Chief Warlock and the Head Governor positions. In the Wizengamot, the Chief Warlock is the leader of the fraction that has the most votes and that also includes the inactive seats like the Peverell, Gryffindor, Shafiq and Hufflepuff seats. The head governor position depends only on the active seats in the Wizengamot. The inactive seats are excluded from the vote in the school board.”

Augustinus chuckled. “Well, removing Dumbledore from his head governor position is going to be easier than I have thought. We only need the Hufflepuff heir and we also have to move some seats from the dark section to the neutral fraction and we would have the majority in the school board.” Many agreed on the idea, but they had to wait patiently.

Amélie and Zachary were discussing, what to do, and came to the conclusion that the Grey Alliance sounded good. Zachary was the one to answer: “We are in. We want to bring Dumbledore and his followers to justice. They need to pay for their crimes and sins. Let’s start with the meeting.”

Narcissa knew that now they had the Abbotts on their side and with them, they have another family against Voldemort and Dumbledore.

The meeting started with Arthur explaining, what Dumbledore was planning at the Wizengamot meeting and there Amélie was displeased and made her displeasure known. “Is that old man an idiot?”, Amélie asked. Many thinned their lips and had sheepish smiles on their faces. Narcissa answered: “Maybe.”

Amélie took a deep breath and started to explain: “I am a mind healer in St. Mungos and I know about Bardic Magic since it is used to treat patients with mental disabilities, illnesses and trauma. If Albus is banning this kind of magic from our country, then, he is going to deny three quarter of my patients their treatment.” Many were shifting uncomfortably in their seats since the woman made a good point, why the ban of Bardic Magic is a bad idea.

Narcissa understood the issue and said: “We need to make sure that this nomination will fail and for that reason, we need to put forward a distraction.”

Arthur said: “I have an idea.” Everyone’s attention was on the redhead and they gave the go-ahead. “How about if we allow books from the muggle world to be sold here in the wizarding world, so that we can understand their culture and knowledge. I mean, the muggles have many books that are either fictional or scientifical-educational.” Many thought the idea to be ingenious and no one would vote against that nomination since it would help the magical world to stay attune with the muggle world and their advancement. Corban thought that Crouch’s nomination regarding the changes in the court could be useful as distraction, but the man told him that he would nominate his motion at the July meeting, because he needed to work on the nomination a bit longer. Regardless, Arthur’s nomination is also a good distraction.

Many agreed on that and they have planned to put the current ban against Bardic Magic into question with the help of Lord Abbott. Zachary and Amélie had to admit that Lady Malfoy has very good plans to help their world to prosper, but it is going very slow. Unfortunately, they understood the slowness since they can’t risk going against Dumbledore and his blind fools without being disgraced and labelled as dark.

Before the meeting could come to an end, the Yaxleys wanted to announce some big news. Corban was the one, who made the announcement. “My dear friends, there are two announcements that Clara and I want to make. The one announcement is that Clara will attend the Wizengamot sessions and school board meetings until December this year. After a lot of convincing-“ Corban was interrupted by Clara, who made a fake cough, and said: “*Cough* *Cough* Begging *Cough*.” Corban just huffed and glared slightly at his wife. Okay, maybe he had dropped on his knees and begged Clara to attend the Wizengamot until December since the Evandrus seat is in the neutral fraction and the Yaxley seats are in the dark section and the problem was that he couldn’t sit on two seats that are in different sections. Everyone chuckled at Clara’s comment. The Yaxley lord continued regardless: “After some time of convincing, my wife is attending the Wizengamot sessions until I can move the Yaxley seats in December from the dark to the neutral fraction.” Everyone still chuckled about Clara’s comment, but congratulated the couple. Adriana asked impatiently: “And what is the second announcement?”

Clara was now the one to make the announcement. “Well, after this beggar managed to convince me to attend the Wizengamot sessions, we both decided to renew our marriage vows, so that I can be properly inaugurated as the new Lady Yaxley. For that reason, you are all invited to come for the vow renewal.” Many ladies in the room let out screams of joy and happiness, whereas the men had to cover their ears. They were happy for the couple, but they wished the volume to be lower. “The vow renewal will take place during Yule. There would be enough time for the preparations.”

When that was finished, Cyrus went to Augustus, Danielle went to Lucius and Narcissa and Severus went to Thorfinn. There were some things that they want to explain regarding their youngest Greengrass’ condition. Narcissa, Lucius, Augustus and Thorfinn were confused, when Severus, Cyrus and Danielle told them that they wanted to speak with them privately in Greengrass Manor, but they agreed regardless.

Greengrass Manor

When the meeting had ended, Cyrus, Danielle, Severus, Narcissa, Lucius, Thorfinn and Augustus were seated in a formal meeting room in Greengrass Manor.

Narcissa asked: “Cyrus, Danielle, Severus, what is going on? Is something wrong?”

The couple didn’t know, how to break the news regarding Astoria’s condition, but Severus hadn’t had a problem to tell them some sad news. “Narcissa, Thorfinn, Augustus, we need your help. Astoria, Cyrus’ and Danielle’s youngest daughter, has the worst affliction of the bloodline curse and according to the goblins, she would not live past her sixtieth or seventieth birthday.”

Narcissa gasped and the other men were shocked. So, that was the reason for the sombre tone with the Greengrasses. Their daughter is incurably ill. Narcissa knew about the bloodline curse and she was aware that the females and the male bearers in that family have that particular curse in their bloodline. Thankfully, Daphne and Jaques were less affected by the curse, but she can theorise that in Astoria’s case, the curse is worse. As a healer, she can only order a potion regime.

Thorfinn and Augustus felt bad for the Greengrasses, but they don’t know any ritual that would help them to break this curse. The only thing that they can do is recommend the potion regime.

Severus saw the faces of the newcomers, but he has more determination. “I know that all of you believe that this is hopeless, but if we combine our expertise, then, we could find a solution to this curse.” Now the four looked a bit more encouraged. Narcissa, Augustus and Thorfinn had to agree, if they combine their efforts to break this curse, then, they would manage to find a way to do it.

Narcissa, Augustus and Thorfinn agreed to work with Severus on a way to break the bloodline curse on the Greengrass Family. Cyrus and Danielle were happy that their friends and allies will try to help their girl.

Narcissa asked: “Cyrus, Danielle, when are you going to tell the others about the bloodline curse and does anyone else know?”

Cyrus answered: “We are going to announce it at the next pre-meeting. We wanted to tell everyone today, but since many were in a good mood regarding Clara’s and Corban’s vow renewal, we didn’t want to destroy it. So, we postponed it onto the next meeting. And to your second question, the Abbotts knew about the bloodline curse since Anton was with Jaques during Danielle’s labour.” Narcissa nodded sadly. It now makes sense, why the Abbotts looked dejected.

Severus, Lucius, Narcissa, Augustus and Thorfinn promised to do their best to help the Greengrass girls and left the manor.

Wizengamot, June 20th, 2002

The Summer Solstice Wizengamot meeting had been opened and when Dumbledore arrived a few minutes late, they started with the introductions. Albus was surprised, when the Yaxleys and Lucius Malfoy stood up from their seats and Corban was the one, who introduced his wife as the Lady of the Ancient and Noble House of Evandrus, and then, Lucius introduced Corban to the Wizengamot as the new Lord Yaxley. There were some hostile looks from the dark and the light fractions, when Corban was introduced. Many knew that it made sense that Clara had to attend the Wizengamot session as long as her husband is sitting in the dark section since no one can sit onto two seats that are in different fractions. With that, the session started and the first thing that was done was the nomination from Dumbledore’s fools regarding the ban of Bardic Magic. Zachary was ready to object, but the others told him to wait until the distraction was nominated by Arthur again.

When Dumbledore was finished, the nomination was discussed and the rest of the Wizengamot moved to the next nomination. Arthur was the one to nominate it. Dumbledore became worried, but hoped that this time, he would have it easier to shoot down the idea. “Dear members of the Wizengamot, I am nominating to include in our libraries and book shops fictional and educational books from the muggle world, so that we can learn, how advanced the muggles had become and how did they manage to advance like this in a century. The fictional books would also show us a fraction of their culture and most of these books are also recommendable to read for entertainment.” This nomination had caused a great discussion. Many agreed with Arthur’s nomination, but there were those that didn’t like the nomination like the blood purists. Albus has some trouble with his older and younger followers, who have again a different opinion on the matter.

Albus was stuck. He can’t claim that this nomination is dark and dangerous since it is about books from the muggle world. There was no other point then to withdraw and talk with his followers. Why do Arthur’s nominations have to be so hard and controversial within his followers. Narcissa smirked, when she watched the old fool put up privacy and silencing wards, so that he can discuss Arthur’s nomination. She was growing to like this pattern since it gives them some form of control over the Wizengamot.

Narcissa glanced over to Zachary Abbott and the man understood that it was his turn to stop Dumbledore’s nomination. It was discussed that he was going to make the protest against the nomination and that Cyrus would make a counter-nomination against Dumbledore’s nomination regarding Bardic Magic. Zachary rose his wand and he managed to get the attention from the Chief Witch, Aurelia Acton. “Lord Abbott, do you have a nomination?” Everyone apart from Dumbledore and his followers had their attention on the current Lord Abbott.

Zachary answered: “No, but I have a protest note against Lord Dumbledore’s nomination regarding the ban of Bardic Magic.” The man took a deep breath and started: “My dear members of the Wizengamot, Lord Dumbledore had been warning us against the dangers of Bardic Magic, but he only mentioned the Pied-Piper-Flute, which is a dangerous dark magical object that was used in Hamelin by a wizard. My wife is working as a mind healer in St. Mungos and she and the other mind healers are using Bardic Magic, in order to treat their patients, who have suffered mental trauma or are mentally unstable. With this ban, we are denying three-quarter of these patients their treatment and that can’t be allowed.” When Zachary was finished, everyone apart from Dumbledore and his light fools received mind healer reports about the importance of Bardic Magic in mind-healing and many were displeased with Dumbledore.

Cyrus rose his wand and when he was chosen to speak by Aurelia Acton, he nominated: “Dear members of the Wizengamot, I agree with Lord Abbott that Bardic Magic is very important for the field of mind-healing and going over these reports, it shows us that most patients in St. Mungos need this branch of magic for their mental health. We cannot ban a whole branch of magic due to the flute that had been mentioned in this meeting. Apart from that, the Pied-Piper-Flute is with the German Unspeakables, who had been examining the instrument and making sure that it was out of the public eye. For that reason, I am nominating to put the current ban on Bardic Magic into question. We need to reevaluate this law, so that it can be adapted to the needs of our nation.”

Many agreed with Cyrus and are planning to vote against Dumbledore’s nomination.

When Dumbledore and his sheep were finished, the man returned back to the podium and asked: “Aurelia, were there any new nominations?”

Aurelia answered stiffly: “Yes, Lord Greengrass nominated to put the current ban on Bardic Magic into question, so that it can be reevaluated. There were some revelations that you haven’t mentioned, Chief Warlock.”

“What revelations?”, Albus questioned suspiciously.

Aurelia restrained a huff and answered: “That Bardic Magic is used by mind healers to treat mental trauma or the mentally unstable.” Albus swallowed hard. He hoped that this would not lead to another setback. Returning to the podium, he noticed the mind healer reports in front of him, but ignored it. He was sure that his nomination would pass.

The vote came and the first nomination failed. Albus was taken aback. How? And why? Arthur’s nomination passed with only some of the blood purists and those, who hated muggles voting against the motion. The last nomination from Cyrus Greengrass passed with a clear majority. Albus was furious. Bardic Magic was the last branch of magic that he wanted to ban in this country, but it had failed. All the Wizengamot sessions in the past six months were failures. He needed to focus on the other matter and it was to put some anti-creature laws against veelas. He remembered that Molly had some issues regarding them since her eldest son had a creature mate in the form of a veela. He had blocked it of course since he needed the Weasley Family to represent his Greater Good and Albus didn’t need a veela polluting the Weasley line.

The Wizengamot came to an end, after the votes, and everyone prepared to go home.

Headmaster’s office

Albus was blankly staring out of the window to the Black Lake in his office thinking, how could things go wrong like this and why they were not going his way anymore. In six sessions, he suffered one loss after another. Albus thought that after the defeat of Tom, he would have the power to control the wizarding world and change the world to his image. But the six months were over and he had failed horribly. All the laws, he had passed against blood, archaic, arcane, ancient, elemental and now bardic magic were going to be reevaluated and his nominations didn’t pass. It was like a curse.

Albus needed a change in topic and he was planning to put some restrictions against the veela nation. Molly had been loudly complaining that her baby boy is not going to marry a dark creature. His followers were disgusted that the eldest Weasley has a creature mate in the form of a veela. His more vocal supporters started to spread rumours that veelas are lecherous and dangerous since they are luring good and light wizards into their clutches and are slowly killing them, in order to get their partner’s inheritance.

Albus regained his focus and everyone in the office went silent, when the headmaster shifted his attention back to them. “My dears, I know that the last six session in this year were disappointing, but we can’t give up. We need to make sure that our world is saved from the dark and for that reason, we need to work hard. In the coming six months, we are going to change our focus. We will focus on putting restrictions against the veela nation. If you all remember about a few years ago, how Molly was complaining that her eldest had a creature mate in the form of a veela, then, I can tell you that we need to save many good witches and wizards like William from the evil clutches of the veelas. We can’t allow this corruption to continue. So, for that reason, we will focus to put many restrictions against veelas.” Many agreed with him and started to give Arthur their platitudes that his eldest son is mated to one of those wretched creatures.

Arthur just smiled and said that everything would be alright, but inside he was furious. He was ready to curse them for their disgusting comments regarding his future daughter-in-law.

Phineas saw a storm brewing in Arthur Weasley. He hoped that the man doesn’t explode, because of these fools. Thankfully, the man manages to calm himself down. He knew that the man had a better self-restraint than anyone else. But he finds it disgusting, what they were planning to do with the veela nation, because this is a suicide mission. No veela would allow to be monitored or even tracked. Even that Voldemort guy wasn’t stupid enough to do something like that knowing that the wrath of the veelas meant to be turned into ashes.

Dedalus asked: “Albus, we have a school board meeting in four days. What are we going to do there?”

Albus sighed. He forgot about the board meeting on Monday. “Well, Dedalus, there are going to be two major nominations. The one nomination would be to lower the expectation of the potion class from an O to an EE.” Nearly everyone agreed on that apart from Arthur and Dedalus, but they went along with it, in order to not arouse suspicion. Albus continued: “And the second nomination is the hiring of Andromeda. With Cuthbert gone, I have arranged for Andromeda to apply for the open spot as history professor.” Many liked the idea since most knew Andromeda as an order member. Even though, she was a Slytherin, Andromeda held disdain against dark wizards and witches and is a light witch among the dark. They trusted her to handle the students appropriately unlike Snape. Elphias asked: “Can we replace Snape as co-head of Slytherin with Andromeda? Maybe she can make sure that the neutrally inclined Slytherins are turning to the light. I don’t trust Snape around the children since I believe that he would abuse his position as co-head, so that he can silently recruit for children for You-Know-Who.”

Albus had to admit that the idea sounded good, but there were some problems. The first is that he needed a rivalry between the light and good Gryffindors and the dark and evil Slytherins. Another aspect is that many members of the neutral fraction are not going to like the idea of making Andromeda co-head of Slytherin. But it would have been useful to sway the more neutrally inclined Slytherins to his side. “I know, Elphias, my friend, but Severus would have a better approach with the children of death eaters than Andromeda. So, it would be prudent for Severus to remain co-head of Slytherin.”

Griselda questioned: “How about, if we replace Aurora with Andromeda after three years since Severus would be the full head of house.”

Albus said softly: “It would be a marvellous idea, Griselda, but the board had to approve it and I doubt it that Andromeda would be accepted due to the difficulties that we are facing with the school board.” Many agreed with that motion. The meeting was quickly wrapped up and many started to leave giving Arthur still some platitudes regarding Bill’s creature mate. Arthur was furious, when many said that the veela would never get her claws on a good and light wizard like Bill. He wanted to tell them that it was already too late, but it would not be a good idea to tell them that he is already in contact with the Delacours.

When the meeting ended, Arthur left the office trying everything in his power to stop his magic from leaking. There was a dueling room and furthermore, there were some dueling dummies in the manor, on whom he can let his fury out. Then, he was going to make some preparation for the Summer Solstice.

Evandrus Manor, June 22nd, 2002

The meeting of the Grey Alliance was taking place this time in Evandrus Manor. Corban and Clara decided to live there since Yaxley Manor had a lot of bad memories for Corban. The man allowed his sister to live there since he had no plans of returning. The woman was glad that Corban was not planning to live in Yaxley Manor and she would not have to tolerate the mudblood bitch and her brood, but that was only a small condolence in the fact that Corban was the new Lord Yaxley and that his oldest son, Tomas Yaxley, is the heir and the next Lord Yaxley.

The meeting started, when the children were sent to play under the supervision of Lady Zabini. Arthur told them, what Albus was planning to do at the school board meeting and who he is going to hire as the new history professor. Arthur also added that Dumbledore and his followers are going to focus on the veela nation for the next six months. Many were disgusted, when Arthur explained them their comments against Fleur and how they were planning to put more restrictions against the veelas, in order to protect wizards from their clutches.

“We need a distraction”, Amelia sighed.

Narcissa grinned and had an idea. Lucius noticed the look on his wife’s face and asked his love: “Cissy, I can see that you have a plan. What do you have in mind?”

The woman in question answered: “My plan is that we nominate to split up the students in homeroom classes like it is done in the muggle world. For each homeroom class, all four houses should be represented and the students would be split by year, so that we can improve the inter-house relations.” Danielle questioned: “Cissy, every homeroom class has a homeroom teacher. What are we going to do on that topic?”

Narcissa had a smile and answered: “They are going to be included in that nomination too since the school only houses in-between 100 to 150 students. There would only be seven homeroom classes in Hogwarts and I believe that Septima Vector, Bathsheba Babbling, Aurora Sinistra, Rolanda Hooch, Filius Flitwick, Promona Sprout and you, Severus, would be the perfect candidates for the position as homeroom teachers. Minerva McGonagall is already filled with her positions as head of house, deputy-headmistress and transfiguration teacher. She has already too much on the plate and the only homeroom class, we can entrust her, are the seventh years since the students are already off-age and there are less responsibilities.” Many agreed on that proposal. It would distract Dumbledore and his sheep.

“And I guess that we are going to nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for potions, where only the theory part and the basics like the cutting techniques are taught”, Danielle commented. Everyone apart from Narcissa agreed, who said: “The potion curriculum is not the only thing that is going to be nominated in this meeting. I think that it is time to continue to improve the content of the current core classes and electives in Hogwarts and the best way would be to introduce the ICW curriculum in history. Since we removed Binns from the staff, the curriculum of the history class is also undetermined and I know that Dumbledore and Andy are planning to introduce their version of a curriculum, which is going to be lacking.” Many nodded in agreement. “We also need to distract Dumbledore and his followers from destroying the library. If we don’t put up this distraction, then, his next focus would be certain books in the library that he doesn’t seem to approve of.” There were some chatters, but many agreed with Narcissa’s plan.

It's time that Dumbledore loses some control.

Before everyone went home, the Greengrasses announced Astoria’s condition and many were saddened about the girl’s state wanting to help the girl. Adrianna said: “I will look, if there is something from Italy that could help her since we have access to more magic than here in Britain and the laws are less restrictive.” Both Greengrasses nodded in gratitude. Narcissa quickly added: “And I will look in Japan for a way to break the bloodline curse since the magical world there is the most advanced in the wizarding world.” Many had to admit that maybe on the international scale, there is something that could help Narcissa, Augustus, Thorfinn and Severus with the bloodline curse.

School board, June 24th, 2002

Clara was cursing her husband for convincing her to attend the meetings in the Wizengamot and the school board, but it was also her own fault that she agreed. If she had her way, Clara would have made Cyrus or Michael proxy over her seat, but she had lost a bet and now she had to pay it up. Listening to one of Dumbledore’s fools was like torture. They were droning on about the ‘too high’ expectations in the potion OWL and how it had to be lowered, so that the students can have a chance at an education. In her opinion, this is the result of whiny, spoilt-rotten brats, who were denied a toy, and are demanding from Dumbledore to fix this, but these times are over now. When the fool was finished, Clara let out a silent breath of relief. But she wasn’t the only one, who had the same feelings regarding this nomination.

Dumbledore asked, if there was another nomination before he could introduce Andromeda as the new history professor and prove her qualifications in front of the board. Furthermore, he was going to nominate her curriculum that he had approved. He didn’t want the students to learn information that would sway them away from his side. But this time, Narcissa rose her wand. Albus frowned hoping that the woman is not going to make things needlessly hard. Narcissa stood up and nominated: “Headmaster, members of this board, I am nominating to split up the students in homeroom classes like it is done in the muggle world. In each homeroom class, there should be students from each house and each year, so that we can improve the inter-house relations.” Many agreed and had nothing against the idea apart from Dumbledore and his followers, who are already arguing. Albus wanted to groan. A simple nomination that is leading to a large debate. Why is everything so hard in these past months? He had to discuss this with his followers. When the question rose regarding the homeroom teacher, Narcissa explained that the current staff could take up the responsibility. There were some concerns regarding the workload until Narcissa explained that the first and second years could be supervised by Professor Vector, Madam Hooch or Professor Babbling since they have the least workload compared to Severus, Aurora, Filius, Promona and Minerva. The third and fourth years could have Professor Sinistra or Professor Snape as their homeroom teacher since they are co-heads and are sharing their duty. The fifth and sixth years could have either Professor Flitwick or Professor Sprout since they have their head of house position and Professor McGonagall could take care of the seventh years due to her workload as head of Gryffindor house and deputy-headmistress.

Albus couldn’t argue at this point and found the division good, but his followers were loudly complaining about Severus and he needed to keep them quiet before those fools ruin another nomination. He quickly regrouped with his followers and put-up privacy and silencing wards, so that he can discuss the nomination quietly.

Narcissa smirked and turned her attention to Michael, who was the one to nominate the two nominations.

When Aurelia Acton took over, she questioned, if there any other nominations. Michael rose his wand and he was chosen to speak. “Lord Davis? You have a nomination.”

Michael was a bit flustered, but answered: “Actually, I have two nominations. The first nomination is to introduce the ICW primary school curriculum in potions for our primary school.” The Davis lord waved with his wand and everyone received a copy of the potion curriculum for the primary school. Many looked at the summary of the curriculum for each year and agreed on it. “The students should learn the theory part and the basics in potions like the preparation of a cauldron and the different cutting techniques.”

Aurelia questioned: “And the second nomination?”

Michael took a deep breath and started: “At our last meeting, it had been revealed that Headmaster Dumbledore had hired Andromeda Tonks as the new history professor to replace Professor Binns.” Many nodded since they remembered the last meeting and they also knew, where this was going. “For that reason, I am nominating to hire Andromeda Tonks and to introduce for our students in Hogwarts the ICW curriculum in history.” The man waved with his wand again and handed everyone a copy of the curriculum. “This curriculum will teach the students the entire history of Magical Britain from Merlin and Arthur Pendragon in the 6th century to the new update about the last war in the 1990s and how it ended in 2001.” Many liked the idea and were ready to approve the curriculum. Most of them know that Tonks is a blind follower of Dumbledore and that she was going to introduce a curriculum that is lacking.

There was also a protest from Lady Meadow regarding the lowering of the expectations of the potion class since the potion NEWTs are a lot harder and the ingredients are more volatile. The woman explained that during the first through fifth year, the students get recipes that they had to follow, in order to brew the basic household potions, whereas the sixth and seventh years would get recipes that they had to adjust, in order to brew the potions appropriately, which is a lot harder. For example, veritesarem. The recipe in the potion book is for a wizard or witch that is 25 and has a normal weight there is the question, what needs to be changed, in order to brew a potion that is for a witch or wizard that is 48 and has a different weight than in the book. Furthermore, the potion ingredients for veritesarem are volatile and one little mistake can lead to an explosion that would cause a lost limb or even life. Many had to admit that it is a lot harder to adjust a potion and they agreed that the expectations had to remain due to the students’ safety.

When they were finished, Albus managed to calm his followers down and they agreed to vote for Narcissa’s nomination. Retaking his seat after Aurelia stepped down, he asked: “Were there any new nominations, Aurelia?”

The woman answered neutrally: “Yes, there were two nominations from Lord Michael Davis. One nomination is to introduce the ICW primary school curriculum in potions.” Albus sighed knowing that there was no way to win this. “And the second?” Aurelia answered in the same tone: “The second nomination is regarding your replacement in History of Magic.”

Albus didn’t know, what was discussed, but he was dreading it. He quickly pressed the button to call in Andromeda, so that she can introduce her curriculum in front of the board. “Andromeda has a mastery in history. Currently, she is working in a law firm with her husband. Furthermore, Master Tonks had also prepared a curriculum, what the students are going to learn in each year. Andromeda, would you like to explain the curriculum.” The woman answered curtly: “Yes, headmaster.” And she started to introduce her curriculum and the content of it. Many didn’t deny, what was written about her, since they were going through the copies of Andromeda’s CV and her mastery. Then, most of the board was going through the curriculum that Andromeda had created and compared it with the ICW curriculum. There were many things missing and some things were described differently than in the ICW curriculum. Another issue is that Andromeda’s curriculum was biased and prejudiced against the dark, Slytherins and magical beings. The students should learn the history of their nation in a neutral aspect and not biased.

When Andromeda was finished with her nomination, Albus said in a grand voice: “And for that reason, I am nominating to hire Master Andromeda Tonks and I am also proposing Andromeda’s curriculum to be used.” Albus smiled until he saw Davis raise his wand wanting to speak. “Lord Davis?”

Michael proposed: “I had the same nomination regarding the hiring of Master Tonks, but I am nominating that Madam Tonks uses the ICW curriculum in history since the content is covering the entire history of Magical Britain.” Albus stared at the man. This can’t be happening. He quickly said: “Lord Davis, I believe that this is a bad idea since we need to protect the students from being corrupted. There is some information that can be dangerous to learn for the children.” But the man argued: “Headmaster, you are the Supreme Mugwump in the ICW, aren’t you?” Albus nodded not understanding, what this had to do with the ICW curriculum. Michael continued: “Then, surely, you know that as the Surpeme Mugwump, you have approved of the curriculum in the ICW. If you look closely, then you all will notice the certification mark of the Supreme Mugwump and this mark is carrying your magical signature, headmaster. Why did you approve the curriculum in the ICW, if you are disapproving it to be used in Hogwarts?” Albus wanted to scream. He completely forgot that he approved the ICW curriculums for each class, which is a self-inflicting blow. He tried to find an argument, but sadly, he didn’t find anything that he can use.

When the votes came, the nomination regarding the history class was split in two. The first nomination to lower the expectations of the potion class failed epically. Albus was ready to kill. That was their last chance to lower the standards of the potion class. The second motion passed unanimously and the third nomination regarding the ICW primary school curriculum passed with a majority vote. The fourth motion to hire Andromeda Tonks passed with a majority vote, which pleased Albus. But the fifth nomination regarding Andromeda’s curriculum and the ICW curriculum infuriated Albus since the majority voted for the ICW curriculum instead of Andromeda’s, which had only the support of his followers and sympathisers. Albus couldn’t believe it. That was the second class that had received an update. He needs to speak with his followers right now and he had to rework his plans for the next six months. At first, Albus wanted to focus on removing some books from the library, but with the update of the history class, he had to push it back on a later date.

The meeting came to a close and everyone started to leave the Wizengamot chambers.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

Albus was practically stomping, when he was making his way up to his office. He was absolutely furious. This school board meeting went to hell.

When everyone had taken their seats, Albus was thinking overtime. At this meeting, it was his last chance to lower the standards of the potion class, but it had failed. Then, there was the hiring of Andromeda. It may have worked, but she had to use the ICW curriculum instead of the curriculum that she had worked on and he had approved of. There was also the marking scheme that would be tied to the wards. Albus sighed, why is everything going the wrong way.

Andromeda questioned: “Albus, what am I supposed to do? I can’t believe that these fools would do this.”

Minerva asked: “What has happened, Albus?”

James explained with a growl: “The board meeting went to hell, Minnie. We didn’t manage to lower the expectations of the potion class.” Minerva sighed in defeat. That was their last chance, but now it is gone. “Furthermore, the board implemented that next year, the students are going to be split in homeroom classes. Professor Vector, Professor Babbling and Madam Hooch would be responsible for the first and second years. Snape and Sinistra are going to take care of the third and fourth years. Flitwick and Sprout are going to be homeroom teachers for the fifth and sixth years and you, Minnie, are going to be the homeroom teacher for the seventh years due to your workload.” Minerva had to admit that this change could be beneficial and the seventh years are easier to deal with than the younger years. James continued sourly: “But the problem began with the hiring of Andy. The board agreed that she would teach history, but they were against her curriculum and voted for the ICW curriculum. Additionally, Davis nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for potion, which also had passed.” James sighed and questioned his old headmaster: “Albus, why did you approve the ICW curriculum?”

Albus was rubbing his eyes. He didn’t want to answer this question, but he had to, so that his followers were not questioning him like the board: “Well, my boy, I approved the curriculum since the ICW had voted for it and I hadn’t had a choice, but I made sure that the curriculum was not taught here in Hogwarts during your school years since there were some aspects that were too dangerous to know. I hadn’t expected that this would bite me back hard.” Albus really didn’t expect that anyone would use his approval back then against him, but here it is and he doesn’t have a choice. He curses Davis for presenting this in front of the board.

Albus turned his attention to Andromeda: “Andromeda, my dear, you have to follow the board’s ruling. I know that none of us want the ICW curriculum to be used, but you have no choice in the matter since the school board would keep a watch on you. For now, we had to accept this setback, but we are going to work on that problem in these coming months.”

“I understand, headmaster”, Andromeda said sourly.

Albus explained to his followers that in these coming six months, they are going to work hard to restrict the curriculum in History of Magic. Many nodded in understanding since the history class now has the precedence, but there were some, who were annoyed by this sudden change. Lily whined: “But Albus, what about the books in the library? You promised us that you are going to remove these books due to their darkness.”

Albus sighed, but answered: “I am sorry, Lily, my dear, but unfortunately, the history class has its precedence and I am sure that you don’t want John and Harry to learn some things that are dangerous to learn.”

Lily took a deep breath and said: “Of course, headmaster. But after that you are going to deal with the books in the library?”

Albus’ eyes twinkled. “Yes, my dear.”

“Good.” Lily didn’t want her sons to be swayed to the dark since it would destroy her family. It once happened with her former friends because of Snape, when he was taken by his grandfather and was turned dark. That bastard went out of his way and destroyed her base of friends. Only Mary was left and she suffered too since she took her side.

When there were no other questions, Albus was left in his office on his own and was thinking, how he should proceed for the next Wizengamot sessions. Phineas left his portrait, in order to inform Narcissa about the changed plans, so that she is prepared for the upcoming school board meetings.

Hogsmeade/Platform 9 ¾, June 28th, 2002

Bill Weasley was boarding the train. His first year came to an end, but there were many things, he had to do during the summer. The summer holidays are going to be spent with relearning the sixth-grade material of the muggle subjects. Bill was planning to study English and English literature, Math, Latin and French as foreign languages, Science, Geography and Muggle History. His father had already arranged for him the instructors in this summer and in Yule, he was going to do the exams in those muggle subjects. Additionally, he is going to learn the practical portion of Transfiguration and DADA, so that he can learn everything, what the Hogwarts subjects were lacking. In the other classes, Bill had participated in the tutoring sessions and managed to learn everything, what the school was lacking. And he started to self-study Magical Theory, in order to do the exam at the end of summer. So, he was well-prepared.

Arthur was waiting for the train to arrive. He had many things planned for this summer. Bill was going to be busy with studying the muggle subjects, Magical Theory, DADA and Transfiguration.

When the train pulled into the station, Arthur waited with his children until he was able to see his eldest son. His mood was good, when Bill came running to them, until he was disturbed by an annoying voice that he had known, when he had been attending the order meetings in the Fenwick estate. “Anton, please, this is not you. Give us a chance. You can’t throw me away for that dark wizard. He is a death eater wannabe and his family are followers of You-Know-Who. They are going to betray you.” Arthur was stunned. The girl was delusional. The Greengrasses were neutral during the war. Accusing them to be death eaters is political suicide.

Anton was irritated by Sarah. “Fenwick, listen to me very carefully. I don’t love you. I love Jaques, which means that I am gay, and I am betrothed to him. Jaques is not going to be a death eater like his father, who tried to sell him like fresh meat in the market to a man, whose first wife died under suspicious circumstances. Furthermore, the Greengrass Family were neutral during the war and there is a long-standing alliance between the House Abbott and House Greengrass.”

The girl scowled. “But-“

Anton interrupted the girl before she goes into another rant. “Enough, Fenwick. It is final and accept it. I am tired of repeating myself like a parrot. Please, leave me alone.” Not giving the girl a chance to respond, Anton left in a huff. The girl was crying. Tamara and Benjy quickly were on each side of their daughter and were comforting her. Both parents threw a writhing glare towards the Abbott Heir and Jaques Greengrass, but much to their fury, the young couple ignored them and quickly left the platform.

Arthur had seen this and was eavesdropping on the Fenwick family. He saw Sarah’s older brother Adam Fenwick, who was glaring at the direction of Anton and Jaques. “Don’t panic, sis, Abbott and Greengrass are going to pay for this insult.” Arthur knew that the man was going to do something stupid, which would cost him everything.

The Weasley patriarch quickly left the platform with his children knowing that he had to warn the Grey Alliance especially Zachary, Amélie, Cyrus and Danielle about Adam Fenwick.

Chapter Text

July 1st, 2002

The summer holidays have officially started and many students began their summer vacation. But there were many, who are going to attend summer school, because they failed one or two classes or they want to re-learn some things that they had missed due to the lacking curriculum in Hogwarts. Bill was one of these students since he is attending summer school, so that he can learn the core classes in the muggle subjects, but also, he wants to relearn DADA and Transfiguration since there were no tutoring sessions in those classes and the class material was not up to par with the ICW curriculum. Bill and his father told him that he may have attended the class in school, but the curriculum was lacking and missing many things. The instructors were prepared for such a situation and started to teach Bill everything, what he should have learned in DADA, which was good. They cursed Dumbledore for this, but they were glad that many students didn’t accept the mediocrity of the school. They were also surprised that the boy was learning muggle core classes. For Bill, this summer will be busy.

For the Wizengamot members, it was also annoying since the July meeting will take place on July 8th since Dumbledore had rescheduled the meeting, but they also understood it since the staff and the headmaster had to clean up the school and lock it down until the teachers had to return two weeks before the school year is going to start. Narcissa was planning to visit the Kurusus in the week of Akira’s birthday. Narcissa wanted also to invite mainly the Longbottoms and the Bones’s since Neville and Susan are Akira’s godsiblings. She had sent a letter to Toisho and Aika about the idea and they answered that it would be a good idea that Akira’s godbrother and godsister should come there and spend some time with them. They will mention it to Lady Longbottom and Amelia. Draco was also invited. Narcissa already informed her husband and he accepted it. Lucius wanted to ask her about the trip in Japan for Akira’s birthday, but it seems like that his wife had arranged everything. The only thing that is annoying is the school board meeting on July 29th, but they are sure that they would finish it up quickly and leave before they would return for the Wizengamot meeting in August 5th.

Severus was annoyed and relieved at the same time. Annoyed since he had to clean up the potion classrooms, the labs and the common room or better to say, the house elves are the ones cleaning it up, but he had to inspect every detail. Severus was relieved that there are no students to annoy him. Elanor and his entourage were a good example that have whined about the unfairness regarding his expectations in the potion class, but he managed to shut them up. Thank Merlin, the fool is graduating this year, but he can’t apply as an auror due to his missing potion grade.

Headmaster’s office, July 4th, 2002

Albus was sitting in his office with his followers. They were planning to push forward a law that the monitoring of the veelas is a requirement and that every veela in Britain had to wear a tracker. Arthur was shocked about the insanity of their plans. Monitoring veelas is dangerous and deadly. Only a fool would anger a veela.

Phineas was shaking his head. The man had lost his mind. Veelas are dangerous. They would not allow anyone to track them without burning them to a crisp. There was also a treaty between the British Wizengamot and the Veela Nation in Britain in 1617, where it was stated that it is forbidden to track or monitor a veela without getting killed. The veelas here would have the right to kill anyone, who dares to monitor or try to track them, and they can get away with it since the treaty is giving them the immunity. Furthermore, it is also signed in blood, which makes it binding. They are going to fail horribly with this nomination.

Albus was sure that the blood purists and the creature haters like Deloris Umbridge would support this notion. He had to win this time, no matter what.

Arthur was glad that no one asked about Molly and if someone did ask about his wife, he set up the excuse that his youngest two needed a lot of attention due to the lung infection Ron had before Yule. Everyone accepted the excuse easily. Arthur had to admit that those fools were wearing blinders.

Bones Manor, July 6th, 2002

Everyone was disgusted, when Arthur was finished with explaining Dumbledore’s nomination. Corban was terrified about this motion, because monitoring or even tracking a veela is a death sentence since the veelas would have the right to kill them on sight. They are not going to use their fireballs, but they are going to call upon the contract between the Wizengamot and the Veela Nation up to question, which would kill hundreds of witches and wizards. Augustus shook his head and said: “Are these lemon drops that he is consuming rotting his brain? Because I believe that the man had lost his mind. Barty will never agree with this nomination since it is a suicide mission for his aurors.”

Amelia huffed: “That nomination needs to fail. I want to live longer and not die under the hands of an angry veela.” Everyone grimaced at the idea.

Arthur shuddered. “I am grateful that Lady Delacour is not here. She would have burned Albus and his followers into crisps for even suggesting such an idea.” Most shuddered in fear. The Delacour matriarch would have liked to say about this nomination.

“We will show the Wizengamot the contract from 1617, in order to make sure that the members are aware of the consequences by allowing this law to pass”, Narcissa said with determination.

Everyone agreed on that matter. Lucius asked Corban: “Do we need a distraction or will Barty present his nomination on Monday?”

Corban answered: “We don’t need a distraction this time. Barty told me that he is going to nominate his proposal in this Wizengamot meeting.”

“Good”, Narcissa answered curtly knowing that this would distract Dumbledore and his fools greatly. “Is there something else?”

Arthur was the one, who spoke up: “Well, there is Adam Fenwick. He is furious regarding Anton’s choice of choosing Jaques over his sister and wants to make both pay for the insult against Sarah.”

Muriel scoffed: “This is only bark, but no bite for now. We need to be careful around the lad in a few years since I know that Dumbledore’s fools are planning long term.” Everyone nodded in understanding and knew that Dumbledore and his sheep are planning on longer time period.

When that was finished, Narcissa turned her attention to Amelia and her great-aunt, Callidora. “Amelia, Great Aunt Callidora, Lucius and I were planning to travel to Japan at the end of July and the beginning of August for Akira’s birthday. We are asking you, if Susan and Neville could join us.”

Amelia and Callidora had a thoughtful look. Amelia was the first to answer. “For Susan and me, it would be difficult since we are invited to John’s birthday event. It would be a setback, if Susan and I don’t join John’s birthday celebration.” Narcissa nodded in understanding, but Amelia argued: “But maybe we could use the time zones to our advantage. There is a potion that is also working for toddlers to adapt to the different time zones in our world. The potion is lasting for a week.” That could work since the timely difference between Britain and Japan is nine hours. Amelia and Susan could stay for dinner. But after dinner, they would have to leave and return back to the UK. And if they arrive in Britain, it would be lunch time.

Narcissa looked at Callidora. The prim and proper Lady of the House Longbottom said: “Augusta and Neville were invited to John’s birthday event too. Like Amelia, both could take the potion and come for dinner. They also had to return at the same time.”

Narcissa nodded in understanding and came to an agreement with both women. Susan, Amelia, Augusta and Neville could stay until it is dinner time in Japan on Akira’s and John’s birthday. But then, they have to return back to Britain, in order to attend the birthday event in Britain. For the travel to Japan, they will arrange the international portkeys for Monday 29th. The board meeting will always take place during the mornings until lunch and in the afternoon, they will leave Britain.

Wizengamot, July 8th, 2002

When the Wizengamot started, one of the light fools announced his nomination to make it a requirement that the veelas in Britain had to be monitored and they are required to wear a tracker. Bartemius Crouch Sr. was ready to snap, when he heard that nomination. This motion could kill aurors, if it passes. Before he could make a protest, Amelia quickly stopped him and she whispered into his ear: “Bartemius, I know that you want to stop this nomination, but make your nomination first and make the protest later. It would not be advisable to be offensive against one of Dumbledore’s followers for now.” Barty didn’t like it, but he had to admit that Amelia was right. He knew that Dumbledore was very manipulative and knew, how to turn the public against certain people. He doesn’t want that.

When the nomination was finished, Albus asked, if there were any other nominations. Bartemius was the one to raise his wand. “Lord Crouch?”

Bartemius stood up with grace and started: “Dear members of the Wizengamot, I am nominating some changes in the Wizengamot trials due to the recent trial against Aurelius Yaxley in May. I am proposing that during the Wizengamot trials against adults, the minors should testify separately from the proceedings and that the recordings are shown to the court. I don’t want a similar repeat like the trial in May.” Many agreed on this motion, but there were some protests from the light section. Dumbledore closed his eyes trying to calm himself down. His followers are making things even more difficult. He needed some time to calm those idiots down.

Bartemius was glad that Dumbledore and his clowns have retreated for the time being. Now he can make a protest against the first nomination and Dumbledore would never know.

Aurelia took over and saw that Bartemius had raised his wand. “Lord Crouch?”

Bartemius took a deep breath and started: “Chief Witch Acton, I have a formal protest to make against Lord Fenwick’s nomination regarding the monitoring and the tracking of the veelas here in Britain. According to the treaty between the Wizengamot and the Veela Nation from 1617, it is stated that we are forbidden from tracking and monitoring the veelas here or we are going to pay it with our lives. And in case, we are breaking the terms of the contract, then, the veelas would call upon Lady Magic to judge the contract. If we are found guilty, then, hundreds of witches and wizards will die due to the judgement. Do any of you want that?” Many shook their heads and when everyone received a copy of the treaty, they were shocked to see that the terms made it clear that it is actually illegal to track or even monitor a veela here in Britain. The darker purebloods were angered by this and were angry at their ancestors, who have signed this contract.

When everyone apart from Dumbledore and his fools were finished reading the contract, Aurelia got the attention of the Wizengamot back to her. “Is there another nomination apart from Lord Dumbledore and Lord Crouch or another protest?”

Amelia Bones was the one, who rose her wand. “Lady Bones?”, Aurelia asked. Amelia rose from her seat.

“Dear members of the Wizengamot, due to these revelations, I am nominating to put the current law regarding the monitoring and the tracking of veelas into question. We have learnt from that treaty that monitoring and tracking a veela could be a death sentence and we can’t risk that. Like with the centaurs, we are also required to uphold the treaty and try our best to avoid the punishment from Lady Magic’s judgement”, Amelia said. Many agreed, even the darker purebloods begrudgingly agreed since they don’t want to suffer the wrath of their Lady.

When Dumbledore was finished to calm his followers down and had retaken his podium, Albus asked Aurelia, if there were any other nominations.

Aurelia answered: “Chief Warlock, there was another nomination from Lady Bones. She is nominating to put the current law regarding the tracking and the monitoring of veelas into question and that the law is in need of a re-evaluation.” Albus didn’t understand, why Amelia is against his nomination. She should know the dangers that the veelas were posing to wizards and witches. Aurelia continued: “Furthermore, you forgot to mention that there was a treaty between the Wizengamot and the Veela Nation that was signed in 1617. In that treaty, the Wizengamot agreed that the veelas are not going to be monitored or tracked and we nearly violated these terms with your nomination.” Albus remained silent knowing that his plan is in jeopardy, but he will not give up.

When the votes came, the first nomination failed epically since a majority even the darker purebloods voted against it, which angered Dumbledore and his followers. The second nomination had a unanimous vote and the counter-nomination had a landslide vote, which made sure that the current law regarding the monitoring and tracking of veelas is put on ice. Albus was furious. This can’t be happening. He needed to speak with his followers about this setback. Deloris Umbridge, who was replacing Fudge as proxy since the man is not interested to participate in the Wizengamot as department head of magical accidents, fumed in rage, but she had to accept the lost vote.

Hogwarts

Albus was sitting behind his desk thinking about the failed vote. He was furious. How could the Wizengamot fall for the trick with that treaty, but unfortunately, Albus had believed that the treaty is no longer valid since it is nearly 400 years old. Albus never thought that even though the treaty is old that it is still valid.

Arthur was hiding his glee that the nomination had failed. This was good. Looking at Dumbledore’s expression, the fool didn’t realise that some people are going to vote against his nomination. Looking around, there were many angry expressions. Especially, from the younger generation like James and Lily.

James said his rather loud opinion: “Albus, what has happened? Why did everyone vote against your nomination?”

Arthur answered: “Maybe the problem is lying with the treaty.”

James snapped: “The treaty is not valid. It is nearly 400 years old and has lost its validity due to time.”

Arthur shook his head. He couldn’t believe that James is so stupid. Treaties could be valid for eternities. Unlike in the muggle world, magical treaties can be enforced and remain valid until there are some changes to the treaty. “James, magical treaties never lose their validity since they are magically enforceable. Unlike in the muggle world, treaties here are valid for eternities until there are some changes to them.”

Dedalus agreed before James could start an argument. “He is right, James. Magical treaties are valid even today. And since we have planned to violate a clause of a magical treaty, the affected party, the veelas, could have called upon Lady Magic to judge it. From there on, things would have gotten worse for us.” Arthur was thankful that Dedalus intervened before there were some suspicions towards him.

The others had to begrudgingly agree with Dedalus and Arthur. Even Albus had to admit that this would have been a lost battle.

James just huffed. He was annoyed that the others were not agreeing with him, but he can’t argue. Many are still angry about the debacle in December.

Phineas was hiding a grin. These fools had failed and he hoped that things would continue like this. Watching Dumbledore’s angry face is highly entertaining.

Jugson Estate, July 13th, 2002

Isabella was pacing the living room in the Jugson estate waiting for her brother, who has been working as an auror. Eric Jugson was also a loyal follower of Voldemort and unlike Corban, the man had been using his position as an auror to give their Lord information on the DMLE and their next moves. Isabella wanted to know, who the undercover auror is that had brought Aurelius down and was responsible for ruining all of their plans. She blamed that particular person for all the mess, he or she had caused.

Turning around, Isabella heard the floo chime and her brother stepped out. The woman huffed: “Thank Merlin, you are here. Any news about this undercover auror that was responsible for the downfall of Aurelius?”

Eric shook his head. Isabella seethed. “You idiot. You know that that auror could be also our downfall. What if she remembers me and reports it to the ministry that I was Aurelius’ accomplice? Do you want me going to jail?”

The man huffed: “We wouldn’t be in this trouble, if you and Aurelius hadn’t planned this stupidity. If you two had left Corban to live his disgraceful life as a disinherited heir of a noble house married with that line thief, then, Aurelius wouldn’t have ended up in jail stripped of his title. You could have married Aurelius instead of Corban, but no, you wanted your revenge and now look, what your stupidity had led to. Gerald is dead and Corban is the new Lord Yaxley. Everything is ruined, when father received a letter from Corban to freeze the current alliance with our house.” Isabella wanted to scream in fury. Where the hell should she know that there was an undercover auror overhearing them?

“Then, you need to work harder, Eric. We can’t allow Aurelius’ actions to be linked back to us since we would be ruined.” Both siblings froze, when they heard their father’s voice. It was Lord Manfred Jugson, who had said that with a sever voice.

Eric answered with a sigh: “I know, father, but finding an undercover auror is hard since their file is sealed and only the head of the DMLE and the responsible head auror have the ability to reveal the undercover auror.”

Isabella was annoyed. “Then, find out, who the responsible head auror is. I know that Crouch only knows, but the man doesn’t have the file, and we all know that the man would never tell anyone, who the undercover auror is that brought Aurelius down.”

Eric huffed: “That is also not easy. I need to review the case file of Aurelius, in order to find out, who had been leading the investigation. And since the case is high-ranked, I am very sure that one of the head aurors had been leading the case. With that, I would be able to find out, who the head auror is. From there on, it would be easy to get information about the undercover auror.”

Manfred sighed and rubbed his eyes in annoyance. He loved his daughter, but sometimes the girl is too rash and bold, if she is vindictive. He asked his son: “Eric, do you think that the Greengrass brat knows something?”

“I doubt it, father. Greengrass was maybe caught, but the boy wouldn’t know it either. There is no point in questioning Greengrass. I also viewed his file after Potter threw a fit that the DMLE refused to punish the brat ‘appropriately’. Looking over the file, I noticed that most of the evidence against Greengrass came from an undercover auror, but if it is the same auror, who had brought Aurelius down, is questionable. It could be another hidden auror, who had nothing to do with Aurelius’ downfall, but we can only theorise. The case was led by Bones and as head auror, she surely has an undercover auror in Knockturn Alley since Greengrass had lived in this place before he was arrested”, Eric explained.

Manfred was thinking. He needed to protect his family until the Dark Lord returned. His oldest son, Ulrich Jugson, was sentenced to the goblin mines and his child was suffering pure hell. He wished, he could help him, but the costs for the damages that were caused in the war were too high to pay and it would have bankrupted his family. “Eric, try to review the case of Aurelius. It is only important to know, who was the responsible head auror for the case.” Eric nodded and will arrange to review the case file of Aurelius Yaxley. He hoped that no one would suspect anything.

DMLE, July 20th, 2002

Eric was reviewing the case file of Aurelius Yaxley. He managed to get access to a copy of the file with the help of a contact that was loyal to their cause. The main evidence was coming from the fact that the man was caught in the act. Eric shook his head by the foolishness of Aurelius and Isabella. The undercover auror had only played a supporting role, but she was there, when Isabella and Aurelius were talking since it was mentioned that there was a female accomplice that had helped Aurelius. He didn’t need to think hard that it must be Isabella. Looking through the file, Eric was startled that Amelia was the head auror, who had been leading the investigation. With that, Eric came to the conclusion that the undercover auror that was responsible for the arrest of Greengrass was also the one, who was responsible for bringing down Aurelius.

The only thing that he had to do was to look through Amelia’s office. Head aurors had the privilege for an office.

But he had to be careful, because the last thing, he needed was to be caught by the other aurors. Some are loyal like him to the Dark Lord, but the others are not. Some are followers of Dumbledore and most are followers of neither side, which makes them more dangerous than Dumbledore’s sheep.

Closing the file, Eric needed a plan to look through Amelia’s office without the woman being there, which is an impossibility since the head auror is always closing her office even during lunch breaks. He needed the file about the undercover auror.

He quickly left the DMLE after taking the copy with him. Unfortunately, he was seen by one of the aurors, but he ignored the man, which was going to be a mistake that would be life-threatening.

Jugson Estate

Eric quickly made his way to the informal meeting room, in order to discuss with his sister and his father about his findings. Isabella had returned from a luncheon with her friends and his father had a business meeting with one of their business partners.

Manfred was hopeful that his son has found something. “Eric, did you find something out about the undercover auror?”

Eric quickly sat down and took a cup of tea that one of their elves had served. “Well, I found out that Bones had been leading both investigations and the undercover auror must have been the same person.”

Isabella was startled. “So, the undercover auror in Greengrass’ case is the same one that was responsible for the downfall of Aurelius.”

“In a way, yes, since Bones was responsible for both cases”, Eric concluded.

Manfred was thoughtful. He hated Amelia Bones since the women was fair and would never take any bribes. She also is a perfect candidate of being the head of the DMLE. There is also her position in the Wizengamot as the Lady of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. “Eric, you need to find a way to get inside Bones’ office without anyone seeing you.”

“That is impossible since Bones is locking her office even if she goes during her lunch breaks”, Eric explained.

Isabella growled: “Then, find a way in without that goody-two-shoes noticing that someone was in her office.”

Eric glowered back: “Bella, this isn’t easy. This is not one of those incompetent aurors like Dumbledore’s fools apart from Moody that you could easily trick.”

“ENOUGH!”, Manfred thundered at both of his children before the argument could escalate. Both children froze in their places and stopped arguing. “Isabella, don’t panic, we will find a way to get the information, but you need to give your brother some credit. Amelia Bones is not a fool and she isn’t an idiot. We need to be careful, how we proceed.” Isabella nodded knowing that her father was right.

Eric was glad that his father understood the situation. There was no way to trick someone dangerous like Amelia Bones. Even though the woman was a Hufflepuff, she was vicious.

Potter Manor, July 23rd, 2002

There was another order meeting and it was about the updated history class. Andromeda had also joined the meeting since she is teaching that class. Albus was sure that since they have Andromeda, it would be easier to get, what they want. Arthur had been ready to tell the others about their plans to dumb down the history class, but waited until the meeting came to an end.

Andromeda was the first one to speak during the order meeting and wanted to change the section about the beginnings of Magical Britain. It was about the Pendragons, Merlin and Morgana Le Fay-Pendragon. Andromeda wanted it changed since she didn’t want the students to know that Uther Pendragon was a magic-hating muggle ruler and tyrant that was killing witches and wizards due to the death of his wife, even though he was to blame since he allowed a priestess of the Olde Religion, Nimue, to conduct a dangerous ritual that would allow Ygraine Pendragon to become pregnant. The ritual was known as “A Life For A Life”, which was known that to bring a new life, there was a human sacrifice needed. Uther didn’t care, who died, but he didn’t expect that his wife would be the one that would die to give birth to his son. And that was the start of his hatred against all kind of magic users and magical creatures.

His son, Arthur, continued on with his policy after his death, even though Merlin and Morgana were trying to steer him away from that path, but were barely successful. There was also the fact that Merlin as an acknowledged Light Lord and Morgana as an acknowledged Dark Lady were working together to bring back the balance in the magical world. Additionally, Merlin wasn’t portrayed as an old man in most of Dumbledore’s approved history books, but as a young lad in his twenties. The ban went on until Arthur found out the truth about his conception from the Lady of the Lake. From there on, he abolished the law to ban magic since he blamed his father for his mother’s death and made it known, what his father had done. The entire kingdom was in an uproar and supported the decision. At the end, Arthur became an acknowledged Grey Lord, when it was found out that he had magic, which was blocked by Nimue and his uncle. He always advocated with his half-sister and his best friend to create a balance between light and dark magic users.

Albus didn’t need that since the students would be corrupted even though the way it is taught, it leans more to neutrality.

Arthur wasn’t surprised that Albus wanted this part of history to be changed, but sadly, it would not work and it would fail during the board meeting, if they try to convince the other board members that the section was dangerous and would corrupt students. The Weasley patriarch gave the portraits, Charlus and Dorea, a wink and returned back playing the blind light fool.

Charlus and Dorea were not happy to listen to these fools, how evil and dangerous it is to learn about the beginnings of Magical Britain, but they had to and their mood worsened, when their son is believing in this trash. They should have created a marriage contract between James and Lily, but no, they believed that those two would handle their family without a contract. Thankfully, their eldest grandson is safe and they are sure that he will not come into harm.

Dorea also didn’t like Sirius and Remus. Those two were in her and Charlus’ home since her son was friends with them and additionally, Sirius was abused by his mother. She took him in since the rest of her birth family didn’t seem to care. She wished, she didn’t take him in and had sent him to his grandparents instead. Arcturus and Melania would have been able to deal with the problem appropriately with Walburga, who was the main abuser, and they would have straightened him out.

So many opportunities have been missed, because they were so blind and happy to have a child after many stillbirths and miscarriages. They made too many mistakes with their son and the results are disastrous since it would have led to the death of magic in the UK, if Lady Magic didn’t intervene. Lady Magic was able to interfere in this period since Voldemort had attacked an underage parselmouth and broke one of her major rules. This allowed her to intervene for three days in the magical world of Britain. She was the one, who caused the car that the Kurusus had rented to break in Private Drive, so that they can save Akira from his fate of being in an abusive home and becoming a puppet of Dumbledore. She also nudged Petunia Dursley to sign away her and her husband’s rights over the boy to the Kurusu couple. And through her direct interventions, she was able to help Narcissa to destroy the four horcruxes and gain more people, who are eager to get rid of Dumbledore and Voldemort. She had even the playing field and now both the Light and the Dark Lord are in a disadvantage, whereas the Grey Lord has the advantage over them. For now, Lady Magic cannot interfere since the three-day period is over and she can’t return to the mortal world, in order to make further changes. She knew that if the Potters and Lupin continue with their path, then, John will suffer for their actions and there, Lady Magic wouldn’t be able to interfere. She knew, what will happen, but she can’t stop it from now on.

Nott Manor, July 26th, 2002

“Are those lemon drops responsible for rotting his brain, because seriously, claiming that the cooperation between Morgana, Merlin and Arthur Pendragon is dangerous information, then, I have to say that the man is losing it”, Callidora said primly, when Arthur was finished with his explanation about the order meeting. The woman couldn’t believe, how stupid Dumbledore could be.

Arthur said: “Be happy that you were not there listening to Albus. It is already bad enough to listen to their dronings.”

“They are even droning on a topic in the order meetings?”, Augustus asked.

Arthur nodded. “Yes, listening to them is painful, but let’s move on.”

Everyone agreed and they were discussing, how to distract Dumbledore and his followers. Narcissa had her focus on the homeroom classes that they had managed to pass on the last meeting. “I believe that we should focus on the homeroom classes for now. For this meeting, I am planning to nominate that the core classes should have one hour additionally for the theory part. It would ease down the workload during the practical portion of the core classes. The same can be done to the electives Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures.” Everyone agreed. They are going to nominate that during the board meeting. Augustinus can tell that these small changes are going to bite Dumbledore in the butt in the end.

“And we can make the proposal to nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for History of Magic in the primary school?”, Augustinus questioned.

Narcissa nodded. “Yes.”

“Good. That old fool will never notice that he is slowly losing control over our governing body and the school board.” Augustinus had a sinister smile that reminded everyone, why Grindelwald and his forces feared that man back then.

With that the meeting came to an end and everyone apart from the Notts were making their way home.

School board meeting, July 29th, 2002

The meeting had started and one of Dumbledore’s followers made their first nomination. Albus smiled at Griselda. “Esteemed members of this board, it had come to my attention that in the ICW curriculum in History of Magic, the students would be taught some false information regarding King Arthur, Morgana Le-Fay and Merlin himself. In these so-called history book, the children in Hogwarts would be shown that King Arthur, Merlin and Morgana had worked together, in order to maintain a balance in Camelot, but in reality, Arthur Pendragon and Merlin, who was an elderly wizard and not a young man, have worked together to make the kingdom prosper. Furthermore, the history about Uther Pendragon is wrong. The man wasn’t a magic-hating muggle tyrant and he didn’t commit genocide, because of his wife’s death that was caused through a ritual. Another aspect is Morgana Le-Fay. She was the half-sister of Arthur Pendragon and she didn’t help Arthur and Merlin, but the woman was a dark witch, who had opposed Merlin and Arthur and was Merlin’s arch-nemesis…” The woman continued on to natter about all the ‘wrong’ information that needed to be rectified. Those in the Grey Alliance were looking at the woman like she had two heads, but they were patient.

When the nomination was finished, Dumbledore was pleased until he saw Narcissa had her wand risen to the air. “Lady Malfoy, you have a nomination?”

Narcissa nodded and stood up. “Yes, Headmaster Dumbledore, and my nomination is regarding the core classes Transfiguration, DADA, Potions, Charms and Herbology and the electives Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. I am proposing that during the next school year, the practical classes should have one additional hour for the theory portion.”

Albus didn’t know, how to react to this nomination. He found the idea good, but his followers were already in an argument. The younger followers didn’t like the nomination, but the older followers had the same opinion like him.

Narcissa smirked, when Aurelia took over after Albus put up a privacy barrier. “Any other nominations?” Callidora rose her wand. “Lady Longbottom?”

The elderly woman stood up and made her protest. “Lady Acton, esteemed members of this board. I have my doubts regarding Lady Marchbanks’ nomination about the history of King Arthur, Merlin and Lady Morgana Le-Fay. According to the journals that were left by King Arthur, Merlin and Lady Morgana Le-Fay and are in the archives in the ICW, all three of them worked together to bring the kingdom to prosper. The only main nemeses were Morgana’s maternal half-sister, Morgause Le-Fay, and her right-hand man, Modred. There were even sections in Morgana’s diary that even she was afraid of her half-sister and that is saying something.” Everyone shuddered terrified. If Morgana Le-Fay feared her half-sister, what will they say about the woman. Callidora continued: “Furthermore, Lady Marchbank’s sources are also lacking since the books were coming from the muggle world and not from our world and I need to remind everyone that muggles thought of Camelot and the history of Arthur Pendragon a myth. We are not going to teach our students the muggles’ view about our history and tell them the real history. It is actually harmful for our society, if we don’t learn the true history behind an event.” Many nodded in agreement with Callidora and the Grey Alliance was sure that they had swayed many against Marchbank’s nomination. Even the blood purists would vote against that motion.

With that finished, the prim and proper woman sat down and waited for the next nomination that came from Narcissa. Aurelia called out: “Lady Malfoy?”

Narcissa rose from her seat and started: “Lords, Ladies, my nomination is to propose the ICW primary school curriculum for History of Magic.” With that short sentence, she sat down and Aurelia put the nomination in the docket.

When Albus and his followers were finished, the old man retook his seat as Head Governor and asked: “Aurelia, my dear, were there any other nominations?”

Aurelia nodded. “Yes, Headmaster. Lady Malfoy nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for History of Magic.”

Albus’ smile became brittle. He wished, he had something against the ICW curriculums for the primary school, but sadly, he doesn’t have anything. Albus shook his head and started with the voting.

The first nomination from Griselda failed. Albus and she were outraged. The second nomination passed unanimously. The third nomination had a landslide vote from the neutrals and majority of the dark and light sections.

Albus was furious about the lost vote, when he left the chambers. Why is nothing working according to his plan?

Hogwarts

Albus and his followers were not happy about the lost vote. This meeting was supposed to be the start of regaining some control that they had lost, because of the potion class. Albus promised his followers that they had to fix the history class first before they could return their focus to the potion class again. He was furious that the first six months were failures. And thanks to these fools on the board, there was another class that had been changed against his will. He needs to find something that would work for him, but what?

“Albus?”, James asked.

Albus sighed. “I’m sorry, my boy, I was lost in my thoughts.”

“What are we going to do, Albus? Why does nothing work?” Griselda wondered. She was furious that her nomination has failed, but she has another section of the history curriculum that can be changed and it is about the history of Hogwarts. Griselda will tell Albus about this in the next pre-meeting.

Albus took a deep breath. “I don’t know, Griselda, my dear, but we need to work harder on restricting the current history curriculum.” Many nodded.

Dedalus was glad that the nomination failed, but he had to pretend that he wasn’t and said: “How about we change the topic and discuss the next Wizengamot meeting on August 5th?”

Albus answered with a twinkle in his eyes: “A very good idea, Dedalus.” Albus liked the change of topic. It would distract him a bit about the lost vote during the school board meeting, but it is still lingering. “My next nomination would be to ban veelas from marrying at all. Currently, we have a ban that veelas are forbidden from marrying witches and wizards, but it is time to extend that ban.” Arthur completely forgot that there was still the ban that prohibited veelas and wixen from marrying each other. He hoped that this ban would be abolished before Bill comes of age.

Phineas was so glad that the old fool’s control over the school is cut and slowly, he is going to lose even more control.

Ministry of Magic, International Floo Terminal

Lucius and Narcissa had packed everything for their vacation in Japan. They will not return until August 3rd. The day after their return, the pre-meeting will take place to counter Dumbledore’s insanity.

Their son, Draco, is safely tucked in his stroller and they were ready to leave. They hoped that they wouldn’t have any trouble with the Japanese Ministry of Magic due to the bad relations between Britain and Japan, but she doesn’t believe it. Furthermore, she knew through the paperwork of being the magical guardian of Akira that the Kurusus are living in Inaba and there the Black Family is owning a flat that has the size of a house. It had five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a formal and informal meeting and dining room and a small library.

Quickly, they took the portkey that would portkey them to the International Floo Terminal in Japan. The clerk, who had arranged the portkey for them, warned them that the Japanese Ministry will ask some uncomfortable questions, but Narcissa waved him away. She is prepared for everything.

Japan

Lucius and Narcissa arrived at the International Floo Terminal in Japan and they were quickly intercepted by one of the workers in the ministry. The woman was surprised that there were citizens from Britain coming, but it doesn’t matter. There was still a job to be done.

“Lord and Lady Malfoy, welcome to Japan.” The woman smiled at them and their son.

Narcissa and Lucius gave the woman an acknowledging nod and turned their attention to her. The woman was startled that the Malfoys at least acknowledged her. Normally, the Brits are ignorant and rude, but it seems like she is meeting some pleasant characters from that country.

“Thank you, Ms. Naoki. I hope our time in Japan is going to be exciting.” Narcissa knew her name due to the paperwork that they had gone through, in order to get the approval of the portkey.

The woman froze, when the Malfoy matriarch mentioned her surname. Well, the Malfoys were more attentive than she had thought. She led them to her desk and said in a formal voice: “Lord and Lady Malfoy, I am not going to sugarcoat this. So, I am getting straight to the point. I am going to ask you some questions that are going to be uncomfortable due to the bad relations between our two ministries.” Narcissa nodded and cursed Dumbledore and his fools for this mess, but it doesn’t matter. They will get their due soon. “I hope that you are not going to take it as an insult, but due to the incompetence of your ministry during Grindelwald’s rule of terror and the civil war in Britain from 1990 to 2001, there is a slight distrust in Japan towards British tourists from the magical world.” Narcissa and Lucius looked at each other and grimaced. Both turned their attention to the woman. “We understand, Ms. Naoki, and we wish, our relations were better, but we have a certain old fool and his cheerleaders that are standing in our way.” The woman repressed her laugh. She knew, who Lady Malfoy was referring to and she was glad that those two are not blind followers of that man.

Ms. Naoki asked them: “Lord Malfoy, due to your past affiliation with the Dark Lord Voldemort, we want to make sure that you didn’t come here to continue with that man’s campaign and crusade against muggleborns and other wixen and magical beings that have impure blood here in Japan. We are not going to tolerate that.”

Lucius quickly took out his inheritance test out of his briefcase and showed it to the woman. He answered shortly: “My affiliation with that man is long gone after what he had done to me.”

Naoki went over the inheritance test. She was shocked, horrified and disgusted, what had been done to Lord Malfoy. Well, this proves that Lord Malfoy isn’t here for political reasons, but he is here to spend his vacation with his family. “Alright. Can I make a copy?”

Lucius nodded and the woman copied the inheritance test. The ministry worker asked: “Then, can you tell us the reason why you are here?”

Narcissa was the one to answer: “Ms. Naoki, we are here, because I am the magical guardian of one of your underage citizens. We came here to celebrate his second birthday in two days.”

The woman smiled fondly and asked: “Okay. Do you want to disclose the boy’s name or will this information remain anonymously?” Narcissa smiled at the woman and knew that she didn’t need to deceive anyone here in Japan since nothing will get back to Dumbledore from here since no one seemed to like the old fool here. She nodded at the question and started her explanation about Akira, but she edited the truth a little.

“Akira Kurusu. He lives with his parents here in Inaba. Nearly nine months ago, Akira was abandoned by his biological parents to magic-hating muggle relatives. He was dosed with loyalty, compulsion, submission and mild love potions and he had his gifts and half of his magic blocked. Thankfully, he was purged from all that filth and through his biological aunt, his adopted parents gained custody over him, when those relatives signed away their rights. Later on, I was contacted by a good Samaritan to become the boy’s magical guardian and through the goblins, I have managed that.” When Narcissa was finished with her explanation, the clerk had sent a note to the Child Service Department, in order to verify the facts.

After a while, the file appeared on her desk via the interdepartmental memo. Looking over the file of Akira Kurusu, everything matched, what the woman had said. “Very well, Lady Malfoy. Where are you going to stay for the time being?”

Narcissa answered: “The Black Family has a flat here in Inaba and we are going to stay there during our vacation.”

The woman’s eyes rose in shock. The Black Family. Out of all the British Families, the Blacks have always been welcomed here in Japan. And due to their properties in their countries, the family has a long-standing invitation. She asked with a stutter: “How are you related to the Black Family?”

Narcissa sighed deeply. She completely forgot that her paternal family has a long-standing invitation here and that they can come and go however they want. Furthermore, they had many allies here in Japan. Narcissa answered: “My maiden name is Black and currently, I am the Regent of the House Black since my great uncle retired for the time being.”

Naoki grimaced. When she had gone through the paperwork, she was sure that she had heard about Narcissa Malfoy, but she couldn’t put her finger where until now. She had read the newspaper article about some events in Britain like the disownment of Sirius Black and Bellatrix Lestrange or the inauguration of Narcissa Malfoy as the new Regent of the House Black. The woman quickly apologised for the questions, she had asked them, and officially, welcomed them here in Japan but both accepted it and ordered a portkey to Inaba, which was quickly arranged.

Before the Malfoys had to go, Narcissa quickly informed her: “Ms. Naoki, there is something else that I want to tell you. Beside me, my husband and my son, Akira will also be visited by his godbrother and godsister. His godbrother is Neville Longbottom and he will come here with his grandmother, Augusta Longbottom. The boy’s mother, Alice Longbottom, is Akira’s godmother, but she is currently compromised and isn’t able to meet her godson properly. His godsister is Susan Bones and she will be here with her aunt, Amelia Bones, who is actually the other godmother of Akira. But Susan is still referred as Akira’s godsibling.” The woman nodded in understanding and will warn her co-workers about the visiting Brits. She said: “Lady Malfoy, I apologise again for not knowing, who you are, and I am thanking you for the information. Furthermore, I will inform you that you and your family have a long-standing invitation here in Japan. You can come and go as you please since the Black Family is owning some properties here.” Narcissa nodded in gratitude and took the portkey that had appeared via the interdepartmental memo.

With that, Narcissa left the department and went to the portkey area of the ministry. She took out her portkey to the flat in Inaba and portkeyed her husband and son to their home.

Later that evening, Augusta and Amelia came here with Neville and Susan and had it easier than the Malfoys due to the information that the members of the department received. Both families had made arrangement to remain in a hotel for the time being. Amelia and Augusta also arranged portkeys to return home on the evening of July 31st since they had another birthday to attend.

Kurusu residence, July 31st, 2002

Today was Akira’s second birthday and the Kurusus had invited Narcissa and Lucius with their son, Draco. But much to their surprise, the Malfoys weren’t the only family that had come to Akira’s birthday. They also met Akira’s godmother, Amelia Bones, who had brought her niece, who was the same age like Akira. Then, they were introduced to Augusta Longbottom, who had brought Neville, Akira’s godbrother, whose birthday was the day before. It was a complicated web of relation, when Augusta revealed to the Kurusus that she was Alice’s mother-in-law. The Kurusus just stared, when Augusta said that her own mother-in-law couldn’t come due to her increasing age. Both looked at Narcissa, who just smiled at their expressions. She revealed that witches and wizards can live to the age of 150 years normally. Augusta is still a middle-aged witch even though she is reaching her seventies.

The Kurusus in return introduced Aika’s cousin and her husband, the Amamiyas. They have a son, who is already five years old and will soon start to attend the primary school in Mahoutokoro, when he turns six. Normally, the school would be attended at the age of seven, but through the school reforms in 1998, Mahoutokoro starts earlier. They have adopted the school model in the muggle world.

“Aika, I am so happy for you and your husband”, Ayame said happily.

Aika and Toisho just smiled happily that their wish to become parents have been fulfilled. “Thank you, Ayame. I am so happy and I still can’t believe that a simple trip in the UK would give us a chance to become parents.” Narcissa smiled happily. She liked Ayame and Kosuko Amamiya and their son is well-behaved and polite. The Kurusus were also good parents to Akira since he is well-cared for and looked fine.

Whereas the adults were talking about the Kurusus’ luck of becoming parents, Ren was busy playing with his pseudo-cousin. He was happy for his ‘aunt’ and ‘uncle’ Aika and Toisho, but somehow, he had a weird feeling that Akira is going to be in a lot of trouble in the future. He doesn’t know, what the feeling was, but he knew that he had to make sure that his adopted cousin is well taken care of.

When it was time for dinner, Amelia and Augusta told the Kurusus that after dinner, they had to return to Britain, because of Akira’s biological twin and parents. They explained the reason behind their leaving and both parents accepted it knowing, what kind of people, James and Lily, are.

When the cake was served, Akira had managed to blow out his candles. Aika started to cut the cake and gave everyone a piece. She was feeding Akira some cake until the boy was ready to sleep. Taking her son to the nursery, she laid him down.

When the party started to dwindle, Amelia and Augusta left the house making their way to the ministry with the children. Thankfully, the potion that Amelia and Augusta had taken and given to Neville and Susan was working very well and they were ready for the second birthday dinner and cake. Arriving at the ministry, both women got a portkey for their return to Britain.

Potter Manor

After Augusta, Amelia, Neville and Susan arrived back in Britain, they adapted to the time zone easily with the help of the potion. When it was evening, both women made their way to the Potters with the infants. They have waited to the last minute. Both didn’t want to go, but they had to out of appearance’s sake. They were invited in by one of the house elves and waited for James or Lily to escort them to the formal dining room. When Lily came, she quickly sent the elf away and led both women and the children to the formal dining room.

“Amelia, Mrs. Longbottom, you have come on the right time. Let’s take the children first to the playroom. John would love to meet his godbrother and his godsister”, Lily gushed. Augusta withheld a sneer of contempt. She wouldn’t have bothered to come knowing what those bastards had done to Akira. Amelia was ready to snap and curse. She will never forgive them, what those imbeciles had done to her godson. He was practically family and those fools had harmed him in an unforgivable way. If she had her way, she would have arrested James, Lily, Sirius and Remus right away, but she can’t. They had to play the long game.

After the children were dropped off at the playroom, Lily led them to the formal dining room. Both hoped to meet someone, they could stand. When they saw Arthur, both women took their seats, where he was. Augusta sat to his left, Amelia to his right. Amelia whispered: “How have you managed to come here without Molly?”

Arthur hid his grin. “Well, I told them that Molly was ill, which is also the truth since she caught a nasty flu.”

“Had you had a hand in this?”, Augusta asked amused.

Arthur just thinned his lips, but answered: “Maybe.”

Both women chuckled. Give it to Arthur, who is an expert in creating plausible deniability. “I have taken all of my children with me. Even Bill managed to get a free slot from his studying. But there are some good news, Bill had decided to take his exams for the Magical Theory class earlier and passed it with an O like the other subjects.”

“Congratulation!” Both women were impressed by Bill.

Arthur explained: “Furthermore, he is planning to take his exams in the muggle subjects during the Yule holidays. He had plans to take English, Math, Latin, French, Geography, Muggle History and Science during the Yule holidays.”

Both women nodded and chattered quietly about Akira’s birthday and how he is doing with his parents. Arthur was glad that the boy was doing fine away from those monsters that are daring to call themselves parents.

When it was time for the birthday dinner, the kids were led to the formal dining room. Amelia took Susan and Augusta took Neville on their laps and fed them. Arthur had a hard time with feeding Ron and Ginny and making sure that the older boys were eating their food properly. The youngest two didn’t seem to like to eat the vegetables. John had the same expression regarding the vegetables. There was some chattering. Arthur, Augusta and Amelia pretended to be happy and were talking with the others about, what they were doing leaving their personal lives out of the conversations since they didn’t trust those fools. The only person, who was pleasant to talk to was Dedalus Diggle, the Abbotts, the Lovegoods and the other light families, who were not blindly devoted to Dumbledore.

After dinner and cake, the Abbotts left annoyed the party with Amelia Bones and her niece earlier. The whole evening was a nightmare, they had to listen to their rants, how the Greengrasses were secretly death eaters and that they were making a big mistake by marrying their son off to Jaques Greengrass. Anton had it worse since Jaques wasn’t there with him and he had to listen to their condescending tone regarding his betrothal with his love of his life. Anton had been ready to curse James and Sirius Potter, who were ranting that being gay is wrong and in order to become a real man, he should be with a proper witch like Fenwick. Lily Potter was trying to tell him that his behaviour towards Sarah is disgraceful and he should apologise for cheating on her. Thankfully, his parents interfered and told them off. In his opinion, the Potters were delusional.

They all left in a rage earlier. Amelia used that as an excuse to return back home. She was also angry at the Potters’ delusions. Albus was furious that the Abbotts and the Bones’s left earlier. James, Lily and Sirius had alienated them and they left. He quickly demanded from the Potters and Remus to speak with them in the informal meeting room beside the formal dining room.

When all five were in the meeting room, Albus demanded: “Would you care to explain to me, what that was about?”

James said in an angry voice: “We tried to fix Anton and made him realise that being with Greengrass is a mistake, but the boy doesn’t seem to listen.”

“Furthermore, he is gay and it is wrong. He should be with a nice witch like Sarah. They would make a perfect, light couple”, Lily huffed.

Before Albus could say anything, he was interrupted by Sirius. “Additionally, he is breaking Sarah’s heart and he should learn that actions have consequences.”

“Enough!”, Albus silenced them. He had gotten sick of their tantrums. Those three are really getting on his nerves. James, Lily and Sirius were silently seething, whereas Remus remained silent for the whole time. Albus started: “James, Lily, Sirius, I know that Anton is making a big mistake, but your confrontation is making things even worse. They have left earlier since your rants have been insulting and I don’t think that they would come next year. You need to keep your opinions to yourselves. Angering potential allies is something that we should avoid at all cost. Especially, now, where we had suffered failure after failure during the Wizengamot and school board meetings.” All three seethed and had to begrudgingly agree with the headmaster. Things hadn’t been going their way lately and alienating potential allies would cause even more problems.

After Albus gave them a clear warning to behave, all five returned back to the formal dining room and the evening continued without a fuss.

Chapter Text

Black Cottage, Japan, August 2nd, 2002

Narcissa was sitting in the parlour of the cottage and was drinking a cup of tea. The last few days, she, Lucius and Draco had spent it with the Kurusus, but somehow, she had a feeling that she had been watched and followed, when she went shopping with Aika and the children. She didn’t tell her husband about this since she didn’t want to worry him, but she needed to consult with him about the situation.

Lucius entered the parlour and saw his wife sitting and enjoying a cup of tea, but he also noticed her thoughtful look on her face. “Cissy? Is everything alright?”

Narcissa took another sip of her tea and said: “Lucius, sit down, I have to tell you something urgent.”

Lucius sat down knowing that his wife had noticed it too. He had somehow the feeling that he had been watched and followed since they arrived in Japan. It isn’t the same feeling like in Britain, where he and his wife had been watched by the Order of the Phoenix, but it was similar. The Malfoy patriarch questioned: “Do you have the same feeling like me, when we are walking around town here in Inaba?”

Narcissa looked up. “You have noticed it too?”

Lucius gave her a nod and said: “Yes, it was like in Britain with the order, but this is different.”

Narcissa and Lucius were arguing for the time being, but they didn’t come to a conclusion. At one point, they thought that they were monitored by the ministry, but the government would have informed them and they would have broken many international laws, if they had monitored them. Another theory was that they were watched and followed by individuals. The more terrifying aspect was that they believed that the Kurusus especially Akira were the targets, but they could only theorise.

Narcissa said: “I have a bad feeling here and it seems like that even Japan isn’t safe.” Lucius agreed and both hoped that things wouldn’t get worse.

August 3rd, 2002

Lucius and Narcissa with their son Draco in a stroller made their way to the ministry. Today, they had to return back to Britain. In two days, there is going to be a Wizengamot meeting. Tomorrow, they are going to discuss about Dumbledore’s nomination regarding the veelas. Arthur still had to tell them, what Dumbledore was planning. According to the list, it was supposed to be a marriage ban.

If that was the case, then, Narcissa will point out that veelas do have mates and that denying a veela her or his mate is a death sentence for both parties. With that, they would be able to convince the Wizengamot to freeze the current law regarding the marriage ban between veelas and wixen.

She also needed to start working on the anti-creature laws against all the creatures and magical beings with the affinity to fire. It’s time to screw Dumbledore big time.

Malfoy Manor, August 4th, 2002

When the meeting started, Arthur let out a sigh of relief. “Dumbledore is planning to put a marriage ban against the veelas. Currently, there is a ban that forbids veelas from marrying witches and wizards, but this ban is going to make sure that the veelas in our country are banned from marrying at all. We need to make sure that the motion does fail. Additionally, we need to put the current ban into question.”

“I have to agree. Veelas do have mates and if we allow these laws to forbid them to mate with their other half, then, we are not only killing the veelas, but we also are murdering a part of our population”, Augustus agreed.

Narcissa had to admit that these laws were not only an annoyance, but also a danger to their nation. But they needed a distraction for that. “We need something that would hobble Dumbledore and his followers.”

“I have an idea.” Adriana had a big grin on her face. “How about if you nominate to allow muggle sweets and snacks to be sold in the wizarding world. Many sweetshops could profit from that and I think that Dumbledore would love this nomination since he loves his lemon drops, but he would hate it that many businesses would be profiting from that and many pureblood families, who are investing in all these shops, could double their fortune.”

Many agreed and loved the idea since many had a sweet tooth. Narcissa loved many muggle snacks, when she was attending Akira’s birthday party and was introduced to some snacks and sweets from the muggle world. She loved the gummy bears that were served at the party, but she had been careful not to eat too much since overindulging herself with sweets would have caused many problems. Lucius loved the crisps that were offered during the party and the dips were delicious.

They also decided to put forth a nomination to put the current marriage ban into question.

Wizengamot, August 5th, 2002

Albus was absolutely furious, when the Wizengamot session came to an end. At first, he had thought that everything was going his way, when the nomination was made to ban veelas from marrying anyone, but things had gone wrong, when Arthur nominated to allow the sweetshops in the wizarding world to sell muggle sweets and snacks.

At first, he was supportive since he would get his supply of lemon drops from the wizarding world and doesn’t need to venture in the muggle world to get them, but when one of his followers pointed out that most of the pureblood families, who are investing in the sweetshops, would receive more money, Albus was conflicted about the nomination since he didn’t want those dark purebloods to profit more from the muggle world. This had led to an argument in the light section that he couldn’t ignore. For the time being, he was distracted and when he was finished, Albus received a nasty surprise, when Cyrus Greengrass nominated to put the current marriage ban against the veelas into question.

At first, he wanted to protest, but later on, Albus believed that no one would side with that man over him. He was Albus Dumbledore, the leader of the light, and Cyrus was just a dark wizard that somehow had managed to corrupt a good and light family. Furthermore, he had been leading the wizarding world for nearly a century and someone like Cyrus Greengrass would not be taken seriously since he is dark and evil. When the vote came, the first nomination failed horribly. Albus grounded his teeth not understanding, why the nomination had failed since he supported it. The second nomination got a majority. The blood purists had angry looks on their faces, when that nomination had passed. The last nomination passed with a landslide vote and Albus became completely furious. Why are things not going his way?

Narcissa smirked, when the meeting came to an end. Their plans had worked perfectly. When one of Dumbledore’s fools finished with the nomination to make an absolute marriage ban against veelas, Arthur proposed to allow the sweetshops in Britain to start selling muggle snacks. Narcissa couldn’t wait to get her hands on some gummy bears, when the sweetshops are going to start to sell the muggle snacks and sweets. She had seen that Dumbledore liked the nomination due to his love for lemon drops, but when one of the departments head that was loyal to Dumbledore warned that many pureblood families, who were investing in the sweetshops, would gain a bigger profit, the man’s face dropped at that aspect since many dark families would profit from the muggle snacks and sweets. From there on, an argument started in the light fraction, which distracted Dumbledore greatly.

From there on, there was a protest from Lucius since he is an eight veela through his great-grandmother. He had explained that veelas have mates and if they are denying the veelas their mates, then, not only the veelas would suffer, but also their destined partners would endure the same fate. The marriage ban would cause many problems for their society and for that reason, the nomination should not pass. Then, Cyrus nominated that the current marriage law between veelas and wixens should be put into question since it is clear that the law is also endangering witches and wizards. Narcissa was sure that the majority of the Wizengamot would vote against the nomination apart from the darker pureblood and those, who are running an anti-creature campaign.

When Dumbledore was finished, Narcissa wanted to laugh, when Lady Acton told him about Cyrus’ nomination. At first, he was frustrated, but later on, he had a twinkle in his eyes and looked confident like the nomination from Cyrus is going to fail. The first nomination was voted on and it had failed. The majority of the Wizengamot voted against the motion. Dumbledore had a shocked face, how the first nomination regarding the absolute marriage ban against the veelas was voted onto. The second nomination had nearly every vote apart from those, who hated muggles. The third nomination was a success since it was landslide. This angered the old fool even more.

After the votes, the Wizengamot meeting came officially to an end.

Potter Manor

James was frustrated, when he arrived back home from the Wizengamot. The entire meeting had ended up badly. He missed Sirius, because his best friend would have known, how to handle the other members of the Wizengamot. But since Sirius is disowned, he was on his own. The other Lords and Ladies that he was allied with were not really helpful since they told him that he should just follow Albus. He is doing that, but James wanted to do more. He wanted to destroy that corruption that is still lingering in the ministry. There are still many members of the Wizengamot that are aligned to the dark and they needed to be restricted, so that his sons would be living in a safe environment with only light witches and wizards. But things are going the opposite way. The Abbotts are allied with a dark family and the alliance is going to be stronger with the marriage between Jaques Greengrass and Anton Abbott. James was furious that Anton is choosing a dark wizard over a good, light witch like Sarah Fenwick.

“James!” James was interrupted in his thoughts by his wife, who had come to see him.

“Hey Lils!” James was glad to see her and kissed her on her cheek.

Lily asked returning the kiss: “How was the Wizengamot meeting?”

James sighed and answered: “Not good. Albus’ nomination to propose an absolute marriage ban against veelas had failed since a majority was against the nomination. Furthermore, Greengrass managed to put the current marriage ban between veelas and witches and wizards into question. This means another law cannot be used.” Lily let out a sigh like she is exhausted. She was frustrated that somehow things were not working for them, but maybe with time, the light would be able to fix everything.

“This is not good. Do you remember, how Molly had complained that Bill had a creature mate and that it was a veela. I can tell, Molly was in a fine.” Lily still remembered Molly’s screeching about the veela girl and how that tramp was going to take away her poor baby with her veela allure. It was from there, where Albus started to drift laws against the Veela Nation. But now, things seemed to go in the wrong way.

James and Lily left the floo room, where they met up with Sirius and Remus. James explained them, what had happened. Both men were frustrated that another law failed and an older law was put into question. Remus asked: “James, what is going on? This is already the ninth law that is going to be frozen.”

“I know, Moony, but somehow, our laws are not getting through. Today, the absolute marriage ban against veelas was proposed. At first, everything was going fine until we were distracted by Arthur’s nomination that the sweetshops in our world should start to sell muggle snacks and sweets.”

Lily questioned: “What is so bad about the nomination that sweets and snacks from the muggle world should be sold in the wizarding world? I find the idea good.”

James sighed and answered: “Well, the idea sounded good at first, but one of the department heads mentioned that many pureblood families, who are investing in those sweetshops in our world or are having partially ownership, would profit and gain more money and that includes also those dark and evil families like the Malfoys, Notts, Rosiers and their ilk.” Lily now understood the issue. Those dreadful, dark families could gain more money with their investments in the sweetshops. This would be a disadvantage for the light. “Arthur’s nomination was discussed thoroughly and when we were finished, the idea sounded good as long as we continue investing in those shops. But then, Greengrass nominated to put the current ban regarding the marriage between veelas and witches and wizards into question. At first, I have thought that no one would vote for that nomination since Albus made sure that everyone knew the dangers of veelas. Unfortunately, the nomination did not only fail, but the current ban that prohibits witches and wizards from marrying veelas is also put into question and had been frozen by the Wizengamot.” This was another problem for the light side. Without these laws, the magical community is getting more and more dangerous. James hoped that things wouldn’t get any worse than they are now.

Sirius and Remus were sighing. The meeting didn’t end well. Both also dreaded Molly’s reaction, if she finds out that the current marriage ban was frozen. Thankfully, Arthur would have to take care of that. Sirius cursed Narcissa and Arcturus for this mess. If he wasn’t disowned, he would have managed to get the nomination passed, but no, Narcissa managed to get her claws on his precious pup and destroyed his life. Sirius knew that his pup is somewhere outside Europe.

Weasley Manor, August 6th, 2002

Molly was furious, when she was finished reading the newspaper about yesterday’s decision in the Wizengamot. How could these fools do this? Don’t they understand that they have endangered her baby boy with putting the current marriage ban against the veelas into question. Her baby deserves a good, light witch and not a dark creature that would turn her baby dark and evil. She couldn’t believe that her husband supported this monstrosity. Molly needed to find a way out of this house arrest, but how? She couldn’t leave the manor and everyone believed that she is busy raising the kids. In reality, Arthur is raising her children and when he had to leave, he is sending the five older boys to either the Diggorys or the Lovegoods. The two youngest sometimes remained with her or went with the kids to the Lovegoods or the Diggorys. And sometimes, Arthur is sending them to James, Lily, Sirius and Remus, so that Ron and Ginny could spend some time with John.

Sadly, everyone believed in Arthur’s lies and manipulations that she couldn’t come. Molly wished that she and Albus didn’t work on Arthur’s good and light personality since it is now used against her.

Arthur was going over his paperwork for work. He had seen Molly’s furious face and he withheld his smirk. That law being put into question was beneficial since he didn’t need to worry about anything. Now, he had to work on a new project in the ministry. Arthur wished that there was a way to experiment and inaugurate muggle devices in their world without having to go through the ministry’s dreaded bureaucracy. The magical world could profit from these inventions and it would modernise their community. Maybe opening a business would be a good idea to make his dreams real.

Finishing up with the paperwork, Arthur sat down to eat his dinner. He smiled at Molly and took the newspaper. “I am glad that the current marriage law against the veelas is put under question. Bill’s and Fleur’s future is set.” Molly glared at him in pure rage. How could her husband support this monstrosity? She will not allow her son to marry this tramp, but the problem is, what can she do? She is stuck in this manor and she doesn’t have any power. Why did this have to happen now? She still cursed the Malfoy bitch for putting her in this situation. But soon enough, she will get free and fix things. She was a good and light witch that deserved everything.

Arthur continued to smile and started to eat his dinner. He knew that Molly still believed that since she was a good and light witch, she deserved everything. But soon, she will learn that nothing is given freely and that she had to earn it.

DMLE, August 10th, 2002

Eric Jugson was keeping a close watch on Amelia and noticed some things that were useful to get the information about the undercover auror. When Amelia had to go to Crouch, the woman leaves the office open for about twenty minutes, but he had to be a bit careful since the other aurors could become suspicious of what he was doing. He saw Amelia leaving her office and going to Crouch, in order to submit her report. It gave him enough time to get in unnoticed and take the file about the undercover aurors.

Eric looked around making sure that no one was watching him. When he had noticed that no one was around, the auror made his way into Amelia’s office. He quickly opened the drawers and started looking for the file of the undercover aurors under Amelia’s command. The man looked through all the files.

It took five minutes to get the file about the undercover aurors out of the cabinet, but those minutes felt like hours. Getting the file out, Eric noticed that Amelia had six undercover aurors and now, things seemed to be harder. He quickly copied the files about the aurors and on what cases, they had been working on in the last six months. He quickly put the files back in the cabinet forgetting to erase his magical signature since Eric heard footsteps from the outside and started to erase any traces that he was there. But there was one thing that he had forgotten in his hurry and it was erasing the magical signature on the file.

Eric shrunk the copies and put them in his pocket. He left the office and went back to work.

Amelia returned back to her office and noticed that something was off.

She examined her office and was surprised that her workplace was clean. Going inside, she examined her cabinet and noticed that the files regarding the undercover aurors were wrongly filed. Amelia was confused about this since she was the one, who had filed them. She had a really bad feeling. Something tells her that something terrible is going to happen.

Amelia quickly put the file back. She had also noticed the foreign magical signature and became suspicious that someone was here. Amelia quickly took out the file and she retracted the magical signature. She put it in a case file and put it in her desk drawer. Amelia will investigate the person, who had entered her office and snooped in her files. She will have them fired. That person has also unlawfully gained access to one of her files and will be charged for this. She is not a fool unlike some of her colleagues.

Jugson Estate, August 16th, 2002

Eric Jugson sighed in relief, when he was finished with the final file of the sixth undercover auror. Nearly a week ago, he informed his father and his sister that he had managed to get the files regarding the undercover aurors under Amelia Bones. Both were happy and a bit frustrated, when they had seen, how thick the files were. Eric started to go over the files detailly each day. He had excluded three aurors since they were stationed in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. He had to look at the other three aurors, who were stationed in Knockturn Alley and were affiliated with the case of Aurelius Yaxley. Eric had to see, which auror was responsible for Aurelius’ downfall. Maybe the other two aurors could give him some answers or pointers, but he had to be careful, because the last thing, he needed was to draw suspicions.

Eric was left in his thought until Isabella and his father arrived from their meetings. Isabella was quickly rounding her brother up like a predator his prey. “Eric, did you manage to get some information regarding the undercover auror?”

The heir of the House Jugson answered with a sigh: “Yes, I did. There were six undercover aurors under Amelia’s command, but three are out since they were stationed in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Unfortunately, there are three other undercover aurors stationed in Knockturn Alley and in all three files, it was written that they were affiliated with the case of Aurelius Yaxley, which is making things harder since I had to check all three aurors singularly up.”

Manfred was glad that his son managed to get them the needed information, but now, they had a problem. There were three undercover aurors, who were stationed in Knockturn and his son can’t just go there and check-up all three aurors. It would be too suspicious and the last thing, any of them needed was to be visited by the aurors. “I have an idea, Eric, how you can check-up all three aurors without suspicion.”

Eric turned his father with a raised eyebrow. Manfred took a deep breath and started: “How about you go tomorrow and check-up the first auror and in a week, you go and check-up the other auror. And in another week, you check-up the last auror. I mean, there is a weekly patrol through Knockturn Alley for every auror and if you take over the patrolling once a week, you would be able to use that, in order to gain some information regarding the undercover auror and no one would suspect anything since you were doing your duty for the ministry.” Eric liked the idea. There were patrols in Knockturn and each auror partook in those patrols once a week.

Eric nodded. “Okay, father. Your plan sounds plausible.”

Knockturn Alley, August 17th, 2002

Eric was entering Knockturn Alley in a civil disguise, so that no one would recognise him as an auror. Today he had a shift in Knockturn and he knew that it would be a long shift, but it should be worth it, so that he can check Alexander Wylder up. He had worked as an undercover auror since Amelia became head auror and he had done a very good job. The man was following the law by the word. His record was clean and he also knew that Wylder would never take any bribes. Amelia does know, how to choose her undercover aurors well.

Eric was walking through the alley and was keeping an eye on Wylder. He needed information about the man, but he can’t go to him and tell him that he knows that he is an undercover auror, because from there, Amelia would find out that he was the one, who broke into her office.

Going over to the auror, Eric was keeping an eye on the scum in Knockturn Alley. In his eyes, they were just pawns for their Lord and that they were to make their numbers big. Eric would speak with one of these degenerates, in order to see, if Wylder is the undercover auror. He had a contact here.

Seeing his contact coming his way, Eric quickly made his way to him, in order to speak with him, but he made sure that Wylder was not getting suspicious about him.

“Heir Jugson”, his contact whispered. “What can I do for you? Why did you call me?”

“Alex, I called you here, so that I can find out, who the undercover auror was that had caused Aurelius’ downfall.” The man hissed.

Alexander O’Connell huffed. “I wish you good luck with that. Here are more undercover aurors than residents.” The man was a sympathiser of the Dark Lord and agreed with his ideals. The man hated mudbloods and all those, who have impure blood, but he never took the dark mark. The reason behind his hatred is that his family lost the O’Neill title to a halfblood since his grandfather had an affair before he married his grandmother. When his father tried to claim the title, he was instantly denied since he wasn’t the firstborn. The entire family was enraged and they were even more furious, when it was revealed that the firstborn was a halfblood, who had three children of his own. They couldn’t believe that their stupid grandfather had to have an affair with a mudblood. The problem was that the bastard was not interested in taking the family title as Lord O’Connell since he didn’t need the family money, but he couldn’t abdicate the title due to the family charter, which made things really bad for them. The entire family was locked away from the family fortune and the family properties were put under lockdown. Now, they were barely getting by and the entire family had to rent a small place here in Knoockturn Alley. What made them angrier is that the bastard’s children had no interest in the title and his grandchildren were the same.

Eric was irritated. “Alex, I know about Wylder being an undercover auror. I am asking you, if he had something to do with Aurelius’ downfall?”

Alexander glanced between the undercover auror and Eric and shook his head. “No, Wylder was busy with Christian Powell. You may have heard about his mother-in-law’s death. To be honest, the woman was a shrew and her death was a blessing. Even the aurors disliked her with her nagging. That it was her neighbour was shocking, but Wylder had nothing to do with Aurelius’ imprisonment.” Eric nodded and remembered the case of Livia Johnson. So, Wylder was a false lead.

“Thanks, can you get me some information regarding Justin McAdam and Christina O’Neill?”, Eric questioned.

Alexander sighed. “Yes. Come next week and I will give you some information about Justin McAdam. O’Neill is not here, but I have heard that the woman would be here at the last week in August.”

Eric nodded and continued with his shift. Unknown to him, Wylder became suspicious about the interaction between the two men. He will mention it to Amelia, but it is not uncommon, when the aurors here were talking with the residents in Knockturn Alley.

After his shift, he told his family the disappointing news, which enraged Isabella, but thankfully, his father stopped her rant and told her that they have to see the other two aurors. The next auror would be Justin McAdam since O’Neill wouldn’t return until August 30th to her duties. With that, Isabella calmed down and Manfred told his daughter to remain calm and patient. There is enough time for this.

Podmore Manor, August 19th, 2002

Another order meeting was taking place in Podmore Manor. Albus was discussing with Griselda Marchbanks about the material for the history class. This time, the focus is the history of Hogwarts. According to the material from the ICW curriculum, the founders had opened the school due to the increasing numbers of witch hunts, when the Christian religion started to increase their influence and also started to spread their hogwash about magic. Another aspect is that four hundred years after Merlin, Arthur and Morgana, many magical children were born and in order to educate them, a school was needed since leaving so many witches and wizards uneducated was dangerous. There was also the problem regarding the muggleborns, but it was not Salazar against the other three founders, but Rowena and Salazar against Helga and Godric since Ravenclaw and Slytherin were against the idea of sending the muggleborns back to the muggle world due to the increasing influence of the Christian religion and their belief that magic is the creation of the devil. At first, Godric and Helga didn’t believe it and went to the muggle monarch. Both were accompanied by Godric’s son, Alexander. When both had arrived back, Godric was broken and Helga had been furious. It was later revealed that Alexander was killed by the soldiers, who were ordered to murder Alexander by the muggle monarch, and in Godric’s rage, the founder cursed the monarch, who was later killed by his own people. From there on, the founders made a separation between Hogwarts and the muggle world. The protections and the wards around Hogwarts were set against muggles. The biggest riddle was the chamber of secrets since Salazar’s journals were in the chamber, but according to the journals of Godric Gryffindor, all three were aware of the building of the chamber, but there was not much information since Godric made it clear that Salazar’s chamber is his responsibility. The journals were given to the ICW by Charlus Potter, who had them under his possession before he stepped down as Lord Gryffindor.

Albus couldn’t allow this information to get out since it would change the view about the founders.

“We need to make sure that this time, we are successful. We can’t afford any losses.” Albus made sure that his followers knew that it is important that the nomination cannot fail.

Everyone nodded and knew that they had to work hard. James was furious that his ancestor was tarnished like this by the ICW and that he was responsible for the death of a muggle ruler. These were lies. Godric Gryffindor wasn’t a muggle hater like Slytherin. They needed to set the facts straight, in order to remove this blemish from their light and good pro-muggle reputation. He will not stand for this.

Arthur tried not to roll his eyes. He knew that the information from the ICW is coming from the journals of Godric Gryffindor, because the Potters were known for their relation to the Gryffindor line. He also was astounded that James didn’t know that his father gave the ICW the journals of Godric Gryffindor for the ICW history curriculum for Britain. He wanted to say something about the journals, but he knew better not to say anything since these idiots are walking into a wall. Narcissa and the others will tear the nomination into pieces, if they mention that the history of Hogwarts is coming from the journals of Godric Gryffindor. Albus would curse himself for not realising, where the source is coming from.

Malfoy Manor, August 21st, 2002

“That man is losing it. There is no other explanation.” Severus complained, when the pre-meeting had started and Arthur was finished with his explanation. Augusta was shaking her head about Albus’ stupidity and his blinders in front of his eyes. She had a history mastery and knew the founders’ history very well since she studied it for her mastery in the ICW. To her surprise, Salazar Slytherin wasn’t a pureblood supremacist, but he was very anti-muggle due to the Christian religion and the witch hunts, which is understandable since many magicals died in those terrible witch trials.

Many rolled their eyes and some muttered about Dumbledore being a fool and an idiot. Lucius suggested: “We could show Godric Gryffindor’s journals that were given to the ICW by Charlus Potter to write the history of Hogwarts.”

Augustinus quickly said: “That will not work. Charlus claimed the Gryffindor Lordship temporarily. After giving the ICW the journals and helping them making the material for the history class, he gave up the title, because he didn’t want to deal with Dumbledore since the fool would have hounded him for support in the Wizengamot.”

Narcissa sighed, but quickly turned her attention to Pandora and realised that there is another way to prove the material. “Pandora, you are Lady Ravenclaw. Do you have access to Rowena Ravenclaw’s journals? We could prove the class material of the ICW curriculum through your inheritance and Rowena Ravenclaw would not be discriminated as being dark and evil like Salazar Slytherin.”

Everyone liked the idea and discussed that the journals could help them. Pandora agreed to get the journals out of the Ravenclaw vaults. But there was also the problem with the next distraction. Severus had an idea. Narcissa noticed Severus’ expression. “Severus, you seem to have an idea.”

Severus had a smile on his face, which was not common since he was always dour and strict. He answered in a silk voice: “Yes, I do. And it is about the DADA class. This class needs a tutor with a mastery and tomorrow, I am writing my final mastery exam in DADA and from there, I can take over the post, if I get my mastery.”

“But you need to pass the exam first. How long is your final exam going to be graded?”, Adriana questioned.

Severus just gave her a stony glare that tells her that he isn’t an idiot and that he is fully prepared for the exam. “The exam would be finished to be graded on the same day since the examiner has been appointed to me and I would receive my mastery diploma on Saturday per owl after the mastery ball, where you are all invited.”

“That would be a good idea and I am sure that you will pass your final exam. This would be the perfect nomination on our next meeting. Inform us about your exam results. In case, you don’t pass Severus, which is unlikely, we will be making our distraction about the homeroom classes, where we are going to make the nomination that the theory classes and the theory portion of the practical classes should be taught in the homeroom classroom that are going to be arranged for this coming school year.” Narcissa smiled at the man and hoped that Severus would pass. Someone needs to teach the students the DADA material properly and Severus would be able to use the ICW curriculum for that.

Arthur sighed in relief, but he was still thoughtful. The DADA problem would be solved for now, but yet, he is in need of someone, who would tutor his son in transfiguration. There must be someone, who could teach his son the ICW material for that class. Arthur asked: “Do you know someone, who has a transfiguration mastery? I know that Minerva is teaching the students not everything, what is in the ICW curriculum.” Everyone was thoughtful about this topic. They wished that there was someone, who would be able to teach the students appropriately transfiguration.

Augustus had an idea. “I know a woman in the ministry that is working for the Department of Mysteries. I can’t tell her name to you due to the oaths and vows that Thorfinn and I have made to the department, but I know that she has a mastery in transfiguration.”

Thorfinn knew immediately, who Augustus is referring to. Silvia Hecat. She is the great-granddaughter of Dinah Hecat, who had taught DADA in Hogwarts during Professor Black’s tenure. She would be perfect and she isn’t a fan of Dumbledore.

Phineas had a really bad feeling that someone from his past is going to haunt him.

“But we would only be able to arrange these tutoring sessions during the Yule holidays. We need to speak with her first, if she is going to agree with us to teach the students the ICW material for transfiguration. But I doubt it that she is going to say no since she doesn’t like, how Dumbledore is dumbing each generation down. Then, we need to arrange an appointment with the head of the department, where we had to make the request and present our idea in front of him. I know that the head of the Department of Mysteries wouldn’t have any problems with that since everyone wants, what is best for the students, but we can only arrange an appointment with him in November. So, to sum it up, I think that we could only make the nomination during the December meeting.” Thorfinn finished.

Arthur let out a sigh. He had no problems of waiting, but his son’s education would have to wait. Narcissa continued with the meeting and announced that she will introduce the ICW primary school curriculum for Astronomy, which was agreed by the others.

During the meeting, Amelia was thoughtful. She received a notice that Eric Jugson was speaking with Alexander O’Connell, a resident of Knockturn Alley. She knew both men. Eric was an auror, who is allegedly a follower of Voldemort, and O’Connell is a crook that is descending from the noble house of O’Connell. She knew about the O’Connell family and what had happened to them. She could only blame Dumbledore and the former Lord O’Connell for their predicament since the eldest and the one, who is holding the title, didn’t know, what it meant to be Heir and Lord O’Connell. But she is still clueless, what they had been talking about. She hoped that the conversation wasn’t anything endangering. Her gut-feeling is telling her that something is going to happen, but she doesn’t know what, which is unsettling.

Examination room, August 22nd, 2002

Severus sighed, when he laid down his pen after he answered the last question of his mastery exam. He quickly collected the papers and handed them over to the examiners, so that they can grade them. He told Albus that he had a mastery exam before lunch and he had to leave the school. Thankfully, Dumbledore was not difficult and dismissed him wishing him good luck. Minerva just ignored him knowing that she was aware of the exam. Now, he had to wait until his final exam was graded and he hoped that he had passed.

The examiners were going over Severus’ mastery exam and watched at the answers carefully. Many were astounded, how accurately the answers were. Severus was trying to hide his nervousness and worry.

After an hour, the examiners were finished and turned their attention to Severus Snape-Prince. “Lord Prince, after examining your answers and your work in the past four years, we are coming to the conclusion that you earned your mastery in Defence Against the Dark Arts. We are congratulating you for passing the final exam with the highest score possible.”

Severus hid his breath of relief. There was going to be a party in his manor after this.

The examiners shook his hand and congratulated him for his success for getting two masteries in less than five years and they also applauded him that he received his potion mastery under the age of 20.

The head examiner continued: “Tomorrow, you will receive your mastery certification and there will be a celebration for your success instead of sending it to you on Saturday per owl. You are allowed to invite your family and close friends.” Severus had a brittle smile, when he mentioned family since he is the last of his line and he is still unmarried, but it doesn’t mean that he is single. When Severus became friends with Marlene and Dorcas after breaking their friendships with Lily and McDonald, Severus has been dating Marlene McKinnon since their fifth year at Hogwarts, but both were not ready to take the next step, because the first problem would be Sirius Potter, who could ruin everything since the man has been having a crush on Marlene since their fourth year. And the second problem would be the rest of the Marauders and Lily, who are going to be annoying about stealing Sirius’ crush. He is planning to marry Marlene, when the Potters and Lupin are in Azkaban for child abuse, child endangerment and child abandonment.

Severus knew that Thorfinn Rowle had the same plans with Dorcas Meadow. He had similar problems like him, but none of the Marauders have a crush on Dorcas, but Severus wasn’t so sure since Remus was looking at her longingly. So, it would be safer to wait.

Hogwarts

Severus was sitting in his office and was writing letters to his friends about his success of getting his DADA mastery. Many had congratulated him and were ready to pop champagne bottles. When he had received the last letter, Severus heard a knock on his office door. He quickly put the letters away in his desk drawer and locked it. Severus waved his wand and the door opened. He wasn’t surprised to see the headmaster.

The man’s eyes were twinkling and Severus had a bad feeling. “Ah, Severus, my boy. How was your final mastery exam?”

Severus sighed and summoned a seat for the old fool. “It was good. I passed the exam with the highest score possible. I have now a mastery in DADA.”

“That’s good. Maybe you would be able to take over the DADA position.” Albus is maybe offering this position, in order to hold the DADA position over Severus’ head, but he would deny it, if the man wanted to take over the post as DADA professor. He didn’t need another class to be updated by the ICW curriculum, which Severus would do.

Severus knew, what Albus was planning, but he answered: “Maybe, but for now I am content with my position as a potion professor.”

Albus didn’t like the answer, but he had to accept it. “Very well, but the position is always open, if you are interested to apply.” He had hoped that Severus had taken the bait, but it wasn’t the case.

When Dumbledore left his office, Severus had a dangerous smirk. The fool will realise too late that his control over the school is slipping.

August 23rd, 2002

Severus was dancing with Marlene at the mastery ball. He invited his friends to this occasion since he doesn’t have any family members that are living. The Prince Family has fallen apart after the war. Ryan was disowned. His uncle Sebastian was exiled in a cabin in North Ireland after his grandfather willed the heirship to him. His mother died in Azkaban and his grandfather was killed by Ryan. Severus was a Lord of a house that is at the brink of extinction.

Marlene knew, what Severus was thinking and she could somehow understand him. Her own family was nearly killed off by Voldemort and his followers, but thanks to her boyfriend and his friends, her family was saved and they managed to survive with barely any causalities. She never thought that she and Severus would get together, but when she found out about Lily’s and Mary’s true nature, she realised that the world wasn’t black and white like she had thought it would be, when she started to attend Hogwarts. After Severus revealed, what Lily and his mother had done to him, Marlene was furious and disappointed that her friend would sink so low. She was wary of Severus first, when she was introduced to him, since he was a Slytherin, but after Severus exposed Lily, Marlene misunderstood him and the other Slytherins and they became close friends. Later on, they started dating, but no one apart from Dorcas, Augustus and Thorfinn had known about her relationship with Severus. They are still dragging their feet, because of Sirius Potter. Maybe they should move on from being boyfriend and girlfriend to fiancée.

Severus was thinking the same and he had been looking for the perfect ring for Marlene. He may have found a ring that was platinum and had a ruby gem on it, but he wasn’t sure, if the ring is going to be perfect for her. Thankfully, his worries would be for naught.

“Marlene, can we go somewhere private. I have a proposal for you.”

Marlene was trying everything in her power to hide her grin. “What is it?” She really hoped that they would stop dancing around with each other.

“Just follow me.” Severus was really nervous. This is not a simple exam, where you could study and be done with it, but this is an engagement.

When both went out into the garden, they made a stop in front of the fountain.

Severus was standing and took a deep breath. “Marlene, I have a little surprise for you.” He took out a ring box. Marlene was trying not to squeal. Either it is a marriage ring or an engagement ring. She believes that it was the latter since they had to keep their relationship still a secret.

He opened the ring box and asked her if she wanted to become his fiancée. Marlene said yes and accepted the beautiful ring on her ring finger. Severus put the ring on her finger and kissed the gem. Both were kissing until they were interrupted by a wolfish whistle. Both were annoyed, when they had seen the amused faces of Dorcas, Thorfinn, Augustus, Claudia and the others. Marlene was red-faced and Severus looked ready to curse everyone. She asked in an angry voice: “How long were you watching us?”

Narcissa made a very innocent face. “It was only short, when we noticed that you both were missing. It is just a coincidence that we just saw you, Severus, proposing to her and kissing her.”

Severus doesn’t believe a word and that innocent face is just an act. He knows that they had been watching Marlene and him, when they were out in the gardens. He prayed to Merlin that the members of the mastery board didn’t get wind of this.

Marlene just scowled at everyone and the couple returned back to the mastery ball. Unfortunately, the mastery board did get wind of it and were happy that Severus did not only gain his mastery, but also a fiancée. This was going to be a long evening for the young couple and both wished that the ground would swallow them.

Knockturn Allye, August 24th, 2002

Eric was doing his second shift in Knockturn Alley. He hoped that Alex had new information about Justin McAdam, the other undercover auror in Knockturn. Eric needed that information since his sister’s life and the family’s reputation are in jeopardy. Eric really didn’t like his elder sister since she is stingy and vindictive and is causing problems. He wished, she was like his younger sister, Evelyn, who is more thoughtful and less problematic than the others even though she is still attending Hogwarts.

Going through the alley, Eric saw Alex again and made his way to him. He also noticed Justin McAdam and Eric knew that he had to be carefully. Eric asked the crook: “Alex, I hope, you managed to gather some useful information about McAdam. It is vital.”

Alex huffed: “I have, but you know, how difficult and risky it was. I swear, if I get in trouble, because of you, Eric, then, there is hell to pay.”

“Just tell me about McAdam. You know that I am paying you well.” Eric was frustrated by O’Connell’s attitude.

The man gave him a toothy grin. “Very well, I will make it short. Justin is not your man, Eric. The man was busy with a shopkeeper, who was arrested for smuggling blood crystals. I believe that you are aware about Icarus and his shady business.” Eric nodded in understanding knowing about Icarus. He was a former member of the House Burke before he was disowned by Lady Burke for his criminal activities. There was also a suspicion that he was a death eater sympathiser that wasn’t marked.

“I see. Now, keep an eye on Christina O’Neill. She is the only undercover auror that could be the reason for Aurelius’ downfall.” Alexander nodded and will do his best, in order to find some information about O’Neill. It would be annoying since Alex didn’t like Isabella and her Gryffindorish attitude.

Next time, he will warn Eric about Isabella. His friend needs to know that protecting his sister by trying to uncover the undercover auror is coming with a great risk and a great cost.

Justin noticed the conversation and will report it to Amelia. There is something odd about this conversation.

School board meeting, August 26th, 2002

There was another school board meeting and this time, the Grey Alliance had everything, what they needed, in order to block Dumbledore’s and his fools’ motion and made some headway with the primary school. And as an insult to injury, they could install Severus as DADA tutor. The man had made his request and applied for the open position in Hogwarts. Narcissa knew that Voldemort cursed the DADA position, but he didn’t curse the DADA tutoring position. So, Severus can teach DADA without being affected by the curse. She wished that someone had removed that particular curse, but Dumbledore had been stonewalling them and allowed the curse to remain for nearly thirty years.

When the meeting started, Narcissa was ready. The first nomination was again from Griselda Marchbanks, who was again nattering about false information about the founders and was talking about the ‘right’ information that Salazar was the only one against the muggles and muggleborns, whereas the others were pro-muggle and pro-muggleborn, and that there was a fight between Salazar Slytherin and the other three founders about banning muggleborns. Marchbanks ended her nomination that the ‘false’ information needed to be rectified.

Narcissa and the others were stunned, how stupid that woman was. And she is the head of the subdepartment in the DOE that is responsible for the testers for the OWLs and the NEWTs. How far did they fall that the ministry installed that woman to head the testers.

When Dumbledore opened the floor, if there were more nominations, Amelia rose her wand. Albus sighed hoping that he would be able to shoot the woman’s nomination down. “Amelia?”

Amelia stood up from her seat and began: “My dear members of this board, I have a nomination to make regarding the DADA tutoring sessions. I am proposing that Master Severus Snape take over the tutoring sessions due to the problems we have at hiring a permanent DADA professor. The students need someone knowledgeable to help them through the material and the tutoring position is not cursed unlike the DADA position.” Many liked the idea. But there were already protests in the light section about this nomination. None of the light-siding fools wanted Snape to have so much influence over the students. Albus didn’t like the nomination, but he didn’t have a choice since the board would push him to remove the curse from the DADA position and he had no intention of doing it since he needed that curse for his plans. He needs to regroup with his followers about this. It wouldn’t harm, if Severus was going to tutor the students in DADA since he knows that many students are not going to attend the tutoring sessions.

Narcissa restrained her smirk and had an elegant smile. This was good. Dumbledore and his sheep are busy. When Aurelia Acton took over, she asked the board, if there were any nominations or protests against the two nominations. Pandora Lovegood was the one, who rose the wand.

“Lady Lovegood-Ravenclaw you have a nomination?”

Pandora stood up from her seat and announced: “No, but I have a protest to make regarding Lady Marchbanks’ nomination. Lady Marchbank has been talking about the so-called false information in the ICW curriculum of the history class regarding the history of the founders. The source, the ICW had used for the history of Hogwarts were the journals of Godric Gryffindor that were given by the former Lord Potter, Charlus Potter. But since those journals are in the Gryffindor Vaults again and there is no Lord Gryffindor for now, we have no access to them, but I have brought the journals of Rowena Ravenclaw to prove my standpoint. And according to her journals, Salazar Slytherin had worked as a potions professor, healer, Dark Arts professor, head of Slytherin House and deputy-headmaster until his retirement. How is this information false, if Rowena Ravenclaw and Godric Gryffindor have both confirmed in their journals that Salazar Slytherin hadn’t left Hogwarts due to an argument about banning muggleborns, but due to old age. Additionally, there was an argument, but it was Godric and Helga against Rowena and Salazar about the muggles and their extreme views against magic. We should not forget that during the Middle Ages, the Christian Religion was very influential and it is well known even in the muggle world that magic was seen as the work of the devil and was demonised. Even today, there are some muggles that are religious fundamentalists and are condemning magic.” Many were stunned that they forgot that and when they looked through the excerpts of the journals, many were shocked that the history of the founders was taken out of context. It also reminded them about the April Wizengamot session, where Lord Lestrange revealed about You-Know-Who’s past and they realised that a majority of the muggles would never accept them. Narcissa saw the expressions and knew that Marchbanks’ nomination will fail again.

When everyone was finished looking through the journals, Aurelia continued with the sessions. “Are there any other nominations?”

Zachary Abbott was the one, who rose the wand. “Lord Abbott.” Aurelia turned her attention to the blondish-grey haired man.

The man stood up and proposed: “I have a nomination to make and it would be short, my dear Lords and Ladies. I am proposing the ICW primary school curriculum for Astronomy, in order to further the education in the newly built primary school.” Many nodded in understanding.

After Zachary was finished, Albus was finished with his followers. He was exhausted and annoyed since James, Herbert and Edward were against the idea and it had taken him over an hour to convince them to accept Severus as tutor for DADA, because he managed to convince them that the board would demand to remove the curse from the DADA position and they would make sure that Severus was moved to teach DADA permanently, which horrified many, and they quickly agreed with him to allow Severus to lead the tutoring sessions, in order to make sure that the man doesn’t get the post as DADA professor. Furthermore, the tutoring sessions were voluntary and Albus would make sure that the students do not attend the DADA tutoring sessions due to Severus’ past and his strict methods in the potion class. Unfortunately, the tutoring post is a permanent position since it isn’t cursed unlike the DADA position.

After Albus retook his seat, he asked Aurelia, if there were any other nominations. Aurelia answered that Lord Abbott nominated the ICW primary school curriculum in Astronomy. Albus had a frown on his face, but continued regardless hoping Griselda’s nomination will pass. But sadly, it failed, when a majority voted against Griselda’s nomination. The woman in question was furious and stood up. “Why? I apologise for my disrespect, but why have you voted against my nomination knowing that the ICW curriculum has many mistakes.”

Pandora rose her wand, in order to answer her question. When Albus and the other board members turned their attention to Pandora, she started to explain: “Lady Marchbanks, the source that the ICW had used for the ICW curriculum were the journals of Godric Gryffindor that were given by the former Lord Potter, Charlus Potter.” The members gave James some looks. The man looked furious and ranted: “That is a lie. I would have known, what my father had done.” Pandora sighed, when the man was glaring at her defiantly, but she didn’t stop with her explanation. “Regent Potter, the ICW curriculums were written before you were even born. Your father had given the ICW these journals during the 1950s. Were you born during that time period?”. James’ face reddened in rage and was ready to start another rant, but was stopped by Dumbledore, who was frustrated that he had forgotten, where the source was coming from. No wonder, the motion failed. Everyone knew the answer, but allowed Pandora to continue. “Furthermore, I am Lady Ravenclaw and when I claimed the title, I went through Rowena Ravenclaw’s personal journals that she had left behind. According to them, Salazar remained in Hogwarts until he retired and there was no mention that there was a fight between Salazar and the other three founders about banning muggleborns from Hogwarts, but the muggleborns played an important role in their argument, because during that time, the Christian church was very influential and I don’t need to tell you all, how muggles had viewed magic and those, who are able to wield it. The muggleborns had it worse since they were denounced or disowned by their families and were killed on sight. Godric Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff went to the muggle ruler, in order to work out a solution for the muggleborns. They were accompanied by Godric’s son, Alexander Gryffindor, back then. Rowena and Salazar didn’t like the idea, but anything they said went on deaf ears. Unfortunately, the meeting ended up bloody and Alexander Gryffindor was murdered under the orders of the muggle ruler. Godric, in his grief, cursed the ruler and the man was later overthrown and killed by his own people. From there, the founders had worked hard, in order to hide Hogwarts from the muggles. And I don’t believe that Rowena Ravenclaw would lie in her journals.” Griselda seethed in rage and sat down. Albus really hated this and those failures are getting on his nerves. Everything is going in the wrong direction.

The second nomination had a majority and from September, Severus would be tutoring the DADA class. The third nomination had a landslide vote, which really made Dumbledore desperate to stop the development of the primary school. After that, the meeting came to an end.

Tonks House

Andromeda was exhausted, when she returned back home from work. There was a lot of work to prepare for the history class and with the new curriculum, there was even more work than she could have possibly thought. What was angering her was that Headmaster Dumbledore didn’t manage to lower the class as it should have been. Now she would be forced to teach the students information that is too dangerous for the students to learn, but sadly, she didn’t have a choice. Being here reminded Andromeda, of what her evil family had denied her. When she was in her final year at Hogwarts, her great-uncle arranged for her to marry Evan Rosier, but she didn’t want to marry a death eater. Instead of, she ran away after her graduation and married Ted. After she filed her marriage certificate to the ministry and became pregnant with her precious girl, Andromeda thought her life would be fine, but it wasn’t. One month before her daughter was supposed to be born, her family found out, what she had done, and disowned her from the family line. She screamed in pain and agony and to make matters worse, she suffered a premature labour. If Ted wasn’t home, she could have lost her baby girl, but thankfully, Nymphadora was born without any deformities, but her metamorphmagus gene hadn’t developed properly and fully. She was only a part-shifter and there was nothing that can be done. The only way to fix this was if she was reinstated back in the family. Sirius promised her that he would bring her back and reverse the disownment. From there, she had hope, in order to make her family suffer for what they had done to her and her baby girl, but now, Sirius was disowned due to his activities in Hogwarts and her hope was nearly extinguished to make her evil family pay for what they had done to her. Thankfully, Albus told her that their only hope relies on Hadrian Potter-Black, the brother of the boy-who-lived, since he is Heir Black now and they can use him to pressure her great-uncle to reinstate her and Sirius in the Black family, but for that, she had to cover up the abuse of Hadrian, in order to stop the muggle authorities from arresting the Dursleys. Ted and she had many contacts in the muggle authorities and it would be easy to cover up the abuse. Unfortunately for them, Andromeda, Ted and their contacts would be useless since the boy is living outside Europe and Andromeda’s hope would be crushed by her youngest sister.

During the war, she wasn’t surprised that Evan joined You-Know-Who, but she was later surprised that Evan was a spy for the ministry and she was enraged that he received an Order of Merlin First Class after his death. She didn’t mourn his death since he had caused many order members to die or he had killed them personally, but there was another person that made her really angry and that was Severus Snape. That man killed so many people. Especially, the death of Julius Podmore, who was Hestia’s soulmate, had crushed her. She had known Hestia and Julius, when they were in school, and she found them adorable. Andromeda was told to become her maid of honour, but sadly, it never happened since that bastard, Snape, tortured, mutilated and killed Julius under the orders of Bartemius Crouch Sr. She wanted to make an inquest, in order to find out, if the order was legitimate and there was no funny business, but she was denied since Bartemius was the head of the DMLE and his order was legitimate and above board due to the war. It was unfair that Hestia has to suffer like this and that Snape was running around free, but there had been nothing that she could do for her friends. Then, matters got worse, when Snape received an Order of Merlin First Class for his ‘good’ deeds in the war and all the charges against him were dropped. From there on, Andromeda was working hard, in order to weed out the corruption in the ministry, but she was getting nowhere with her work.

Andromeda was lost in her thoughts until her husband arrived home with their daughter. “Sweetheart, how was your day?”

The woman in question sighed. “It was not good.”

“What happened?”, Ted questioned sending their daughter to her room.

Andromeda took a deep breath. “Today was another board meeting and Albus informed me that he was going to rectify the history of the founders. I can’t teach the children this kind of information that all of the founders didn’t like muggles and were discussing the safety of the muggleborns, where they had the choice to either leave their parents and have them obliviated or in case, they want to remain in the non-magical world, their magic would be bound and they and their families would have been obliviated. It is barbaric to teach the children something like this.”

Ted agreed with his wife. Something like this is giving the muggles a bad reputation. His parents were perfect example of muggles, who have accepted his magical heritage, but the man was completely ignoring the fact that not every muggle is tolerant. He questioned: “And how did the board meeting end? Did the board vote for Albus’ nomination?”

Andromeda thinned her lips and shook her head. Ted closed his eyes. He couldn’t believe that the meeting ended up again in a failure.

“Don’t panic, Andy. Albus is going to be successful. He will find a way to make the board listen to him.” Ted assured his wife, but he had a feeling that things would get worse. Sadly, the man ignored this feeling.

“This is not the only thing, where things went wrong. First, the ICW primary school curriculum for Astronomy was passed and then,…” The woman restrained a sob. “And then, they allowed Snape to tutor the DADA class.”

“What?! How could they? It is bad enough that he is teaching potions, but now he is tutoring another class. Why would the board allow this monster to have more influence over the students? Don’t they know, what he had done to Julius?” Ted hated Severus with a passion. The man killed Julius Podmore, a colleague in his law firm and a dear friend of his. Ted had tried to get Snape arrested during the war, but it didn’t work since somehow, it was blocked by the DMLE, which infuriated him. When it was revealed that Snape was a ministry spy, Ted was even more furious and when he had received the Order of Merlin First Class and complete immunity, he had been ready to kill Crouch and Bagnold for this injustice.

Andromeda said in a calming voice trying to sooth her husband: “They know what he had done, but they don’t care, Ted. You shouldn’t forget that Julius’ death was ordered by none other than Crouch. That old bastard cared more about his spies than the innocent lives his spies have taken and how many families were torn to pieces, because of their actions.” Ted gritted his teeth. He once respected Crouch, but he had lost all of his respect towards that man, when it was revealed that he had ordered Julius’ death and the killings of many order members through Snape, Rosier, Rookwood and Rowle. He was satisfied, when Rosier was killed, but unfortunately, the other three retaliated even worse and killed more order members than before, which was infuriating. Ted had faced a losing battle in the DMLE about getting justice for those, who were murdered by those three, but in the end, he achieved nothing. He was furious at himself for not keeping his promises that Snape, Rowle and Rookwood would pay for their crimes. He had left many good and light witches and wizards angry for allowing this injustice to happen.

Andromeda quickly calmed her husband down since he was thinking about Snape, Rookwood and Rowle, who have caused so many deaths. She knew that her husband had his goals set to make those three monsters pay for their sins, but had failed in doing so. She still didn’t understand, how people could be so cold and heartless towards people like Hestia, where Julius was blamed for his actions.

The rest of the day, they spent their time with Nymphadora, who loved to use her metamorphmagus abilities, but they were causing her a little bit of pain, when she was shifting her body.

Knockturn Alley, August 30th, 2002

Eric was waiting impatiently for Alex to arrive. The man was already twenty minutes late and he was getting pissed by this delay. When he was ready to turn around and do his shift, so that he can go home, Eric saw Alexander coming or better to say, the man was practically running like he was being chased by a dragon. Alex was out of breath and Eric was a little bit concerned by the man’s appearance. “Alex, what has gotten into you? You ran like a dragon was after you.”

When the man managed to regain his breath, he said: “O’Neill is the undercover auror that had brought Aurelius down.”

“What? She was the one, who is responsible for Aurelius’ arrest and incarceration?”, Eric questioned, so that he is sure that he hasn’t misheard it.

Alex nodded and explained: “I overheard the other two undercover aurors talking about her. They mentioned Aurelius and how she had helped Amelia to bring him down. Furthermore, they also mentioned to keep an eye on the female accomplice, which I know is your sister.” The man shook his head. “Seriously, Eric, your sister should have not interfered with Yaxley’s life. I mean, Corban was disinherited and would have lived a life as a disgraced former heir. Why didn’t she just ignore him.”

Eric wanted to groan, but let out a sigh. “I know, Alex, but my sister is very vindictive and she doesn’t take an insult without laying down.”

“Don’t make excuses for her, Eric. She is also the reason why Aurelius ended up in Azkaban. If she had had some self-control over herself, then, you wouldn’t have been in this situation trying to do your best to help her. Eric, you need to find a way to cover your own tracks too, because I am sure that the woman is going to do something stupid”, Alex warned the auror.

Eric tightened his jaw. Alex was right. If someone finds out that he had snooped in Amelia’s files, then, he would be in a lot of trouble and it would cost him his job. Not to mention that he would be charged with gaining unlawfully access to classified information and leaking them illegally to his family. He needed to be careful. “I will consider your advice in case, things are going to go the wrong way.” Eric really wished that Isabella was like Evelyn. At least his younger sister is less troublesome and is more thoughtful.

Jugson Estate

Eric arrived home exhausted, but more optimistic than his last Saturday shifts in Knockturn Alley. The auror sat down in the informal dining room and ordered his house elf to bring him something to eat. He thought about today’s revelation and what he had found out.

When the food was served, Eric was enjoying his dinner until he heard loud voices in the living room. It must be another argument between Isabella and Evelyn. Eric wanted to drop his head on the table. His sisters were arguing again and it seems like that he or his father had to break up this argument. “Listen here, you little gremlin, I am not to blame for Aurelius’ downfall solely. There were many other combinations of factors that had caused this mess. Greengrass and the undercover auror are mostly responsible for Aurelius’ conviction.”

But Evelyn countered her older sister: “But you are the main reason for Aurelius’ imprisonment, because you started all of this. If you had just let it go and ignored that blood traitor and his mudblood wife of his, then, Aurelius wouldn’t be in prison. Now, he is in jail. Corban and that bitch are the new Lord and Lady Yaxley. House Yaxley is slowly removing itself from the dark order and currently, our alliance with that house is frozen. Don’t you realise in what kind of mess, we are in right now, because of you and your stupidity.” Isabella was fuming in rage. She wasn’t going to let her younger sister tell her that it was her fault that Aurelius was caught and that Corban was considering to break the alliance with House Jugson. This isn’t her fault. Eric had to admit that Evelyn is right. House Yaxley is distant with the other members from the dark order apart from those, who have turned their backs on their Lord or are questioning the Dark Lord’s ideology like the Malfoy, Lestrange and Rosier families. This could be problematic for their cause, if there were pureblood families from the dark side that were not agreeing with their Lord.

“Shut up, Evelyn. I am tired of listening to your nagging, how this situation is entirely my fault. We can’t dwell on the past since we have to focus on how to cover Aurelius’ tracks towards us.” Evelyn just glared. She wished her sister would understand that whatever she was planning was going to lead them to more trouble.

Isabella entered the informal dining room and had her focus on her brother. “Eric, did you find something out about the undercover auror?”

Eric swallowed his last pieces of his meal and called his elf to get the dishes. After the table was cleaned, he returned his focus back on his elder sister. “Well, yes. I found out, who the undercover auror was, who brought Aurelius down.”

Isabella had a relieved look and Evelyn looked surprised. “Who is it?” Both females demanded at the same time.

“It is Christina O’Neill. She was the one, who had spied on your conversation with Aurelius in February.” Isabella was satisfied with that piece of information. She had plans on how to deal with that woman appropriately.

Eric had noticed his sister’s demure and knew that she was planning something, but he wasn’t sure what. He really hoped that she wasn’t going to do something stupid.

Unfortunately, Isabella was going to do something that would be her and her family’s downfall.

Weasley Manor, August 31st, 2002

Bill was sad that the summer holidays have come to an end and that tomorrow, it was time for him to return back to school separated from his family. He had packed his trunk with his muggle school books that he needed, in order to pass his exams during the Yule holidays.

This summer, he was busy with learning the 6th grade materials in his chosen muggle subjects. He had taken English and English literature, Math, French, Latin, Geography, Muggle History and Science. His brothers apart from the twins will start this school year to go to a primary school in France. Charlie would be in his fifth grade, whereas Percy would start his first-grade. But it wasn’t easy, because Charlie had to relearn some magical subjects that he hadn’t learned. He would have attended these classes during his third year in the primary school and for that reason, Charlie had to do the third-year exams in Transfiguration, Charms, DADA, Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, History of Magic and Magical Theory. He had started to study those subjects during the last Yule holidays with the help of the books that Lady Delacour had sent for his younger brother. The other two classes Etiquette and Wizard/Muggle Studies were not necessary since they were first- and second-year materials and Charlie learned those lessons after their father discovered Molly’s treachery through Lady Malfoy and Dowager Longbottom.

Charlie had passed the exams with flying colours and he will start his fourth year in the primary school.

Bill had been really lucky during the school year since his magical subjects apart from two were covering the ICW standards, when he attended the tutoring sessions, but there was still a lot of work to be done since he had to be tutored in DADA and Transfiguration, so that he was up to par with the international standards. The muggle subjects were not easy especially Science and Math since both subjects are very complicated and practical.

Bill was nervous since he had his exams in the muggle subjects during the Yule holidays and there was going to be a lot of work and studying to be done for this term.

Chapter Text

Platform 9 ¾, September 1st, 2002

Bill was ready for his second year at Hogwarts and had everything, what he needed. He arrived at the platform at 9 a.m. with his family apart from his mother and his youngest siblings, because his father was in a hurry. He needed to take Charlie and Percy to the primary school in France. For that reason, he had arranged international portkeys. Entering the train, he was lucky that there were many empty compartments in the train since he was early. Bill took a seat and looked out of the window, where his father and his siblings were waving at him. Bill waved back and after some time, he saw them leaving. He wasn’t as sad as last year, but he also understood that it is an integral part of his life. Furthermore, he didn’t want Percy and Charlie to miss their first day at school.

For this year, his father told him that his potion professor is going to tutor the DADA class. Bill was glad that they had someone competent teaching them DADA even though, he is only responsible for the tutoring sessions. His father told him that he should attend these sessions since Professor Snape is using the ICW curriculum and he would teach him, what he was supposed to learn in DADA. He is not looking forward, who the headmaster is going to introduce for the DADA position. Their last professor didn’t teach them anything worthwhile due to the problem that each year a new DADA professor was introduced. Thankfully, Professor Snape was going to take over the tutoring session and could teach them things that is taught internationally.

Bill had been thinking until a familiar person entered his compartment and Bill’s attention was drawn away from the compartment window.

Jaques Greengrass was nervous, when he entered the train for his final year at Hogwarts. He had taken his sixth-year exams in the ministry at the beginning of summer and passed them with flying colours. After the examination, Jaques and his uncle had a meeting with a board of six school board members from the school board, whether he should continue with his education in Hogwarts or if he will be expelled and would have to attend another school due to his actions last year. His uncle made sure that the members were his allies since from the dark fraction, Lord and Lady Malfoy were attending the meeting. From the neutral fraction, Lady Amelia Bones and Lord Bartemius Crouch were there and from the light, there were Lords Markus McKinnon and Dedalus Diggle. All six approved of his re-entrance in Hogwarts and he was informed or better to say warned by the board that he was going to return to Hogwarts for his final year since it was the law and all six were aware of his background, why he had run away. But he would be supervised by this board, so that he doesn’t run away again since next time, the school board would expel him. His head of house is going to be the one to file the reports. Furthermore, he would be sorted again since he didn’t attend his sixth year and was officially removed from the school’s records. Jaques was surprised that Dedalus Diggle voted in his favour and when he asked his uncle about Diggle, Cyrus told him that Lord Diggle was not as fanatical as he had pretended to be to Dumbledore and that he would tell him after he had graduated.

Jaques was looking for an empty compartment, but didn’t find one and he wasn’t brave enough to face anyone due to what had happened to him. Luckily, he found one, where a familiar face was sitting alone and he had hoped that he would have some peace and quiet.

Jaques knew William ‘Bill’ Weasley during the few meetings that his uncle had chaired in Greengrass Manor with his allies and he had found the boy to be friendly and kind. He became fast friends with Bill. He was surprised that Arthur Weasley was involved in those meetings, but then, he learned the truth about the Weasley Family and Jaques had been ready to curse Molly Weasley for what she had done to her family. Seriously, using potions, spells and blocks on her family, in order to control them for a manipulative, old fool, is the worst thing that you can do to your family. He is glad that the woman is punished severely.

“Hey, Jaques.” Bill greeted him. He was happy that his newly made friend would be able to attend Hogwarts after what had happened to him. “How are you doing?” He is also glad that Sarah Fenwick had graduated already and wouldn’t cause any trouble for Jaques, but her friends were still there since they had been in their sixth-year last year and they could make Jaques’ life in Hogwarts difficult.

“I am fine, Bill. I am just glad that the board allowed my return. I hope that this school year is going to go quietly and without any trouble.” Jaques really didn’t need more trouble than it was necessary.

Bill gave him a cheeky smile and answered: “I wouldn’t be so sure. Sarah Fenwick may have graduated last year with Anton, but her friends are still attending school and they promised retribution against you.”

Jaques sighed deeply. Great. Fenwick’s sycophants are going to be annoying in this school year and he was sure that Dumbledore and McGonagall are going to make up excuses for their behaviour. He really hoped that he doesn’t end up in Gryffindor or Slytherin, because his life was going to be hellish in those two houses.

Both had a quiet conversation and they were glad that no one had disturbed them apart from some of Bill’s true friends, who were not biased and bigoted against Slytherins.

Hogwarts

Albus was preparing everything for the students’ arrival. This school year, Jaques Greengrass was going to return back to his school and he knew that he needed to keep things under control. Minerva could be a problem since she still didn’t get over the fact that Anton chose the Greengrass brat over Sarah and he didn’t need the woman to target the boy since the small board was going to check up on everything, if she was truthful and honest. There would be a honesty ward in those meetings and Minerva could get in deep trouble, if she is caught to be dishonest about the boy. Looking up, Minerva was sitting in front of him. “Albus, is there something that you need to discuss with me before the students arrive?”

Albus took a deep breath and started: “Minerva, this school year, Jaques Greengrass will return back, in order to finish his final year.”

“I know.” Minerva had a displeased look on her face and Albus knew that he had to make sure that the woman didn’t do anything stupid. “Why did the small board allow his return? He should have been expelled. I can’t believe that Dedalus would vote with the other board members. He should have known better.”

Albus wanted to groan. Dedalus voted for Greengrass’ return since the criminal record had nothing to do with his academics and the background sounds to be foolish, but also understandable. “I understand your concept, Minerva, but the background of his criminal record and the reason behind his actions can’t be ignored.” Minerva thinned her lips. She couldn’t deny that Jaques’ actions and criminal record could be led back to Aurelius Yaxley and the boy’s father.

“For that reason, Minerva, I request from you to not target the boy and treat him like the other students. I know that you are not going to like it, but the small board is supervising him and any punishments that were assigned to Jaques needed to be explained in front of the board. And I warn you, Minerva, they use a honesty ward during those meetings. If you are dishonest, the small board will report it to the school board and either you get a warning or probation. We can’t risk that, understood?” Minerva nodded. She knows about the small board and she also knows, how they were operating.

She questioned: “Who is on the small board? Can we sway them?”

“From what I know from Aurelia, who had arranged it during the summer vacation, there are two from the dark, two from the neutral and two from the light party. From the dark, the Malfoys took over the positions, which is a setback since they are still the wildcards. From the neutral fraction, Amelia and Bartemius have taken over the posts and from the light, Markus and Dedalus have taken over. I don’t believe that the small board was biased since Amelia and Bartemius can’t be bribed and Markus and Dedalus are good friends of mine. Furthermore, the Malfoys are very distant towards the death eaters and are slowly separating themselves from Voldemort.” Minerva was rubbing her temples knowing that she couldn’t argue about the small board members.

“Alright, Albus. I will ignore the boy and will not pay him any mind as long as he doesn’t cause any trouble.” Albus’ eyes were twinkling and he popped another lemon drop into his mouth for a job well done. That was good.

He added: “Maybe, we could sway him to our way of thinking. I mean, he had seen, how bad the dark is with his experiences with Yaxley and his father and the Greengrasses could be swayed to our side since they were neutral and were staunch opponents of Voldemort.”

Minerva didn’t find the idea bad. Maybe the boy and the Greengrasses could be swayed to their side and the Abbotts would remain in the light. Both left the office making their way to the great hall for the sorting ceremony and the first day of the school. Albus was glad that the Wizengamot meeting in September was next week. He had a lot of time to think, what his next nomination would be, but he will not sway away from the veelas. Maybe he should ban those dratted creatures from getting jobs, where they have pro-longed contact with wizards and witches.

Phineas heard the conversation and planned to give Narcissa and Lucius a warning about their new plans.

For this school year, Bill was sitting in a carriage that was pushed by something invisible with Jaques, his best friend and an older year instead of a boat. Bill asked about it and the older year explained that a thestral was pulling the carriage. “Thestrals are invisible for the normal eye, but those, who had seen death, can see them. You will learn about thestral during the Care of Magical Creature class next year.” Bill noted that and thought that taking the COMC class would be a good idea.

The trip was quiet until the students got out of the carriages and were on their way to the main entrance, where they went in and went to their respective tables. Jaques had to remain behind since he would be sorted at the end. Transfer students had always been sorted after the first years, so, Jaques had to wait for some time.

Everyone took their seat and waited for the new first years, who arrived through the main entrance too. Minerva McGonagall was leading the first years like the year before to the front of the great hall, where a stool was placed instead of the pedestal. Minerva took out a list from her robe pocket and had the Sorting Hat in her other hand. She explained that the students would be called upon alphabetically and that the hat would decide, where they would be sorted.

Bill was not really paying any attention to the sorting until it was finished, but the stool wasn’t removed and Dumbledore stood up from his throne-like chair. “And before the feast can begin, there would be another sorting of a student, who had attended Hogwarts, but had dropped out due to familial reasons.” Many knew, who the headmaster was referring to. Bill noticed many looks that were a mix of pity, anger and resignation.

The headmaster glanced to McGonagall and she said: “Greengrass, Jaques.”

Jaques came from the entrance with a cold mask on his face and made his way to the seat. The boy took his seat on the stool and the hat was dropped on his head. With that, the sorting started.

Jaques heard the voice of the hat. “Ah, we see each other again, Mr. Greengrass. Running away was a reckless mistake and a bit foolish, you know.”

“I know, Hat, but at the time, I didn’t know that my aunt and uncle needed to be consulted in those matters. My father hid this information.” Jaques was honest in this part.

The hat snorted: “I hope that you have learned your lesson. Let’s see, where I should sort you. Last time, you were in Slytherin and I don’t regret it, but now, there is another house that has the potential for you. You would do well in Hufflepuff too, but Slytherin is also a good choice for you.”

“I don’t think, the other Slytherins will welcome me with open arms due to my betrothal with Anton. Many members in my former house are not going to accept this with ease.” Jaques was sure that the Slytherins would be very hostile towards him due to his engagement with an heir of a light family.

The sorting hat was thoughtful for a time being. He was maybe responsible for the sorting, but for that, he had to consider if the students do have the necessary traits. In this case, Jaques Greengrass had the cunningness and resourcefulness of a snake, but he is also hard-working and loyal like a badger. The hat made his decision, where Jaques would be sorted.

“Well, Mr. Greengrass. Let’s end this sorting and I know exactly, what house will be the best for you.”

The students were waiting for the sorting for some time. The Gryffindors and Slytherins were impatient since they believed that Jaques would be returned back to Slytherin, where he belonged. The Gryffindors hoped, he will end up there since a criminal like him shouldn’t be allowed to be sorted in the other houses and there is also his family’s background. Many Gryffindors believed that the Greengrass Family had some ties with You-Know-Who, but there was no real evidence apart from Alfred NoName, Jaques’ father, who was later disowned by his brother. The Slytherins were sure that Jaques would be sorted into their house. The blood purists were planning to convince the boy to break off the betrothal with that halfblood and get together with Atticus Mulciber, so that the bloodline of the Greengrasses remains pure.

The other two houses were not so sure, because the sorting was taking longer than a minute, but the hat made its decision.

“HUFFLEPUFF!”

The Hufflepuffs were cheering loudly that Jaques was sorted into their house and many of Anton’s close friends were glad that he was with them. The Ravenclaws were clapping politely surprised by the sorting, but the Slytherins and the Gryffindors remained silent. There were only some claps from the more neutrally inclined students. They were shocked that a Greengrass was not sorted in Slytherin or Ravenclaw. That cannot be.

Albus froze. What? The boy is in Hufflepuff. Albus had made many plans for that boy during this school year that were destroyed by his sorting. If he had been sorted into Slytherin, which he was sure, he would have tried everything to break the betrothal between Anton and him. But Hufflepuff was not in his plans. This was a setback. He should have put some compulsions on the hat, but he didn’t do it since he didn’t expect this outcome. Now, it is too late for a resort and Albus can only watch, how his plans were destroyed.

Minerva was not happy about the sorting. This was going to be problematic for their plans.

Jaques was stunned, but smiled happily and gave the hat back to his stunned transfiguration professor. The boy made his way to the Hufflepuff table with his other house mates, who greeted him friendly.

Minerva removed the stool and the hat with a wave of her wand and returned back to sit with the other staff members next to the headmaster.

Jaques was happily chatting with his new house mates and felt at ease. When he was sorted into Slytherin during his first year, it was cold, oppressive and dreadful during the feasts and the meals since the Slytherins were not as open and talkative as the Hufflepuffs or even the Gryffindors. The Ravenclaws were like the Slytherins, but the ravens were more talkative than the snakes and were more open. Jaques also noticed that they are not mentioning his criminal record out of respect and made sure that he is welcome.

Up at the staff table, there were mixed reactions. Pomona was happy about the sorting and she would do everything to help her new badger. Severus and Aurora were glad that Jaques was sorted into Hufflepuff, because in Slytherin, the blood purists would have made his life difficult. Severus was sure that they would have tried everything to convince Jaques to break his current betrothal with Anton Abbott and get together with Mulciber. He and Aurora would have stopped it, but the members would have been relentless. Albus and Minerva were frowning at the sorting. This wasn’t supposed to happen and Pomona is a tough nut to crack, when it is about her badgers. It was going to be hard.

The feast started, after the headmaster made a speech and gave them the same warnings like in the previous years.

After the feast was finished, the students made their way to their common rooms. Jaques went with the other Hufflepuffs to the common room in the kitchens. The password was given and the students started to mill in. When everyone was inside, Professor Sprout made her normal house speech and made sure that any misbehaviour here would be punished. She made sure that everyone received her hard look, which was intimidating. Afterwards, the students went to their dormitories. Jaques shared his dorm with the four other students. He had been talking with them until it was time to go to bed.

Albus was sitting in his office lost in thought. The sorting of Jaques Greengrass was a setback and he can’t fix this. He had called the Fenwicks to his office since he had to rework his plans again. He was waiting with Minerva until Tamara, Benjy, Adam and Sarah arrived.

The floo flared and the family stepped through. Benjy was the first, who greeted them. “Albus, Minerva, what can I do for you?”

“Benjy, my boy, please take a seat. Tamara, Adam, Sarah, you too. There are some distressing news that we need to discuss.” Albus knew that this meeting was not going to be funny.

After everyone took their seat and tea was served, Albus began. “I have bad news. Today, Jaques Greengrass was sorted and things have gotten harder for us to break Anton and Jaques up.”

“What do you mean with that, Albus? Greengrass is a dark and evil snake like the rest of his no-good family? He and his family had turned the Abbotts against us and are ruining us”, Adam questioned enraged.

Albus shook his head and answered in a soft voice: “Adam, Jaques was sorted into Hufflepuff.”

“WHAT?!” The entire Fenwick family screamed as one.

Sarah whined: “No, this can’t be. How did he end up there? He must have done something to trick the hat.” She realised that things really had gotten harder to prove that Jaques was a dark and evil snake.

The hat grumbled at that and their attention was on the old hat that was placed in the cabinet. Albus waved his wand, in order to summon the hat to his desk. The hat began: “Ms. Fenwick. No one can trick me. You should not forget that Salazar Slytherin himself had also created me with the other founders. Through his spells, no one can deceive me.” Albus smiled brittlely, because he knows that it is the truth. “Can you tell us why Jaques was sorted this time into Hufflepuff? I mean last time, he was in Slytherin. What changed?”

The hat answered: “I can’t go into the specifics, Albus, you know that, but I can speak in generalities. Mr. Greengrass was a Slytherin in his first year, because he had the traits of a true Slytherin, but he had also other traits that he had suppressed due to his father. But since his father is gone and he is under the custody of his aunt and uncle, his other traits came to light and it was more difficult to sort him. The Hufflepuff and Slytherin traits were more dominantly and I chose the house, where he could prosper appropriately.” Albus knew that if Jaques was sorted into Slytherin, the blood purists would have demanded from him to break the betrothal with Anton and get together with Atticus. He had counted on that, but now, everything was ruined.

Everyone was frustrated that the sorting hat caused so much trouble, but there was nothing that could fix this. Sarah swore that she was going to work harder to get together with Anton even if she had to use love potions. Maybe there the betrothal will break. Unfortunately, the betrothal contract wouldn’t break even there since the fidelity was changed that if either Anton or Jaques were forced or were coerced to cheat, the betrothal contract wouldn’t break.

Hogwarts, September 2nd, 2002

Jaques was excited for his first day back in Hogwarts. He had sent his aunt and uncle a letter before breakfast that he was sorted into Hufflepuff and had made many friends. The blond boy dressed himself in his school robes and prepared himself for the first day of classes. Making his way to the great hall, Jaques sat down at the breakfast table and started to eat.

Halfway through breakfast, Jaques noticed that someone was behind him. Turning around, he saw two Gryffindor girls, who were glaring at him. He can only suspect that they were friends of Fenwick. Jaques turned his back on them not wanting to deal with Fenwick’s sycophants so early in the morning. Both girls were even more annoyed and one of them demanded: “Greengrass, stop ignoring us and listen carefully, you husband-stealing bastard. You will stay away from Anton. He belongs to Sarah. I don’t know, what you have done to him that he agreed to be betrothed to you, but we will find out and make you pay for breaking Sarah’s heart and turning Anton into a freak. Anton deserves better and should be with someone, who is light and good and not someone, who is a death eater wannabe.”

“Ms. Donovan. Fifteen points from Gryffindor for threatening and insulting another student. And for your language.” Promona was enraged about those two. She had known that they would be trouble. But the punishment wasn’t finished. “Furthermore, you will spend this week apart from the weekend in detention with me. There are going to be some dirty cauldrons to be cleaned. You will be there for your first detention today after dinner”, Severus said coldly and came behind Pomona. He had overheard, what the foolish girl had said and had been angry about the girl’s behaviour.

Flora Donovan was furious. She didn’t deserve this punishment. There was no way in hell, she would spend this week in detention with Snape. That man is terrible and everyone avoided to get detention with Snape since they would have to clean cauldrons. Pomona gave them a stern glare and ordered: “Now, you two, return back to your table or more points are going to be lost. You already put your house in the negatives. And I will be writing to your parents. This behaviour is unacceptable.” With that, Pomona and Severus waited until the two lions returned back to the Gryffindor table and after they went back to their respective table, both teachers made their way to the staff table. The girls received many glares since they lost points already on their first day and were in the negatives.

Jaques knew that those two girls are not going to be the only ones, who are against his betrothal with Anton. He knew that Dumbledore’s fools and Riddle’s followers are going to react negatively on his relationship with Anton.

Severus and Pomona sat down at the staff table and started to eat their breakfast, but sadly, it wasn’t peaceful, when Minerva started to argue: “Severus, Pomona, there was no need to be so cruel to one of my lions. Ms. Donovan made a mistake and…”

“Enough, Minerva. The punishment is fair and warranted. I believe that you would have made the same approach, if Mr. Greengrass had started the argument.” Severus was getting tired and he doesn’t have the patience to argue with Minerva this early in the morning.

“I have to agree, Minerva. Ms. Donovan was rude and disrespectful. Furthermore, she should not interfere in betrothal contracts and family matters. You know as I do, Minerva, what the consequences are, if someone, who is not family, interferes in a marriage or betrothal contract or in familial matters of two old and noble families. In both cases, the punishments are harsh or deadly. For Merlin’s sake, the girl could be stripped of her magic, if she tries something against Heir Abbott or Mr. Greengrass.” Pomona made sure that Minerva is warned, what happens, if you mess up with a betrothal contract.

Minerva froze, when Pomona was finished. She knows full and well, what will happen, if someone tries to interfere with a marriage and/or betrothal contract and there is no way in hell, this could be covered up since the magic of the contract will make sure that the girl would suffer the consequences of her actions.

When they noticed that Minerva was silent, both teachers were glad and continued with their food. They had seen that Jaques was happily conversing with the other badgers.

Greengrass Manor

Cyrus and Danielle received their nephew’s letter and were surprised by his second sorting. Their nephew was sorted into Hufflepuff, but they didn’t care and were even glad since in Slytherin, he wouldn’t be safe from the other blood purists. Both were sure that the more bigoted Slytherins would have done everything to convince Jaques to break off the betrothal with Anton and get together with Mulciber. Thankfully, that would never happen.

“Jaques broke the tradition in the Greengrass Family. Many members of my family were either Ravenclaws or Slytherins.” Cyrus was practically grinning. Breaking the sorting tradition is an entertainment for most family, who were not biased.

Danielle just rolled her eyes at her husband’s statement and sighed. “Cyrus, we should be happy that he is safe. Ravenclaw is also a good option, but I had an intuition that Jaques would be sorted into Hufflepuff.”

“You and your intuition, Danielle.” Danielle glared at her husband and Cyrus remained quiet. “Let’s just write back to our dear nephew that we are very happy about his sorting.” Danielle agreed and prepared pen and paper.

In Hogwarts, Jaques was happy, when he received his aunt’s and uncle’s letter during the lunch period, where they stated that they were proud and happy about his sorting and that he had broken a sorting tradition. After finishing lunch, Jaques made his way to the charms classroom. On his way there, he heard someone calling him blood traitor. Turning around, he saw some Slytherins, who were glaring at him and were approaching him. Jaques sighed and thought: ‘Here we go.’

The leader of the group began. “Greengrass, you and your family are a stain to our respectable society. First, this betrothal to a filthy half-blood instead of a respectable wizard like Atticus and now, your sorting into Hufflepuff. It seems like that the Greengrass Family forgot its roots apart from your father. At least, he was the only one respectable in this family of yours. I didn’t understand at first, why Lord Greengrass would disown his own brother, but knowing that he approved this match between you and that filthy half-blood, we realised that your family are blood traitors.”

“Selwyn, you should know that my ex-father created an illegal betrothal contract without consulting my uncle, who is the head of the family. What would your head of the family do, if someone in your family creates a betrothal contract for you without the knowledge of the Lord of the family with one of the light families in the Wizengamot. You would hate it.” Selwyn became red-faced. He doesn’t have any arguments left.

Filius cleared his throat before Selwyn could continue. “Mr. Selwyn, for your degenerate language and disrespect towards a school mate, I will deduct ten points from Slytherin. You will spend the next three days in detention with me. I will also write to your parents.”

Killian Selwyn seethed, but remained silent and went into the classroom. He is already in a lot of trouble for losing points and getting detention on his first day of classes. His parents are not going to be pleased with him.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, September 4th, 2002

Another order meeting was taking place and this time, it is in Hogwarts. Albus was surveying his followers and knew that they had many plans to work on. He had wanted to create another law against the veelas and this time, he wants to restrict the veelas from getting jobs in their society. When the meeting began, Albus announced that the veelas should be restricted from having jobs in their world that is demanding pro-longed contact with witches and wizards and practically and basically, made the nomination to ban them from getting any jobs in the wizarding world.

Arthur really questioned himself, why he didn’t notice that those that were on the side of the light could be as bad as Riddle and his death eaters. He will inform the others about their plans.

Phineas just shook his head in disappointment. He should have realised that something was wrong with Dumbledore, when he became headmaster.

“Albus, there must be something wrong with the sorting hat. I have heard that Greengrass was sorted into Hufflepuff instead of in Slytherin, where he belongs. What went wrong?” James stated his rather loud opinion, when it was decided that they made this nomination against the veelas.

The Sorting Hat let out a low growl at James Potter. He should have sent that brat into Slytherin, where he would have been toned down and he would have reached his full potential, but no, the boy had begged the hat to sort him into Gryffindor with the other light and good witches and wizards. Sirius Potter should have gone into Slytherin too. He would have done well in the snake house like the rest of his family. He would have prospered and he wouldn’t have been disowned now. When the hat turned his attention to Lily and Remus, he sighed and thought that it should have sent them both into Ravenclaw. They would have learned to be more open-minded and would have been exceptional in their classes. Pettigrew would have prospered in Hufflepuff and wouldn’t have become a death eater. Severus Snape would have done well in Gryffindor since the boy had true bravery and chivalry and was the best representation of a Gryffindor, but he never showed it to anyone outside his friendship circle. He would have managed to become the youngest potion master, but Slytherin was better, when he had sorted the Potters and Remus Lupin into Gryffindor since he would have been ruined by those four. The Sorting Hat is a very good strategist like Godric Gryffindor and currently, he knew that the sortings had to be strategic due to the old fool, in order to make sure that Dumbledore doesn’t ruin the students and stunt their magic.

Albus sighed. “James, Benji, Tamara, Sarah, Adam and I have talked with the Sorting Hat and it had sorted Jaques into Hufflepuff, because the hat couldn’t decide between Hufflepuff and Slytherin. So, the hat chose the house, where he could prosper more.”

James just huffed, but remained silent. He remembered his traumatic sorting, when the hat had tried to convince him to sort him into Slytherin. He was horrified and furious that the hat wanted to put him with the slimy snakes. James had argued with the hat defiantly until the hat gave in and sorted him into Gryffindor. He was a true lion, not a filthy snake. But he wasn’t the only one, who had suffered that. Sirius was also nearly sorted into Slytherin. Back then, the boy begged the hat to put him into Gryffindor since he didn’t want to be a slimy snake like the rest of his family. Remus and Lily remembered that both had protested against their sorting in Ravenclaw since they wanted to be safe from the ‘dark influence’ in Ravenclaw. They never told anyone about that since they would have been under suspicion by their friends and allies.

The others were not happy about this setback, but they had to accept it and they knew that things had gotten harder for them.

The meeting came to an end and Arthur planned to tell the others about their plans.

Malfoy Manor, September 6th, 2002

“We need to stop this nomination. I still can’t believe that the so-called light side is worse than Riddle and his followers.” Arthur had chosen to call Voldemort Riddle instead of calling him You-Know-Who since it is the safer option.

“I understand your problem, Arthur, but we can’t deal with them right now. We need to slowly chip off on their power base and make sure that they lose more and more influence over our world. Furthermore, Lucius, Thorfinn, Severus, Narcissa and all those including myself, who were associated with Riddle and his maniacs, need to repair their reputations and image, in order to make sure that our actions during the war are not questioned in a bad light”, Augustus said. Many agreed on that. Riddles’s followers and their associates were still mistrusted by more than 50% of their population no matter the background.

Everyone was discussing, how to stop this nomination until they came to the conclusion that they have to equivocate them and show the Wizengamot, for what jobs, the veelas are most qualified and where they would do best.

But for their plans, they need to make up a distraction and Narcissa made up a perfect plan, how to distract Dumbledore and his fools. “I have an idea. We could nominate to expand our medical field with the help of the muggle world. I mean, muggles have developed many healing techniques and explored the human body extensively, where they managed to find out all kinds of diseases and illnesses. This would distract Dumbledore and it would be beneficial for our society to expand our knowledge.” Many agreed.

Furthermore, they plan to put the current ban against the veelas, where they were forbidden from working for the ministry as employees. This would be another hurdle against Dumbledore and his followers.

Amelia had a feeling that something is in the air and that something terrible is going to happen. She was on guard since she found out that someone had been snooping in her files. She still didn’t know, who it was since she had to examine the magical signature and compare it with the other aurors, but for that she needed a very good reason. Amelia had a bad feeling and it was the same feeling like on Halloween 2001. But for now, she had to wait until the feeling is gone.

The others also noticed that there is something going on, but they are not sure what. Narcissa had a feeling that the case of Aurelius Yaxley isn’t still closed since the unknown, female accomplice hasn’t been apprehended. She suspected that it was Isabella Jugson, who still didn’t get over Corban’s decision of marrying Clara, but without proof, there was nothing Amelia can do. Not even a search warrant can be demanded since there was no evidence that is incriminating Isabella. But Narcissa was sure that the woman was going to do something stupid that would bring her down. She had known her since she was a little girl and Narcissa knew that Isabella was very cruel and reckless, when she was vindictive. She remembered back then, when her little sister, Evelyn, as an infant had broken her favourite doll, Isabella had given the poor infant the scare of her life by throwing a flobberworm in Evelyn’s crip. She was caught immediately and punished harshly, when Evelyn started to cry and scream. And that fact didn’t change.

Everyone went their separate ways, when the meeting came to an end.

Wizengamot, September 9th, 2002

Another Wizengamot meeting had started and this time, one of the members of the Anti-Creature Party nominated to ban veelas from working in any establishment, where they have prolonged contact with wizards and witches. They were excusing it with the fact that the veelas with their allure were a danger to their society. Many from the Grey Alliance were restraining themselves from rolling their eyes. Narcissa is really questioning herself, how those fools managed to become department heads let alone lords, when they were spouting such nonsense. She had seen that Dumbledore, his fools and the darker purebloods had supportive faces, but the rest was staring at the idiot blankly.

When the nomination was finished, Albus questioned the members of the Wizengamot, if there were any other nominations. Pandora was the one, who rose her wand. Albus frowned and hoped that her nomination wouldn’t be too troublesome. “Pandora, my dear.”

The woman in question stood up and gave Albus a fake smile trying to hide her distaste towards the man. “Dear members of the WIzengamot, I am nominating that we expand our healers’ medical knowledge with the help of the medical expertise from the muggle world. From what, I have learned, muggles have expanded their field of study in medicine massively and I think that we could learn a lot of things from the muggles.” From there on, an argument broke out and Pandora handed out the files about the illnesses and techniques of healing that the muggles had developed during the 19th and 20th century. It also shows, how the medical field has been divided in different departments. The light section was arguing and Albus was exasperated that such a simple motion can cause so much trouble in one row.

Albus quickly requested to speak with his followers in a privacy bubble, in order to make sure that his people were not embarrassing themselves in front of the Wizengamot with their lack of knowledge about the muggles. Why did this nomination had to come?

Narcissa saw the opportunity to strike and the Grey Alliance prepared itself to make the protest against the nomination. This time, Zachary Abbott would be the one to make the protest.

When Aurelia took over as Chief Witch, she questioned, if there were any other nominations or protests. When Zachary rose his wand, the woman had her attention on him. “Lord Abbott.”

“I have a protest to make about Lord Fudge’s nomination. This ban against the veelas would bring us more problems than they are worth it. First things first, Lord Fudge’s argument that the veela’s allure would distract the other workers from doing their jobs is complete hogwash since adult veelas can control their allure. Veelas in their childhood and in their early teens have trouble of controlling their veela allure since they had to learn it from their elders. In other instances, the allure is inactive especially, when the veelas are working or are studying. In that point, the allure is at the lowest. Furthermore, veelas are not aggressive. They only attack someone with their famous fireballs, if they are attacked or assaulted or their mate is in danger. Finally, I want to show you, how successful veelas are in certain fields like education, construction especially the branch of decorating, and organising events like weddings, balls or gatherings.” Zachary started to show them the decoration of the veelas that were working for Emily Poole’s construction company and many Lords and Ladies were reminded by the school board meeting in January. They remembered the few buildings that Emily Poole’s construction company had worked on and were stunned, how beautiful the decorations were. Narcissa was sure that they had the majority against Fudge’s nomination since many were reminded of the January school board meeting. Furthermore, he showed them the success rate of Lady Delacour, who was a well-known half-veela, in the International Department of Education and many were stunned that the woman had managed to raise the standards highly. Zachary returned the attention back and questioned the members of the Wizengamot: “Are you now sure that you want to ban veelas from working from any occupations, where they would have pro-longed contact with witches and wizards?” Many shook their heads, because they could benefit from the veelas, if they were treating them correctly. There were only a minority like the darker purebloods and members of the Anti-Creature Party that didn’t agree with Zachary, but they were now in the minority.

A chattering broke out and many had the opinion that the nomination sounded stupid. Aurelia banged with her gavel and managed to quiet the members down. “Is there another protest or nomination?” Clara Yaxley rose her wand. Aurelia had her attention on the Lady of the House Yaxley. “Lady Yaxley?”

The woman rose from her seat. There were many hostile looks from the blood purists, but Clara ignored them and nominated: “I propose to put the current working ban against the veelas in the ministry under question. Due to these revelations, we need to rethink our views about the veelas. Especially, when we think about the education of the next generation.” There were many silent agreements. She sat down and the members waited patiently for Dumbledore.

When Albus was finished, he retook his seat at the podium. “Aurelia, my dear, were there any new nominations?”

The woman’s demeanour changed to a brittle smile. “Yes, Lady Yaxley nominated to put the current working ban against the veelas into question.”

Albus’ face restrained a snarl. He will do everything in his power to make the nomination fail.

After Aurelia sat down on her respective seat, Albus moved to the voting and began with Dustin Fudge’s nomination regarding his ban to forbid veelas from working anywhere, where they would have a pro-longed contact with witches and wizards. The nomination failed since a majority voted against it. The next nomination regarding the expanding of the medical field received a majority, which infuriated those, who looked down on muggles. The final motion passed with a landslide vote, which infuriated Albus again. Why is nothing going his way anymore? Every nomination that he wanted to pass is failing and every motion that he didn’t want is getting a majority vote. What was happening? Since when did he lose control over the Wizengamot?

With the last votes done, the meeting came to an end.

Hogwarts, Great Hall

Minerva noticed that Albus was pensive and had a thoughtful look on his face, when dinner had started. Today, Lord Dustin Fudge was supposed to propose a nomination to stop those dreadful veelas from working everywhere, where they would be in a pro-longed contact with witches and wizards, but somehow, she had the suspicion that the motion had failed. She hoped that her suspicion was wrong.

“Albus?” Minerva tried to get his attention, which had worked in a way.

Albus was startled, when his name was called. Thankfully, it was Minerva and he was sure that she was curious about the Wizengamot meeting. “Yes, Minerva, my dear. What can I do for you?”

“Albus, I am a little bit concerned. You seemed to be silent and were lost in thought. What had happened during the Wizengamot meeting? The only thing that I know is that Dustin Fudge wanted to make the nomination to ban those veelas from working in any job, where they would be in a pro-longed contact with witches and wizards.” Minerva really wanted to know, what was going on. She hoped that the proposal didn’t fail.

Albus sighed deeply. “Well, Dustin made the nomination like it was expected, but we were distracted by Pandora’s motion to propose to expand our medical field with the help of the innovations from the muggle world. At one point, the nomination is beneficial to help us, but at the other point, I was conflicted due to my plans that we remain status quo.” Minerva understood the issue since it was a difficult decision for their side. Albus continued: “During our discussion regarding Pandora’s nomination, Clara Yaxley nominated to put the current working ban on the veelas under question.”

Minerva’s eyes rose in surprise. “What?! Why would she do that? She should have known, how dangerous veelas are?” Minerva was disappointed in Clara Anderson. When the girl had started Hogwarts, Minerva thought that she was the perfect representation of a muggleborn like Lily, but reality showed her the opposite. The girl started to read books that were too dangerous and dark and spent her time with the wrong people. She had tried to push the girl towards Stuart Fenwick, who fell in love with Clara, but the girl refused and rejected every advance from Stuart, which was annoying. Minerva reported it to Albus and he had the plan to create a marriage contract as he is the girl’s magical guardian. She agreed to that plan, because Minerva believed that Clara would realise, how perfect Stuart would be for her. When everything was filled out and the contract was signed, the results didn’t go the way, how they were supposed to go. The marriage contract blackened and the goblin explained that it only happens, if the contract was rejected since Clara has a soulmate. Furthermore, Albus was informed that he wasn’t the girl’s magical guardian, but Pomona, and to make matters worse, the goblin revealed that the magic from a soul bond is stronger than the magic of a marriage contract, which is also the reason, why the contract didn’t work. Stuart was crushed and furious. He demanded to know from the goblins, who the soulmate was, but the goblin said that Clara didn’t do an inheritance test and even he didn’t know, who the soulmate was. After Clara had graduated from Hogwarts, it was revealed that Corban Yaxley was her soulmate, which made her furious that a dark wizard was chosen to be her other half rather than a good and light wizard from a good family. To make matters worse, Clara had known it during her school years that Corban and her were soulmates and they had secretly dated until they were finished with their schooling. The reaction on the dark and the light side was volatile, when the couple announced their marriage and their bonding. Stuart had a meltdown and accused Yaxley that he had used spells, potions and even violence to make Clara his bitch, but no one really believed him apart from his close friends and acquaintances since Gerald Yaxley disinherited his eldest son from the heirship after the announcement. It was frustrating to see one of her lions being heartbroken and she couldn’t fix it.

“I understand your reaction, Minerva, but Clara had chosen her path and there is nothing that can be done to change it. At first, I thought that Dustin’s nomination would pass with ease, but it failed horribly and instead of Clara’s nomination had passed.” Albus paused for a few seconds before he continued: “I don’t understand, what is going on, Minerva? Since Voldemort’s defeat, nothing is going our way.” Minerva wished, she could help Albus, but sadly, even she doesn’t know, what is going on with the other Wizengamot members.

Bill had seen the reactions and he was satisfied that something didn’t go Dumbledore’s way. He was interrupted in his thoughts, when he heard two girls arguing about Jaques and Anton. Bill paid attention, what those two were going to do. “Anna, we need to do something. We can’t allow Jaques to get away with this. Sarah needs our help in this. Maybe if Greengrass suffers a little accident, then, he would learn that he should stay away from Anton.”

The other huffed: “Tara, I know that Sarah needs our help, but we would get into trouble. Professors Sprout and Snape are paying close attention to us and I am not a fool to mess with both of them. And don’t use the argument that Snape is a death eater and no one will believe him. Snape has connections in the school board and I don’t want to end up being expelled, because of you.” Tara fumed, but remained silent. She knew that the headmaster and their head of house may be able to protect them here, but the board is another matter. Regardless, they need to find a way to break this disgusting betrothal between Anton and Greengrass.

Bill sighed. He knew, what the girls were planning, but he is aware of the consequences, if you try to interfere in a betrothal or marriage contract. The worst thing would be the loss of magic. Bill continued with his dinner until he was finished and went to the common room.

Knockturn Alley, September 12th, 2002

Isabella Jugson was making her way through Knockturn Alley, in order to get rid of a nosy undercover auror. The woman was looking carefully for Christina O’Neill until she noticed the woman in front of Borgin and Burkes. Isabella saw the auror turning a corner to the left and she started to follow her, in order to find a deserted area, where Isabella can deal with her appropriately. Unfortunately, this chase will take some time, but Isabella will not give up.

After an hour of playing cat and mouse, Isabella was ready to kill. That woman is making everything difficult. When Christina turned right and was in a deserted area, Isabella had an evil glint in her eyes. ‘Finally, now let’s have some fun.’ That was her final thought and Isabella threw a crucio on Christina, who screamed in agony. The auror tried to erect a shield charm, but she was hit with multiple bludgeon spells and the conjunctivitis curse before she was able to get her wand. It was gruesomely painful and the woman was sure that her sternum was hit by the conjunctivitis. Christina was screaming in pain and agony and tried to yell for help. Isabella threw some cutting hexes and large gashes formed on Christina’s body. The auror was losing a lot of blood and she fell on the hard asphalt. The blood was reddening the brick stones and Christina was coughing up some blood. Isabella then crucified the woman for a full minute until Christina was convulsing.

Fortunately, Christina managed to get a coin out of her pocket, which was a portkey that would send her directly to St. Mungos’ Emergency Ward. The auror quickly activated the portkey, when Isabella was in the process of casting the killing curse. Isabella finally casted the killing curse, in order to silence the woman permanently, and the curse was thrown to Christina’s motionless body, but before the deadly spell could hit the auror’s body, Christina portkeyed away and the curse hit the asphalt.

Isabelle let out a scream of fury. She forgot that aurors had emergency portkeys that would take them away from a dangerous situation. She was sure that O’Neill was in St. Mungos and for now, she had to let it go since she would get caught. So, she left the scene.

St. Mungos Emergency Ward

The healers in the emergency ward had a calm lunch and were not expecting any emergencies. During the war, the Emergency Ward was active every day and there was no break for the healers, because of You-Know-Who and his followers. They have treated many injured aurors. The worst injury that they had to treat was the state of Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody, who had lost nearly half of his body through Bellatrix Lestrange and Antonin Dolohov. They had spent a month to save the man from death. But since the war had ended, the activity of the Emergency Ward had decreased.

It was calm in the ward until Christina appeared with a pop on one of the hospital beds. The healers were horrified of her state and started to heal her worst injuries. They quickly prepared blood replenishers and blood thickeners, in order to slow down the blood loss. The wounds were carefully closed and they gave her Skelegrow, because the bludgeon spells broke some of her ribs and they needed to regrow since they could puncture the inner organs.

The healers bandaged her up and had to wait for the Skelegrow to kick in. It was not going to be a comfortable night for the woman. They still had to repair the sternum from the conjunctivitis, but that would only work after the Skelegrow was gone from the system since the potion for the sternum and the Skelegrow react negatively with each other. There is also the cruciatus exposure. There is still no healing potion for that curse and unfortunately, Christina’s nerves on her arms were damaged, which would restrict her arms’ movement and is going to end her career as an auror.

One of the healers noticed the coin and knew that the woman is an auror. He quickly ordered one of the healers to get Lord Crouch.

Bartemius Crouch Sr. was less than pleased, when his presence in St. Mungos was demanded. Every time, he is entering a hospital, he had a bad feeling that something terrible had happened. The head of the Emergency Ward was quickly making his way to him. “Lord Crouch, one of your aurors is critically injured. Her name is Christina O’Neill. We have managed to stop the bleeding and gave her some Skelegrow potion, but we still had to heal her sternum and we will give her some pain potions against the cruciatius exposure. Unfortunately, Auror O’Neill will be restricted with her movements on her arms and will not be able to continue her job as an auror properly. The only duty, she could do is desk duty for now.” Bartemius sighed and was making his way to the intensive care unit. One of Amelia’s undercover aurors had been attacked and she is permanently restricted. Who could have done this and why? Did the person know that she was an undercover auror and if yes, how did they find out? There were many questions cruising through Barty’s mind and the more, he thought about this attack, the more, he thinks that there was a leak in the DMLE. This case needs to be classified and Barty will assign two aurors to investigate this attack. The bigger problem is that she wouldn’t be able to work on the field anymore and would be restricted on desk duty. Thankfully, the DMLE doesn’t have enough aurors on desk duty and he wouldn’t have any problems of transferring her there.

“I will transfer her to desk duty, but this would be done later. I am not going to fire one of our best undercover aurors. But first, I need from you and the other healers a secrecy vow. This attack will be investigated and there is a suspicion that there is a mole in the DMLE.” The head healer nodded in understanding and called the other healers in the ward. Everyone swore the vow of secrecy making sure that nothing does leak out from St. Mungos. “Furthermore, I request a death certificate. I can only speculate that the culprit wanted to kill Auror O’Neill. We need one until it is safe for her to return to the living.” The head healer fidgeted slightly. It is not uncommon to write false death certificates especially during the war, in order to protect those, who were targeted by Voldemort and his death eaters. This case is similar, but it is about the safety of a human life. So, the head healer quickly went to his office to write one, whereas the other healers went off to look after their patient.

With that, Barty made his way to check-up on the injured undercover auror. He entered the station, in which O’Neill was lying, and quickly checked up the state of the auror and was relieved that the woman’s injuries were not critical, but there would be lasting effects like the Cruciatius exposure. The formidable man quickly went back to the DMLE, in order assign Aurors Yaxley and Proudfoot to this case.

DMLE

Bartemius was storming through the atrium of the ministry and made his way to his office. He quickly sent two notes to Head Auror Yaxley and Auror Proudfoot demanding their presence in his office. He also sent a note to Amelia Bones. She needs to know that her undercover auror had been heavily injured. Entering his office, Bartemius put up secrecy wards and waited for the three to arrive. He had been doing some paperwork until their arrival.

Fifteen minutes later, Corban, Amelia and John Proudfoot made their way to Barty’s office. They were confused, what was going on.

Entering the office, Barty summoned three chairs and all three took their seat. Amelia questioned: “Bartemius, you wanted to see us?”

Bartemius let out a sigh and began. “Yes, there are some terrible news for you Amelia and a high-ranked case for you two, Auror Yaxley and Auror Proudfoot.” All three were sitting tensely on their seats. “Amelia, Undercover Auror Christina O’Neill was attacked in Knockturn Alley and was heavily injured. Currently, she is in St. Mungos and the healers managed to heal her critical injuries. They only need to heal her damaged sternum and she would be alright, but she is going to have problems with her arms due to the Cruciatus exposure. She will be on desk duty due to her lasting injuries.”

Amelia was shocked. That couldn’t be happening. Christina was one of her best undercover aurors and she had helped her in many ways possible during the war. Whoever had attacked her will pay for this severely. Corban and John were stunned that one of their own was attacked. They will find that bastard and bring him or her to justice. Amelia said: “Is there anything else? I need to go and check up on her personally.”

Bartemius heaved out a sigh. “There is something else that is concerning the DMLE. I suspect that there is a mole in our department that had leaked out classified information, but I don’t have any proof.”

Amelia’s eyes rose in shock. She remembered that someone was in her office during the summer holidays and had snooped into her files regarding the undercover aurors. Amelia said: “Bartemius, I believe that your suspicion has some grounds.” Bartemius rose his eyebrows to the woman and nodded for her to continue. “Last month, I noticed that someone was in my office, when I was finished with a report and went to hand it over to you. I was twenty minutes gone and left my office door open until I was back. When I entered my office, I noticed that something was off, because everything was clean. I noticed that someone had opened my cabinet, where I put the files about the undercover aurors in. I found out that the files were put in an incorrect order and there was a foreign magical signature in the files. I retracted the signature and put it in another file. I wasn’t able to determine, what spell was used and whose magical signature it was, but I bet my family fortune that this is connected to this case. Should I get the file?” Bartemius stared at the woman for a moment and nodded vehemently. This was a lead. Amelia quickly left the office, in order to get the file.

After Amelia left, Corban snarled: “It must be someone from here that had leaked out Christina’s status as an undercover auror. We also need to warn the other five undercover aurors that are working for Amelia. They are in danger.”

“Leave that to Amelia and me. We will make an announcement regarding Christina’s attack. Unfortunately, we will have to fake her death until the issue has been dealt with.” Bartemius said with a serious tone. Corban nodded, but he was still stewing in his thoughts.

John had to admit that Corban may be right, but the person must have outside help. “That is maybe true, Corban, but Amelia had six undercover aurors in her employ and three were stationed in Knockturn. Why weren’t the other five aurors attacked? Why did the person target Christina? Did this attack have something to do with Aurelius’ conviction? I mean, this was the last case that Christina had been working on and it was a big case unlike the other cases that she had worked on.” Barty had to admit that these were valid questions. Why O’Neill? This question was nagging on him the whole time.

Corban went deadly calm and both aurors were sure that the man looked ready to kill someone. The man said in a dangerous voice: “Isabella. She must be behind this attack.”

“How?!” Barty and John asked at the same time.

Corban explained: “Guys, do you remember that Christina had reported to us that Aurelius had a female accomplice?” Both nodded in acknowledgement remembering Christina’s report regarding Corban’s younger brother and both suspected that Isabella Jugson had something to do with this. Bartemius had interrogated Aurelius about the accomplice during the trial, but the man’s memories were removed. So, they had been stuck, but thankfully, the memories weren’t tempered since the case would have been dismissed. John questioned: “This is a valid point, Corban, but how could she have managed to gain access to this information? It was classified and it would have been too suspicious for her to spend a longer period of time here in the DMLE. She isn’t an auror.” Corban answered: “Her brother, Eric Jugson, could have helped her. He is working here in the DMLE as an auror. He must have been the one, who went into Amelia’s office and snooped into her files regarding the undercover aurors, and since he is an auror, his presence would have gone unnoticed. The foreign magical signature in Amelia’s cabinet must belong to that man since he is still a loyal follower of Voldemort. Additionally, it is strange that Eric had three Saturday shifts in Knockturn Alley, where Amelia’s undercover aurors were working, and that this attack had happened now.”

Bartemius grumbled: “I see. I will see to get an emergency appointment with the minister regarding this. I need a warrant to check up all the aurors’ magical signatures. Since there is a suspicion that one of our own had leaked out classified information and an undercover auror had been attacked, it would be easy to get one.” These were valid points. All three were lost in thoughts until Amelia arrived back with the file.

“Here is the file, Bartemius.” The man nodded and examined the magical signature.

Whereas Bartemius was busy, Corban and John brought Amelia up about their suspicion and their plans. Amelia was not a happy camper about those revelations and Bartemius’ plan, but she had to admit that Christina’s life would be in danger, if they announced that she had survived the attack. She also was reminded, what her other two undercover aurors had reported to her about Jugson. “That explains also Jugson’s odd behaviour during his Saturday shifts in Knockturn Alley. Aurors Wylder and McAdam reported to me that Eric was caught speaking with a crook named Alexander O’Connell, but they don’t know the contents of these conversations.”

Corban had a thoughtful look. “Maybe we should pay a visit to O’Connell and make him sweat a little. I remember that Eric and Alexander were close acquaintances and the O’Connells were sympathisers of Voldemort. This could be our first lead before we go against Isabella Jugson.” Everyone agreed. This would be their first phase.

“We should also add Eric in this. The man has some questions to answer after the examination of the signatures. It would be better, if we interrogate O’Connell and Jugson separately, but at the same time. One of them will surely talk about this case detailly.” John added. Everyone agreed.

Jugson Manor, September 13th, 2002

Eric was sitting uncomfortably on the couch in the living room. When he arrived home from work, Eric noticed that his sister had been smirking the whole day and her eyes were gleaming in mischief. He had managed to collect his bravery and asked her with a slight stutter: “Isabella, why are you happy? Since I have returned home, you had been smug about something. What did you do?”

Isabella closed her eyes and smiled. “Read this and you will know.” She handed him today’s newspaper with the title: AUROR DIED DUE TO AN ATTACK IN KNOCKTURN ALLEY! THE KILLER IS STILL ON THE RUN! Eric was trying to hide his panic. His sister killed the undercover auror and now things were going to get more complicated.

“What have you done?” Eric asked in a quavering voice.

Isabella sighed in annoyance. “I have made sure that this nosy bitch is silenced permanently and that our family is saved from ruin.”

Eric snapped at his sister furiously: “No, you idiot. You made things worse. Amelia is not going to accept this lying down. The entire DMLE is going to be in an uproar. Furthermore, my position is going to be threatened since an attack on an undercover auror is proving that someone inside the department had leaked out classified information and this could lead back to me. You should have left O’Neill to me. I would have removed her memories and made sure that no one can link Aurelius’ crimes with your actions, but now, you made things even worse and thanks to you, the situation became even more dangerous.”

Isabella wanted to scream, but was interrupted by their father. “Isabella, Eric, in my home office. NOW!”

Both children went obediently and silently to their father’s home office. The man sat down and looked at both children furiously especially Isabella. “Isabella, would you like to explain to me, what you have done?” The man threw the newspaper on the table.

“I have done us a favour by getting rid of this woman.” Isabella wanted to say more, but her father slapped her hard across her face.

“No, you foolish girl, you endangered us even more. Thanks to your actions, Eric’s position in the DMLE is threatened since an undercover auror had been attacked and many aurors are sure that there is a mole, who leaked out classified information.” Manfred was utterly furious with his daughter. How could she be so reckless?

“But, father-“

“No buts. We are now in a deep mess, because of you.” Manfred turned his attention to his son and softened a bit. “Eric, try to find a way to salvage this situation before things get worse. Do you understand me?” Eric nodded dutifully. He will try everything in his power to save their families’ reputation. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Wizengamot, September 15th, 2002

The trials of the Wizengamot were going smoothly, but Albus was lost in thoughts. Two days ago, the Daily Prophet reported the death of the auror, Christina O’Neill. He had let out a silent breath of relief that the undercover auror that had brought down Aurelius Yaxley was dead since she could have become a threat to his deals in the black markets.

Albus was sure that Isabella Jugson was the one, who did the deed. The woman wanted to get rid of a loose end and she had done it expertly. What the Jugson woman didn’t realise, was the fact that she also unintentionally helped him since the undercover auror would have brought ruin to him and his reputation, if she had discovered, what he and Dung were doing in the black markets. At least, he doesn’t need to worry about the woman any longer and he told Dung to continue with their business in Knockturn Alley.

But Albus was also concerned since he knew that Amelia was not going to let it go and he is sure that she is going to investigate the murder of her undercover auror. Furthermore, Albus knew that the investigation had started and from there on, Amelia would not allow any stone to be left unturned. He alerted Dung that he should not draw any suspicion towards him.

Unfortunately for Albus, Amelia isn’t investigating the attempted murder of her undercover auror since it would be too obvious and there is also the close connection she had to the woman. Amelia had accepted it, but she is helping both aurors with everything. For example, her cabinet was seized and filed as evidence. Amelia had ordered a new cabinet for the other files and this time, she put many locking charms and even a blood ward on the cabinet, so that only she can open it. She was grateful that the current ban regarding the blood wards was put under question and she was able to use the ward without any persecution. Corban and John Proudfoot were assigned this task and Amelia trusts them.

Corban and John managed to track the portkey location from where Christina had portkeyed to the hospital. Unfortunately, the street was deserted, so, there weren’t any witnesses, which was frustrating. But they found a dried pool of blood on the street and collected many samples. They also found on one of the brick stones residues of the killing curse and with that, they closed down the street as a crime scene, when the results of the blood samples came out that the blood belonged to Christina O’Neill. Corban had examined the residues and managed to retract a magical signature. Unfortunately, they needed a warrant, if they wanted to get Isabella’s magical signature for the comparison and currently, they have no leading evidence towards the woman, but they will question Alexander O’Connell and Eric Jugson since the circumstantial evidence is putting them both under suspicion. It’s time to rattle the cage on those two.

Manfred Jugson was nervous and was giving Amelia some subtle glances, but he made sure that they weren’t noticed by the woman. His foolish daughter made a big mistake and he knew that Amelia Bones was not going to let it go. Damn it. Why couldn’t Isabella be like her younger sister? Evelyn is cunning and in a situation like this, the girl would have had a cool head and thought things through before she would have acted. She would have followed Eric’s lead to remove the memories from that meddlesome woman and no one would have been any wiser, but killing the undercover auror is something that would not go unnoticed by anyone and the DMLE would suspect that someone had leaked out classified information, which is endangering his son’s position in the DMLE. This was a nightmare. He really hoped that his son would be able to salvage this mess or things would get worse for their family.

Narcissa and the other members of the Grey Alliance had read the article and had a bad feeling. They asked Amelia and Corban about the auror since both looked resigned, but both aurors said that the case is currently classified and it is in the works. No one liked to be left in the unknown, but they couldn’t really interfere since things are still dangerous and unstable.

The trials continued, but many members felt that something was in the air.

Minister’s Office, September 16th, 2002

Milicent Bagnold did not have a good morning, when she had to cancel some appointments. Bartemius had wanted an emergency appointment with her since there was a crisis in his department. Whatever it is, she hopes that the man has a good reason since she also had to set up secrecy wards on her office.

Bartemius entered the minister’s office with some files regarding Christina’s attempted murder. Arriving in front of the minister’s desk, the man greeted the minister and laid down the files in front of the minister. Milicent was even more displeased, when she had seen the thick files, but she was also curious. “Lord Crouch, what is going on that you have demanded an emergency meeting with me?” She opened the file and started reading the file’s overview.

Barty was flustered and sat down tiredly on the empty seat. There were some restless nights, where he had to take a sleeping draught to get some sleep. “There is an emergency in the DMLE. One of my aurors has leaked out classified information and it had nearly led to the death of one of the undercover aurors under Amelia’s command. Thankfully, the auror survived the attack and is recovering in St. Mungos’ Emergency Ward. Amelia Bones reported that last month an auror had entered her office, snooped in her files that were containing the undercover aurors and left leaving a magical signature in the files, whereas he or she erased any traces that he or she was there. I request from you, minister, a warrant that would allow us to examine all of the current aurors’ magical signatures that are filed in the archives and compare them with the magical signature that was found in Amelia’s files.”

Milicent was listening to Crouch’s request after she was finished reading the overview of the case. She had to admit that this was an emergency since it is undeniable that one of the aurors had leaked out classified information. Furthermore, the woman was nearly killed and the culprit is also aware of the other undercover aurors that are under Amelia’s command, which is putting a target on their backs. She questioned: “And what about the other undercover aurors? They also could be in danger.”

“Amelia and I dealt with the issue. They would work now officially as aurors since they would be in danger, if they remain in their current predicament.” Milicent nodded. At least, the other five undercover aurors are moved from their positions.

Milicent Bagnold went over the file and after some time, she decided that the request had some grounds. “Lord Crouch, I approve your request. After dinner you will come to my office to get your warrant. I want the check-ups to be done during this night, so that the culprit isn’t alerted.”

“Thank you, minister.” Barty was in a good mood. He also tried to restrain a chuckle since both John and Corban would have to do also a night shift today, but tomorrow, they would have the entire day off.

DMLE

Corban and John were less than pleased, when they were told that they had to do the examination during the night shift. They were on their feet since morning, but Crouch promised them that tomorrow, they would have the rest of the day off, so that they can rest. Both informed their spouses about the examination and understood it.

Bartemius had gotten the warrant after dinner and told the two aurors that they had to remain in the DMLE until they found a match with the magical signature that was found in Amelia’s cabinet. He also warned Corban not to be biased regarding the Jugson heir and that every auror’s magical signature had to be examined alphabetically until they found a match, then, they can go home to their beds. It shouldn’t look like that Eric was targeted specifically, but it also shouldn’t take too long since Jugson was with the Js, which would lessen their workload. Barty didn’t want to be called a sadist by his employees. John and Corban understood the situation and knew that the results of the examination should come out naturally.

Before the clock would strike midnight, Corban found a match with Eric Jugson’s magical signature. He quickly sent a patronus to Barty and waited for the answer.

Bartemius sent a message back that they have to clean up and put the results of the examination in the case file and lock the file very well, so that no one unauthorised can gain access. Furthermore, they were allowed to go home. Corban and John let out a sigh and quickly cleaned up. They put the results in the case file and locked the file in Corban’s cabinet since the man used blood wards on his cabinet.

“Corban.”

“Yes, John.”

John Proudfoot let out sigh. “When we return back to work, can I do the interrogation with Eric Jugson and you do the interrogation with Alexander O’Connell, so that we are not accused of bias? I mean, you have a personal past with the current Jugson heir.”

Corban was thoughtful. At first, he didn’t like the idea since he would have liked to have some choice words with Eric and make him suffer for his actions, but he also had to admit that John is right since it would look clearly biased, if he was interrogating Eric. “Yes. I find the idea good. It would also be funny to see his face that you are interrogating him and not me. I am sure that he is going to put a stink, if I were to interrogate him.” John nodded and couldn’t wait to see Jugson’s reaction. Both left the ministry at 2 a.m.

September 18th, 2002

Alexander O’Connell was making his way calmly through Knockturn Alley until he was stopped by two aurors. “Gentlemen, what can I do for you?” The man may be sounding polite, but inside, he didn’t like it one bit. What do the aurors want with him.

“Mr. Connell, you are coming with us. You are demanded in an interrogation regarding a murder investigation.” Alexander paled, what was going on.

Looking at both aurors, who were ready to take out their wands, the man sighed and surrendered. He has a bad feeling about this.

In the DMLE, Eric was unsure, what was going on, but something was in the air and he didn’t like it one bit. Entering the DMLE office, he was intercepted by Yaxley and Proudfoot. He asked: “Good morning, Corban, John. What can I do for you?”

Corban was hiding a smile. He is going to like it even though John would make the announcement. John said in a neutral voice: “Heir Eric Jugson, you are under arrest for leaking classified information and for the manslaughter of Christina O’Neill. You have the right to remain silent. Everything you say, would be used against you in court. If you have a lawyer, you can call him, if not, you will be provided with one.” John handcuffed him with magic-restraining cuffs and led the shocked man to the interrogation room.

Eric was inwardly cursing his sister. This was all her fault that he was arrested. If she had been patient and allowed him to deal with the issue, then, nothing like this would have happened. Everything would have gone quietly, but no, his sister had to go around and mess everything up.

Alexander was confused, when he was led in an interrogation and was told that he had to sit down and wait. The man was looking around until the door opened and Corban entered the interrogation room with some files. Alexander paled in fear, when he saw Corban. What the hell is going on? He really had a bad feeling. Whereas Corban was sitting and preparing the files, Alexander greeted the man: “Good morning, Lord Yaxley. It is a nice surprise meeting you.”

Corban just rolled his eyes and noticed the fear. He repressed a smirk and said: “I wish I could say the same, but due to the murder of one our colleagues, I am not in a good mood. So, do not test my patience, O’Connell.” The man nodded fearfully. He knows that things are going to be bad, if he is going to needle him further. Alexander asked: “So, what can I do for you?”

“You will answer some questions. I will start with the easy ones.”

Alexander swallowed hard. He really has a bad feeling about this, but Corban started: “Mr. O’Connell, according to two former undercover aurors, you had been caught having longer conversations with Auror Eric Jugson. What was the contents of these conversations?”

The crook let out a chuckle and answered: “Nothing. He only needed from me some information of what was going on in Knockturn Alley. Nothing more. Of course, the conversations were a bit longer as expected, but they were only some information regarding the residents of Knockturn Alley.”

Corban nodded calmly, but inside he was ready to snap. “Hmm, I expected more, but speaking of the residents, did you talk about these residents?” Corban showed the man the pictures of Amelia’s former undercover aurors. Alexander paled. Do they know? He answered in a tight voice: “No.”

Corban had a slight smile. “Really, because after your last conversation on August 31st, on September 12th, Undercover Auror Christina O’Neill was heavily injured and succumbed due to her injures in St. Mungos. I don’t believe in coincidences, Mr. O’Connell. Can you tell me something about this case?”

Alexander was pale liked a ghost. What the hell happened? Please let this be a nightmare. Did Isabella Jugson kill that woman? If she did this, then, he and Eric are in deep shit, because with enough proof, this could be linked back to them, but Alexander was sure that they had no evidence. He answered: “No. I don’t even know the girl. What is going on? How am I connected to this case.”

“You are connected in many ways through Eric Jugson and we know about your possible involvement since Heir Jugson made a big mistake of leaving his magical signature in the files that were in Amelia’s cabinet. He did a very good job at erasing his traces, but this one little mistake will cost him everything.” Corban was practically grinning like a cat that got its cream.

Alexander knew that they were bluffing about the magical signature. Eric couldn’t be that stupid enough to leave something damning like this.

Corban saw the look on the man’s face and knew, what the man was thinking. Alexander thinks that they were bluffing. Oh, how wrong, he was going to be. The head auror took out two files out of the pile. The one file was from Amelia, who had retracted the magical signature from the cabinet and Eric’s file, where he had poured his magical signature, when he had started to work as an auror. Showing both files, Corban explained: “In this file…“ Pointing to Amelia’s file. “…is the magical signature that Amelia had retracted last month from her cabinet. We have, of course, certified it, so that it cannot be said that it was tempered with, and we found magical traces in Amelia’s cabinet that were not matching Amelia’s magical signature.”

“This file…” Pointing to Eric’s file from the DMLE archives. “…shows the magical signature of Auror Eric Jugson and after an alphabetic examination, the magical signature matches with the magical signature that was retracted and with the magical traces in the cabinet. So, what do you say to this?”

Alexander was trying everything in his power to stop his eyes from shifting in fear. Damn it. Eric was stupid enough to leave his magical signature in the cabinet. This was going to bite them back hard. He answered keeping his stutter from his voice: “So, you have a crooked auror. What does it have to do with me?”

Corban answered: “Mr. O’Connell, you are not the only one, who is interrogated here. My assigned partner, John Proudfoot, is interrogating Eric Jugson and I am sure that he will confront him with the evidence that I have showed you. I know that he will remain silent, in order to protect a certain individual, but his silence would not remain forever. We are making progress in this case.”

Silence followed. Corban knew that for now, Alexander will not talk and legally, they can’t charge him with anything, but if they have something, then, he would face minor charges like failing to report a crime since he had known that the information was classified and he did nothing and espionage. “Nothing to say, O’Connell.” The man shook his head.

Corban said: “You can leave for now, but we are going to keep a close watch on you. Do not think that you are out of our radar.”

Alexander left the interrogation room pale. The man looked like he swallowed a lemon. He cursed Isabella Jugson. That woman caused more problems, then, they were worth it.

Eric had a worse time in the interrogation room. John Proudfoot waited for Eric’s lawyer to arrive. When the man came in, he looked through the evidence that they had gathered against Eric. Ignatus Vaisley was resigned, when he noticed that this case would be difficult to win. He needed to tweak some aspects, in order to make sure that Eric doesn’t end up in Azkaban for his actions. “Auror Proudfoot, can I speak with my client privately?” The man nodded his head.

A privacy and a silencing ward were erected and Ignatus immediately said before the man can say something: “Eric, this case is going to be difficult to win. The evidence regarding the leaking of classified information is impossible to dismiss, so, this charge will stick. I would suggest there to plead guilty, but we could work on the manslaughter charges. I know that your sister is behind this crime and I am also aware that you didn’t know, what she has done. Either you tell Auror Proudfoot about your sister’s action, so that we can work on lessening the charge to involuntary manslaughter or-“

“No, even though she caused this mess, Ignatus, she is still my sister. I can’t sell her out like this.” Eric was terrified. Isabella will kill him, if she ends up in jail, because of him. His father. Well, he wouldn’t be too angry since he blames Isabella for the mess, but he would be disappointed.

Ignatus sighed: “Eric, either you will get a small sentence like a house arrest for a few years or you will get a decade in Azkaban. You could share a cell with your elder brother, if you go this path.” Eric swallowed hard and was pale. This gets worse and worse from his perspective, but he shook his head. “I will plead guilty on both charges. I will do everything to protect my family.” The lawyer shook his head. In his opinion, Isabella is not any worth to go to jail for, but family is important.

The privacy and silencing wards were dispelled and Ignatus told John: “My client is pleading guilty on both charges.”

John was surprised by this course of action from Jugson, but he knew that despite everything, Eric didn’t know, what had happened to Christina until the Daily Prophet had reported it. The man had been pale, when he came to work after the news. He also knows that Eric wouldn’t have done this. The man didn’t have the guts to kill someone. John was sure that Eric would have just obliviated Christina and be done with it. The auror knew that Isabella Jugson was behind this crime and Eric didn’t know anything, what she had done. John shook his head. He will discuss this with Corban, Amelia and Lord Crouch.

John ordered two aurors in the interrogation room and ordered them to lock Eric up in a holding cell. “Mr. Vaisley, can you remain here? There is something else, I wished to discuss with you.” He didn’t want the lawyer to leave. The man nodded and remained seated.

After the aurors and Eric were gone, John said: “I don’t believe that Auror Jugson had known that Christina O’Neill was killed until the prophet had announced the news or that he did the deed himself. I suspect that your client is hiding something and is protecting someone closely related, but currently, the evidence is pointing that Auror Jugson leaked out classified information to someone close and that person went around to kill Undercover Auror Christina O’Neill regardless if he had known, what the individual had done, or not. Even if we prove that he didn’t know, he would still face charges of involuntary manslaughter. Do not think that your client will get off easily.”

Ignatus nodded. He was thankfully that some aurors weren’t idiots. With that, the attorney left.

Manfred and Isabella Jugson were arguing loudly in the Lord’s study about Eric’s arrest. When their family lawyer came to inform them that Eric had been arrested for leaking classified information and manslaughter, Manfred had been ready to kill Isabella. That stupid girl caused his son’s arrest and he is now facing a penalty of being locked away for a decade. Even though, he didn’t kill the undercover auror, his son was still the cause of her death, because he leaked out classified information.

“ENOUGH!” Manfred took out his wand and put a silencing charm on his daughter. That girl had inherited her mother’s temper and he swore that this was going to be the death of him. When everything was silent, Manfred growled in rage: “This is all your fault, you foolish girl. I warned you that you should let your brother handle this, but no, like a Gryffindor, you go around and kill the woman. Now, your brother had to pay dearly for your actions. For a certain time, you will remain here and will not contact anyone, not even your friends. Do you understand me? I will speak with Ignatus, in order to find a way to fix this. If you dare to break this order, then, I will hand you over to the aurors and expose you. I will not allow that the heir of our family suffers, because of your behaviour. Do you understand me?” The woman nodded miserably.

“Good. Do something and you will regret it?” With that final warning, Manfred left. There were a lot of things to be done.

Later that evening, Amelia, Bartemius, Corban and John were sitting in Barty’s office discussing today’s arrest and Eric’s course of action. John said: “I think that it wasn’t Eric’s intention to kill Christina or have her killed. More than likely, he would have just obliviated O’Neill and left her be, but his elder sister is a vicious and impatient beast. I believe that she is the one, who had nearly murdered Christina.”

Everyone agreed begrudgingly. Even Corban would not believe that Eric wanted her dead, let alone he had killed Christina himself.

“I can delay his trial until November, but until then, you have to have evidence against Isabella Jugson.” Corban and John nodded. Both knew that time is of essence now.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, September 22nd 2002

There was another order meeting regarding the school board meeting and Albus was in a good mood. The undercover auror that had brought down Aurelius Yaxley is dead and he is complacent that his and Dung’s black-market business is safe for now. But he had another issue and it is the history class or better to say the material of the class. Albus turned the attention to the witch hunts in the Middle Ages and during the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th century. He can’t allow the students to learn that most muggles hated magic back then, because of the Christian religion, and that they had killed hundreds of magical children with the excuse that the witches and wizards were devil worshippers. It would allow the students to be led away from the belief that the muggles were simple creatures that needed the guide of wizards and witches.

Albus had impressed into his followers that the witch hunts were just the fun and games of adult witches and wizards back then, who were caught and pretended to be burnt for entertainment. It was easy to escape the pyre by casting a flame freezing charm. “I mean Wendelin the Weird allowed herself to be burnt thirteen times during the witch hunts and managed to escape the pyre unscathed by casting a flame freezing charm.” With that, Albus knew that he had his followers hooked.

Phineas just shook his head in exasperation. The fool is going to shoot himself in the foot with that story since many would question, what had happened to the children back then. Adult witches and wizards were able to escape the pyre with ease, but children weren’t able to cast a simple flame freezing charm and weren’t able to escape the pyre. Most likely, many children died due to the witch trials and witch hunts. Phineas looked at Armando Dippet’s portrait. The man had thinned his lips at how stupid his successor is. His followers were even dumber. He is still questioning himself, how his cunning and dangerous great niece, Dorea Potter, could have given birth to such an abomination like James Potter. He had known Charlus Potter and the man was a decent pureblood. A bit brutal towards his enemies, but nonetheless a good match for Dorea and a well-known grey wizard. The man wasn’t a Dumbledore fan and he made his statement clear during the war against Grindelwald.

For Merlin’s sake, even Arthur Weasley is smart enough to not believe this gospel. He may have been at first foolish and a naive idiot, when he had first met him and his wife in the headmaster’s office, but thankfully, he had the excuse that he was under potions and spells. When he had met the man later after he was purged during the meetings in Malfoy Manor, Phineas was proven completely wrong about Cedrella’s spawn. Arthur was a mama’s boy and was as dangerous as any other Black. The former headmaster remembered Cedrella very well and the girl was a hell spawn, when she was young. Anyone, who dared to cross her, had suffered hell under her wand or her position in the elite circle. If Cedrella had been alive, he was sure that Molly Weasley would have been flayed to death by her mother-in-law. She would have dragged the old fool’s and his pet-cat’s name through the mud and disgraced them so badly that they wouldn’t have been able to show their faces in front of the public anymore.

Arthur could have been capable of doing the same thing, but he was content with waiting until the old fool is ruined, which he had inherited from his father. Septimus Weasley, even though the man was a Gryffindor, was a patient man and like a lion that is hunting his prey, the man waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. He was proud and disappointed, when he compared James Potter and Arthur Weasley.

When everyone agreed on the nomination, Albus asked the present aurors in the office: “James, Hestia, do you know, what is going on in the DMLE? I have read about the murder of an auror and that the killer was still on the run. Do you have any information regarding the investigation that has been conducted?”

James shook his head, but Hestia nodded and started to explain: “Bartemius classified the case and the only ones, who had access to the file, were Amelia, Yaxley and John Proudfoot. And those three knew about the progress of the investigation.”

“Let me guess, the progress is going slow, because of Yaxley, who is trying to make sure that his blood-supremacist friends are not under the radar of the DMLE”, James commented rudely.

Albus withheld a groan. That man can be such an idiot. Didn’t the article in May prove that Corban Yaxley had distanced himself from the blood supremacists? Is the man blind or thick in the head?

The rest of the order rolled their eyes even the younger ones, who had harshly realised the truth that Yaxley was finished with the blood purists. It seems like that James is the only one that is holding himself on the belief that Yaxley is secretly a death eater or a death eater sympathiser.

Hestia huffed: “If you had paid any attention in May instead of being a nuisance, James, then, I can tell you that they had already made an arrest.” James wanted to snap, but remained silent, when Albus rose his hand to stop James from talking.

“Who did they arrest?”, Albus asked and the other members started to chatter, who it could be.

Hestia sighed. “I wished I knew, but even the arrest has been classified.”

Many groaned and Albus was displeased. This was not something that he wanted to hear. He said with a brittle smile: “I hope Hestia that you can keep your ears and eyes open for us, so that we are aware of the situation beforehand.”

“Of course, headmaster”, Hestia replied dutifully.

The order had chattered for a bit and when they were finished, the order meeting came to an end.

Bones Manor, September 26th, 2002

The meeting of the Grey Alliance had started and many had questions regarding the murder of the auror, but Amelia announced that currently, the investigation is classified and they would find it out during the trials in November. She knew that many didn’t like it, but they had to let it go.

Narcissa changed the subject and turned her attention to Arthur. “Arthur, please tell me that Phineas wasn’t joking, when he told me that Albus is planning to change the material regarding the witch trials and witch hunts. I mean, any idiot knew that adult witches and wizards had no problems of escaping the pyre with the help of the flame freezing charm, but what about the children? Children couldn’t cast the charm until they were in their third year in Hogwarts.”

“Unfortunately, it is the truth. He wants to portray the witch trials and the witch hunts as fun and games, where adult witches and wizards were intentionally caught and pretended to be burnt by the pyre like Wendelin the Weird.” Arthur grimaced, when he finished with his explanation.

Callidora just shook her head. “Thankfully, Augusta isn’t here. She would have chewed our ears off, if she had heard, what you had said. She has a mastery in history and she knew that the witch trials and the hunts were not games or anything funny done by adult witches and wizards. This period was the most dangerous in the history of magic and it was about the survival of wizardkind until the Statute of Secrecy was signed in 1689 and was ratified in 1692.” Many knew that this was the real reason why the Statue of Secrecy was passed, because the magical world was done allowing muggles to blame them for every simple thing that is going wrong in the muggle world and that the muggle rulers did nothing to help them or even encouraged the Christian fanatics with their crusade against magic like Maria Tudor. The Clearwaters knew that the muggle world had done many things wrong with the magical world, but what can you do, if a majority of the population was analphabetic, had no education and were listening to the churches back then. When they were introduced to the magical world the first time around, they had thought about a world, where everything was possible, but they were proven wrong. Magic has also its limits and even witches and wizards have no cure against diseases like cancer or AIDS, but they were sure, if they combine their knowledge and efforts in the medical field, the magical world could introduce a cure soon. Jeremy told Augustinus about his idea to combine the efforts and their knowledge to improve both worlds. The man was at first thoughtful, but he agreed since it would solve a lot of problems in the magical and the muggle worlds.

But in order to continue with that, they needed to stop Dumbledore’s motion, they needed to distract the old fool and Narcissa had an idea. “We will return back to the topic from July regarding the homeroom classes and the subjects. I think that we should nominate that the theory part of Herbology, Potions, DADA, Transfiguration, Charms, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and COMC and the theory classes like History of Magic should be taught in the homeroom classes. Except Astronomy, Flying and Divination. They would remain, where they are normally taught. It’s only about the location of where the other classes will be taught.” Many nodded. It sounds maybe small and innocuous, but it can distract Dumbledore and his fools greatly.

“And we can nominate to introduce the Flying class for the primary school.” Everyone nodded in agreement.

School board, September 30th, 2002

The school board meeting had begun and as usual one of Dumbledore’s followers nominated to change the material regarding the witch trials and the witch hunts in the ICW curriculum for the history class appropriately. The fool is downplaying that the witch hunts weren’t that bad and explained that they were only fun and games that were orchestrated by adult witches and wizards, who liked to pretend to be burnt. Narcissa thought that they didn’t need the distraction, but to be on the safe side, they made out, so that Dumbledore doesn’t interfere.

When the fool was finished, Albus questioned, if there was another nomination. This time, Muriel Prewett was the one, who rose her wand. Albus chose her thinking that the nomination would be easy. “Esteemed members of this board, I nominate that the theory part of DADA, Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and COMC and classes that have no practical portion in their exams like History of Magic should take place in the homeroom classes. Flying, Astronomy and Divination are exceptions from this change. It is only to change the location, where the students would be taught.”

An argument broke out in the light side. Dumbledore’s followers were already arguing about this nomination since some liked this motion, but the others didn’t like the change and wanted the status quo to remain. Albus really hated this. This nomination is simple. He had nothing against the nomination since it doesn’t interfere with his plans, but his followers were making things needlessly hard.

Requesting a privacy and silencing ward, Aurelia took over. The woman was amused, how Dumbledore’s chickens were always making things needlessly harder than it was necessary. She didn’t like Dumbledore due to her job in the Department of Education as a tester since the man was dumbing down each generation. It was about time to make some changes and make sure that the children receive the best education they could ever get. She asked: “Are there any other nominations?” Callidora rose her wand. “Lady Longbottom?”

The formidable woman stood up and announced: “Lords, Ladies, I have a protest to make regarding Lady Vance’s nomination.” Aurelia nodded and gave the go-ahead. “What Lady Vance had neglected to mention to us in her nomination was the fact why did witches and wizards get burnt on the pyre. I can tell you all that these times were not any fun or games. My daughter-in-law would have chewed our ears off, if she had listened to this stupidity.” Everyone chuckled at the statement about Dowager Longbottom. They couldn’t disagree since most knew that the woman has a mastery in history. “The witch trials and the witch hunts were the most dangerous times in our history. Adults had no problems escaping the pyre with the help of the flame freezing charm, but what about the children back then? They also were there and they were always in danger especially the muggleborns. For that reason, the adults also let themselves caught, in order to cause a distraction, so that the other witches and wizards were able to save them from their so-called homes. Wendelin the Weird had allowed herself to be caught thirteen times, but her reason is quite darker than what we were told in the history books. The woman had done this to save the children that were to be executed by the muggles. She tortured and killed many priests and nuns and confessed to her crimes, when she was caught. She also admitted that she had used magic to torture and kill them. When she was set to be executed, the children were saved by her friends and during her execution, she used the flame freezing charm, in order to escape. And she had done that thirteen times. So, I am asking you all, do you still believe that the witch hunts and trials were fun and games.” Many shook their heads and were horrified about this part of the history. Even the darker purebloods were sickened by these revelations.

Narcissa smirked at her great-aunt. Now, they have a majority to oppose Emmeline Vance’s nomination. Callidora returned the smirk with a slight smile. Dumbledore would get a rude awakening.

“Order, please! Order!” When everyone was quiet, Aurelia asked: “Are there any other nominations?”

Narcissa rose her wand. “Lady Malfoy?” Aurelia moved the attention of the board to the woman

Narcissa stood up and proposed: “I will make it short. I nominate to continue with the primary school curriculum and I motion to introduce the Flying class for that reason.” With that, she sat down. Aurelia added it in the docket and many were supportive of this nomination.

The other members were chattering until Dumbledore was finished with his fan club. He looked exhausted, but he retook the podium and asked Aurelia: “Were there any nominations, Aurelia?”

The woman nodded stiffly and said: “Lady Malfoy nominated for the primary school curriculum the Flying class.” Albus nodded and Narcissa was glad that the man didn’t look opposed to this nomination.

When there weren’t any new nominations, Albus moved over to the votes. The first nomination from Emmeline Vance failed epically. Emmeline was enraged and Albus looked furious. This wasn’t supposed to happen. The second nomination passed unanimously and the third was the same. With that, the board meeting came to an end.

Hogwarts

Albus was disappointed at the outcome of the board meeting. Emmeline’s nomination failed, which irritated him greatly. Why does nothing work, when he or his followers were making the nominations? Today, things weren’t that bad. The location of the theory classes wasn’t interfering with his plans, but he wished his followers were not making things difficult for him, and the introduction of the Flying class wasn’t as bad as the ICW primary school curriculums for the primary school that had passed during the last board meetings. But the failure of the first nomination was a setback.

Albus had a feeling that there was something going on, but he didn’t know what. For now, he was brushing it off, because there were more important matters.

The death of the undercover auror, who brought Aurelius Yaxley down, was a blessing in disguise for him since the woman would have brought ruin to his reputation, if she had discovered his and Dung’s dealings in the black markets, but he was still in the unknown, who was arrested. He knew that the DMLE is in a crisis since there was a leak-out that had led to the death of an undercover auror, but did they really find the mole? Had the DMLE really arrested the mole already and if yes, who is it? There were many questions, but no answers. Hestia is keeping an eye on Amelia, but unknown to the woman, she had set her sight on the wrong person, because Corban Yaxley and John Proudfoot were leading the investigation regarding the ‘death’ of Christina O’Neill. Albus needed to know, what was going on. He knew that Bartemius was not going to tell him anything and Amelia is the same, which is annoying. He could salvage the situation, but without any information about the case, things were harder. Albus suspected that Isabella Jugson was the one, who killed the auror, but how could she have gotten the information about the female auror?

Suddenly, a realisation hit Albus. Isabella is not an only child. How could he have forgotten that? She had an older brother, who is a convicted death eater, and two younger siblings. Her younger sister is still attending Hogwarts. And he also knows that her younger brother is working in the DMLE. Is he the mole? Was he arrested? Yes, it must be him. How else could Isabella have gotten classified information from the DMLE? But he had to keep it to himself since confronting Amelia and Barty with this information would lead to questions that he would not like to answer. Hestia’s position could be endangered and that would be the last thing, he needed.

But something is still missing. He is sure that Eric knew, who the killer is, but maybe he is keeping quiet since he knew that he would do everything in his power to protect his family even going to jail and it would have made big news, if Isabella was arrested for the murder of the undercover auror. Additionally, Albus doesn’t believe that Eric Jugson murdered the undercover auror himself or wanted her dead since he doesn’t have the guts to do this and it would have brought too much attention to the public. He is sure that the man would have just obliviated the woman and be done with her. This means, the investigation was still on-going, but he doesn’t know the details and he didn’t like it one bit to be left out like this.

Albus sucked on another lemon drop again and had his thoughts on to the Wizengamot meeting on October 7th. He had a nomination to make that would surely work this time against the veelas, but he needed to work on the details. There would be an order meeting in few days.

Chapter Text

Potter Manor, October 2nd, 2002

Another order meeting was taking place in Potter Manor. Charlus and Dorea were really getting tired of listening to the old fool’s nattering. If they were alive, they swore, they would get a headache from even his voice. Seriously, James would have done well, if he was homeschooled, but traditions stopped them. From Phineas, they found out that James would have been sorted into Slytherin, but their son begged the hat to put him into Gryffindor. They really wished that the hat put James into Slytherin back then, where he would have been straightened out and learned that the world wasn’t black and white. They cursed Sirius and his views regarding his family. Dorea had made sure to chastise her relatives about Sirius’ treatment especially those from the main line.

Albus announced to close down the British Veela Academy, so that the veelas are not corrupting their society with their magic. The academy was opened after the treaty was signed, in order to teach the veelas, how to respect their heritage and how to control their allure. Charlus really wanted to groan at the stupidity of this man. Closing down the Veela Academy would lead to many problems. First, uneducated veelas wouldn’t be able to control their allure, which would be problematic for the veelas to go in public. Secondly, their fire magic would be uncontrollable, which would cause many problems and even deaths. Finally, the closure would break the treaty completely and there would be another war against the veelas. The wizarding world would be decimated, if the treaty is broken.

James had noticed the disappointed and exasperated looks from his parents and fumed. His parents are still mistrusting the headmaster. He didn’t understand it. Albus wants to save their world from the evil, dark magic. He understood that his mother is a Black, but unlike the rest of her family, she was a grey witch and had never agreed with the blood supremacists in her family. Sadly, his mother didn’t even trust the headmaster. He had thought that his father would support Dumbledore as another light wizard. Unfortunately, he found out that his father agreed with his mother and James is sure that his mother was the reason why he had been removed from the line of succession. James had been still moping that he had been skipped as Lord Potter. It was an embarrassment that he is only a regent and not the lord and head of the family.

Thankfully, everything would be under control and Harry would learn how to be a proper and light wizard and lord.

After the nomination was discussed, Albus turned the order’s attention about the murder of the undercover auror. “My dears, I have grave news regarding the case of the murdered auror. I suspect that the killer is none other than Isabella Jugson.” There was chattering amongst the order. Some agreed and had the same suspicions, the others were shocked by this turn of event and a small number of people were angry.

James demanded: “Then, we need to bring her to justice. She killed an auror.”

“Not so fast, laddie”, Moody grumbled. He wasn’t present during the last order meeting since he wasn’t interested in the school, but the Wizengamot meetings, where laws are passed, are for him important since he is an auror. “Without any evidence, we are stuck. We can’t do anything until we have some evidence against the woman and to make matters worse, the case was classified by Crouch. We don’t even know, who the investigating aurors are.”

Hestia argued: “I know that Amelia is involved in this case. She must be one of the investigating aurors.”

“Is she really? Because you said that she is involved in this case, doesn’t mean, she is leading the investigation.” Moody examined the woman with his magical eye closely.

Albus quickly broke the argument up before things evolved into a fight. “Please, my dears, there are some other information that I had gathered about the auror.” Everyone was quiet, but the tension was still there. “It seems like that the victim was the undercover auror that had brought down Aurelius Yaxley.”

“Which is hardening the suspicion that Isabella Jugson is the one, who killed the auror, because during the trial of Aurelius Yaxley, Bartemius questioned the man about the female accomplice, but he couldn’t bring forth any answers about the woman since his memories were removed. It must really be her”, Dedalus said in a calm, but firm voice.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Albus continued for Dedalus: “That is true, but Isabella didn’t act alone. The files about the undercover aurors are restricted to their assigned head aurors and the head of the DMLE.” The old headmaster looked at Alastor, who nodded in agreement. “She must have had a contact in the DMLE, so that she can get the information about the undercover auror, and the only way would be through one of the aurors in the office.“

“It must be Yaxley. He is her contact. I was right that he was only a pretender.” James was gleeful that there was something useful to arrest Corban Yaxley and remove him from the DMLE permanently.

Many shook their heads. What the hell is wrong with James? Corban has three children with Clara and declared his oldest son to be his heir. Why would he announce a halfblood to be the heir of a dark, but noble house. Some of the younger and more radical followers like James agreed, but they had their doubts.

“Laddie, I have had it with these childish rants. It can’t be Corban Yaxley since he didn’t have any contact with the Jugsons since he froze the alliance with the blood purists.” Moody really questioned himself, what was wrong with his former trainee. The man behaved like a child that is throwing a fit, if things do not go his way.

James was ready to scream. It must be him. Yaxley is evil. They needed to remove him from his position as head auror before things went out of control. Currently, the head of the auror office is Rufus Scrimgeour, who is working as head auror too, but that can change since Crouch is looking for many ways to remove Scrimgeour from his position after the incident with Greengrass Family. And Yaxley had a clear spot to become head of the auror office too and that can’t be allowed. He can’t end up working for that man at the end since he wouldn’t be able to do, whatever he wanted. It is already hard since Amelia is deputy-head of the auror office and she is not listening to Dumbledore properly.

Albus sighed, when another argument broke out. “Enough”, Albus said raising his hand to quiet down his followers. “Like Alastor had said. It isn’t Corban Yaxley, who is her contact, but it is her younger brother, Eric Jugson. He must have been the arrest that you had mentioned, Hestia.” Many were surprised by this revelation. They completely forgot that Lord Jugson had four children. His eldest is a convicted death eater. Isabella is his oldest daughter. Eric is currently the heir of the House Jugson and his youngest daughter is still attending school.

Hestia asked: “Do you think that Eric Jugson was involved with the auror’s death?”

“I believe not. Eric Jugson is many things, but unlike his older brother, he doesn’t have the guts to have someone killed, let alone to kill someone. He would have just obliviated the auror and be done with it”, Moody said in a gruff voice. “But he still would be accountable for the leak of classified information and for the involuntary manslaughter.”

There was another round of chattering. Charlus and Dorea were ashamed of their son’s behaviour and the reason for this behaviour is Dumbledore. He is to blame that their son is so biased and bigoted. One day, he will end up in a lot of trouble, if James doesn’t smarten up.

Malfoy Manor, October 5th, 2002

There was a meeting with the Grey Alliance, but before it could start, Corban and Amelia were discussing, how to proceed in their investigation since they were stuck. Eric Jugson is still in the holding cell and his attorney is trying everything to get him to testify against his sister, but to no avail. Amelia and Corban do not want an innocent man to end up in jail even though Eric was a blood purist, but if he continues on to take the blame to himself, then, it is more likely that he would end up in prison. Corban came to the conclusion that Eric will not help them. So, they had to find a way around this. “Amelia, the only thing, I can think of is to put up a trap against Isabella and I know, how.”

“I am listening.” Amelia was curious, what plan Corban has cooked up.

Corban began: “We relocate Christina from the hospital to the healing ward in Gringotts and let it slip to one of Dumbledore’s fools that the undercover auror didn’t die, but survived the attack, and is still recovering in St. Mungos Emergency Ward. We also reveal the room number. It would get back to the old fool and it would send Dumbledore in a panic since he is afraid that Christina could destroy his reputation with the incriminating evidence against him and Fletcher.” Amelia nodded. The plan doesn’t seem to be bad. Corban continued, when he noticed that Amelia liked the plan. “Then, I am sure that Albus would do everything in his power to get rid of Christina and he would send a message to Isabella that she didn’t kill Christina and reveal her location in St. Mungos. It would encourage that bitch to go after Christina again to finish her off, but instead of our colleague, she would kill a golem. Then, we can arrest her since we caught her in the act and witnessed her culpability and we would have more evidence against Dumbledore.” Amelia nodded. It would be a win-win-situation for them. They should present the plan to Bartemius, but they were sure that he would have nothing against the plan.

They returned back to the formal meeting room and Narcissa asked: “What kind of evil plan did you two cook up?”

“Sadly, Cissy, everything is classified. You will find out during the November trials.” Corban said with a grin.

Narcissa just huffed, but brushed it off since Amelia and Corban were tight-lipped about the current investigation regarding the murder of an auror. Her gut-feeling told her that there was more, but things seemed to be good.

They moved over to the meeting and were discussing the nomination that Dumbledore wants to pass. Lucius shook his head. “Closing down the British Veela Academy is suicide. It breaks one of the clauses in the treaty between the Wizengamot and the Veela Nation and additionally, there would be another war.”

“That man is nothing, but trouble. We need a distraction”, Corban grumbled. He really was getting tired of Dumbledore’s motions.

Arthur raised his hand a bit. “Uhm, I have one that could work. I have worked on a new invention that I have acquired during my visits in the muggle world and I think that departments like the tax department, budgeting department and the other departments, where math and arithmancy are required, would love the idea.”

“Are you talking about the calculators that were developed in the muggle world and made the calculating less complex in their world? If those departments that you have mentioned are not using them, then, your community is really backward, because the other communities are already using them. Please tell me not that you never heard about the calculators?” Adriana questioned the other participants. When Arthur gave her a nod and the other participants were grimacing giving her the answer, the woman was stunned. “You are kidding, right?” Everyone shook their heads. “You really need to do something about Dumbledore and his fools, but Arthur, what do you mean about ‘I have worked on a new invention’? I mean, the calculators were already developed in 1967. What did you do?”

Everyone was curious about this aspect and Arthur explained: “Well, Adriana, I changed some things on the calculator. The first thing that I have changed is that instead of running through solar energy, the calculators are run by magic. Secondly, I also made sure that the calculators’ batteries are not running out and are refilled with the help of magic. It was a lot of work to manage that since the acid in the batteries was a bit dangerous. Finally, the calculators are able to create copies of the calculations that had been done, because I put a pensive-like device in them.” Adriana was impressed. Well, it is a new invention in her opinion. In Italy, the calculators weren’t changed at all, but it seems like that Arthur was creative.

“This idea doesn’t sound to be bad.” Narcissa was in her planning mode. This would be a great distraction. “Then, we can nominate to put the current restrictions on the British Veela Academy into question. Many veelas from destitute families are still denied education.” Everyone nodded in agreement. Dumbledore and his followers are going to regret, what they are trying to do to their world.

Wizengamot, October 7th, 2002

The Wizengamot meeting had started and one of the members of the Anti-Creature Party nominated to close down the British Veela Academy. The nominee also went on in detail that the veelas were learning dangerous magics that are allowing them to wield their veela allure as weapons. Narcissa really wanted to know, where the man got his sources from, because no books are mentioning that. Seriously, the Wizengamot had also allowed idiots and fools to enter the courts.

When the fool was finished, Dumbledore asked, if there was another nomination. Narcissa gave Arthur a glance and the man rose his wand. Albus was unsure, but turned the Wizengamot’s attention to the Weasley patriarch. “Arthur, my boy.”

Arthur stood up and had his genuine smile. “Lords, Ladies of the Wizengamot, I had been working on a new invention. It had been already developed in the muggle world at the end of the 60s, but I have managed to make some adjustments to it.” Arthur presented the calculator in front of the Wizengamot and explained, how it does work in the muggle world. Many department heads were pleased that Arthur was presenting something useful for them. The calculator was ingenious. Then, Arthur explained the changes, he had made and many were glad that the calculator had been changed to be useful. Arthur finished with his nomination. “For that reason, I am nominating that this esteemed body allows these calculators to be sold in our world, in order to make our lives easier. I have also here my research, how to make these adjustments, but I would suggest that someone experienced like a spell crafter and weaver do these adjustments. Even I had difficulties, because of the acid in the batteries.” Many members nodded. The calculators do sound a decent idea and it could make their lives easier. Even the darker purebloods were not displeased by this invention from the muggles.

But Arthur’s nomination caused an argument in the light section. The elder generation was against it, but those, who were younger found the idea good. Albus looked up at the ceiling sighing. His followers are making an elephant out of a mosquito. Nothing could go simply.

Narcissa saw that Albus was busy and glanced at Tarquinius Nott, who knew that it was time to make the protest regarding the closing down of the British Veela Academy. When Aurelia took over and asked, if there were any other nominations, Tarquinius rose his wand. “Lord Nott?”

The man stood up and received some hostile glare from the death eaters. “I have a protest to make regarding the nomination that was made to close down the British Veela Academy, Chief Witch Acton. At the July session, we all have heard about the treaty from 1617 between this esteemed body and the Veela Nations. The treaty was not only made, in order to make sure that we have a peaceful co-existence with the veelas, but it was also made to open up the British Veela Academy. One of the clauses is mentioning that the academy should remain open. If we close down this school, then, we are violating this clause and that could cost us everything.” Tarquinius handed everyone the treaty again and showed them the marked paragraph. Everyone was stunned that they had nearly violated the treaty again.

Everyone was chattering and discussing the protest, but Narcissa noticed that they were all planning to vote against the first nomination. That was good. Looking around, she gave Michael Davis a subtle glance, who knew that it was time to make the counter-nomination.

“Order, please, order! We need to continue with this session.” When everyone was silent, Aurelia questioned: “Are there any other nominations or protests?” Michael Davis rose his wand. “Lord Davis?”

The head of the Davis Family stood up and nominated: “I propose due to these revelations to put the current restrictions against the British Veela Academy under question. We really can’t risk these restrictions to remain since it could violate the treaty.” Many nodded in understanding and were discussing Davis’ nomination. The Grey Alliance was pleased that the majority is for the counter-nomination.

When Dumbledore was finished discussing with his sheep, the man retook his seat at the podium. He asked Aurelia: “Were there any other nominations?”

The woman smiled and answered: “Yes, Lord Davis nominated to put the current restrictions against the British Veela Academy into question.”

Albus took a deep breath. He was angry, but he was confident that the nomination from Davis would fail. Narcissa hid a smirk, when Dumbledore moved on to the voting. He really is full of himself. The first nomination regarding the closure of the British Veela Academy failed. Dumbledore seethed in rage. What the hell is going on? The next nomination regarding the calculators passed with a great majority vote. The last nomination from Michael Davis passed with a majority vote, which enraged Dumbledore and his followers. There were many furious looks from the Anti-Creature Party. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

The session came to an end after the last vote.

Hogwarts

Minerva was worried, when she noticed that Albus was absent during dinner. She had a bad feeling that today’s Wizengamot meeting must have gone bad. She didn’t understand, why the members are so contrary to the headmaster. He knew, what was best for their world, but it seems like that some fools think that they knew better than the headmaster. She will check up on Albus after dinner. Maybe then, she can get some answers.

Albus was vibrating in fury. The Wizengamot meeting had ended up badly. How could the nomination fail so badly? How dare the members vote for Davis’ nomination? He should have looked for some dirt on the man to get him back in line, but sadly, he had a strong reputation even though he is a Slytherin. The Davis Family like the Greengrass Family was neutral during the war and were not interested to join either side, which was infuriating. He needed to get some control over those from the neutral section in the Wizengamot. They are causing too much damage to his world. He never thought that he would have to fight against the neutral fraction, but they are harder to beat than the dark section since they have pristine reputations and cannot be bribed.

Albus took another lemon drop, in order to sooth himself down. He needed to find a way to fix this mess, but how? Albus was lost in his thoughts.

He was startled, when he heard a knock on his office door. “Come in.”

Minerva came in and saw Albus sitting behind his desk. “Albus, is everything alright? You didn’t attend dinner.”

“Everything is alright, my dear.” Albus knew that his behaviour was worrisome, but Minerva didn’t need to worry about anything.

Taking a seat in front of the headmaster, Minerva asked: “How was the Wizengamot meeting today, Albus?”

“It was not good, Minerva.” Albus had his full attention on the woman. Minerva would always be his most trusted, when it is about their plans for their world. “Today, the Wizengamot voted against the motion to close down the British Veela Academy.”

“WHAT?! How could they? No one knows, what these creatures are taught in that dratted academy. It must be closed down, in order to stop the continued corruption of our society. How dare they do this?” Minerva was furious that the members had no care for their world.

Albus smiled. He agreed with Minerva, but the next news was going to anger Minerva even more. “Furthermore, Michael Davis nominated to put the current restrictions on the British Veela Academy under question and unfortunately, it passed with a majority vote.”

Minerva hissed like the cat she was in her animagus form. This can get only worse and worse. “Albus, this is bad. Whatever is going on in the Wizengamot, it can’t be good.”

“I understand, Minerva, but we can’t go against members of the neutral fraction or members of the dark fraction like Yaxley and Nott. It is a political suicide since they are allied with many members of the neutral fraction and that can destroy us.” Minerva nodded in understanding after Albus was finished with his explanation. Those members were tough nuts to crack and were hard to get them open.

Both were discussing, what to do next and Albus would have had to prepare for the school board meeting in three weeks. So, there was enough time to plan a nomination.

DMLE, October 9th, 2002

Bartemius Crouch Sr. was sitting behind his desk listening to Corban’s plan, how to set up a trap against Isabella Jugson. He found the idea not bad, but there were many risks regarding O’Neill’s life. But when he mentioned in his plans to create a golem, Barty had to admit that things from there wouldn’t be dangerous. But another problem had come. Only goblins and the spell crafters were able to create golems and the goblins are demanding a very good reason for the creation. Spell crafters are hard to find here in Britain and they demand a very high price for a golem. Gringotts is a lot cheaper and the goblins are more reliable. He could ask Amelia since she is in the best terms with the goblins than the other members of the DMLE. “The plan sounds to be good, but we need to ask the goblins for a bed in the Gringotts Healing Ward and we also need to have a very good reason for creating a golem, which shouldn’t be too difficult to provide.”

Corban nodded and said: “It could easily be done. Amelia is already aware of the plan and she is now in Gringotts discussing it with the director of the bank and the chieftain. Under John’s and my allowance, she took the case file to the chieftain and the director. Furthermore, the secrecy wards were adjusted that she could relay some information to them without giving them any specifics.” The secrecy ward was placed on the case file by Crouch since he transferred the responsibility of the case to Corban and John Proudfoot, so that no one can give anyone else the information apart from the investigating aurors. Amelia isn’t maybe the investigating auror, but since she is involved in this case due to the fact that Christina is an undercover auror under her command, she is made aware of the contents of the investigation. Only under Corban’s and John’s approval, the content can be relayed.

“W-what?” Bartemius must have misheard the man. Amelia knew about Corban’s plan and is already executing it without his authorisation, but he also was reminded that Amelia isn’t directly involved with this case and that Corban and John were responsible with the contents of the case file. Normally, Barty would try everything to stop her, but in this case, he will let her execute Corban’s plan since both aurors approved of the relaying of classified information regarding the case. It would help them in their investigation. Bartemius let out a huff. “Alright, but next time, you will inform me before Amelia does something.” Corban nodded and smiled. Bartemius just gave him a slight glare, but there was a smile on his face.

Gringotts

Whereas Bartemius was talking with Corban, Amelia was waiting for the chieftain and the director to arrive, in order to discuss with them her request. She can tell that Corban’s plan could work, but for that, she needed the goblins’ help in this matter. Her request entails to transfer Christina in the goblin healing ward, so that she can recover from the attack and to place a golem of her former undercover auror in St. Mungos instead, in order to trap Isabella Jugson. Christina is still in coma and the healers said that it would take her to wake up until the end of November.

When the chieftain and the director finally arrived, Amelia greeted both goblins politely. She was not a fool to anger those, who were managing her money. Ragnock and Steelfang were pleased with the woman’s polite greeting and greeted her back with the same politeness. If the request is important, they would do everything to help her. “Lady Bones, you have come here to make a request. I hope you have a good one”, the director started. The chieftain was observing the conversation.

“Yes, but this needs to be discussed under secrecy and silencing wards since the case is classified for now.” Both goblins nodded and knew that this request must be really important. The said wards were quickly erected and their attention was on Amelia. The woman began confidently and gave the director and chieftain the case file of their investigation: “Chieftain Ragnock, Director Steelfang, on September 12th, 2002, one of my undercover aurors was attacked and heavily injured in Knockturn Alley. Before the perpetrator could kill her, the auror regardless of her injuries managed to portkey herself away to St. Mungos. The assault was reported by the healers and Lord Bartemius Crouch classified the case since the assault was seen as a leak of classified information from the DMLE. Furthermore, her death was faked since she would have been in constant danger, if her survival had been announced. Currently, we have arrested the culprit behind the leak, but the perpetrator of the attack is still running free since the mole pleaded guilty and refused to give us any information about the attacker. For that reason, Chief Ragnock, Director Steelfang, I am asking from you that you approve my requests for the transfer of my former undercover auror to the healing ward here in Gringotts and to create a golem in the form of the said auror. The reason for the requests is that one of the investigating aurors suggested to me to set up a trap, where we would let it slip that the auror had survived, in order to send the assailant into a panic. We also would reveal the location of the golem that should take the auror’s place in St. Mungos.” Amelia was finished with her requests and waited.

Steelfang and Ragnock discussed the requests in gobbledygook and both found the plan to be good. Normally, they would dismiss the requests of the majority of the wizarding world especially those from Dumbledore, his sycophants, the death eaters and the creature haters like Deloris Umbridge since they had shown no respect towards them in the past, but Amelia Bones was one of their favourites and hadn’t had a problem with her plan.

After a lengthy discussion, both goblins approved her request. The director went immediately to the medical wing of Gringotts to prepare a bed for the witch. When a reason was demanded from the goblin healers, Steelfang answered that there was a classified investigation going on in the wizarding world and that the affected person is in danger. With that, the goblin healers agreed and prepared a bed for the witch since it seemed to be important. It was an automatic thing afterwards since the healers of St. Mungos agreed with the transfer, when it was explained by Amelia through the floo that it was a part of the investigation.

When Amelia sat down behind the chieftain’s desk, Ragnock explained: “The golem would be ready in two days and the bank is willing to cover a part of the costs for it.” Amelia thanked him and discussed the finer details of the plan. Politely, she said goodbye to the chieftain and made her way out.

Amelia left the bank with a good feeling. In two days, their plan can start.

DMLE, October 11th, 2002

Corban and John were prepared. It was time to let some information slip to one of Dumbledore’s fools. Both had ‘arranged’ a meeting with Amelia at the canteen. Normally, the woman would never eat her food here since she despised the lack of quality and hygiene of the canteen. Amelia sighed deeply, when she arrived at the meeting place and sat down. She swore that Corban will pay for the choice of the meeting place, but she will put it aside for later. She had seen Hestia Jones sitting in the nearby and was hiding her smirk. It’s time to rattle the headmaster a little bit. Jones had her back turned to them, but Amelia was sure that the woman had noticed them and that she was eavesdropping on their conversation.

John and Corban started to talk about the investigation, when Amelia sat down and wanted to know about the state of the case. When the name, Christina O’Neill, fell, Corban noticed at the corner of his eye that the woman had tensed up a little.

Amelia made sure to keep a close watch on Hestia and said with a warm voice that became cold at the end: “I am glad that Christina had survived the attack, but it is strange that it had happened, when she wanted to report to me on Mundungus Fletcher’s activities in the black market. There was something incriminating that would have involved the Order of Phoenix. She also had found something that is also involving our dear headmaster in this kind of field.” Hestia flinched at this statement. This was bad. This was beyond bad. Amelia hid a smirk, when she saw the flinch. “But when she wakes up, maybe she could tell me, what she had found out about Fletcher, the order and the headmaster. It would be really bad for the order’s and the school’s reputation, if I had to arrest the headmaster in front of the other students and the staff and his ‘friend’, Mundungus Fletcher.” Hestia was terrified. If that happened, then, the order and Headmaster Dumbledore would be in danger. What will they do without the headmaster? Who would help them against the forces of the dark? Hestia would have said that it was bluff, but Amelia Bones is never bluffing, when it is about an arrest of a criminal. The woman has a pristine and strong reputation of being fair and just and she is light-leaning neutral. She can’t be brushed away as dark. She needed to warn the headmaster. The order would be warned at the next order meeting, but the headmaster had her priority.

Corban, John and Amelia were amused, when they had seen Hestia rush to the next floo. The woman looked pale and fearful, which was good that she had taken their bait. All three were sure that the headmaster would get the information and in order to protect himself and the order, Dumbledore would do anything to get rid of the threat.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

Albus was sitting behind his desk doing some paperwork, when he heard the floo flare. Quickly looking up, he saw Hestia rushing to his desk and taking the seat in front of him. Albus was concerned, when he had seen the state of the woman. Her face was flushed and she was out breath like she had run a mile. “Hestia, my dear, is everything alright? You seem to be unwell. Lemon drop?”

“No, thank you, headmaster. I am here to warn you.” Hestia was at the brink of a panic attack.

Albus was confused. “Warn me about what? Had something happened in the ministry?”

Hestia nodded and said: “The undercover auror that was attacked in Knockturn Alley. She isn’t dead. She is still alive and recovering from her injuries. Amelia had mentioned that she only needed to wake up.”

“WHAT?! How?!” Albus needed to know, what was going on. The undercover auror is still alive. That can’t be. The Daily Prophet reported that she hadn’t survived the attack. How could she be still alive? Albus suddenly stopped thinking and realised that the only way, how the woman could have survived, would be, if Crouch had faked her death like he had done it during the last war to Voldemort’s and his followers’ targets, in order to save them from being killed. That must be how the woman is still alive. He needed to find a way to get rid of that woman since she is a threat to his and Dung’s deals in the black markets.

“Headmaster, there is something else.” Albus was interrupted in his thoughts, when the woman spoke up. He asked: “What is it, Hestia?”

Hestia bit her lip and said: “Amelia furthermore explained that the attack happened on an inopportune time, when she wanted to submit a report regarding Dung’s activities in the black market, which would have incriminated the order and would have also involved you in Dung’s dealings. I told you Albus that Dung is only trouble. If that man is going to be arrested and is going to involve the order in his mess, then, the order’s reputation would be destroyed. Amelia is waiting until O’Neill wakes up and tells her, what she had found out about Dung.”

Albus was trying to hide his panic. He will curse Dung for this mess to the next oblivion. He had told the man to be careful, but no, the man had been negligent and now, he is in a mess. He knew that Amelia is not bluffing, when it is about an investigation and if that blasted undercover auror recovers from the attack, then, he would be screwed. He is also cursing Isabella Jugson for not doing a job appropriately, but Albus had a plan, how to kill two birds with one stone. He will give the woman an anonymous message to warn her that the undercover auror is alive, but in a coma and that she knows, who had attacked her. He is sure that the Jugson woman would go after the undercover auror a second time and this time, she can get rid of that meddling auror for once and for all. Albus will also make sure that she is caught and thrown into Azkaban, before she is questioned. Yes, this plan sounds to be good.

Returning back from his thoughts, Albus said: “Don’t panic, Hestia, my dear. I will deal with that issue. I will also talk with Dung and remind him that his foolishness in the black markets could endanger the order.”

“Alright, headmaster.” Hestia was relieved that Albus knows, what needs to be done.

Albus was pacing his office. He was waiting for Dung, because there were some things that he needed to discuss with him. Hestia’s warning is concerning, but he is sure that he could deal with it. The problem with his current plan is, how to send the message to the Jugson bint. The only way to send the message would be through her younger sister, Evelyn Jugson, who is still attending school. The girl could be a good messenger, but he needs to make sure that he is believable. Voldemort’s followers do not trust him, but with some tweaks, he would be able to convince the girl. But first, he needed to talk with Dung.

Albus returned back to his desk and sat down behind it on his throne-like chair, when he heard the floo flare. Fawkes was thrilling sadly on his bird stand since he was bound to an evil man and can’t get out. The only one, who could free him, was one of the founder’s heirs, who is either working here in Hogwarts or attending this school as a student. Unfortunately for the bird, neither is the case. He had felt during Dumbledore’s time as headmaster all the founders’ heirs through the magics in Hogwarts, but none of them claimed the heirship and later at 16 the lordship, in order to free him from the bond. The Gryffindor heir, James Potter, became unworthy during his seven years in Hogwarts due to his bullying and assaulting the other students especially the Slytherins. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff heiresses didn’t know that they were the founders’ heirs during their time in Hogwarts and didn’t wear the heirship and lordship rings. The Slytherin heir was dangerous to bond with since his soul was torn and scattered into pieces and Fawkes had known that he had created horcruxes, which made him unworthy of being Heir and Lord Slytherin since he broke one of Lady Magic’s laws by creating those abominations. Now, Fawkes was stuck with this bond and it seems inescapable. Returning from his thoughts, Fawkes saw Mundungus Fletcher coming out from the floo.

Mundungus went calmly to the seat in front of the desk and sat down. “Albus, what can I do for you?”

Albus took a deep breath, which was a bit difficult since Dung smelled like his name. He will have to open a window after this meeting. “Dung, we have a problem. The undercover auror that had brought down Aurelius Yaxley is still alive, but comatose due to her injuries, and she is posing a problem to our deals in the black market. Amelia had gotten intel that the woman had found some incriminating information of your activities in the black market, which could lead back to the order and me and could damage us and our cause.”

“WHAT?! But how? I always kept a close watch on the bint.” Mundungus was furious and terrified. If people like Amelia Bones or worse Bartemius Crouch Sr. get wind about his work in the black markets, then, his life would be over. He could spend decades in prison for what he had done and to make matters worse, he would drag the order and Albus down with him.

Albus popped another lemon drop, in order to calm himself down. “It doesn’t matter, but I am giving you a warning that from now on, you need to be more careful. The last thing, we need is Amelia or Barty paying close attention to your activities in the black market.” The man nodded in understanding. “Furthermore, I will deal with the issue. Don’t worry. Everything is going to be fine.” Albus’ eyes were twinkling and Mundungus nodded and left the office quickly.

Now, Albus needed to speak with the youngest child of Lord Jugson and the puzzles are put together perfectly.

Phineas just shook his head, but he had a devious smile. If he could use his nose, he would be able to smell a trap that was set up against Isabella Jugson. Phineas never liked the Jugsons and their belief about blood purity, but he can tell that things would get interesting.

Hogwarts, October 14th, 2002

Evelyn was confused, when she was summoned to the headmaster’s office. One of her heads of house, Aurora Sinistra, told her that the headmaster had wanted to speak with her. If the man thinks that she would give up some information regarding her family, then, the man has become senile since she will not tell him anything. She like many other Slytherins didn’t trust the old fool and were distant towards him due to his prejudice against the Slytherins and the members of the dark fraction.

She would have had no problem selling her sister out to the old fool for all the mess, she had caused for her brother and father, but her father told her that under no circumstances she is allowed to speak about her brother’s arrest and Isabella’s involvement in front of anyone. Evelyn was not happy, but she obliged the command of her father.

Arriving in front of the entrance of the office, Sinistra gave the password to the gargoyle, which opened the staircase and they went up. Going in, both were greeted by the headmaster, who guided them to his desk. She and Professor Sinistra took their seat in front of the desk, whereas the old fool sat behind his desk. “Thank you, Aurora, for bringing Ms. Jugson to my office. There were some things that I would like to discuss with her alone. You can go.” But her head of house refused, which was funny.

“Albus, any meeting between a student and the headmaster is requiring the head of house to be present, no matter what”, Auror said not trusting the headmaster with one of her charges.

Albus’ eyes were not twinkling, but he continued regardless. “Alright. Lemon drops?” Both females refused and were curious about the meeting. Albus had put his concerned grandfather persona and began: “Well, Ms. Jugson, I have received some concerning news regarding your family and I wanted to see, if everything is alright, and address some issues.” Evelyn raised her eyebrow at the old man in front of her. She knew that the man is lying, because if he was so concerned, then, he could have helped all those that were living in an abusive household, but he does nothing, which is sickening. Evelyn suspected that the old bastard is talking about the arrest of her brother, Eric. She is sure that he already knows due to the old man’s connections in the ministry. He wasn’t concerned, when her elder brother, Ulrich, was arrested and sentenced to the goblin mines, but why is he paying attention to her now? There must be a reason behind this meeting.

Aurora was thinking along the same line. The man must have a motivation for calling Evelyn Jugson to his office. If the man had any concerns regarding the students, then, he wouldn’t have sent countless, abused children back to their abusers. She is still disgusted about the man’s view of child abuse.

Evelyn wanted to snap, but remained calm and had put a mask of disinterest. “You don’t have to worry yourself about those ‘concerning news’ regarding my family, headmaster. I am fine.” The girl smiled, but inside, she was furious. Evelyn knew that Dumbledore has only called her up, in order to get some information regarding Eric’s arrest. She wanted to curse Isabella for all this mess.

“Ah, well, then, if everything is alright, then, here take this note for your next class, so that Professor Flitwick is informed that you are late, because of this meeting.” Albus had hidden two notes in one note. One note is the normal apology for the girl’s lateness and the other is a falsified message to Isabella from the undercover auror that she is alive and well and that she knew that it was her that had tried to kill her and is ready to bring her down after her release from the hospital. He also included a picture of the woman that was made by one of his pawns in the hospital, where she is lying in a hospital bed awake and recovered. This would send Isabella Jugson into a panic.

Evelyn took the note and left the office with her head of house.

On her way to the charms classroom, Evelyn noticed that there were two notes and a picture. When she had read the message from the undercover auror to her older sister, Evelyn was thinking that it must have been a joke, but when she had seen the picture, the girl was confused since she didn’t know the woman. Is that the undercover auror that was killed by her sister? And if yes, why would there be a picture of her showing that she is alive and well? Evelyn turned the picture around and saw a certification mark on the photo, which is proving that the picture isn’t fraudulent. Evelyn had a bad feeling about this and used an identifying charm on the picture. It came back that the woman was Christina O’Neill. She knew that name from her brother and the files, he had brought home with him to find out the undercover auror. They had been burnt at the end of the summer holidays, in order to erase any evidence. Evelyn’s breath started to hitch. Damn it, this is the woman that had brought down Aurelius Yaxley and she is also the one that was attacked by her sister. This was bad, if she is still alive, because her sister can end up in Azkaban.

This also explains the headmaster’s odd behaviour. The old bastard must have known, what was going on in her family. Evelyn wanted to make the old man pay for sticking his nose, where it doesn’t belong, but she had other, more important matters to worry. She needed to send a message to her father after the classes.

Evelyn quickly hid the message and went into the charms classroom.

After class, Evelyn quickly went to the owlery to get her owl, Claw. She quickly wrote a letter to her father explaining him the meeting with the headmaster and the message from the undercover auror. Additionally, she also put the picture of the woman in the envelope. Putting the letter and the message in the envelope, Evelyn sent her owl away and went to the great hall for dinner hoping her father gets the letter before her sister.

Jugson Manor

Unfortunately for Evelyn, her father was not home and her sister opened the letter. Isabella read the letter and was grounding her teeth. She really hoped that the little gremlin didn’t say a word about her actions, but since she wrote the letter to her father, Isabella knew that Evelyn would never lie to their father. Looking at the message, Isabella let out a shriek not believing that the woman is still alive. She had killed her. That bitch can’t be alive, but when she saw the picture, Isabella examined the photo and let out a scream of fury, when it was revealed that the picture was authentical.

Isabella was furiously pacing the living room. She needed to find a way to get rid of that woman. Screw her father’s order. Her reputation and image were more important than anything else. She will deal with the woman appropriately and make sure that she doesn’t talk. In three days, the woman will face her demise. Isabella knows, how to sneak inside St. Mungos and examining the letter closer, she saw, where O’Neill was.

St. Mungos, October 17th, 2002

It was the middle of the night, when Isabella entered the basically empty hospital. She had given her father a simple sleeping draught, in order to make sure that he doesn’t notice her absence in the manor. When her father was fast asleep due to the effects of the potion, she snuck out of the estate and apparated in front of St. Mungos. Since she had received the letters from her sister, Isabella had been working hard to find a way in, in order to silence the woman for once and for all. She also hid the contents of Evelyn’s envelope from her father since she knew that he would hinder her from doing, what needs to be done.

Going inside, she went through the empty main entrance and the waiting room. Before she went in, she put a disillusionment charm and many notice-me-nots on herself. She quickly took out her wand and stunned the guard and the nightshift healer. No one would stop her now. Her goal was the Emergency Ward. Isabella wasn’t surprised that no one was there, because it is the middle of the night and during that time period, the hospital doesn’t have many people apart from the nightshift healer and the guards. She continued to walk down to the Emergency Ward without issue. Unknown to her, she tripped over an alarm spell, where an alarm went off on Corban’s wand. Corban and John quickly flooed directly to the Emergency Ward and under many notice-me-not charms, both hid in the hospital room, where the golem is lying.

Arriving at the Emergency Ward, Isabella noticed that this ward was basically empty even though two aurors were occupying the room, where the golem was lying. Isabella noticed that no bed apart from one was occupied. Spying inside the room, she saw that the bitch was sleeping peacefully and alone without any protections. Isabella entered the hospital room quickly and had a smirk on her face. She said: “It’s time to die, you bitch. You managed to escape me once, but this time, you will die.” Corban was thankful that they had put some recording charms in the room. The woman already confessed that she had tried to kill her once.

Isabella took out her wand and pointed it at the golem. “Avada Kedavra.” A green lightning shot out from Isabella’s wand and hit the golem in the chest.

Isabella smirked, when she saw the motionless body, but her smirk vanished, when she noticed that the woman disintegrated. ‘What was going on?’ Isabella just shook her head and was in the process to leave, but the silence was interrupted by Corban: “Hey, Isabella. Expelliarmus.” Isabella was too shocked to move and was hit with the disarming spell. Her wand was gone. She tried to run out, but Proudfoot casted a blasting hex at her and the woman was sent flying towards the wall. She hit the floor, but tried to stand up and escape. “Petrificus Totalus.” The full-body bind came from Corban and bound the woman. Isabella hit the floor again and wasn’t able to move.

Corban was standing above her and mocked her: “Well, well, well, if that isn’t Isabella Jugson. What are you doing here in the middle of the night in the Emergency Ward here in St. Mungos? Don’t answer. In two days, you will answer all our questions that we have for you. For now, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Christina O’Neill and the assault on Michael Ward and Julia O’Malley.” With that, they handcuffed the woman and dispelled the body bind. Isabella started to scream, when both men started to drag her away to the floo, in order to lock her up in one of the holding cells: “You can’t do this to me. Do you know, who my father is? He is going to make sure that you are both fired for treating a member of a noble house like this.”

“Do shut up, Isabella, you were caught in the act. Your dear daddy wouldn’t be able to do anything. Now, let’s move.” Corban sneered.

Isabella was furious. “You will pay for this, Corban Yaxley. The day, you decided to humiliate me by choosing that mudblood bitch over me, should be the day, you should have rued. I will make you regret for this insult.” Corban casted a Silencio and both men dragged the woman out of the hospital to the ministry. There were going to be some charges against her. Now, they can announce that the perpetrator had been caught.

Eric heard footsteps and saw Yaxley and Proudfoot with his elder sister, Isabella. The woman was in handcuffs and was screaming, but she didn’t make a sound. Eric hanged his head. His sister had gotten caught. His father is not going to be happy about this. Thankfully, he would not blame him for this mess. Both aurors threw Isabella violently into the cell and locked the cell door up. His sister was banging on the bars of the cell and if he could read lips, he is sure that the woman wanted to be released.

Corban turned his attention to the other occupant. Eric just looked down on the floor. Corban looked down on him. “Eric, you will also have a lot to answer for and this time, you will tell us everything. Maybe you can avoid a prison sentence. Take that as an advice from me. It is not late.” With that, Corban left. Eric had registered, what he had said, and thought things through. The best option is to talk now. It would get worse for his elder sister, but maybe he could avoid a scandal and a long prison sentence. He needs to talk with his father and their family lawyer.

Isabella was furious. She will make Corban and his partner pay for arresting her. She did nothing wrong. She had done the right thing. Her reputation was in danger and she needed to save it before it was destroyed by that bitch. What didn’t those fools understand? Isabella will get out and make the DMLE pay for falsely arresting her. Eric sighed at the stubborn look on his sister’s face. He knows that she will fight the charges against her until the bitter end. Eric shook his head. Isabella would realise too late, how fruitless her fight would be.

Corban sent a message to Bartemius and Amelia that Isabella was caught and had been arrested for the attempted murders of Christina O’Neill and the assaults. Both received the message. Amelia was glad that everything is over and went to bed, in order to get a good night’s rest. She hadn’t slept well these past few days. Bartemius told both aurors to go home and told them that they had tomorrow, the whole day off since they had done two shifts at once again.

Both sighed happily and left the ministry to go home to their families.

Great Britain, October 18th, 2002

Amelia and Bartemius were in Barty’s office discussing Isabella’s arrest and there was the question, how to announce the arrests of Eric and Isabella. Amelia suggested Rita Skeeter. At first, Bartemius was sceptical since he knew that Rita was known for her exaggeration in her articles, but Amelia pointed out that Rita is maybe writing dramatical articles, but she remains within the facts and doesn’t make things up. She showed him the articles about Aurelius Yaxley and Bartemius noticed that even though Rita is dramatic in her articles, she remained within the facts and asked good questions, which is making the reader curious. At the end, they decided that Rita should be the one to write the article about Isabella’s and Eric’s arrest, but some specifics like the name of the intended victim will be left out.

Amelia left the DMLE with the file that she and Bartemius wanted to make public and went to the Daily Prophet.

Rita was enjoying a cup of coffee and was thinking, what to write for the evening edition until Amelia Bones entered her office.

“Lady Bones, what can I do? Please take a seat.” The woman had a smile, but Amelia could see in her eyes that they had no gleam, which means that the woman is serious. Amelia was a bit envious, how Rita could remain optimistic in serious situations.

Amelia sat down and said with a stoic expression on her face: “Here is something for the evening edition. Make sure that it remains within the facts and truthful and some specifics are left out since they are classified. The rest of the file will be given a little bit later.” Rita nodded and looked over the file and had lot of fodder for the evening edition. It was perfect to bring some dirt against another family from Voldemort’s circle.

“Very well. Prepare yourself for an outcry.” Rita grinned dangerously and started to go over the revised files on her desk.

Amelia left the Daily Prophet and smirked. Barty and her decided to make also their plans public, so that there was nothing questioned, but they edited it a bit.

When the evening edition came out, there was a heated discussion in the wizarding world and many rumours were made. Thereby, many fingers were pointing to Manfred and Evelyn Jugson. The reputation of House Jugson had taken a hit.

Manfred had let out a roar of rage, when he was finished reading the article. The man’s magic lashed out and destroyed his home office. That stupid girl. How dare she. He gave her a simple order to remain home and not to go out, but no, she had to potion him with a sleeping draught, sneak out again and get caught trying to kill the undercover auror again. He was stunned that the DMLE set up a trap with the help of a golem, but it doesn’t matter now. He needed to find a way to salvage this critical situation. Manfred was furthermore livid, when he found the letter, the message and the picture of the woman that was sent by his youngest child. Evelyn tried to warn him, but it seems like that Isabella had intercepted the warning and hid it from him. Now he understood the reason, why she went there on her own. He didn’t blame Evelyn for this mess since she tried to warn him, but Isabella is the one to blame for all this. If the girl had come to him, he would have found a solution for this problem. He needed to talk to his family lawyer. There must be something that can be done.

Isabella let out a scream of fury, tore the article into pieces much to the guards’ annoyance and banged on the bars of her cell to be let out. Eric looked defeated and shook his head, when he saw the headline. This time, there is no escape for his older sister.

Evelyn was ready to kill her sister, when the evening edition came out. The other students including the members of her own house were already giving her odd looks regarding her family’s scandal. She will make her sister pay, for what she had done. Evelyn left the great hall since she had lost her appetite. She hoped that at least Eric doesn’t end up in jail. He doesn’t deserve this. Isabella is to blame for this mess. She is sure that her sister had intercepted her letter to her father and read the message and saw the picture. Evelyn doesn’t have any remorse that she had unintentionally caused her sister’s arrest since Isabella had no right to intercept her mail.

Albus was absolutely furious. All his worry was for nothing. He couldn’t believe that he was tricked like that, but he had to admit that the plan was cunning. When the evening edition came out, he was stunned that it was a trap set up by the aurors, who had investigated the case, and that it was a golem. He was also surprised that Amelia wasn’t involved in this case. But the rest of the article is showing him that Isabella confessed her crime. He quickly sent a message to Dung to inform him that everything had settled at least.

The members of the Grey Alliance were a little bit dubious about the secrecy from Amelia and Corban, but also happy that House Jugson was taken a peg down.

The blood purists did their best to hide their disdain. Many friends from Isabella were not happy about the arrest since they had known the woman, when they were children, but the heads of their family ordered them to cut all ties with Isabella, in order to avoid their reputations to be dragged down in this mess. They did it as they were ordered, but they didn’t like it one bit.

The followers of Dumbledore were celebrating another arrest of one of Voldemort’s followers. These were good news, but some were annoyed that Corban Yaxley was the one, who led the investigation and arrested Isabella Jugson. What angered them more especially James was that he was also getting the praise from the public, but there was nothing that can be done.

DMLE, October 19th, 2002

Corban and John were sitting in the interrogation room with Isabella und Eric Jugson. He was glad that the bitch has finally been caught. Before the interrogation started, their family lawyer was called to the meeting. Ignatus Vaisley finally arrived and the man had a bad day since he now had to defend both children from Manfred Jugson. Yesterday, Lord Jugson ordered to represent Eric and Isabella. The man wanted from him to negotiate a sentence, so that Eric doesn’t end up in Azkaban, because of his sister. Isabella, on the other hand, would be a hopeless case to win, but he was told that the girl should not end up in Azkaban for life and that he should avoid the execution at all cost.

“Attorney Vaisley, thank you for coming. We have a lot of things to discuss. But first, I need your approval of a secrecy ward since there are some information that cannot be made public and are not allowed to get out. Do you agree with it?”, Corban asked the attorney.

The attorney answered: “As long as it doesn’t put my clients in a disadvantage.”

Corban and John shook their heads. “No, they will get a little advantage, if they are under the secrecy ward.”

The attorney nodded, when the words sank in.

Both aurors casted the secrecy wards around the interrogation room. Nothing will be getting out. Corban and John sat down and Corban had the lead. “Attorney Vaisley, the charges are going to be changed a little bit since there is a little deception that we did, in order to protect the victim in this case.” The man was ready to protest, but remained silent, when it was revealed that it was about the victim, and allowed him to continue. “Auror Christina O’Neill is still alive. She didn’t die on September 12th, 2002, but she is going to have lasting injuries like the Cruciatius exposure that are going to restrict her movements in her arms. From the golem we have retracted the magical signature of the killing curse that your client, Isabella Jugson, had casted, and compared the match with the magical signature on the asphalt and from the injured auror in Knockturn Alley. There was a match. She will be facing attempted murder charges and assault charges on the nightshift healer and the guard. Furthermore, there is also the charge of getting unlawfully classified information. Eric Jugson, on the other hand, will be charged with leaking out classified information and criminal negligence.”

The attorney requested a silencing ward around both siblings since he wanted to discuss a plea deal with both Jugsons. He had seen a light in the tunnel. Corban and John nodded and gave him some time. Both left, in order to get some coffee. They needed some energy. “Eric, Isabella, this case is hopeless to win. I would really suggest that both of you plead guilty on the charges, in order to get a reduced sentence.”

“WHAT?! Never! I will not end up in Azkaban for protecting my reputation and image. I did nothing wrong.” Isabella thundered in rage.

Ignatus sighed deeply. He knew that the woman was going to be troublesome. “Isabella, there is no hope in winning this case. They have enough evidence to convict you. If you don’t plead guilty, you could get a life sentence or worse an execution. Apart from that, the reputation of House Jugson had already taken a hit, because of your arrest. And don’t think that your friends will help you. After they heard about your arrest, they cut all ties with you.” Unfortunately, the woman still refused much to the solicitor’s annoyance and looked angry that her friends abandoned her. That will not happen. She and her friends had left a mark in Hogwarts and she will not tolerate it, if her friends turned their backs on her. “Very well, but don’t complain about your hospitality in Azkaban. Eric?”

Eric looked defeated. “I will plead guilty. At least, it can’t get worse.”

“What?! Don’t you dare, Eric. You are going to destroy everything”, Isabella hissed.

Eric had enough of his sister’s tantrum. “Enough, Isabella! This is all your fault. I did all this, in order to protect you. If you and Aurelius had left Corban alone, nothing like this would have happened, but no, the proud Isabella Jugson couldn’t handle an insult and needed to go after Corban. And to make matters worse, your and Aurelius’ plan failed. Aurelius is now in Azkaban, because of you. I will not end up in jail due to your pride and ego.” Eric gave his lawyer a determined look. “I will plead guilty. There is no way out.” Isabella was shocked and furious at her brother for how he had talked to her.

Before she could rant and rave, Ignatus quickly interrupted the fight. “Alright.”

The silencing ward was dispelled, which alerted the aurors that the discussion was over and Corban and John entered the interrogation room with some coffee. Corban threw the attorney an expectant look. “Well?”

“My client, Eric Jugson, is pleading guilty on the charges against him, but my client, Isabella Jugson, is pleading innocent.” The attorney’s tone turned sour at the end. Corban knew that tone of voice since Vaisley had to defend a clearly guilty woman. He knew that Isabella was stubborn and refused to listen properly.

“Very well”, Corban answered before John could reprimand Vaisley about the evidence. John glared at Corban, but the man smirked. Corban ordered four aurors to send both siblings back to their holding cells. When everyone left, John confronted Corban: “Corban, what in Merlin’s name, were you thinking. You know that Isabella is guilty and yet, you allow her to plead innocent. She needed to be reprimanded that the evidence is solid.”

Corban sighed, but grinned. “I know, but I also know Isabella. You can reprimand her however you want, but she will not listen to anyone, not even her own family. You have seen, how she had behaved.” John begrudgingly agreed and had to admit that the woman wouldn’t have listened to anyone.

At the end, Proudfoot shrugged it off and thought that it was Isabella’s decision to plead innocent. Her fate would be sealed.

Hogwarts, October 21nd, 2002

There was another order meeting regarding the school board meeting on the last Monday in this month. Many were chattering about the arrest of Isabella Jugson for murder and assault. It was a party-like atmosphere. Albus was taking a look at his followers and was pleased. He wished that his followers in the auror department did get credit for the arrest of Isabella and Eric Jugson, but unfortunately, they were left out. Hestia is just an auror. Alastor is a head auror, but he is going to retire in less than a decade. Rufus is still under probation due to the scandal with the Greengrass Family and Albert may be working as an auror, but he had been demoted, because of James, and is still under probation. And James is still a junior auror, who hadn’t managed to get a promotion. He was disappointed about his connections in the DMLE, but at least Hestia and Alastor can move around without any scrutiny unlike Rufus and Albert.

Things now needed to go his way and this time, he had plans to change the material regarding the Global Wizarding War. He can’t have people question him about the duel with Gellert since it would lead to too many questions, how the man was defeated, what had happened to him, how did the duel proceed etc. In reality, there was no duel, but a strategic meeting, where he and Gellert have agreed to end this war for now and move on with their plans with Tom. They gave up since the other communities in the wizarding world were hard to beat, because of the schooling systems. Even the Hogwarts graduates were strong like the rest of the world since Phineas Black ruined the school with his changes and taught the students dangerous information that made the children dangerous and uncontrollable as adults. Charlus Potter, Arcturus Black, Dorea Black later Potter, Cassiopeia Black, Muriel Prewett and so many of his generation had become to be the most feared and powerful witches and wizards in the wizarding society, because of the educational standards back then. When Black died, Dippet continued with Black’s educational standards and Albus always faced a losing battle with Dippet and the board of governors back then to lower those standards since many wanted the status quo to remain, which annoyed him to no end. So, the plan was to fake a duel and through Gellert’s ‘defeat’ get fame, in order to take control over the wizarding world. He was given everything, after they had successfully staged their duel and he took the Elder Wand in the process. Afterwards, he became Headmaster of Hogwarts, Grand Sorcerer and Supreme Mugwump. Additionally, he got the Order of Merlin First Class and made the Dumbledore name famous even though there were many sacrifices needed.

He had managed to form Hogwarts into his image, when he became headmaster, by removing those standards from Phineas and cancel some ‘dark’ and ‘dangerous’ classes, in order to dumb down the students. Without the Magical Theory class, he was able to spread his fear towards the students that dark is evil and light is good. The cancellation of the Wizard Study class and Religion helped him to gain control over the muggleborns and the muggle-raised halfbloods by subtly telling them that due to their heritage, they were not really welcome in the magical world, which helped him to gain followers. It had also helped him to create a division between the Slytherins and the Gryffindors, when the blood purists helped him unknowingly in this matter. Albus was able to show them that the dark purebloods were against their inclusion in the magical world. He also removed the other classes like Government and Politics, Magical Law, Alchemy, Warding and Spell Crafting and Weaving, in order to make the muggle-raised students and the children of his closest followers dependant on him and that the status quo remains.

As Supreme Mugwump, he faced many difficulties even today since the majority of the magical community around the world was not trusting him and he faced more opposition than in Britain. The ICW was the magical version of the UN in the muggle world, but there were many other independent sub-organisations like the EMU, the European Magical Union, the PACM, the Pan-Asian Community of Magic, the MAC, the Magical African Communities, etc. His focus was on the ICW, but he had a hard time to gain control over the members of the ICW and those sub-organisations, but with hard work, he would be able to handle them. He was distracted with his work on the school before.

Then, Tom and his followers started the war in the 90s and did a lot of damage to the reputation of the dark pureblood families, which helped him to present laws that he wanted to pass against the dark fraction in the Wizengamot and the creatures by brushing them off as dark creatures. Albus was able to place himself on the Chief Warlock position, when the light section managed to get the majority of the seats, and managed to pass laws that he wanted.

He was still not finished with his work in the Wizengamot, but unfortunately, the ties have turned against him and he didn’t like it one bit. Even during the school board meetings, things were not going his way. The changes in the potion and the history classes became thorns on his side and he isn’t able to fix them since everything is going in the wrong way. Something is going on, but he doesn’t know what.

When the meeting officially started, Albus discussed with his followers to change the current material regarding the Global Wizarding War. His followers didn’t like it one bit that the ‘great’ Albus Dumbledore was questioned like this and wanted it changed.

After they were finished with the nomination for the school board meeting, Albus turned his attention towards the arrests of Isabella and Eric Jugson. “Are there any information regarding the arrests of Isabella and Eric Jugson?”

The aurors apart from Alastor in the office shook their heads, which annoyed Albus. What was going on? Why doesn’t he have any access to classified cases? It was easy during the war, but now, he was facing challenges. He wished one of his followers had been leading the investigation, but no, Bartemius is trusting Yaxley and Amelia. That was the reason why, he wanted Aurelius to kill Clara, in order to gain control over Corban Yaxley, but it failed horribly and the man is out of his control.

“Very well, keep your eyes and ears open regarding the case.” The aurors nodded feeling indebted to the headmaster that they were unable to get information for him about the case.

With that the order meeting came to an end.

Greengrass Manor, October, 25th, 2002

The meeting in Greengrass Manor was proceeding without any difficulties, but there was a tension. The arrests of Isabella and Eric Jugson are causing a lot of curiosity among the members of the Grey Alliance. Narcissa and the others really wanted to know, what was going on, but they had to withhold their curiosity since the case is classified. Everyone knew that the case is about the murder of an auror, but why was the auror killed and who was the victim? That were questions that the members of the alliance really wanted to know, but they had to be patient. Maybe their curiosity can destroy the case and Isabella and Eric could use that to get away with their crimes.

Arthur explained Dumbledore’s nomination and Callidora huffed: “That man is hiding something. I have heard a rumour that Grindelwald and our dear headmaster were in a relationship, when they were young, but there was no proof in that endeavour. I believe that the old fool doesn’t want anyone to question him about his duel with Grindelwald since the duel had strangely no witnesses and Dumbledore refused to answer any questions, how the duel had proceeded and where Grindelwald was after his defeat. I don’t know, what had happened to Grindelwald after the duel and there are still many speculations about this aspect that the old fool is trying to keep it hidden.” Augustinus agreed with Callidora. He is also clueless, what had happened to Grindelwald after the duel with Dumbledore, but both had a dark feeling that there was something sinister going on.

Narcissa should have asked Lady Magic about this, but her focus was the safety of Akira and she forgot to ask Lady Magic regarding the legendary duel between Gellert Grindelwald and Dumbledore in 1945, but she is sure that they will find out more about Dumbledore’s life. But now, they needed to find a way to distract Dumbledore and his fools and she had the perfect idea. Lucius noticed the gleam that was known in the Black Family in his wife’s eyes. “Cissy, you seem to have a plan, in order to distract Albus and his fools.”

Everyone turned to Narcissa and saw the woman smiling. They were curious, what plan Narcissa had cooked up this time to distract the old fool and his chickens. Narcissa sighed knowing that her husband would know immediately that she had planned something big. “I have the idea that one of us propose the motion to shorten the class time in Hogwarts to the British schooling standards. Since the practical classes have one additional hour for the theory, the students would be able to start practising during the two-hour-units immediately. I have thought that one unit should be 45 minutes long and the two-hour sessions should be 90 minutes. There would be enough time to prepare before the beginning of the classes and clean-up after the classes.” Many liked the idea especially the Clearwaters and Severus.

Jeremy and Claire decided to send their little girl to one of the magical primary schools in France, where she is properly taught everything. Arthur Weasley had convinced them and Augustinus and all three liked the idea that Penelope should be properly taught about the magical world. Percy was happy that Penelope was there and both spent a lot of time playing with each other. The bond between Percy and Penelope is strong and both loved to talk about books and about the classes.

Severus would have enough time to prepare the classroom and clean-up any messes that the dunderheads leave behind after class. It would give him enough time.

When everyone had agreed on this, Narcissa moved them to the ICW primary school curriculum and this time, they are going to have a hard time to have this class in the primary school. Their plan is to have the core classes first and then, they would move on to the electives. Normally, a magical school has ten core classes and not the usual seven in Hogwarts. This includes also Magical Theory, Etiquette and Wizard/Muggle Studies.

Narcissa thinks that Magical Theory would be less troublesome, but she was sure that she would meet resistance from Dumbledore and his followers. They need to give the school board a good reason and there were plenty of reasons why Magical Theory should be taught, because everyone should learn the concept of magic and how magic works. If no one learns that, then, it would lead to problems like bigotry and bias.

It’s time to get harder on Dumbledore and his followers.

Many were not so sure and confident, if the Magical Theory class would pass during the next meeting, but they had to try. The education of their children and the next generation is very important. Maybe they could sneak the class in, when Dumbledore is distracted. That could help them.

School board, October 28th, 2002

Another board meeting was taking place and this time, Elphias Doge nominated to change the material regarding the Global Wizarding War that raged from 1925 until the defeat of the Dark Lord Gellert Grindelwald in 1945. The man wants the students to learn this part of their history biased that it was a war between the dark and the light. Another aspect is that he proposed to leave out some ‘dangerous’ information. The members of the Grey Alliance wanted to shake their heads, because Grindelwald’s followers consisted also light witches and wizards like Marie Delacour and his opponents were also from the darker families like Leita Lestrange. Clara and the other members of the Grey Alliance were trying everything in their power not to fall asleep since the man was droning on for nearly half an hour. How does Arthur fare with these idiots without losing his mind? Clara was already counting the days until her husband is going to take over her seats as proxy since she hated the Wizengamot and the school board meetings. She had only two Wizengamot and two school board meetings to attend and then, her husband will take over. Corban told her that during the Yule meeting, he will leave the blood purists a nasty surprise, where even Dumbledore would be annoyed. Clara can’t wait, but now, she had to survive this meeting and the next ones in these coming months.

When Elphias was finished, many let out a silent breath of relief that he was done. When Dumbledore asked, if there was another nomination, the members of the Grey Alliance saw this as an opportunity to strike. Amelia Bones rose her wand. “Amelia?” Albus really hoped that this nomination was not going to be difficult.

Amelia stood up and started: “Esteemed members of this board, I am proposing that we shorten the class time in Hogwarts to the British standards. One class unit should be 45 minutes long and a double session should be 90 minutes. In between the two 45-minutes-units, there should be a five-minutes break, whereas in between two double sessions or in between a double session and a 45-minutes-unit, there should be a ten-minute break. It would shorten the workload of the teachers and the same can be done during the tutoring sessions.”

Many liked the idea even the blood purists. This change wouldn’t hurt anyone, but the light section had a massive argument. The younger generation liked the motion, but the older generation wanted the status quo to remain. Albus was ready to throw a killing curse at his followers. He found the idea genuine, but he forgot that his older followers were very insistent on remaining at the status quo, which can be annoying sometimes.

Requesting a privacy and silencing ward, Albus was distracted with his followers that were again making things needlessly hard. Aurelia took over as Head Governor and looked around with a smile. “Are there any other nominations?”

Muriel Prewett rose her wand. “Lady Prewett?” Aurelia turned the attention of the board to the formidable Prewett matriarch. Muriel stood up and began: “I have a protest to make regarding Lord Doge’s nomination about the material of the Global Wizarding War in the history class. The motion to leave out some ‘dangerous’ information doesn’t make any sense in my opinion since it is important that the students learn very well from our mistakes of the past and that we do not repeat this mess nearly more than 50 years ago again. This war also involved the muggle world and the causalities were in both worlds high. Does anyone want to repeat this monstrosity again, because the students were not properly taught? Even the muggles learned a hard lesson and are making sure that the future generation is learning detailly, what World War II had caused to their world, and they are making sure that this war doesn’t repeat itself through the education of the next generation.” Everyone shook their heads and agreed with Muriel. “Furthermore, I know that this war was not a war caused by the bias between the dark and the light since Grindelwald had light witches and wizards in his circle like Marie Delacour and I remember that Leita Lestrange, a well-known dark witch, was Grindelwald’s fiercest opponent. We can’t just label the Global Wizarding War as a war between the light and the dark without checking some facts up.” Many agreed and many witches and wizards from the dark fraction were not happy about this bias.

Muriel quickly finished up by making her stand clear regarding Doge’s nomination and Aurelia continued: “Are there any other nominations or protests?” Callidora rose her wand and Aurelia turned her attention of the board towards the woman. “Lady Longbottom?”

Callidora stood up and nominated: “I am nominating to continue with the primary school and I am proposing the ICW primary school curriculum for Magical Theory.” A chatter broke out why that class should be taught, but Aurelia managed to silence the chattering. “Proceed, Lady Longbottom.” Callidora nodded and continued: “Magical Theory is internationally a core class during the first two years until it becomes an elective during the students’ third year of education. The children need to learn why witches and wizards have different types of cores and why it can’t be controlled. You should all know that your environment and your surrounding is deciding if we have a dark, a light or a grey core.” Many were surprised by that information. Having a dark, light or grey core can’t be controlled like Dumbledore had said. “Finally, the students should also understand, how magic works. In that aspect, the students should understand the true concept of magic and the real purpose for Dark and Light Lords in our society. Additionally magic has its own cycle and they should know, how it does work.” Many were shocked about this motion, but when everyone received the curriculum and read the contents of it, a majority nodded in agreement and Narcissa was sure that they had managed to convinced most of the members during this meeting.

When Callidora sat down, Dumbledore was finished with his discussion and retook his seat on his podium, he asked: “Aurelia, my dear, were there any other nominations?”

“Yes, Lady Callidora Longbottom nominated the ICW primary school curriculum of Magical Theory”, Aurelia said with a neutral expression.

Albus was alerted by this. No, he will not allow that dark class to be taught in the primary school and corrupt the children by its content. He was furious that a member of the light section was proposing something like this since it would be hard to dismiss the person as dark and this also shows that the light fraction is not as united as he had bragged about. He didn’t like Callidora Longbottom since the woman was neutral during the war, but now, he was starting to hate her since the woman was causing a lot of damage to his ideal, light world. In the light section, there were many glares and betrayed looks from Dumbledore’s followers towards the woman and many made their protests regarding the nomination. Dumbledore tried to calm his followers down, when they started to insult Callidora and claim that she is one of Voldemort’s followers and a blood purist like her paternal family, but it was fruitless and the man noticed that the other members from the neutral and dark sections looked at his followers with disdain and disgust. Even those, who were light-leaning neutral, were hiding their sneers of contempt at the behaviour of his followers.

The woman’s eyes flashed in fury, when she heard the accusations against her and all those allied with the woman were disgusted by this outburst. There were even a minority like James Potter that have demanded that she should stay away from Neville and that Neville should be taken away from Augusta and Callidora and given to the Potters due to Lily’s and James’ position as Neville’s godparents, so that he could become an appropriate, light wizard and doesn’t become corrupted by his grandmother and great-grandmother. The board was in chaos.

Narcissa was hiding a grin and whispered to her husband: “Well, it seems like that Dumbledore’s followers have managed to alienate Callidora and her allies. The old fool is not going to be happy about the outcome of this meeting.” Lucius agreed and watched the chaos with his wife in an amused expression.

When Dumbledore’s sheep had calmed down after their rant, Dumbledore tried to apologize for his followers’ behaviour, but the damage was already done. He tried to warn the board that Magical Theory is a dangerous class and that gullible children could become corrupted by the content. It went on for an hour about, how the class is excusing dark wizards and witches and the purpose of dark lords and ladies in their society, but the majority was still disgusted by the behaviour of his followers and were distrustful towards Dumbledore’s words.

When the vote finally came, the first nomination failed epically. Albus was completely furious. That can’t be happening.

The second nomination had a unanimous vote. Everyone liked the idea of shortening the class time. The students would also be able to take all of the current electives at once.

The third nomination had a majority vote, which infuriated Albus and his followers to no end. Albus blamed this failure on his followers’ behaviour and made sure to show them his disappointment. He will have a long discussion with his closest allies. With the third nomination finished, the meeting came to an end.

Albus practically stormed away from the Wizengamot chambers with his followers. Narcissa smirked. Their plan had worked and she was sure that today, Albus will discuss with his followers about the Wizengamot meeting in a week. Phineas would keep her up to date, what Dumbledore’s plan is going to be.

Hogwarts

Albus arrived back at his office in an absolute fury. This meeting ended really bad and now, there is a dark class in the primary school that he can’t remove. His followers were to blame for this mess. If those idiots didn’t start their ranting and raving against Callidora Longbottom, then, the motion could have failed, but no, James and the other, younger followers had thrown a fit, which alienated the other board members from him. With that, his plans for Neville were falling through and he can’t have that right now. It was already bad enough that Neville is raised by two former Slytherins, but the ruckus that his followers have created during the board meeting takes the cake.

His followers scattered around his office and he began in a calm voice. “Would you like to explain to me, what that was for?”

James and his younger followers were looking down on the ground in shame. They really screwed things up and now a dark class will be taught in the primary school. Albus continued seeing that no one is answering his question: “Do you know that your behaviour has caused many problems? You have alienated the other board members by your temper tantrum especially Lady Longbottom and her allies? How could you accuse Callidora Longbottom of all people as a blood purist and Voldemort’s follower? Do I have to remind you all that Callidora was neutral during the war and that she has built up a strong reputation. Attacking her is political suicide and you have seen, what had happened with her nomination during the voting. It passed and a majority voted for it. I don’t want any of you to repeat this in the future board meetings. Is that clear?” Everyone nodded. They were furious and shamed at the same time. Albus added: “You have made the same mistake during the Ostara meeting and I thought that I can trust you that you are not going to repeat this mess again, but I was wrong. This is my last warning or the consequences are dire.” Albus’ eyes were not twinkling during his speech.

It was silent for the time being and Albus moved his followers quietly to another topic. The November Wizengamot meeting would take place on November 4th. He would need a new approach against the veelas and he had an idea that could work.

Pensively, he discussed with his followers to ban the veelas from having medical treatment in St. Mungos. There are still many restrictions, but now, he doesn’t want them to have any medical treatment from the hospital.

Phineas had never thought that the office could be so quiet during an order meeting, but the lost vote during the school board meeting has really its effect. Albus said before he dismissed the meeting: “And I hope that none of you is going to throw a fit or a tantrum during the meeting. We can’t afford any failures now.” Everyone nodded and Albus dismissed his followers wanting to be alone for the time being.

Department of Mysteries, October 30th, 2002

Silvia Hecat was making her way to her superior’s office. She had a meeting with Saul Croaker and there were many important things to discuss with the man. Silvia was lost in thoughts until she heard someone calling her name. “Unspeakable Hecat, can I have a word with you. It will be short.”

Silvia saw Unspeakable Rookwood making his way towards her. “Unspeakable Rookwood, what can I do for you?” She looked at her watch and said: “You have 15 minutes.”

Augustus didn’t waste any time and asked: “Unspeakable Hecat, are you interested in teaching?”

“Teaching? Like my great-great-grandmother, Dinah Hecat, who taught DADA back then. I have a Transfiguration Mastery and Hogwarts already has a Transfiguration professor. How should I teach there?” The woman said distastefully since she didn’t like neither McGonagall nor Dumbledore.

Augustus smirked and said: “But Hogwarts doesn’t have a Transfiguration tutor, who is responsible for the tutoring sessions, since McGonagall is busy with her duties as Head of House and Deputy-Headmistress. Additionally, you can use the ICW curriculum in Transfiguration, in order to bring the students up to par with the rest of the world. What do you think now?”

Silvia narrowed her eyes and had a thoughtful expression. “This idea sounds to be interesting and the students of Hogwarts would learn the subject properly. What about the other subjects?”

“The other subjects are taken care of by the other teachers including DADA. The other staff members are not blind fools and know, what the students should learn, in order to be up to par with the wizarding world. The DADA tutoring sessions are going to be taken over by Severus Snape and do not fear that post is not affected by the curse unlike the DADA position.” Augustus knew that he had her hooked.

Silvia smiled at Augustus. She knew, what the man’s next move would be, and said: “I will make a request to Unspeakable Croaker to allow me to work at Hogwarts as Transfiguration tutor, but you will have to wait until November for that decision.”

“Thank you, Unspeakable Hecat. The students deserve the best education that we can offer. After the Yule holidays, I am sure that you will be able to officially start tutoring the students in Transfiguration.” Augustus smirked before he went back to work. Silvia waited for a few minutes before the meeting would start. Rookwood made an interesting point. The students needed someone competent to teach them Transfiguration and maybe she would be able to help the students in receiving a good education. But for that, she needed the board’s approval, which wouldn’t be hard, if it is pointed that there are no tutoring sessions in Transfiguration due to McGonagall’s workload. She will have to see, what will happen.

Saul Croaker was sitting behind his desk reading an ancient-looking scroll. He overheard the conversation between the Unspeakables Rookwood and Hecat. He found the idea good that Silvia should at least tutor the students in Transfiguration, in order to bring them up to par with the rest of the world. The woman can make the request here and now. But first, the meeting needed to start. “Unspeakable Hecat, come in.”

Silvia entered the office of her boss and sat down on the seat that was summoned for her. She looked at her superior in the eye and waited. Saul gave her a rare smile and said: “Unspeakable Hecat, before this meeting starts regarding your assignment, I want to talk to you about the conversation that you had with Unspeakable Rookwood. I may have overheard bits and pieces, but I know, what this was about.”

Silva smirked slightly and thought that it was the right time to make the request. “Well, since you are aware of the content of my and Unspeakable Rookwood’s conversation, Head Unspeakable Croaker, I request from you, if I am allowed to tutor the Hogwarts students in Transfiguration since I have a mastery in the subject.”

Saul was hiding his smirk and said: “I will think about it. You will get the results of this request next month. But now, let’s move on with your assignment.”

Silvia nodded. She suspected that after the Yule holidays, she will be tutoring Transfiguration.

Ministry of Magic, October 31st, 2002

Lucius and Narcissa were attending the ministry ball and had mixed feelings regarding the event. This ball was arranged by the Potters and Dumbledore for the first anniversary of the defeat of Voldemort and the end of the war. Both had mixed reactions. At one point, they were glad that Voldemort was gone since the man had nearly ruined their lives. At the other point, they were angry, what the Potters, Lupin and Dumbledore had done to Akira. Narcissa was silently seething in rage, when she watched the Potters bragging and boasting about, how their son, John, had defeated Voldemort and is the so-called ‘Chosen One’. Many other names were mentioned like the ‘Saviour of Wizarding World’, the ‘Beacon of the Light’, the ‘Boy-Who-Lived’ etc. Narcissa really wanted to reveal the Potters’ and Lupin’s action against Akira, who is the true ‘Boy-Who-Lived’, but she had to wait patiently.

Narcissa was also pleased, when she had seen Sirius’ face, when the man had seen her. He had a scared expression and that brought her pleasure.

“Lucius, Narcissa.” Turning around they were greeted by Amelia and the Abbotts.

“Zachery, Amelie, Amelia, what a surprise to meet you here. I thought that you would not be attending this event. Especially, you Amelia.” Narcissa was hiding her grin.

Amelia wanted to groan and answered: “Normally not, but for appearance’s sake, I forced myself to come here even though, I am ready to curse those idiots for what they had done to my godson.” Zachary and Amelie said that they did the same like Amelia.

“I understand. I would have liked to scream at the ball and expose the Potters for what they had done to Akira, but the time is not right. We have to wait and I don’t like it one bit. But at least, I am able to scare Sirius to no end. He is aware, what had happened to Akira, but he can’t say anything due to the secrecy ward on him. He can’t tell the Potters anything that Akira isn’t with his magic-hating relatives and that he is living outside Europe. The man is keeping an eye on me and he is terrified that I would jump the gun and tell everyone here the truth about Akira.” Narcissa and the others saw Sirius watching her and smirked.

Amelia had an evil smile. “How about, if we spread a rumour that John has a twin. It will bring really uncomfortable questions that the Potters are not willing to answer.”

“Merlin, Amelia Bones has an evil plan. Am I dreaming?” Amelie acted shocked and terrified. Everyone had a good laugh, but the idea sounded good and they began to spread the rumour about John’s twin brother, in order to mess with those fools.

The other members of the Grey Alliance smirked, when the rumour started to spread that John has a twin brother. Whoever it was, was ingenious. The Potters looked like they had swallowed an entire lemon. They had to answer really uncomfortable questions regarding Harry and sometimes Dumbledore had to jump in, when things got really tough. They were miffed that someone started this rumour. They wanted to keep Harry’s existence secret, but now, it was out. They will make the person pay for this rumour since they endangered their son. Sirius looked terrified. He had a suspicion, who had spread the rumour. It must be Narcissa. He had started to breath hard, when the attendees started to chatter about Harry and what had happened to him. He was relieved that no one mentioned anything incriminating against him and his friends. Sirius knew that Narcissa is capable of everything and that she had the upper hand against him and his friends.

At the end of the ball, James and Lily were less than pleased, when someone spread the rumour about Harry. The evening was uncomfortable and they had felt fear that someone would find out, what they had done to Harry and expose them. This would have destroyed their reputation and they could have ended up in jail with a tarnished image. Both didn’t need that right now. They were glad that Albus was there to help them out, but their plan to keep Harry’s existence secret was destroyed. They are sure that things got more complicated for them and that Harry is potentially in danger.

Albus huffed. Another plan was destroyed. Someone spread a rumour about Harry and now, the plan to keep Harry’s existence a secret is dashed. It is frustrating, but it will not endanger his other plans for the boy.

Sirius was glad that the rumour about Harry didn’t escalate, but he was sure that this was a slow start from Narcissa to go against his friends. He needed to find a way to stop this and fix this mess before it becomes a mess.

Narcissa was happy, when the ministry ball came to an end. The rumour caused some ruffled feathers within the Potters, but that was just the start. She is sure that next year, there would be another ball for the anniversary and Narcissa was going to spread another rumour that would cause some problems for James, Lily, Sirius and Remus. This was going to be funny.

Chapter Text

Davis Manor, November 1st, 2002

This time, the meeting took place in Davis Manor. Phineas told her that Albus wants to deny the veelas medical treatment in St. Mungos. With that, she relayed the information to the others and there were many complaints. “That man is a nightmare. Does he even know that the veelas after the treaty was signed had automatically a right for medical treatment in our world? This nomination is endangering the treaty again and alone the restrictions on this field could cause problems”, Lucius huffed, when Narcissa was finished with her tale, what Dumbledore was planning.

Everyone was tired of Dumbledore and his followers. They are doing more harm to their world than Voldemort. At least, Voldemort wasn’t a fool. The man had known about the treaties with all the magical creatures and was weary around them. The man made sure to build up some alliances with the creatures like the werewolves, but later, he forced the alliance through, when Greyback had started to back off of the alliance with Voldemort and the death eaters, when things became too extreme. That was the reason why there were many attacks from the werewolves from 1981 to 2001 due to Voldemort’s imperio and his tactics to control Fenrir. The ministry still didn’t find the werewolf and the rest of the pack, but they are sure that they are still in the country. Other creatures were also victims of Dumbledore’s and Voldemort’s machinations and after the war, they were treated terribly and were mistrusted by the magical community. For that reason, they needed to protect them from those two power-hungry monsters, in order to stop both Voldemort and Dumbledore to recruit them for their schemes.

But back to the present, Dumbledore is trying to do things that are completely impossible and incredibly dangerous. The treaty is the only thing stopping those fools from doing too much damage. Narcissa knew that they needed to encourage the members to read the treaty completely. Some are still too lazy to read the document and for that, reason, they needed to push the rest of the Wizengamot to read the treaty from top to bottom. But they needed a distraction for that, in order to make sure that Dumbledore’s nomination does fail, but they can’t think of anything.

Everyone was still unsure about the distraction until Arthur had an idea. “There was a request from a witch that had wanted to open up a spa, but the Wizengamot stonewalled her request due to the war.”

“A spa?” Many were confused about the term. Adriana let out a groan like she was in actual pain. The Notts and the Yaxleys were not really surprised that many didn’t know, what a spa is.

Clara explained: “A spa is a wellness centre, where you can relax, have a massage and spent time in the sauna. There are many people in the muggle world that go there, in order to enjoy and relax after a stressful time period of work. It is also healthy for the body since you are relaxing yourself. But I need to warn you that a weekend costs a pretty penny.”

That sounded nice. The females are already making plans to visit the spas in the muggle world. Many were discussing the request and it sounded to be a good idea to use it as a distraction.

“And with that distraction, we could put the current medical restrictions against the veelas under question. It would be another blow against Dumbledore and his sheep.” Narcissa concluded.

Many nodded in agreement and had smirks on their faces. This was going to be an exciting meeting.

Wizengamot, November 4th, 2002

The meeting came to an end and Narcissa had to withhold a grin. Merlin, this meeting was funny, but also loud and annoying. When the meeting started, Deloris Umbridge proposed to ban veelas from receiving medical treatment. How that woman managed to get a voice here is beyond her understanding. Narcissa knew that the woman had two votes. One proxy vote from that idiot Cornelius Fudge, who is working as Junior Head in the Department of Magical Accidents, and another vote from being a senior member of the Improper Use of Magics Office. How she had managed to get the vote in that department is beyond her, but she had the suspicion that the woman had blackmailed her way up. Narcissa needs to find a way to stop that woman from gaining too much influence and power in the ministry.

When she was finished with her rant against the veelas and how they should be banned from receiving medical treatment, Dumbledore and his followers had supportive looks regarding the motion. But those looks disappeared, when the next nomination was proposed by Clara. She took out a request that was made by Gertrude Finnigan, who had wanted to open up a spa, and nominated to allow the request to pass. Many, who were neutrally inclined, liked the proposal, but the darker purebloods had a clear dislike towards the motion and within Dumbledore’s followers a loud argument broke out. The younger generation liked the idea, whereas the elders were distrustful towards the motion. Albus was distracted for the time being and there was a protest against Umbridge’s motion from Cyrus Greengrass, where the man handed the treaty to the other members again and pointed at one of the clauses that was marked that the veelas had an automatic right to medical treatment in St. Mungos and that Umbridge’s motion is violating the treaty. He also appealed to the other members that they should read the treaty carefully and line by line. Some didn’t really read the treaty as a whole and Cyrus is encouraging the members to read the treaty, in order to avoid any conflicts with the Veela Nation.

Narcissa really questioned the intelligence of some members in the Wizengamot. It is important to read a treaty or a contract as a whole, because in the magical world, contracts and treaties are magically enforceable and any violations against them could lead to punishments from Lady Magic. Her family had taught her well, how dangerous contracts could be, if you hadn’t read them properly and signed them away. And there are the punishments and those could lead mostly to either a decrease of the guilty party’s magic in the best-case scenario or in the worst-case, the guilty ones are stripped of their magic and exiled from the magical world or Lady Magic kills them personally, which is rare, but also really the worst case that could happen.

With that, an argument broke out regarding Umbridge’s nomination and Narcissa could read the room that a majority was against the motion and many muttered that they would have to read the treaty line by line. She also noticed the furious look on Umbridge’s face that her nomination could fail.

Then, a nomination was made by Callidora to put the current restrictions against the veelas in the health care system under question since they were endangering the treaty and could cause a violation.

After that, Dumbledore and his followers were finished with their argument. When the old fool was told about the nomination from Callidora, the man became angry, but there was still confidence that the motion from Umbridge would pass and that Callidora’s nomination would fail.

Then, the votes came and there, things escalated. The first nomination from Umbridge failed epically. This infuriated Umbridge and the other members of the Anti-Creature Party to no end. Dumbledore and his followers looked like they had swallowed an entire lemon. The second nomination had a majority, which angered those, who hated muggles. The last motion passed with a majority. The darker purebloods, Dumbledore and his sheep and Umbridge and the other creature haters were in a blind fury. This meeting ended in a good note.

Albus wanted to kill someone. This meeting was horrible. How could things go wrong again. Deloris was well-prepared for this meeting and he was sure that the proposal against the veelas would pass, but unfortunately something railroaded the nomination and now, the proposal failed. Why are things going the wrong way and how?

He had a suspicion that the treaty had been used again and like the previous times, the motion failed, because the members were terrified of violating the treaty, which could cause Lady Magic’s judgement. But what did the treaty have to do with medical care? Albus may need to find some time to read the treaty line by line, but there were other things that were requiring his time, so, he will read that stupid piece of parchment on a later date. He will try another nomination against the veelas during the Yule meeting, but this would be his last motion since he needed to focus on other things that he wants banned or changed to fit his views. There was a lot of work to do.

Deloris Umbridge was furious. How dare those fools vote against her nomination? She had done everything, in order to save the magical world from those disgusting creatures, but now, things were not going her way for now. She couldn’t believe that a respectable pureblood like Cyrus Greengrass would oppose her authority and proposal and turn into a foolish creature lover. Then, there were those, who voted against her motion. How could they? The creatures were a danger to their society. She needed to find a way to get those fools in line, but for that, she had to find some blackmail materials against them. This was going to be hard especially if Narcissa Malfoy is involved in this mess. Deloris is not brave enough to mess up with the Black Family. She doesn’t want to die. But the other families are also dangerous. Augustinus Lestrange, Callidora Longbottom and Muriel Prewett may be old, but they are old battle axes that are capable of murder. The other Lords and Ladies that are neutrally inclined are also dangerous.

Deloris had a lot of things to do that are going to be difficult.

Weasley Manor

Arthur arrived home from the Wizengamot meeting and was greeted by his excited twin sons, who had another playdate with Cedric Diggory. “Daddy!” Catherine stood up and greeted the redhead: “Hello, Arthur.” Both twins ran to their father.

“Hello, boys, did you behave? I hope, they weren’t any trouble for you, Catherine? They love to prank and they are mischievous.” Arthur had his sons in his arms. He knew that Amos would be here soon.

The woman chuckled. “No, Arthur, they were little angels during their playdate with Cedric.”

“That’s good to hear. Hello, Cedric”, Arthur answered and greeted his second-eldest’s soulmate and officially his godson. “Hello, uncle Arthur.” The boy was glad that uncle Arthur was home. It means that his father is going to come home too soon.

The floo flared again and Amos stepped out from the fireplace. He made his way to the playroom, where the children, his wife and his friend were. He greeted them: “Ah, there you are. Catherine, I see that you are alright. I thought that the twins with the help of Cedric are going to change your appearance, when I return back from the Wizengamot meeting. I have imagined that you would have green hair, yellow skin and a red beard.”

Catherine just huffed, whereas the others were chuckling. “Thankfully, the twins were sweet angels, and I believe, they are scared of me, which is the reason why, they didn’t prank me. How was the meeting?”

“Well, it was good. The nomination to ban veelas from receiving medical treatment has failed and the current restrictions in that field were put under question”, Arthur answered.

Amos was glad that Umbridge’s motion failed. He never liked that woman and her atrocious rules that she wanted to pass. “You should have seen Umbridge’s face. The woman looked furious, when her nomination failed. We need to keep an eye on her. I don’t trust her. Furthermore, Gertrude’s request to open up a spa has been passed during that meeting. She is going to be happy with that move.”

“Thank Merlin, a wellness and health centre was something that this world needs.” Catherine’s eyes were shining. She can finally relax properly.

The three adults were chattering further about the Wizengamot meeting. Molly had overheard the conversation and was horrified that Dumbledore’s nominations against the veelas had failed. How could this happen? She needed to find a way to get out of this punishment. Albus needed her help. She wished her parents were alive especially her mother. Madeleine Prewett would have found a way to get her out of this mess and made sure that Arthur paid for his cruel treatment against her. She would have also given Muriel an earful for allowing this cruelty. Sadly, the woman was killed by death eaters and her father didn’t live long after his wife has died. Molly needed help, but Arthur had cut her out and there was no answer from Albus and the order. Why did no one from the order notice her absence?

Unknown to her, her punishment had far-reaching consequences. The family magics are making sure that Molly’s absence is covered and that was the reason why, no one was questioning, why she is missing.

Gringotts, November 7th, 2002

In the Gringotts Healing Ward, Christina O’Neill was slowly opening her eyes and tried to move. She felt sore, when she tried to move her arms. The woman felt a burn on both arms and she quickly sat up straight looking around, if there was any danger, but she became confused, when she noticed that she was in a hospital ward, but it wasn’t a familiar ward in St. Mungos since Christina saw that only goblins were working there. One of the goblins noticed that the human witch woke up and made her way to the patient. The female goblin made quickly some scans on the woman.

“Ms. O’Neill, you have woken up.” The goblin healer said.

“Where am I?” Christina was looking around confused.

The goblin healer went over her scan and answered: “You are in Gringotts. You had been transferred here to our healing ward, in order to protect you from your assailant. The case was classified, so, we can’t give you any concrete answers. I will inform Stonecrusher, who is responsible for the liaison between our nation and your ministry.” Christina nodded. She can’t move her arms properly and every move hurt.

When the healer returned, the goblin explained her that the nerves on her arms were damaged through the Cruciatius Curse and that she wouldn’t be able to move her arms properly. Christina was ready to cry. Her career as an auror is ruined. She will make her attacker pay for ruining her life. What was she supposed to do now? She had a younger brother to take care off and that was going to be difficult without money. It would be difficult for her to find a job with her injury. How is she going to pay for the rent, for food and her brother’s education in Hogwarts? He will start Hogwarts in a few years and the tuition is not really cheap.

Bartemius, Amelia, Corban and John were making their way through Gringotts to the healing ward. Bartemius’ new heir, Dirk Cresswell, informed them that Christina had woken up and all four of them made their way to Gringotts. Going through the halls of the bank, they were led to the healing ward.

Entering the ward, they were greeted by the goblin healer: “Lord Crouch, Lady Bones, Lord Yaxley, Auror Proudfoot, Ms. O’Neill has woken up, but please, don’t overwhelm my patient.” They greeted the goblin and nodded in understanding.

Amelia approached her former undercover auror. “Christina. Thank Merlin, you are okay. We nearly lost you. I wished, I was there to protect you.”

“It’s not your fault, Amelia. It is the fault of the person that had attacked me. But I can tell you that it was a woman, if it helps you with the investigation.” Christina wanted to bring the person that had ruined her life to justice.

Amelia just gave her a genuine smile. “Your assailant has already been caught. We know that it is Isabella Jugson.”

Christina was shocked beyond belief. Her attacker was already caught. These were very good news. She wasn’t surprised that it was Jugson, because she had a suspicion that she was the accomplice of Aurelius Yaxley, but how did she know that she was an undercover auror? She asked the said question to Amelia and the others and all four were displeased, when Amelia said that it was Isabella’s younger brother and former auror, Eric Jugson, that was responsible for her exposition. Christina was enraged that the man had endangered her life. She will make those two pay for what had happened to her.

But now, she had to think about her future. Her arms will be restricted in their movements for the rest of her life and any wrong move is painful. “The healer told me that my arms are going to be restricted for the rest of my life. I will not be able to continue with my duty as an auror any longer.” Christina had tears in her eyes.

“I know, Christina, but we made some arrangements. We are lacking aurors on desk duty and due to your condition, you will be transferred there”, Amelia said comfortingly.

Christina was stunned. She will be transferred to desk duty. Well, she can live with that, but she will miss the action. The rest of the day, they had spent talking with Christina about her new position in the DMLE and Bartemius informed her that at the beginning of December, she would sign a new work contract with them.

DMLE, November 10th, 2002

Christina was sitting in Bartemius’ office and was making her statement against Isabella Jugson. She also gave them her memories on the events of September 12th, where the aurors were able to identify Isabella clearly. This was the final nail on the woman’s coffin. Corban couldn’t wait for the trial in five days. He will be sitting at the front row. Too bad, he isn’t allowed to eat popcorn during the trial, but he would be entertaining himself since he is sure that this was going to be one hell of a trial.

When they were finished with Christina’s memories and statement, they went to eat their lunch. Christina was thoughtful. She wanted the Jugsons to bleed, for what had happened to her, but what can she do? A lawsuit against the Jugsons for her injuries could help her, but she needed some legal advice in this matter since her knowledge in Magical Law is basic.

Amelia noticed the thoughtful look and asked: “Christina, are you okay? Do you need another pain reliever?”

“No, Amelia, I was just thinking, what to do. I am going to be stuck on desk duty for the rest of my life due to these injuries and I want the Jugsons to suffer for my predicament”, Christina said in a calm, but angry tone.

Amelia sighed knowing that Christina’s condition would remain for the rest of her life. She said: “I would suggest looking for legal advice, Christina, but I think that it is possible for you to get compensation for your injuries from the Jugsons. I know that Lord Cyrus Greengrass would be able to help you in that matter, but the next appointment would be in December since he had many appointments in this month.”

Christina nodded and continued eating her lunch. She will arrange a meeting with Lord Greengrass.

Wizengamot, November 15th, 2002

The Wizengamot trials were going well, and Amelia couldn’t wait for the Js to come since Eric and Isabella Jugson are going to be trialed. All the paperwork was finished and Bartemius was prepared for the prosecution against those two. Looking around naturally, Amelia noticed that Manfred Jugson looked ready to kill someone and the blood purists were watching the trials pensively.

In the chamber, there was something in the air. Everyone felt it. The members of the Grey Alliance were glad that finally, they would find out the secret that Amelia and Corban were keeping from them. Dumbledore had a bad feeling, but he is ignoring it. As Chief Warlock, he continued with the trials in the Wizengamot. His followers were excited that Isabella and Eric Jugson were going to be brought to justice. They wished that the order had gotten credit for bringing down another dark and evil wizard and witch down, but unfortunately, Corban and John Proudfoot received the majority of the praise.

When they were nearing the end with the Js, Albus announced: “And now, I am opening the trial of Heir Eric Jugson and his sister, Isabella Jugson. Unfortunately, I don’t have the files regarding this case and I don’t know, what charges have been filed against them, Barty.”

Bartemius withheld a sneer of contempt, but remained stoic. “Chief Warlock, the case had been classified by me in the role as the head of the DMLE. No one apart from myself and the investigating aurors were allowed to know about this case since there was a leak of classified information in the DMLE that had caused a crisis in our department. The minister was made aware of the case and classified it completely, so that the aurors, Corban Yaxley and John Proudfoot, could investigate without any issues and pressures.” The minister gave Albus a nod, which confirmed that the minister was involved in this case too.

Albus frowned, but questioned: “And what is the case about?” When he asked that, Eric and Isabella were led into the Wizengamot chambers by four aurors. Two of them looked annoyed since they had to deal with Isabella’s temper tantrum that she was innocent. Attorney Ignatus Vaisley took his place on the desk, where the defendants would be seated. The man was on one side pleased, but also displeased due to Isabella’s stubbornness. Eric sat down without any resistance since he wanted this to be over. Isabella was on the other hand fixated, when she tried to fight off the aurors. The woman was still furious regarding her arrest.

Bartemius took over and sat down on the prosecution desk. He took out the case file and started: “We are here today for the trial of Heir Eric Jugson for the unlawful leaking of classified information to third parties and criminal negligence and Isabella Jugson for attempted murder in two cases in conjunction with grievous bodily harm in the first case and assault in two cases.”

Albus was confused. Had Barty misread the charges? The undercover auror had died. There was no way that she could be alive. He rose his wand.

Bartemius hid a smirk, when he saw Dumbledore’s wand risen in the air. “Chief Warlock, you have a question?”

“Yes, my boy, I am a bit confused regarding the charges against Isabella Jugson. From what we have read in the Daily Prophet, the auror in this case was killed, wasn’t she?” Albus had a bad feeling regarding this trial. There was chattering in the courtroom since they agreed with the headmaster that the auror was reported to be dead.

The minister rose her wand and the attention was on her. The chattering died and everyone looked at Bagnold. “Chief Warlock, under my approval, the truth regarding this case was a little bit fudged since the undercover auror would have been in constant danger. For that reason, we have faked her death and all those involved even the healers in the Emergency Ward were under a secrecy oath. Christina O’Neill is in fact still alive and is ready to testify against Isabella and Eric Jugson.”

Isabella is pale. This can’t be happening. The bitch is still alive. This doesn’t look good.

Eric was glad that the woman has survived. He would have gotten in deep trouble, if she had died.

Manfred let out a sigh of relief. His son will not get a long prison sentence and would be able to return home, but Isabella could spend decades in prison for her actions, if she doesn’t smarten up and plead guilty. Furthermore, Eric will not lose his right to inherit. This was another aspect, where Manfred was worried about. An heirship can be lost through a conviction in Azkaban like it had happened with Aurelius Yaxley and his eldest, but in case of a probation or house arrest, the heirship would remain, but Eric wouldn’t be able to claim the Lordship of the House Jugson for the next decade. Manfred can wait for that, but the reputation of his house would be ruined with Isabella’s conviction.

Albus was stunned and furious. That couldn’t be happening. Christina is still alive. This is a nightmare. He needs to warn Dung about the survival of the woman. His schemes in the black markets are in danger and things would get worse for him, if he was exposed.

Many were shocked about the cunning plan from the head of the DMLE, but they were glad that with this plan a woman’s life was spared.

The trial started formally, and the attorney announced: “My client, Eric Jugson, is pleading guilty. My other client, Isabella Jugson, is pleading innocent.”

“Very well, Heir Jugson’s plea would be taken into consideration. We will start with the plea deal”, Bartemius announced.

There was a lengthy debate about Eric Jugson’s punishment and at the end, it was agreed upon that Eric would be sentenced to two years under house arrest and would be under probation for the next five years. Manfred was satisfied about the sentence. At least, Eric would not end up in Azkaban due to Isabella’s stupidity. It was voted on and there was a unanimous vote.

Now, there was the harder part of this case. Isabella Jugson. Bartemius started to present his evidence against the woman. The magical signature test on the asphalt and on the golem was damning since there was a match. There was also the confession that was recorded in the hospital room. Furthermore, he also showed the Wizengamot the memories from Christina O’Neill, where Isabella was clearly identified.

Then, they started to interrogate the aurors, Corban Yaxley and John Proudfoot. Both were questioned about the investigation and the aurors explained the process and the outcome detailly, but Corban’s witness stand was more detailly since he had some dealings with Isabella and Eric in the past. Bartemius asked: “Auror Yaxley, you had a personal past with the defendants, is that correct?” He had asked this question, in order to avoid a dismissal of the case.

“Yes”, Corban answered.

Bartemius questioned: “Can you elaborate your past with Isabella and Eric Jugson? I think that it would be relevant to know their behaviours better.”

Corban didn’t like this part of his life, but he explained it regardless: “I have known both, when we were children. Eric was very smart and ambitious, but he avoided any confrontations and trouble even today. If it were up to Eric, he would have obliviated O’Neill and be finished with it quietly. No one would have been the wiser, if he had been the one to do the deed. Isabella was shrew, demanding, conniving and a sadist. She is also very vindictive. I remember, when I was on a play date with my family in Jugson Manor, Evelyn Jugson, Isabella’s and Eric’s younger sister, broke one of Isabella’s favourite dolls. Isabella had thrown a fit and in order to punish her infant sister, she threw a flobberworm in her crip. Evelyn had let out a blood-curling scream and she cried. Her parents punished her severely, but she didn’t have any remorse since she blamed her sister that she got in trouble. Even today, Isabella blames others for her mistakes and doesn’t take responsibility for her own actions. It seems like, she didn’t change much.” Corban then started to add other instances, where Isabella was shown in a bad light.

Bartemius hid a smile. With that question, he would be able to paint the woman in a very bad picture.

When Corban was finished, Bartemius moved to his final witness. Christina O’Neill.

Christina entered the courtroom, and many eyes were on her. Albus was annoyed that the woman was alive, but he was fearful that she would babble about his activities in the black markets. When she sat down on the witness stand, the questioning began. First, Bartemius went on about the attack on her on September 12th, 2002, then, Bartemius moved to her memories, where Isabella was clearly identified and at last, Christina was questioned regarding her injuries, which was saddening since the woman’s career was over. Bartemius quickly explained that Christina would be moved over to desk duty, which relieved many people that she wouldn’t be dismissed.

When the questioning of Christina was finished, Bartemius turned his attention to the attorney. The man was trying to convince Isabella to plead guilty, but he was unsuccessful. The woman was still thinking that she was innocent and will be released. Ignatus Vaisley said: “My client, Isabella Jugson, is still pleading innocent.”

“Very well, then, I am requesting the use of veritesarem to this court, so that she can prove her innocence”, Bartemius announced. There weren’t any objections and the request was put to the vote. The majority of the Wizengamot voted for the use of veritesarem.

When Isabella saw that a majority voted for the use of the strongest truth potion, the woman started screaming in fury that she will not be treated like a common criminal, but unfortunately for her, she was dragged from the defendant’s desk and was forced on the accused chair, where chains wrapped around her making it impossible for her to move. Isabella cried and screamed, but her voice fell on deaf ears.

A few minutes later, the truth potion was administered and the woman’s eyes became unfocused.

Bartemius started with the test questions. “What is your full name?”

“Isabella Roxanna Jugson”, the woman said in a monoton voice.

“Date of birth?”

Isabella answered: “November 6th, 1971.”

The records were quickly checked and Bartemius confirmed that the potion does work.

“Ms. Jugson, on September 12th, 2002, Auror Christina O’Neill was attacked. Were you the perpetrator?”, Bartemius asked.

Isabella wanted to stop herself from talking. “Yes.”

“Why?”, Bartemius demanded.

Isabella growled. “Because she was a danger to me and my reputation. When Aurelius was arrested and convicted, I was afraid that the bitch would recognise me through my voice and mannerism. I knew that she is responsible for Aurelius’ downfall, and she could be my downfall, if she remained alive. I didn’t know that she was there, when I had conversed with Aurelius about our plans to make Corban pay for his insult and betrayal against me. So, I ordered Eric to find out, who the undercover auror was that had destroyed my and Aurelius’ plans against Corban and that bitch, Clara.”

Many were stunned. Isabella was involved with Aurelius’ plan to break the soul bond between Clara and Corban. Bartemius was hiding a grin. Jackpot. He asked in a neutral tone. “So, you are admitting that you and the former Heir Yaxley had planned to break the soul bond between Auror Corban Yaxley and his wife, Clara?”

“Yes”, Isabella gritted out.

“Again, I am asking you why? Why would you break a soul bond? You know the consequences of doing something like this. It is the most disgusting thing that any witch or wizard could do, and it would have led to the deaths of Corban and Clara Yaxley. If you had been successful with your plan, then, Corban would have followed his wife after a week or two.” Bartemius made sure that the question would ruffle some feathers.

Albus swallowed hard. If Clara had died, then, he is sure that Corban would have followed his wife, but at least, he would have had access to the orphaned children and shaped them to be his pawns. Furthermore, he would also have access to the Yaxley and Evandrus fortune, which would have helped him with some side projects that he wanted to do, but sadly, the plan was destroyed, when Aurelius failed to break the soul bond, which could have given him an advantage. Albus noticed a storm brewing inside Stuart Fenwick, and this didn’t look good. The man was furious. Clara was supposed to be his and not Yaxley’s. This is unfair. Clara should have been his wife and be a good and light witch and not married to a dark bastard like Yaxley. The other followers of Dumbledore looked like they had swallowed a lemon. It could have helped them to save the children from bad parents.

The blood purists were trying to hide their irritation, but remained silent.

The members of the Grey Alliance were practically glaring at the woman like she was dirt on their shoes that they couldn’t get rid off. Isabella and Aurelius nearly costed their friends’ lives. It’s now payback time.

Eric was shocked that this would have been the consequence, if Aurelius and Isabella had been successful. He was glad that the plan failed. He still couldn’t believe, how stupid Isabella and Aurelius were. Soulmates were sacred no matter what, but it seems like that his sister didn’t care about the consequences of their actions.

Isabella wanted to snarl. She didn’t care, if Corban would have died. It would have been a better punishment. He deserved to die for his insult against her. “Because he would have deserved it for what he had done to me. Insulting me like that and choosing a filthy mudblood over a wonderful pureblood like me is the worst mistake and an insult Corban had made. If he had died, I wouldn’t have cared, because he would have deserved it.”

Everyone was stunned. Even Manfred and Eric were shocked about Isabella’s confession. That woman was insane.

Bartemius was pale, when he heard the woman’s words. Seriously, Isabella was demented. He continued with his questioning, but everyone could see that even Crouch was sickened by Isabella’s words.

The woman sang like a canary afterwards and many were disgusted by Isabella’s attitude.

When the interrogation was finished, Isabella was led back to her seat at the defendant’s desk. The woman looked enraged.

Bartemius announced: “I am amending the charges against Isabella Jugson of being an accomplice of the attempted murders against Corban and Clara Yaxley and the attempted breaking of a soul bond.” On each charge, there was a vote and the Wizengamot voted for both additional charges.

Then came the vote of conviction, where the Wizengamot voted for the conviction unanimously. Isabella let out a shriek of fury and tried to get away, but the aurors had fixated her again. The woman was screaming threats against the members of the Wizengamot, but everyone ignored her.

After a lengthy debate, Isabella was sentenced to 50 years in Azkaban. She would be locked away in a maximum-security cell, where the dementors’ exposure is very high. Everyone thought that death would have been preferrable than that.

Eric was escorted out of the courtroom. He would be heading home. They are going to put a tracker on him and the man can start his sentence.

Isabella was dragged to the boats that are going to lead to Azkaban, so that the woman can start her sentence. The woman was putting a lot of resistance, but the aurors were no match to her. In Azkaban, the aurors found an empty cell in the maximum-security section and threw her in. The magic of the prison changed her robes and she wore the prisoner robes. They quickly locked the cell doors before Isabella could escape and returned back to the ministry. Isabella was roaring her innocence, but no one was listening to her. The woman sank on the floor crying and sobbing. This was her worst nightmare.

The trials continued until the November Wizengamot trials came to end.

Great Britain

There was a party in Malfoy Manor. The Grey Alliance was glad that Aurelius’ female accomplice was finally caught and convicted for the attempted murders. Corban and Amelia talked about the case without telling them any specifics and they were glad that the secret-keeping was over. The case was finally closed. Narcissa can tell that there were going to be some changes next month, but the case was going to have some lasting effects. She was contacted by Lady Burke after Isabella’s arrest that she wanted to speak with her after the trials in November. Narcissa didn’t know, what she had wanted to talk about, but she agreed on the meeting. Lady Burke would come to visit her after the school board meeting on November 25th.

In Hogwarts, there was a party-like atmosphere since another dark family associated to Voldemort was ruined, but there were also some pensive faces. Albus was silently thinking about today’s events. The Jugsons’ downfall is useful to him, but he was thinking about Christina O’Neill. The woman that came back from the dead and could ruin his life. Albus quickly waved Dung over to him, because he needed to speak with the man urgently.

Dung sat down in front of the headmaster’s desk and Albus quickly activated some silencing wards, so that no one was overhearing their conversation. The old headmaster heaved out a sigh. “Dung, we need to be carefully now. Since Isabella failed to kill the undercover auror, our dealings in the black market are in danger and now, we need to be carefully.”

“I know, Albus, but you also need to consider that my living is dependent on the black markets. It is not going to be easy for me, if I don’t have any money.” Dung is not happy about this outcome since his income is depending on the black markets.

Albus sighed. He forgot that Dung was a slacker during his time in school, but he was good at smuggling and had a talent in plausible deniability. “I understand, Dung, but we need to work with the circumstances, we have. If you are caught, then, I wouldn’t be able to protect you from prosecution. Head my warning, Dung, the situation has gotten a lot more complicated.” The man nodded in understanding and in annoyance. He knew that any mistake, he makes, would land him in Azkaban for some time and he can’t risk going into prison.

“Very well, I will keep my head down, but I will try to find new headquarters for our business in the black market, Albus. We can’t give up the money for the order.” Mundungus answered. Albus’ eyes twinkled and he gave the man a smile. “Good.”

The party continued on, but not many were happy. James was pensive about the outcome of the trial. He was glad that the Jugsons got what they deserved for being dark and evil, but he was furious that Yaxley was the one, who got praised for bringing them down. Sirius and Remus went over to their friend, in order to cheer him up. They knew, why he was upset. It’s because of Yaxley, who is getting the praise for bringing down Isabella and Eric Jugson. It is painful that a dark wizard was getting the praise instead of a light and good wizard. They knew that John Proudfoot was also involved in the investigation, but he was leaning towards neutrality, which is an annoyance.

“Prongs, why the long face? Let’s celebrate”, Sirius asked his friend trying to cheer him up.

James sighed knowing that his friends wanted to cheer him up. He answered in an angry voice: “It’s because of Yaxley, Sirius. That man is a danger to the DMLE, but no one seems to care. And to put insult to the injury, he is getting praised for doing and finishing the investigation against the Jugsons. Sirius, when was the last time that an auror from the light side had gotten praised like Yaxley.”

“Well…” Sirius knew that none of the aurors from the light side have gotten praised properly. Even during the war, they hadn’t received any praise, but only scorn and in some cases demotion, when they tried to do the right thing for their society.

“And that is the problem, Padfoot. Whereas we had been sitting here and had been doing nothing, people like Yaxley have gotten praised for what we should have done for the magical world”, James said angrily.

Sirius nodded in understanding, but argued: “I know, Prongs, but we are stuck. You are still a junior auror and I had been fired due to the disownment. You should not forget that the order is still blaming us for the demotion of Albert and Scrimgeour’s probation.” Sirius still struggled that he had been disowned by his dark family. He had done the right thing, but it seems like that his ex-grandfather doesn’t agree with his actions. He hates it that Narcissa had managed to have him kicked out of the family. He is from the main line and it is his birth right to become Lord Black, but unfortunately, his cousin interfered and ruined him. She also somehow arranged for his pup to be taken away from James and Lily and his ex-family had supported the decision. He tried to find his pup on his own, but since he is outside Europe, the tracking rituals wouldn’t work due to the distance. Sirius wished, he had some clues, where Harry could be, but he knew that he is somewhere outside Europe. He needed to find a way to fix this.

Sirius and Remus managed to cheer up their friend, but the pensiveness remained.

November 16th, 2002

When the news regarding the conviction of Isabella Jugson was spread through the wizarding world, there were many different reactions. Isabella’s friends were saddened and furious that she was given such a hard sentence. They couldn’t believe that their friend was treated like this. They wished that there was a way to help Isabella. Eric, in their view, was a coward that didn’t have a backbone to defend his sister and had only pleaded guilty, in order to save his own skin. He is no longer in their circle of friends.

Manfred was not happy about the article, but he couldn’t do anything about it, because of Isabella’s interrogation. The image of his house has been tarnished even more, because of Isabella and her vindictiveness. Eric would never find a good match for the next ten years due to his punishment. Eric sighed deeply, when his father showed him today’s headline. Great. His life has gotten worse and his sister is to blame for this mess. But things had gotten worse, when a letter came from the DMLE. He had been suspended since his arrest and the outcome of his trial would decide, what is going to happen to him. Opening the letter, Eric frowned.

Auror Eric Jugson,

Due to your recent actions against the DMLE and one of our co-workers, you are hereby fired from your position as an auror irrevocably. You will not be able to regain your former position anymore since our department deemed you to be untrustworthy.

Furthermore, you are banned from entering the DMLE offices and auror offices for the next decade. Exceptions are made, if you have to report a crime or something incriminating to us.

With that, your cooperation is no longer required.

With regards,

Lord Bartemius Crouch, Head of the DMLE

Eric was angry. He had expected that he would be fired, but being informed that he wouldn’t be able to regain his position as an auror evermore is a painful hit. His sister ruined everything. His career. His dreams. His life. In his opinion now, she can rot away in Azkaban. He doesn’t care about her anymore.

Manfred let out sigh, when his son showed him the letter. Isabella really screwed things up. He is ready to disown her, but he doesn’t want to do it. He had promised his wife that he would protect his children, even though he had failed Ulrich and Isabella, but he will not let them down.

In Hogwarts, Evelyn Jugson received many odd looks, which are infuriating the girl. When the newspaper arrived during breakfast, Evelyn nearly screamed, when she read the headline. This is a nightmare. She quickly left the great hall and made plans to go home for the weekend, in order to find out from her father and brother, what has happened. But one thing is sure. Isabella is no longer her sister anymore. She will never acknowledge that bint as her sister due to her actions that had brought ruin to their noble house. But first, she had classes to attend. This was going to be a long day.

Potter Manor, November 19th, 2002

There was an order meeting in Potter Manor again and an argument broke out regarding the nomination for the next school board meeting. Dumbledore was planning to change some aspects of the recent war that took place in Britain, because of Voldemort and his followers. Albus wanted the students to learn that most Slytherins were followers of Tom, but the statistics are showing basically the contrary. Ravenclaw has the highest number of death eaters, whereas Gryffindor had the second highest numbers, which is insulting many former Gryffindors in the order. James and the other rabid followers, who were also former Gryffindors, had ranted that the statistic has to be falsified. Hufflepuff and Slytherin had the lower numbers of Voldemort’s followers. But it is infuriating that Slytherin has the lowest number of You-Know-Who’s followers.

Arthur was surprised by the statistics, but he came to the conclusion that many Slytherins joined him under force like Lucius Malfoy or were spies like Severus, Augustus, Thorfinn and the late Evan Rosier. He can predict that this meeting would cause a headache for the others.

Albus was sure that this time, they would be successful since the statistics must be wrong. Tom’s followers are coming mainly from the Slytherin House, but what the old fool forgot to include that most former Slytherins have joined Voldemort either under threats or as spies for the ministry. They were not accounted in the statistic since the chart only accounted his true believers that were convicted.

Charlus and Dorea were not happy about listening to another order meeting. They were not happy that their son is a blind fool. He isn’t an idiot since he did well in school, but he is too naive and believes in the old fool. This will bite him back in the future. Both had spent more time with Dorea’s relatives complaining about their son, which is annoying Arcturus and Walburga especially Walburga, who was blamed mostly that James became a blind-light fool due to Sirius. Dorea has also been talking with Cygnus, who had managed to work through the loss of his daughters. After a year with Narcissa and her husband, Cygnus managed to rebuild his life again and planned to make a world tour. He moved into a decent flat or better to say, a house since his manor, where he lived with his wife and daughters, had many bad memories. It is a flat to the Black Family’s standard, but for a normal person, it was a lavish house.

Cygnus understood Dorea’s complaint. Walburga was the reason why Sirius became a Dumbledore fool. Orion too since the man should have put his foot down against his wife or gone to Uncle Arcturus and Aunt Melania, in order to correct Walburga’s behaviour towards their children. Sadly, that didn’t happen. He hoped that the Black Family would be rebuilt even though the family had many losses due to Voldemort and Dumbledore. But now, he had a world trip to do.

Dorea hoped that her great-niece, Narcissa, has a plan to stop those fools from ruining a generation.

Malfoy Manor, November 22nd, 2002

The members of the Grey Alliance were listening to Arthur about Dumbledore’s nomination regarding the history curriculum. Many shook their heads, when Dumbledore tried to tell everyone that most of Voldemort’s followers were Slytherins, which is not true. Most death eaters came from Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. There were also many followers from Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, Koldovstoretz and the other magical schools in the world, but mostly, Voldemort’s followers came from Africa and Eastern Europe. Hufflepuff and Slytherin had very few followers, which is surprising that Slytherin had the lowest number of Voldemort’s followers even though the man was a Slytherin.

Narcissa turned her attention to Amelia. “Amelia, the DMLE has surely records about the convicted death eaters in their archives. It is well known that the house of every convicted criminal is mentioned in their files since the school files are also used during the trials.”

“You are right, Narcissa, and I remember that during and after the war, many historians from the ICW came here, in order to watch the death eater trials and they started to make notes. Furthermore, they were allowed to read the trial transcripts of the death eaters and that has been surely used for the ICW curriculum in history.” Amelia was thoughtful at first, but she had a confident smile that they could shoot down Dumbledore’s nomination. But the woman realised that they needed to distract the old fool. “We also need a distraction against Dumbledore and his followers. Any ideas?”

Narcissa had a thoughtful look on her face and reminded herself about the last distraction that they had put forward and remembered that the Astronomy class needed to be adjusted. “I have an idea. The Astronomy class needed some small changes. During our last meeting, we have managed to pass to shorten the class time for all classes. This also includes the Astronomy class and that particular class should start at 10 pm and should end at 1 am in the morning. We would be able to have two double sessions during the night and Professor Sinistra would have a fewer workload than before.”

Severus agreed with Narcissa since Aurora would be able to finish her class earlier than now, where her class starts at 11 pm and ends at 2 am, and she would have a less stressful time with her class than before.

Everyone had to admit that this distraction would work in a way. They knew that the older generation of Dumbledore’s followers would protest the motion since they want Hogwarts to remain status quo, but the younger generation had a different opinion about these matters.

“And with that, we should nominate the Etiquette class and their international standards. It is important that the students learn, how to behave and how to greet and lead a conversation in the magical world without coming out to be rude and disrespectful. But they should also learn the international standards since etiquette is internationally different”, Callidora said primly. Muriel and Arthur agreed since the Delacours explained that Magical France had different etiquette rules than those in Britain.

This would be their nomination to get on with the primary school. Narcissa couldn’t wait for the result of this school board meeting.

School board meeting, November 25th, 2002

Albus couldn’t believe, how things have ended in this school board meeting. When the meeting started, one of his followers made the nomination to change the material regarding the Wizarding War with Voldemort. His pawn had unfortunately ranted about the fact that only Slytherins were death eaters and that the other houses were not involved with Voldemort especially the Gryffindors. Caradoc Dearborn was the one, who made the proposal, and the man was an old friend of his that he had helped personally during his time in school, but he is very anti-Slytherin since he was kept captive by death eaters during the war. He was found, when Voldemort was defeated, and was freed. After that, the man went with his influence as Lord Dearborn against the death eaters and the Slytherins. He despised Slytherins more than the death eaters since he was a student.

But then, Narcissa Malfoy made the nomination to make some slight changes to the Astronomy class. The class should start at 10 pm instead of 11 pm, which would allow the students to leave the class at 1 am exactly instead of 2 am, and there an argument broke. Albus wanted to curse Caradoc Dearborn. The man had started to rant about the Malfoys and the fact that they were Slytherins. He went on that they were death eater scums that should be locked away in Azkaban and not sitting here to make harmful decisions for school children. That annoyed many members in the Wizengamot especially Callidora Longbottom, who had a soft spot for her great-niece and questioned Dearborn, if she and her daughter-in-law were death eaters too since both were Slytherins. The man had started to rant that they were dark and evil witches that should stay away from Neville, so that he doesn’t become corrupted. Albus quickly put up a privacy ward around his followers since they were agreeing with Dearborn and they are alienating many members of the Wizengamot again.

From there on, he gave Dearborn a severely disappointed look for the comment against the Malfoys and the Longbottoms, but the man was defiant and made sure that everyone knew, what he thought of Slytherins and dark wizards and witches. It seems like that there are also older followers, who hated Slytherins, which is a setback now. For an entire hour, he tried to calm down his followers especially Caradoc and make sure that they behaved since his behaviour was a setback to his plans.

After he fixed the problem with Caradoc and his more rabid followers, Albus retook his podium and requested from Aurelia, if there had been another nomination and much to his fury, there was one regarding the primary school. Muriel Prewett of all people proposed the ICW standards for Etiquette. He tried to rally against the nomination that the children needed to be protected from the dark influence in their world. There was no way, he was going to allow that class to pass, because he knew that the muggle-raised children would understand why the purebloods were so against them and would learn things about the magical that he doesn’t want them to.

He gave an hour-long speech regarding the teaching of a dark and dangerous class and tried to convince the board that the muggleborns would not feel welcome, if that class was introduced to them. Many gave him confused looks regarding his protest and Albus believed that he had them hooked on his side.

When the vote came, the first nomination failed. Caradac was fuming and started to rant about dark snakes trying to make excuses for their actions during the war, but Amelia put a stop to that and explained that many ICW historians attended the death eater trials during and after the war as neutral arbiters and noted down, in what houses each convicted death eaters was or if they had attended Hogwarts at all. The man became puce-red and looked ready to scream, but one look from Albus, the man remained silent.

This was a setback, but Albus continued with the next nomination and the vote had a great majority, but he wasn’t interested in that change since he doesn’t care.

The third nomination passed regardless of his warning. This infuriated Albus to no end. Another dark class had passed and he couldn’t stop it.

Narcissa was happy and angry. Happy that their plan had worked, but angry regarding Lord Dearborn’s rant against her and her husband. Oh, how she had come to hate Dumbledore’s sheep. When the man made the nomination to change the material regarding the war that Voldemort and his followers had caused, she had to restrain her fury since the man blamed the Slytherins for the war.

Thankfully, he was finished and she made the motion to change the Astronomy class that the class should start at 10 pm instead of 11 pm. After that, Dearborn started to rant about her and her husband of being Slytherins and a danger to their society due to their former affiliation with Voldemort and his death eaters. When Callidora questioned him about her and Augusta being Slytherins, the man became revolting about, how Neville needs to be removed from dark and evil snakes like them. Narcissa remembered the October meeting and she had to admit that Dearborn is making the same mistake as the younger followers during their rants against Callidora and Augusta last month. Those fools haven’t learned about the mess during the last meeting and they are making the same mistake again.

When Dumbledore was distracted with his followers, Amelia made the protest that Lord Dearborn’s motion is taken out of context due to the ICW historians that have viewed the death eater trials during and after the war. She showed them the records about the convicted death eaters and many were astounded that Slytherin had the lowest number of death eaters in comparison to the other Hogwarts houses even though Voldemort and his most radical followers like the former Lestrange trio were coming from that house. With that, they had managed to convince the members that the statistics are true. They were also able to sneak in a nomination to propose the Etiquette class for the primary school. Muriel made sure that the members knew why the Etiquette class was important for their society and showed them that a lack of Etiquette would make the next generation uncouth and shameful like it was shown by Lord Dearborn.

Narcissa was annoyed, when Dumbledore was finished with his followers and retook his podium. When the man was told about Muriel’s nomination, the man started an hour-long rant about the dangers of the class and how the muggleborns needed to be protected from the corruptive nature of the Etiquette lessons. Many were confused by the headmaster’s reasoning since the class isn’t even magical and doesn’t sound to be bad that the children learn some behaviour rules that have been existing for generations.

When the vote came, Dumbledore received two nasty surprises. Firstly, Dearborn’s motion failed, which was satisfying to watch Dumbledore’s and Dearborn’s reactions. Both looked furious. Secondly, the Etiquette class has passed, which infuriated the old fool even more. That meeting was satisfying.

Dearborn Manor

Caradac Dearborn arrived back home in an absolute fury. This school board meeting was a nightmare. Why didn’t his nomination pass? How dare those fools side with those filthy snakes and excuse their actions during the war? He will never believe that statistic that the Slytherins had the lowest number of death eaters during the war. Those snakes are dark and evil and are an illness to their society. Unfortunately, he had seen that there were still those that are defending Slytherins and dark wizards and witches. He is sickened by those nitwits. Then, there was Narcissa Malfoy, who made a nomination. Caradoc didn’t pay attention, what the woman proposed since he was in a blind fury and didn’t care, what that filthy bitch had to say. Narcissa and her husband are a danger to their society and he wanted to put them in their places, but it didn’t work since that old Longbottom bitch interfered. He was furious, when it was revealed that poor little Neville was being raised by two dark and evil snakes. He made sure to tell them that they are a danger to the child and that Neville should be taken away from them. He didn’t understand why Albus gave him his well-known severely disappointed grandfather look, when he had requested a privacy ward. Caradoc was furious that Albus had scolded him about his behaviour during the school board meeting. Those snakes needed to know that they are harming their society. But at the end, he was even more enraged that the truth was taken negatively and a majority voted against his nomination. Then, there was the proposal from the Malfoy bitch, that had passed. He didn’t understand why. Why would anyone vote for her motion? He was confused and angry until it was explained that Malfoy nominated that the Astronomy class should start at 10 pm and not at 11 pm. He had to admit that this motion didn’t sound bad. But the nomination from Muriel Prewett was painful. How could a good and light witch propose such a dark class to be taught to children? Sadly, he temporarily forgot that Muriel was a traditionalist and unfortunately, the class passed since the majority of the board voted for it, which was another setback.

Entering the living room, Caradoc was greeted by his wife. “Caradoc, my dear. How was the school board meeting?”

“It was terrible, Candice. My nomination failed. Then, there was Muriel’s betrayal by proposing a dark class and those fools voted for it”, Caradoc said in an angry voice.

Candice thinned her lips and looked dissatisfied. She asked: “What dark class did pass, Caradoc?”

“The Etiquette class.”

“Oh, dear, this isn’t good. The children especially the muggle-raised would learn outdated information that they don’t need in the future. How did the class pass?” Candice was not happy about this outcome.

Caradoc let out a sigh and said: “Muriel nominated it and you and I know, how much of a traditionalist that woman is even though House Prewett is traditionally a light family. She had the support from the majority since even those in the dark section voted for her nomination.”

“Well, that is not good. Muriel has remained traditional due to her upbringing and schooling. You should not forget that she attended Hogwarts, when Black was headmaster and you know as I do, how he had ruined the school with his dark ideology until Albus took over and rectified everything”, Candice reminded her husband.

Caradoc grumbled at that. He forgot that Muriel had been taught differently than he and his wife. “Let’s hope that there aren’t going to be any further changes. Let’s have some dinner.” With that, both couple went to the dining room.

Malfoy Manor, November 27th, 2002

Narcissa was sitting in the living room reading another Sherlock Holmes book. She had already read three of these books and it seems like that these novels are never going to be boring. Narcissa had to admit that muggles knew, how to write novels. She took a sip of her tea and waited for Lady Burke to arrive. Today, Oreana Burke was supposed to visit her since she wanted to talk with her about something important. Narcissa had prepared her favourite tea and biscuits and waited patiently.

When the floo flared and Oreana Burke stepped out of the fireplace, Narcissa stood up and greeted the woman politely. She offered her to take a seat, which the woman did.

Tea was quickly served, and the biscuits were put at the table. With that, the conversation could start. “Lady Burke, you wanted to speak with me after the November school board meeting. What can I do for you?”

The woman took a sip of her tea wishing that there was some alcohol since she was under a lot of stress due to the blood purists in the Wizengamot. “I wanted to talk to you since I believe that you are the only person that I can trust, Lady Malfoy. I mean, when I informed you about Aurelius’ plans back then in January, I never thought that the man had planned with Isabella Jugson to break his brother’s soul bond with Clara and had attempted to kill them. But back to the point, I was thinking about reassigning my seats at the school board meeting to the neutral fraction. Traditionally, in the Wizengamot, my seats are assigned to the dark, but those traditions do not count for the school board meeting. But I am still insecure.”

Narcissa understood, what Oreana wants to say. There are traditions in the Wizengamot that are a no-go to break for example the assignment of a seat to one of the three sections. The Burke seat had always been traditionally in the dark section and it would remain there for the time being, but those traditions are not accounted for the school board. Lady Burke could move her seat in the school board to the neutral fraction without any scrutiny. Narcissa said: “Then, do it, Lady Burke. I mean, it wouldn’t hurt your reputation, if you move your seats to the neutral fraction in the school board. Apart from that, you would teach those dreadful blood purists in our fraction that if they put one toe out of line, then, the Burkes would break traditions and move their seats to the neutral fraction. You would have a good reason to leave the dark fraction. It wouldn’t be scrutinised like it was done, when my ex-cousin, Sirius, moved the Black seats from the dark to the light fraction without thinking that there could be consequences. The dark fraction especially the blood purists had received a lot of bad press due to Isabella’s and Aurelius’ actions and with your message, you are trying to tell the public that you are distancing yourself from the blood purists and the dark section as a whole. So, no one would judge your reassignment.”

Oreana had a thoughtful expression. The idea doesn’t sound to be bad, but she questioned: “And what about my family? Many are not going to approve or like my plans.”

“Then, be blunt and tell them the inconvenient truth about the blood purists and if that doesn’t work, then, ignore them. You are the head of your own family. You have the final say regarding political and educational matters. Furthermore, no one wants to be on a sinking ship, Lady Burke”, Narcissa explained.

Lady Burke had to admit that Lady Malfoy was correct. She needed to be steadfast regarding her position as the head of the House Burke. It was time to make some changes even though some members of her family are not going to like them.

The rest of the day was spent chattering about different topics. When little Draco made his way to Narcissa, the woman took the boy gently in her arms and Lady Burke was cooing at the cute, little, blonde boy. She said: “You are going to grow in a handsome man, when you are finished with Hogwarts. Many girls are going to chase you.” Draco giggled and Narcissa let out chuckle. Her son would grow up to be beautiful. The ancestry of the veelas remained still strong in the Malfoy Family.

Lucius also joined them and boasted about his son’s beauty that he had inherited from him. Both women rolled their eyes and Narcissa muttered that she hoped that Draco didn’t inherit that from his father. Lucius had a genuine smile at the reaction of both women. When evening arrived, Lady Burke left and Draco was quickly tucked into bed. Narcissa and Lucius met again in the living room and were talking about Lady Burke’s visit. Lucius summed it up: “So, Lady Burke wants to reassign her seat in the neutral fraction in the school board, if I am hearing it correctly?”

“Yes, Lucius, and I believe that this would be an advantage against the blood purists, Dumbledore and his followers. The blood purists would lose a potential ally and they wouldn’t have no one to blame then Isabella and Aurelius for this mess. Dumbledore and his followers would be scared about the sudden influx of power in the neutral fraction. It would be a small step to remove the old man from his position as head governor”, Narcissa explained.

Lucius had to agree with his wife. “There is also Corban. I have heard that he is planning to move his seats in the Wizengamot and the school board to the neutral fraction. It would be one small step to remove Dumbledore from his position as Chief Warlock and another step to remove him from the Head Governor position.”

“Ah, yes. I temporarily forgot that Corban is also planning to reassign the Yaxley seats. Clara would be happy, if her husband does that since she hates the other Wizengamot members already.” Narcissa was amused about Clara’s dislike of the other members of the Wizengamot. She cannot wait for the next school board and Wizengamot meeting in December. This was going to be entertaining.

Lucius had seen his wife’s expression and knew that there was going to be some entertainment at the next Wizengamot and school board meeting. Leaving the year 2002 with a big bang.

Evandrus Manor, November 29th, 2002

Corban and Clara were sitting in the informal dining room and were enjoying their dinner. Their three kids were with them and they made a little mess with their food. Their oldest is six years old and had started to go to a magical primary school in France, whereas their youngest two were spending their time in a muggle kindergarten. When the kids were finished, the elves quickly cleaned up the table and took the kids to their rooms leaving Clara and Corban alone in the dining room.

“Clara, there are some things that we need to discuss”, Corban said softly.

“Oh, and what would that be, Corban?” She knew from the soft voice from her husband that it must be good news.

Corban gave his wife a warm smile and said: “The first thing that I want to discuss with you are the Wizengamot and school board meetings since you were complaining about those meetings non-stop. So, I am asking you, Clara, do you want to continue to sit at the Wizengamot and school board meetings after the December meetings or should I be your proxy again? I want to know your opinion, because at the end of the Yule meeting, I am going to reassign the Yaxley seats to the neutral fraction?”

“Oh. Well, if you had asked me that in July, I would have jumped at the opportunity, but now, I am not so sure, because I want to help you and the others to modernise the magical world and to improve the school for our children.” Clara really wanted to make some changes, so that her children could get the best education that could be offered.

Corban was surprised that his wife wants to be involved in politics and the school, but he understands her and supports her decision. Having Clara in the Wizengamot and the school board would benefit them more. Clara continued: “Apart from that, if you retake the position as proxy and I stop attending the meetings, then, there are going to be some accusations against you from the light section especially Stuart and his goons that you only married me for my seats, my line and the political power that I have.” Corban had to admit that she is right in that endeavour. If Clara leaves during the January meeting, then, he is sure that there are going to be some rumours against him.

“Very well, Clara. My sweet lady wants to remain and become politically active, then so be it, but if you want a break from those meetings, then, please tell me about it. Do not hesitate to ask me, if it is too much for you.” Corban gave his wife a grin and Clara just huffed, but she was glad that he was so gentle with her.

“Corban, I will tell you, when things become too much for me to handle. You don’t need to worry.” With that, Clara and Corban tucked their children into their beds and they read them a goodnight story.

This December was going to be exciting.

Chapter Text

Crouch Manor, December 1st, 2002

Bartemius Crouch was sitting with his lawyer in his formal meeting room, in order to discuss with him about the divorce. They went through all the points that would give him grounds to divorce his wife. Wilma was irredeemable and didn’t accept the fact that his ex-son, Barty, was a criminal and a monster. For an entire year, he had received many letters and even howlers from his soon-to-be ex-wife to help her to get their son out of the goblin mines. Bartemius had refused. He wasn’t a fool to go against the goblins.

“Bartemius, your chances of getting a divorce are good. Your wife is responsible for your ex-son’s behaviour. He should have seen a mind healer at your insistence, but your wife’s refusal has stood in your way and his psychopathy got worse and worse. There is also the issue of the fact that Wilma worsened your son’s condition by spoiling him.” Cyrus looked over the points the thousandth time with a sigh. He was chosen to represent Crouch in his divorce case. Divorces and other family matters were not his favourite subjects, when he studied law, but unfortunately, he had to be knowledgeable in these matters no matter what. He is doing these fields rarely since he can’t stand the arguments going on during the court hearings.

Thankfully, in two days, he had an appointment with Christina O’Neill. He had received words from Amelia that Christina is planning to sue Eric and Isabella Jugson, for what had happened to her. Her chances to win are high and the Jugsons could lose their entire fortune for Isabella’s and Eric’s actions.

Bartemius knew that he was annoying his lawyer, but he needed to make sure that Wilma doesn’t make him the bad guy in front of the court. He made many precautions like locking away the family’s money, so that Wilma doesn’t gain access to his vaults. The woman had thrown a fit, when she only had access to her dowery from her family and had sent him many letters and some howlers to allow her access to the vaults, but Bartemius refused, which infuriated the woman even more. “I know, Cyrus, but I don’t trust Wilma. You have seen her temper last year.”

Cyrus hid a grimace. He had seen the tantrum that Wilma Crouch had thrown last year and he wasn’t looking forward to this case. That divorce was going to be dirty and he knew it.

After they had gone through the finer details, Cyrus left Crouch Manor promising that he was going to file the petition of divorce tomorrow.

Greengrass Manor

Cyrus arrived home from his meeting with Bartemius Crouch. Danielle greeted him. “Cyrus, you are back. How was your meeting with Lord Crouch?”

The Greengrass Lord just huffed in irritation. “I am already dreading the court hearing. I am sure that Wilma Crouch is going to throw the biggest fit in this year, but Bartemius had good cards against his wife. I went through the finer details and Bartemius wouldn’t have to pay his wife any support since she failed to address the issues with their son, Barty, back then.” Danielle understood, what her husband was talking about. Wilma has no one else to blame than herself. She is the reason why Barty became a psychopath and a death eater. At least, Bartemius tried, but the man had a full-time job and wasn’t able to address the issues with his ex-son properly. Cyrus grumbled: “This entire case could have been avoided, if Wilma had just acknowledged that something was wrong with Barty, but no, the woman wasn’t able to accept that her son became a psychopath and a sadist. Let’s hope that I am not going to represent a similar case like this one again.”

Danielle just chuckled at her husband’s exasperation. Merlin and Morgana knew that her husband hated divorce cases or solving family matters like custody arrangements or hearings. She had to admit that listening to the rants in one of these court hearings is not pleasant. She said in a comforting tone: “Cyrus, sweetie, I know that this part of your job is difficult, but you have to get through it. Apart from that, you have promised Bartemius that you are going to represent him during his divorce. So, there is no way to back off.”

Cyrus looked at the ceiling trying to remain calm. Oh, why did he promise something like this? He could have easily sent Crouch to another lawyer that could have done the same, but the man came to him since he had very good references in his occupation and he really couldn’t deny that beside Lucius, he was one of the best lawyers in the ministry. He said: “I want to get over this case and have some peace. Family courts are the worst thing that the world had created and this is the worst job for a lawyer. Let’s get something to eat before I collapse. I skipped lunch, because of my meeting with Bartemius and I am starving.”

Danielle chuckled and led her husband to the informal dining room. She couldn’t disagree with her husband. Family matters are really ugly and there are many cans of worms that have to be opened during the court hearings.

O’Neill House, December 4th, 2002

Christina was sitting in the kitchen drinking a cup of tea. She was finished with her third day at work as an auror on desk duty and there was a mountain of paperwork to be finished. She had to admit that Crouch wasn’t joking, when he said that aurors on desk duty had it harder than the aurors that went out on the field, because there were so many papers that needed to be finished. She was glad that the ministry stopped using parchment and quill and instead started to use pen and paper. There were also those type-writing machines that were introduced a few months ago. If that invention wasn’t introduced back then, Christina would have sat for hours to be finished with her assignment that she had got for the day. She didn’t know, if she should have regretted for accepting this job or looked for another job, but her chances would have been slim, if she had looked for another job due to her impairment on her arms.

Christina watched her little brother, Zack O’Neill, who didn’t take his eyes from his sister since he was afraid, if he looked away, she would disappear. The boy was thankfully with some of her relatives during the time period, where she had to spend in St. Mungos and later in the medical ward of Gringotts. Her relatives were informed about the attack on her and they feared that Zack would lose his sister, the only close relative that the boy had. Zack had been inconsolable, when he heard that Christina was hurt. He was terrified that he would lose his mother. Zack had never known his parents and believed that his sister is his mother since she took care of him, when he was a baby. Christina had planned to tell Zack the truth on his eleventh birthday. Her relatives didn’t like it, but agreed that it would be too much for the boy that his mother is not his mother, but his sister.

Beside her relatives, Zack was the last thing that was left of her once big family. The war had taken her parents, two older brothers and a younger sister. Her family was nearly as big as the Weasley Family, but they were reduced to two members now. Thankfully, she had the support from her relatives. Without her aunt and her three uncles and their families, Christina wouldn’t have known, what to do, because she lost her parents and three of her siblings, when Zack was an infant and she was a graduate. She had only started to work in the DMLE as a trainee and later as a junior auror and Christina didn’t earn a lot of money to take care of her brother and herself, but she was glad that her relatives gave her some financial support before she was promoted. Christina also got the life insurance, after she was able to prove that her parents were killed and had saved that money up for financial emergencies and Zack’s schooling. Her aunt, who was single and was retired, when Christina had started to work, helped her to take care of Zack, when she had to work long hours. It was hard, but she managed to get through and her brother and she were living a decent life.

Christina was interrupted in her thoughts, when she heard a sharp knock on her door. She quickly made her way to the entrance and opened. Behind the door, Cyrus Greengrass greeted her. “Ms. O’Neill, you have made an appointment with me. Can I come in?”

“Yes, you can, Lord Greengrass. Thank you for coming. Come in”, Christina said.

Before Cyrus could enter the living room, Zack was up on his feet and in front of him. He asked: “And who are you? What do you want from my mommy?” The boy had a terrified look on his face since he was afraid that he is here to take him away from his mommy.

Cyrus saw the look on the boy’s face and answered in a reassuring voice: “My name is Cyrus Greengrass and I am a lawyer. Your mother arranged an appointment with me regarding some matters that are for adults.”

Zack wanted to ask more questions, but his mother’s voice interrupted him: “Zack, sweety, don’t worry. Lord Greengrass is here, because I arranged a meeting with him, in order to discuss some things.”

“Okay, mommy”, Zack said.

Cyrus raised his eyebrows at the boy. Amelia had never mentioned that Chrsitina has a son. She only mentioned that she had a younger brother, but could the boy be her brother? It could be possible. He had heard of cases, where older siblings had raised their younger ones and the younger siblings saw their older brothers or sisters as parents. This was not uncommon. Before he could think any further, Christina quickly arrived with a tray that has a plate full of biscuits, a full tea kettle, some milk and sugar and two cups. Tea was quickly served and Cyrus started: “Ms. O’Neill, last month, you requested from me an appointment, in order to get some legal advice regarding a lawsuit. What can I do for you?”

Christina took a sip of her tea, in order to calm herself down, and began to explain: “Lord Greengrass, you surely remember the trial of Isabella and Eric Jugson last month.” Cyrus nodded and he felt sorry, for what had happened to the woman. “I need your advice, if it is possible for me to make a lawsuit against the Jugsons.”

Cyrus was thoughtful for a few minutes. A lawsuit would be possible since Eric and Isabella were found guilty, but they needed irrefutable proof that Manfred Jugson was aware that Christina was an undercover auror. “Well, it is possible, but we need evidence that Lord Manfred Jugson had known about your position in Knockturn Alley and that he was aware of what his daughter had done to you. We can’t really charge him for that since the family relation clause is protecting Manfred from legal persecution, but it would make him look bad in front of the court and on the aspect of the civil law, Lord Jugson would be required to pay recompensation to you. The Jugsons could become bankrupt, if we are successful.”

Christina nodded in understanding and felt smug. She had an idea, who could help her. “Lord Greengrass, when I worked in Knockturn Alley, I remembered back then in August that Eric was talking with a crook named Alexander O’Connell and I am sure that the man would sing like a canary, if we put some pressure on him.”

Cyrus hid a grin. Alexander O’Connell needs to be dealt with too. He will inform Amelia about the man. No one should escape the long arm of justice. He could be charged with obstruction since he knowingly received classified information and didn’t report it to the authorities. Furthermore, O’Connell is not related to the Jugsons. So, there was no excuse for what he had done. “He could be our key witness, but first, the DMLE needs to deal with him. I will tell Amelia about O’Connell and I am sure that the DMLE is going to arrest the man for obstruction.”

Christina added: “I know O’Connell. He will sell them out, in order to get a lighter sentence. The man would do everything, in order to avoid a sentence in Azkaban.”

Cyrus had to agree and he had to admit that they are a step closer of making this lawsuit work. They furthermore discussed the finer details like the health scans from the St. Mungos and the goblin healers. Additionally, Cyrus would arrange to get the trial transcripts of the Jugson trial. They could be useful for the lawsuit.

After tea was finished, Cyrus stood up and said shaking Christina’s hand: “Ms. O’Neill, I am sure that we are going to be successful in our lawsuit. But now, I have to go. My wife is waiting and she is not a patient person, if I left her waiting. I will quickly inform Amelia about O’Connell and from there on, we would proceed against the Jugsons. We would file the lawsuit after the December trials, so that we can use the O’Connell trial transcripts against the Jugsons. Is it alright for you that our next appointment should take place on December 18th, 2002 at 5 pm?”

“Yes, that would be alright for me”, Christina answered quickly writing down the date and time.

Cyrus took out his calendar and wrote the appointment down. With that finished, Christina led Cyrus to the floo and thanked him for his help. The man just smiled and said: “You don’t have to thank me, Ms. O’Neill. I am just doing my job to help people that were wronged. This is my goal. Have a nice evening.”

“Thank you, you too, Lord Greengrass”, Christina returned the gesture. With that, Cyrus took some floo powder and flooed to the ministry.

Christina had a relieved smile on her face that the Jugsons are going to bleed for what had happened to her. Zack was coming from his room and asked: “Mommy, is everything okay? Why was he here?”

Christina turned her attention to her little brother and said in a comforting voice: “Everything is alright, Zack. The man that has visited us is a lawyer, who is putting bad people behind bars and is helping those, who are in need of help. He was here to help me with some things.”

“Okay.” The boy was relieved and went into his mother’s arms.

Christina said: “You don’t have to worry, sweetheart. Everything would be alright.”

DMLE

Cyrus quickly made his way to Amelia’s office, in order to talk with her about Alexander O’Connell. There was a lot of work that needs to be done. Two days ago, he had filed the divorce papers for the Crouch case and he received yesterday the response that the court hearing would take place on December 11th. Thank Merlin, that he would be finished with the case faster. Knocking on the door, he was let in by a come-in.

Going inside the office, Amelia offered him a seat. The woman asked: “Cyrus, do you want some tea and biscuits?”

“No, thank you, Amelia. I had some with Christina O’Neill. I am full for now. But I came here for a different matter that is connected to the Jugson case. I will make it quick”, Cyrus said.

Amelia gave him the go-ahead and the Greengrass lord started to explain: “When I was talking with Christina about her plans to file a lawsuit against the Jugsons, I realised that the DMLE has missed someone, who was surely involved in this case and in Christina’s case, could be a potential key witness for the lawsuit.”

“Who did we miss, Cyrus?” Amelia gave him an annoyed look.

Cyrus hid a smile. “It is Alexander O’Connell. He must have been aware that O’Neill, McAdam and Wylder were undercover aurors and I bet my fortune that he knew about the leak and that Isabella had tried to kill O’Neill.”

Amelia was stunned. She completely forgot about O’Connell. The man must have been involved in this mess. She had gone through the reports from her two undercover aurors, who have told her that Eric had been talking with O’Connell, but she forgot to question Christina about this matter. Cyrus had seen the look on her face and knew that she forgot to question Christina about Eric Jugson and O’Connell.

Cyrus added: “And Christina told me that before she was attacked, she had remembered that Eric was talking with Alexander O’Connell. This can’t be a coincidence, Amelia.”

“I agree with you, Cyrus. We will bring O’Connell for questioning tomorrow and we will confront him with the evidence that we have.” Amelia wrote down in her calendar, what she was going to do tomorrow. “Thank you, Cyrus, and I wish you good luck with Crouch’s divorce.” Amelia had chuckled at that.

Cyrus just grumbled. He needs a lot of luck, some calming draughts and headache potions. After the trial, he would need one or two bottles of alcohol, in order to have a calm evening.

Knockturn Alley/DMLE, December 5th, 2002

Alexander O’Connell was making his way through Knockturn Alley. He is trying to keep his head down since Isabella’s and Eric’s arrests. Attention was the last thing, he needed.

The crook was turning a corner, when he noticed two aurors coming his way. Alexander thought sarcastically: ‘Great, the aurors are more often here than the black-market dealers.’ Alexander was interrupted in his thoughts, when he noticed that the aurors are making their way to him. ‘What do they want now? I have answered their stupid questions already’, Alexander thought annoyed.

Before he could say or do anything, one of the aurors spoke up: “Mr. O’Connell, you are coming with us. There are still some questions that need to be answered regarding the case of Christina O’Neill.”

‘Damn it. What now?’ Alexander was not looking forward to that interrogation. The aurors saw his hesitation and were ready to take out their wands. Alexander knew that he is no match for two trained aurors. “Alright, I am coming with you.” Without any resistance, Alexander was led away to the ministry.

Arriving at the ministry, the aurors led O’Connell to one of their interrogation rooms. This time, Amelia Bones and Corban Yaxley were sitting and waiting for his arrival. “Take a seat, Mr. O’Connell”, Amelia said, when O’Connell arrived with the two aurors.

Alexander sat down and looked at the two head aurors. “What can I do for you, Auror Bones, Auror Yaxley?”

“Well, there are some questions for you, Mr.O’Connell. It is about the Jugson case. There are still some unanswered questions”, Amelia said calmly.

Alexander swallowed hard hoping that his role in this mess wasn’t exposed. “And what do you want to know?”

“Well, Mr. O’Connell, we have got suspicious that you and Heir Jugson were seen talking before the attack on Auror O’Neill and these conversations took place on August 17th, August 24th and August 31st. From our records, Eric Jugson had on these dates, three Saturday shifts. All of my undercover aurors have confirmed your conversation. And it can’t be a coincidence that on September 12th, there was an attack on one of our undercover aurors. What were you talking about, Mr. O’Connell?”, Amelia questioned.

Alexander was a bit terrified and tried: “Nothing, only what was going on in Knockturn Alley.”

“Really, O’Connell, from what Amelia’s former undercover aurors have reported to us, your conversations with Heir Jugson were heated.” Corban raised his eyebrows at the man.

Alexander was sweating hard. “Well…” He didn’t know, what to say, but tried: “The situation in Knockturn Alley was a bit tense since the arrests of Aurelius Yaxley and Jack McLean or Jaques Greengrass as he is called now.”

Amelia nearly purred. “Mr. O’Connell do not lie to us or test our patience. Heir Jugson will not be talking, we are sure of that, but Isabella Jugson wouldn’t have any problems selling you out. We could pay her a visit and question her again in Azkaban. I am sure that she would talk.”

Alexander was stunned and terrified. He knew that Isabella wouldn’t have any problems of selling him out. “Alright, alright, I have known about O’Neill, Wylder and McAdam since Eric came to me to inform me that I should keep an eye on them and report to him about their activities. He said that he had gotten copies of the files from your cabinet, Bones. He had them burnt after Eric found out that O’Neill was responsible for the downfall of Aurelius.”

“I see. Did Lord Manfred Jugson know about these copies?”, Amelia questioned in a hard voice.

Alexander was confused, but answered regardless: “Yes, he did. Hell, even little Evelyn Jugson was aware of some bits and pieces, but she didn’t know, what Eric had done exactly since no one wanted to involve a Hogwarts student.”

Amelia nodded and noted it down. She was glad that the interrogation would be recorded. This would be enough to press charges against O’Connell and it would help Christina with her lawsuit against the Jugsons greatly. “Alexander O’Connell, you are under arrest for obstruction. You could have reported it to the DMLE, but you did nothing. Your cooperation could have saved one of my aurors, but you remained silent and Ms. O’Neill nearly died.”

Alexander was handcuffed and was led away to the ministry cells.

“That was satisfying. We have managed to have O’Connell arrested”, Corban said. Amelia agreed.

“I can’t believe that now everything is over. O’Connell will face a few years in Azkaban for his actions and inactions, but it would be enough”, Amelia said with a smile.

Corban grinned. “I can’t wait for the hearing of Christina’s lawsuit. Cyrus will tear the Jugsons to pieces.” Amelia chuckled. “Me too and do not forget that Cyrus is creative, how to make people suffer at court, but I feel bad for him that he had to represent Bartemius during his divorce procedure against Wilma Crouch. He would need a supply of headache cures and calming draughts. But back to the Jugsons, I hope, they lose their entire fortune, for what had happened to Christina.”

“Me too, Amelia, me too.” With that statement, Corban left the interrogation room with Amelia.

McPatrick House/Hogwarts, December 8th, 2002

Wilma was eating quietly her lunch until an owl arrived with a letter and a package. The letter was from her husband addressed to her. She had hoped that Bartemius would realise the error of his ways and would come back, in order to help her with their son. He can’t just abandon Barty and her like this and think that it is alright to let them suffer.

Opening the letter, she started to read it.

Wilma,

I am writing to you that I am filing for divorce. The package has the divorce papers. For a year, I have thought that you would accept and understand that Barty needed to be punished for his crimes as a death eater and for his cruel actions, but you never did. You always made excuses for his bad behaviour even when he was young, and the mind healer had told us that he had had the beginning symptoms of a psychopath. It could have been avoided, but instead you threw a fit and refused to believe the woman back then. And now, look what has happened to Barty.

Wilma, this marriage is over. I can’t continue on with this. The hearing is going to take place on December 11th.

Yours,

Bartemius

Wilma let out a scream of rage. This couldn’t be. He can’t just do that. She quickly opened the package and there were official-looking papers for divorce. She couldn’t believe that her husband is divorcing her like this. She needed to speak with Albus. Wilma took the letter and the file with her and quickly flooed to the headmaster’s office.

Albus was having a calm day after he was finished with lunch. He was doing some paperwork for the school, but he was content that nothing would ruin his day. Going over the papers, he was in peace.

“ALBUS, ALBUS!” Wilma screamed through the floo before she even sat foot in his office.

Albus sighed. So much for peace and quietdom. Wilma was an older version of Molly that had an abrasive voice like her and the same attitude. This wasn’t going to be pretty for him and he knew it. The woman was already standing in front of his desk and looked ready to cry. “Wilma, my dear, what can I do for you?”

The woman started to rant in her abrasive voice: “It is Bartemius! He is filing for divorce!”

“WHAT?!” Albus was shocked that Bartemius is going through this.

Wilma had tears streaming down her face. “He is filing for divorce. That bastard doesn’t want to continue this marriage since he believes that it is my fault that my baby has become bad.”

Albus wanted to groan. It is solely Wilma’s fault that Barty became a death eater. When Bartemius had revealed during the November trials last year that he had arranged a mind healer for Barty, in order to help him treat his psychopathic tendencies, and Wilma had refused to allow her son to be treated, many blamed Wilma for Barty’s cruelty and monstrosity. Her reputation was destroyed after the press got wind of it. Bartemius also suffered a blow, but he was able to salvage it. He asked: “Wilma, my dear, do you have the divorce papers?”

The woman nodded and handed the documents over to Albus.

Albus went through the paperwork and was stunned. Bartemius is serious. What was he supposed to do now? If they divorce, he would lose complete control over the Crouch Family, but he also can’t stop it since interfering in family matters could be a death sentence or a lost limb.

Wilma was sobbing, when Albus went through the papers. When the man was finished, he addressed the issue: “Wilma, find a lawyer. I believe that I could ask Elphias to help you in this matter. He is a lawyer after all and find a way to make your husband pay recompensation or support.” The chances for that are slim, but he had to try, in order to discourage Crouch from divorcing Wilma.

Wilma nodded and thought that the idea didn’t seem to be bad. Bartemius should pay for his neglect that he had showed to her baby and her. With that, she left Albus’ office taking the papers with her and started to make plans to arrange a lawyer, who could represent her.

Albus let out sigh of relief. Now, the peace can continue. Sometimes, he hates it, when his followers are throwing tantrums or fits that would make a spoilt toddler envious. He hoped that things were not going to be more problematic in this month.

Ministry Courtroom 16B, December 11th, 2002

The divorce procedure of Bartemius and Wilma Crouch was taking place in the Ministry Courtroom 16B. The judge hasn’t arrived yet, but Bartemius and his lawyer, Cyrus Greengrass, were prepared for the hearing. Sitting on the other side are Wilma Crouch and her lawyer, Elphias Doge. Cyrus had seen that Doge is Wilma’s representation. He suspected that this was Dumbledore’s doing since Doge was an old friend of the old fool that was loyal to him. He will inform the others about the man.

Elphias had been told by Albus that Wilma needed representation and requested his help in that matter. He couldn’t deny his old friend. He was told that he should stop the divorce at all cost since they would lose control over Crouch, but getting it done is really hard since Crouch has good cards against them.

The judge, Olivia Fairchild, arrived and sat down behind the judge’s table. Her scribe got ready for protocolling the session and formally, the court hearing started. The judge announced: “We are here today for the court hearing between Lord Bartemius Crouch, represented by Lord Cyrus Greengrass, and Lady Wilma Crouch, represented by Lord Elphias Doge. As Lord Crouch is the applicant, Lord Greengrass, you may start.”

Cyrus nodded respectfully and started: “Your honour, my client, Lord Bartemius Crouch, is requesting a divorce against his wife, Lady Wilma Crouch. They had been living in separation for more than a year and for my client, it is impossible to continue this marriage. When my client’s ex-son was convicted for terrorism and murder, the Wizengamot including myself was able to witness Lady Crouch’s behaviour. Lady Crouch didn’t accept the fact that her son was guilty and had mental health issues, when he was a child and later teenager. These issues worsened over the years since Lady Crouch refused to allow Bartemius NoName to be treated and now, she is blaming Lord Crouch for her son’s conviction. This marriage can’t continue on, so, I am petitioning for my client a divorce.” With that, Cyrus sat down.

The judge turned his attention to Elphias and Wilma. She asked: “Lord Doge, it is your turn.”

Elphias stood up and began: “Your honour, my client, Lady Wilma Crouch, is requesting from you to reject the application for divorce, but in case, the application of divorce is accepted, my client is requesting a recompensation from her husband for the cruelty that had been done to their son. She is also requesting support from her husband, if they are separating.”

Bartemius sighed. Wilma really is making things needlessly hard, but she will learn it the hard way that things aren’t that easy.

Olivia started: “Well, Lord Crouch since you are making the request for divorce, can you explain why?”

Bartemius answered: “Yes, your honour. It all began, when Barty was a child. I was working as an auror back then and had had barely any time with my family. Wilma back then said that everything is alright, but I had a bad feeling regarding her statement. When Barty started to attend Hogwarts, I started to pay closer attention to my son, in order to make sure that he doesn’t slack off in school. But it was hard since I had risen the ranks of becoming head auror and later, during Barty’s second year, I became deputy- head of the auror office. Regardless of my rank, I managed to get some free slots, in order to spend some time with my family, and there, I noticed the issues and problems in my family. The first thing that I have seen was my house elf, Winky, burying remains of animals. When I asked my house elf about the cadavers, Winky told me that Barty had been killing his pets. From that point on, I banned Barty from having any pets, but that didn’t stop him from stealing his house mates’ pets and killing them. I received many notifications from his head of house, Professor Filius Flitwick, back then.” Bartemius handed over the notes that he had received from the school. Even though, they were decades old, they were in good perservation.

Cyrus explained: “Filius Flitwick will be here as witness since he can give you some specifics regarding Lord Crouch’s ex-son’s behaviour during his time in school.”

Olivia nodded and went through the notifications. She returned her attention to the man after she was finished going through the notes. “Continue, Lord Crouch.”

“After Barty’s fifth year, I arranged a mind healer to examine him since I was at my wits’ end with him. The mind healer, Cynthia Thompson, diagnosed that my son was suffering from psychopathic tendencies and that he needed treatment immediately. But for that, I needed my wife’s approval.” Bartemius gave the judge the mind healer report. Olivia went through the report line by line. After she was finished viewing the parchment, she allowed Bartemius to continue. “When Wilma got wind of it, she threw the biggest fit in the world and said that Barty doesn’t need to be treated and that these issues are coming from the fact that I was neglecting him. But that isn’t the truth. According to the mind healer report, neglect isn’t the cause for Barty’s mental issues. Mind Healer Thompson found out that Wilma’s treatment of spoiling him and making excuses for his bad behaviour is the main reason why Barty’s psychopathic tendencies worsened. Then, Barty joined the death eaters and after he was caught and arrested with the Lestrange trio, I arranged for mind healers to examine Barty again. It was concluded that he was a psychopath, but he wasn’t incapable of guilt since he was conscious enough, when he committed those crimes. For that reason, I disowned him from the Crouch line. He brought nothing, but shame and disgrace to the family. Wilma threw a fit about the disownment, but I told her off that it was her own fault that Barty became a monster. If she had agreed to the treatment back then, then, he wouldn’t have become a death eater and murderer. From there on, we separated since I couldn’t tolerate her rants any longer and closed down her access to Crouch Manor and the other major properties of my family. I allowed her access to some smaller properties, where she could think things through, but Wilma moved to her parents’ home that was left after my in-laws have died. So, I closed down the other properties since I was sure that they wouldn’t be used. But she still didn’t accept the fact that Barty was guilty. Here are some letters and howlers that Wilma had sent me during the year of separation. With that, I am finished with my tale.” Bartemius handed the letters and the howlers to the judge. The woman looked through the evidence and was astounded by Lady Crouch’s stubbornness regarding her son’s mental health.

Wilma looked ready to explode, when Bartemius was telling his sob story, but Elphias warned her that any outburst would look bad in front of the judge. So, she stewed in her thoughts and was planning to contradict everything.

The judge turned her attention to Wilma and Elphias and asked: “Lady Crouch, can you tell me your side of the story?” She dreaded it since the woman looked ready to rant and she did rant like crazy. “This is a complete lie. Bartemius never once cared for our son and neglected him and me since he wanted to rise in the ministry. He was always career-oriented and ambitious.” With that, the woman continued her rant, how Lord Crouch was a bad father and how he always ignored their son. There were even accusations of mistreatment and abuse. The judge looked at the health report on Bartemius NoName that was made beside the mind healer report and there was no proof of abuse. Olivia came to the conclusion that the woman was lying, in order to make her husband look bad.

After half an hour later, Wilma was finished with her ranting. Cyrus had a headache and was ready to take a headache potion and a calming draught. The next time, Lucius Malfoy will do this. The man had laughed himself silly that he is taking on a divorce case. He will, then, ask him, if it was funny. But Cyrus wasn’t the only one, who had a headache. Elphias, Bartemius and Olivia wanted to take a headache cure too. That woman’s voice sounded like nails on a chalk board.

Olivia moved on to the witnesses and Bartemius requested to call upon Filius Flitwick, his ex-son’s former head of house, in order to have a clearer picture regarding his son’s mental issues. Olivia called the quarter goblin in.

Filius made his way into the courtroom. He was surprised that he had received a letter last week that he was to be witness in a court hearing. He informed the rest of the staff and the headmaster during a staff meeting that on December 11th, all of his classes would be cancelled since he had to attend the hearing in the ministry. Albus and Minerva looked ready to protest, but they couldn’t do anything since in case, Filius would be blocked by attending the court hearing, the aurors would come and lead him away to the hearing forcibly. And barring someone from attending a court hearing is a crime that could lead to a minimum sentence of six months under probation to 5 years in Azkaban. Filius knew that none of them were ready to have charges against them. He also made sure that the classes would be postponed on Saturday in a mandatory tutoring.

Olivia said: “Please take a seat, Master Flitwick.” The quarter goblin obliged and sat down on the witness stand. Olivia began with the procedure of the records. “Your name is Filius Flitwick. You are currently the Charms Master of Hogwarts and the head of the Ravenclaw house. Is that correct?”

Filius answered: “Yes.”

“What is your civil status?”, Olivia questioned.

“Unmarried”, Filius said formally.

Olivia nodded and noted it down. She began: “Master Flitwick, you were called by Lord Bartemius Crouch about his ex-son’s mental health problems, when he was a child and teenager, and later as an adult, he was diagnosed of being a psychopath last year by the court-mandated mind healers. This part is vital since Lady Crouch is accusing her husband that these psychopathic tendencies were caused by his neglect towards her and Bartemius NoName. What can you tell us about Bartemius NoName’s issues and later, his psychopathy?”

Filius heaved out a sigh. He was disappointed about his former raven of what he had become. Filius had studied Barty’s school file before the hearing and he had taken it with him. He took out the file that he had shrunk out of his breast pocket. He also put up some charms, in order to make sure that there were no wrinkles on the parchment. He stood up and handed the file over to the judge. Olivia sighed. A school file of course and it was thick. There was a lot of paperwork in this hearing, but she will look at the content of the file later. Olivia asked the charms master: “Master Flitwick, can you tell us Bartemius NoName’s major activities during his time in Hogwarts?”

“Yes, your honour”, Filius answered politely. “Bartemius NoName formally known as Bartemius Crouch Jr. was a good student for the first two years in Hogwarts, but during his third year, he changed to the worse. He started to steal pets from the other students and had harmed them rather badly including his own. He received detention and point loss for animal cruelty. You would notice that there were many notes during his third and fourth year about his cruel behaviour. During his fifth year, he had started to kill the pets. First, he killed his own pet and then, went around killing his school mates’ pets by gutting them. He was of course caught and was suspended for three months for what he had done.” Olivia nodded in understanding going over the suspension on Barty NoName’s fifth year in Hogwarts. She was sickened, what he had done to the pets.

Filius continued: “Then, he started to harm his house mates, school mates and the younger years during his sixth and seventh year. There was an incident, where he used a tripping jinx on a first year in front of a staircase and injured the child severely. He was caught and received another suspension, because the boy had to spend a few days in St. Mungos. There were also some accusations of sexual assault, but there was no proof of such. If there was anything true to these accusations, I am sure that Bartemius NoName would have faced an expulsion from Hogwarts.” Olivia had to digest that information. Bartemius NoName was really a psychopath and a monster. This is undeniable.

Wilma combusted in fury and shrieked: “How dare you make my baby look like a monster! He has done nothing wrong. Barty always told me that his fellow year mates have bullied him and that you and the other members of staff did nothing. He was treated like trash in school and was punished unfairly.” How dare her former head of house say something so atrocious against her baby boy. In her mind, Barty was alright. “The only solace he had were his friends, who understood him and supported him since I wasn’t able to be there for him.”

Filius shook his head in disappointment. He once respected Wilma McPatrick, but now, he only felt disgust towards the woman. As a mother, she failed horribly since she had raised a monster that had wasted his potential for Voldemort and his cruel followers.

Olivia had enough and said in authoritarian tone: “Lady Crouch, you will remain silent. I know that the truth is inconvenient and can be painful to hear, but by going over the file and hearing from Master Flitwick, what your son was like during his time in school, it is clear to me that your son had these tendencies, when he was a student. Reading his school file, I have noticed a pattern that he had started stealing and harming pets from his house mates and the other students in Hogwarts, when he was in his third and fourth year and then, he started killing the pets of his house mates and school mates during his fifth year including his own pets. Then, there is the fact that he was harming the students during his last two years in school. Lady Crouch, I am tending to believe the school file and Master Flitwick since the notifications also came from the other members of staff and the other heads of house like Horace Slughorn, Pomona Sprout and Minerva McGonagall.”

Elphias rose his eyebrows in shock, when Minerva’s name was mentioned. This didn’t look good. If Minerva was involved in this slightly, then, his defence could fall. The judge could demand to speak with the other professors and he was sure that there was no way to convince Minerva that Bartemius NoName was a good student since the woman hated Wilma’s son with a passion.

Wilma wanted to let out a scream of fury, but her lawyer gave her a warning look. She remained silent, but she swore to make Filius pay for his words.

Olivia questioned: “Are there any other questions for Master Flitwick?”

Both lawyers shook their heads. The judge continued: “Good, then, let’s call upon the next witness, Veronica McPatrick. Lord Doge, you were the one to call her upon as witness, in order to prove Lady Crouch’s standpoint that Lord Crouch was a bad husband and father.”

Bartemius wanted to groan. It was bad enough to listen to Wilma’s rant, but hearing Veronica and Wilma at the same time is a complete nightmare. Those two could wake up the dead with their shrill voices.

When the woman entered the courtroom and sat down in a huff, her identity was quickly confirmed and the nightmare started. Veronica was yelling at Bartemius, how he was a cruel man towards her sweet sister and her nephew, and that he was the reason that her nephew, Bartemius NoName, became a criminal. The rant continued on and Wilma supported her sister with her own rants and tirades against her own husband. Olivia, Cyrus, Elphias and Bartemius developed a massive headache and when Veronica was finished, Olivia ordered a recess much to the relief of Cyrus, Elphias and Bartemius. They needed some headache potions.

Fifteen minutes later, Olivia entered the courtroom refilled with new energy and continued the hearing with a sigh, in order to finish the case quickly. The headache was subdued. “Well, let’s continue with the court hearing Crouch vs. Crouch.”

Everyone sat down. “Lord Greengrass, you have another witness?”

“Yes, your honour, I am calling upon Cynthia Thompson. She was the mind healer that my client had hired to examine his ex-son, when he was a teenager”, Cyrus said formally.

Olivia nodded and called for Cynthia Thompson. A woman in her fifties entered the courtroom.

When her identity was quickly confirmed, Olivia started to question her regarding her mind healer reports about Bartemius NoName and his home life, which also included the family dynamics. The woman answered: “Bartemius NoName. Ah yes, I remember him. He was one of my worst cases that I have ever seen. He had psychopathic tendencies and was a sadist, when he was a student. I urged Lord Crouch that his son needed treatment immediately and the man agreed. But Lady Crouch like a spoilt toddler threw a fit and refused. I don’t understand why Lord Crouch didn’t use the clause of solo parentis. It could have saved us all the trouble, but it is in the past and we can’t dwell on it. And now, there is the family dynamics. Lord Crouch had been an auror, when Bartemius NoName was born, and I remember that both Lord and Lady Crouch had agreed that Wilma Crouch should raise the boy, whereas her husband would go to work and earn the money. I wouldn’t say that Lord Crouch intentionally neglected his son since he had been working non-stop, in order to maintain the family’s fortune and making sure that his wife and child should live comfortingly. Lady Crouch, on the other hand, was bad at raising her son. I managed to deduce that she had spoilt him outrageously with the help of her sister and made excuses for his bad behaviour.”

Wilma was ready to kill. How dare that woman? How dare she make such a judgement? Veronica was enraged that the woman was judging her like this.

The lawyers and the judge questioned the mind healer further. The next witness was the court-mandated mind healer that had reported similar issues like Mind Healer Thompson.

When that was done, Olivia concluded the trial. She knew that the results are clear. The judge stood up and announced: “All rise.” Everyone in the courtroom stood up. “In the name of Lady Magic, I approve Lord Bartemius Crouch’s application for divorce against his wife, Lady Wilma Crouch. I reject Lady Wilma Crouch’s suits of refusing Lord Bartemius Crouch’s suit and I also decline Lady Wilma Crouch any recompensation and support from the Crouch Family due to her actions and inactions regarding her son, Bartemius NoName. So, mote it be.”

With that, the sentence became binding, when Olivia was finished. Wilma was ready to scream. This couldn’t be happening. Veronica looked ready to curse the judge. How dare she? Her sister and her nephew were abused and mistreated and now, that bastard got away with it without even a slap on the wrist. Elphias sighed. This was a setback, but the case was clear.

Bartemius was relieved that everything was over. When the sentence had passed, a stone was lifted from his body. Finally, he was free from that shrew. Cyrus was glad that the hearing was over. He would have committed mass murder, if he had spent here any longer.

Olivia also told Wilma that she would carry the cost of the hearing, which infuriated the woman and her sister even further.

With that, the spectators and the participants left the courtroom. Filius returned back to the school. Bartemius and Cyrus were going back to their respective homes and Wilma and Veronica were making their way with Elphias to the headmaster’s office. They are going to have a ‘nice’ chat with the headmaster about the outcome of the hearing.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

In the headmaster’s office, shrieks and screams of fury could be heard across the entire castle. Wilma and Veronica McPatrick were screaming Dumbledore’s, McGonagall’s and Doge’s ears off. Both women were absolutely furious about the outcome of the court hearing.

Albus wanted to kill Bartemius Crouch. That man caused more damage to his plans than it was worth it. Thanks to Crouch’s divorce, he had lost control over the Crouch Family. He needed to find out why Bartemius had chosen to disown his own son even though the Crouch line is ending, but there is also the fact that the man became proxy over the Kingston seats and he needed to know, who had claimed the title.

Everything is going the wrong way. Bartemius was supposed to get together with Wilma and plan a way to break their son out of prison, but no, the man had divorced his wife and destroyed his plans regarding the Crouch Family.

“Wilma, Veronica, my dears, please lower your voices. I know your distress, but we need a plan, how to deal with this problem”, Albus tried in calming voice.

Both women got quiet, but they still had glares on their faces. Minerva and Elphias were relieved that things gotten quiet and had their attentions to Albus hoping that the man knew a way around this issue.

Albus quickly collected himself and began to explain: “For now, my dears, I can only suggest to keep your heads down. There is nothing much that I can do for you. Going against the man now is a political suicide, because I am sure that the press was present during the court hearing.”

When Albus said that, an owl flew in with the evening edition with the headline: BARTEMIUS CROUCH DIVORCED! WILMA MCPATRICK (FORMALLY CROUCH) LEFT WITH NOTHING DUE TO HER FAILURES AS A MOTHER! Both women screeched, when they read the headline.

Albus really should keep his mouth shut. Things got even worse now, if it was possible. He paid the owl for the evening edition and opened the article regarding the divorce. When he was finished reading the article loudly to the other attendees in his office, Wilma started crying. Her life was ruined. She was comforted by her livid sister and an irate Minerva. Elphias rubbed his eyes like he was exhausted. This article brought the situation to rock bottom. Wilma’s reputation had been completely destroyed by this article. Veronica’s image was slightly tarnished.

Albus really wanted to kill Crouch painfully and slowly. He told Wilma and Veronica to keep their heads down since there was nothing that can be done. With that, the others left the office apart from Minerva.

“Albus, could things get even worse?”, Minerva asked. She was furious, how Wilma was disgraced. The woman and her sister were old friends of hers during her time in school, but Minerva never understood, how Wilma could have fallen in love with someone like Bartemius Crouch.

Albus sighed. “I hope not. This is a giant setback for our cause. Without Wilma’s connection as the wife of the head of the DMLE, our control over that particular department is weakened. We can’t suffer another setback like this one.” Minerva nodded in understanding, but she was still furious that Bartemius Crouch would treat his wife like this. Unfortunately, she can’t do anything. Minerva hates it that she is powerless in this situation.

Both were discussing, what to do. Albus was reminded that he needed to arrange another order meeting, in order to discuss the Wizengamot meeting before Yule and the school board meeting after. He wouldn’t have had time to do that after the trials since there are the midterm exams. He really hoped that things couldn’t get worse.

Podmore Manor, December 14th, 2002

This time, the order meeting was taking place in Podmore Manor. Albus was discussing with his followers about the Yule meeting. They needed to make some progress against the veelas before things were going out of control. All these setbacks were hindering his plans and this can’t continue on. Albus had the idea that the veelas should be banned from having bank accounts in Gringotts. He doesn’t care, how it will affect those filthy goblins since he believes that the witches and wizards were above them and can push laws that the goblins had to follow. But Albus forgot that the goblin treaties will stop that.

Arthur didn’t know, if Albus is insane or a fool or maybe both, because interfering in Gringotts matters is very dangerous. There are many treaties that are magically enforceable and would cause many road blockers for Dumbledore and his followers. These interferences had led to many goblin wars and rebellions, if someone looked at the history of the goblin conflicts with the wizarding world. He also couldn’t believe that those fools were even agreeing with the old fool, but he is reminded that none of them learned from the mistakes in the past.

Many were desperate that this time, they were going to be successful. Another setback and this year will end up in failure.

Dedalus had the same thought like Arthur, but he would remain silent and watch, how this plan will fail. He asked the old fool: “Albus, what do you plan for the school board meeting after Yule?”

Albus forgot that the school board meeting will take place on December 23rd. Three days after the Yule meeting. Albus said: “I plan to abolish the marking scheme in the history class since it discourages the students from prospering in the class.” The man went on for another half an hour speech, how the marking scheme was unfair and too strict.

Arthur wanted to shake his head. This will fail. No one will vote for the removal of the marking scheme. He will inform the others.

When they were finished with the discussion, James turned the topic to Crouch’s divorce. “I can’t believe that Crouch had really divorced his wife. I thought, he was joking last year.”

Many agreed, but Arthur and Dedalus rolled their eyes. It was clear that the man doesn’t do things in halves. Arthur said: “That woman created a death eater, James. If she had allowed her son to be treated by mind healers, Barty Jr. wouldn’t have become a death eater. He would have been a half-decent man. McPatrick had done Jr. no favours, when she spoiled him and made excuses for his bad behaviour.”

Elphias agreed and added: “You should have seen, how defensive she was especially, when Professor Flitwick was questioned about Barty Jr.’s school life. There was a pattern, how he became a psychopath. For the first two school years, he was quiet, but in his third and fourth year he started to steal and harm the pets from the other students. Then, in his fifth year, Barty Jr. started to kill animals including his own pets and in his last two school years, he had started attacking the students including his own house mates. That boy was a menace during his time in school, if you exclude the first two school years.”

“That is maybe true, but the divorce is a setback since without Wilma, Bartemius can’t be influenced any longer”, Minerva said stiffly.

Everyone had agreed with that. Dedalus and Arthur were glad that Bartemius was out of the order’s influence, whereas the others were angry about this aspect since they had to be more careful than before. Maybe Wilma had her uses.

“Elphias, I have heard that Cyrus Greengrass represented Crouch during his divorce. How was it?”, Arthur asked.

The man sighed. “He had done well. Crouch and Greengrass had a lot of evidence that damaged Wilma in court and convinced the judge. Even a beginner would have been able to win this case since it was clear that Wilma has no one else to blame than herself. I told her and her sister repeatedly that their accusations against Crouch will not work, but they didn’t listen and she demanded recompensation and support from her husband for the ‘bad’ treatment that she and her son had suffered. It was denied of course since all the evidence against Wilma was damaging. Even the witnesses that Crouch had presented were accurate with their statements and were neutral. Additionally, her and her sister’s rants were not helping the matter. There was a recess, where the judge, Greengrass, Crouch and I needed a headache potion.”

Hearing this, Albus sighed. He didn’t know that things were so bad during the court hearing, but listening to Elphias talking about the procedure, it was really bad. He hated that his followers were so stubborn sometimes.

Many order members chattered about the court hearing until Albus ended the order meeting.

Wizengamot, December 17th, 2002

The Wizengamot trials were proceeding their second day. Since December 15th was a Sunday, the trials were moved to the dates of December 16th and 17th. None of the Wizengamot members wanted to sacrifice their free day for the trials. But unlike the first day, the second day had some of the members on edge and when they reached the Os, O’Connell was called upon to be trialed.

Albus was startled, when he went over the file since he was involved with the case of Eric and Isabella Jugson. The man had cooperated in exchange of some information and had pleaded guilty. Albus read out the charges against the crook, where the man was accused of obstruction of justice and espionage.

O’Connell pleaded guilty and a plea deal was discussed. Due to the gravity of Christina O’Neill’s injury, the fact that he had known that there was a mole in the DMLE and that he didn’t report neither Isabella nor Eric, the court sentenced him to five years in prison. O’Connell would spend a few years in Azkaban much to the man’s horror since he thought that he would receive a probation period.

Amelia and Corban smirked at the look on O’Connell’s face. The man believed that he would get a probation. Oh, how wrong he was. The gravity of his inactions and actions was high. He should have thought of that that helping Isabella and Eric had costed him his freedom for the next five years.

Alexander was cursing Isabella, Eric and the DMLE. He shouldn’t have gotten involved into this business, but the money from the Jugsons was too good to deny. Now, he has to spend the next five years in Azkaban and he has no one else to blame than himself.

After the Wizengamot trials, Cyrus had a quick meeting with Christina in the DMLE and told her that they could file the lawsuit now. The woman gave Cyrus the green light and the Lord of the House Greengrass filed the lawsuit. It was time to make the Jugsons bleed and he also added Alexander due to his involvement. He couldn’t wait for the reactions of the Jugsons and O’Connell that they are sued. This would be better than the divorce of the Crouchs.

Malfoy Manor, December 18th, 2002

The Grey Alliance had their meeting in Malfoy Manor. Arthur had told them, what Dumbledore was planning, and everyone was stunned. Adriana nearly shrieked: “That man needs to be committed in the Janus Thickey Ward. He has become senile or is he completely insane? Interfering in the runnings of Gringotts had led to goblin wars and rebellions in the past. This nomination will cause another goblin war and I am sure that the veelas will help the goblins in this. No one would be foolish enough to fight with the combined forces of the goblins and the veelas.” Everyone shuddered at that idea. They would rather betray the wizarding world to the veelas and goblins than to support the ministry with this insane nomination. They want to live long lives and not have their lives cut short due to a senile, old coot and his mindless drones.

“We will stop that nomination and I know a perfect distraction that could help us”, Narcissa said in a determined voice. Everyone had their attention on the Malfoy matriarch even her husband, who was exasperated by Dumbledore and his fools.

When everyone was quiet, Narcissa began: “We motion to open up a mall like in the muggle world. Many smaller shops in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were complaining about the ministry rising the taxes to their lands and their rents, which is causing the prices in those shops to rise.” After the ministry was founded, the last descendant of Hengis of Woodcroft had handed the entire Hogsmeade village over to the ministry. Unlike Hogwarts, which is a semi-private institution since the school is only answerable to the Department of Education and isn’t owned by the ministry since the founders’ heirs have to hand it over unanimously, which hasn’t happened due to the missing Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff heirs during the foundation of the ministry, Hogsmeade was owned by the ministry after the last descendant of Hengis of Woodcroft had died and the line had come to an end.

Narcissa continued glancing at Pandora: “If we open up a mall on some land that is not ministry owned, then, the ministry couldn’t demand taxes and rents from the smaller shop owners since the owner of the land can decide, how much rent the shop owners had to pay and how high the taxes should be. It would stop the closure of many of these shops. Furthermore, the bigger and more successful shops like the Three Broomsticks, the Hogshead, Zonko, Honeyduke and many other well-known shops and restaurants would be able to open up a second shop and restaurant in the mall, which would expand their business in the magical world. Even the shops in Diagon Alley would have the chance to do the same and would benefit from it.” Many liked the idea and there could be an economic boom in their world.

Pandora said knowing that her Ravenclaw inheritance would help them in this matter and it would since there was still empty land that can be put to use: “There is still some land that Rowena Ravenclaw had owned on the other side of the village. There would be enough space for a mall, but doesn’t the ministry need to approve these projects and is it really possible that the ministry can’t demand taxes from these shops in the mall?”

“The Wizengamot is the one that is responsible for approving these projects, Pandora. Apart from that, do you think that anyone would be stupid enough to say no to the expanding of the businesses in our world and pass a possible chance of making a bigger profit from them.” Many shook their heads. Only a fool would miss this opportunity.

Lucius explained: “And to the tax issue, Pandora, I can tell you that the mall would be built on your land and since the land is in the possession of the Ravenclaw Family even before the ministry was founded, then, the ministry can’t demand taxes from the shop owners in the mall since this is your land and you are the landlady. They could only demand taxes from you for possessing and using the land, which wouldn’t be much from the rent that you would earn from the shop owners, but they can’t demand taxes from the shop keepers in the mall, Pandora, due to the laws.”

Pandora nodded in understanding and Cyrus agreed with Lucius. Both were rising stars in their fields, so, Pandora can trust their word.

Everyone agreed that the mall seemed to be a good distraction.

Narcissa finalised the Wizengamot meeting: “And we will nominate, when Dumbledore is distracted, to put the current anti-creature laws against all magical beings and creatures that have the affinity to fire under question. For that, we will not only use the treaty with the veelas, but also the ICW laws that are regulating the relations between wixens and magical beings that have the affinity of fire. Additionally, the laws would also help the magical community, how witches and wizards should handle magical creatures that have a fire affinity without doing any harm.” Everyone agreed. Lucius and Cyrus would get the ICW laws.

Narcissa turned her topic to the school board meeting. Arthur explained that Dumbledore was planning to remove the marking scheme from the ICW standards since it was ‘unfair’. Everyone rolled their eyes. The fool had tried the same with the potion class, but thankfully he had failed. Narcissa said: “We will use the same excuse like last time. But we need a distraction for that.” She gave the Rookwood and Rowle Lords an expectant look.

Augustus and Thorfinn were practically grinning. Augustus announced: “We have good news. The head of the Unspeakables has approved the request and is allowing one of the Unspeakables to tutor Transfiguration. She has a mastery, so, you don’t have to worry about her qualifications.”

“That’s good. Then, this will be our distraction. If we explain to the rest of the board that McGonagall didn’t do any tutoring due to her positions as deputy-headmistress and head of house, then, Dumbledore will be stuck since many would demand that he either forces McGonagall to do the tutoring, which would stretch the woman thin with the workload that she would have to do, or he hires a tutor with a Transfiguration Mastery”, Danielle explained.

Many liked the idea and Narcissa finished: “And with that distraction, we will nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Muggle/Wixen studies. The Muggle Study class should help the wixen-raised children, how to go around the muggle world without being spotted. It teaches our children, how to hide in the non-magical world. The muggle-raised should learn, how to get around our world and learn, how the wizarding society is operating. Apart from that, it would lower the numbers of muggle-raised that are going back in the non-magical world. Do you know how many muggle-raised graduates have returned in the muggle world since the class was cancelled?” Many shook their heads. “Over 67%. These are two-thirds. No wonder, the ministry is understaffed.” Many were shocked. That class needs to pass no matter what.

“There is something else”, Pandora added quickly. Everyone turned their attention to the Ravenclaw heiress. “Professor Flitwick had written to me a proposal for his class. He requested that I nominate the ICW curriculum for Charms during the December meeting. Filius had thought long and hard about this, but at the end, he decided that it would be a good idea and the students would learn his class appropriately. This would distract Dumbledore greatly for the next six months from the potion class. Severus warned us that Dumbledore will try to lower the class again and it would be annoying not only for us, but also the other board members to go through everything a second time, in order to stop him.”

Narcissa grinned. “This is a wonderful idea, Pandora. Dumbledore would have another road blocker.” Everyone chattered a bit and agreed that this plan would work.

“Now change of topic. Cyrus, how was the divorce case last week?”, Adriana asked.

Cyrus groaned. Of course, someone is going to ask him about the divorce of the Crouchs. “It was a terrible nightmare. Listening to Wilma was bad enough, but her sister, Veronica McPatrick, was even worse and things went rock bottom, when both were screeching at the same time.” Lucius and the others chuckled. Cyrus glared at his ‘colleague’. “Don’t laugh, Malfoy. If you were in my shoes, you would have rather faced Riddle’s wand, then, listening to those two. I swear, even Voldemort would have made a run, if he had to listen to those two harpies.” Everyone laughed. Lucius somehow agreed. He would have rather been murdered by Riddle than to listen to those banshees screeching his ears off.

Corban explained: “That is the reason why, Amelia and I joined the DMLE. There is at least some action.” He continued: “If you hate this part of your job, Cyrus, why don’t you work for the prosecution office? The department is still in need of lawyers.”

Cyrus just huffed: “I wish that it was this easy, but my job as barrister helps me to represent also those that are filing lawsuits. Speaking of lawsuits, your colleague, Christina O’Neill, has filed one against the Jugsons and Alexander O’Connell.”

“Really?! That’s great. I want to see that family and O’Connell bleed for what had happened to my undercover aurors. It was a lot of work to replace all of them and the paperwork for this mess is horrifying”, Amelia said with a dangerous smile and a glint in her eyes, which caused some shivers of fear. Amelia could be scary, if she is angered.

“Don’t panic, Amelia, they will suffer for this mess”, Cyrus assured the deputy head of the auror office.

Corban just grinned remembering O’Connell’s trial. Clara huffed: “Why are you grinning, Corban?” She had a suspicion why.

“I remember the trial of O’Connell, Clara. You should have seen his face, when he was sentenced to five years in prison. He really believed that he would get a probation for what he had done and for what he hadn’t.” Corban chuckled.

“Yes, I remember that. It was satisfying”, Amelia answered with a sadistic grin.

Everyone agreed. O’Connell really thought that he would get a light sentence, but he received a nasty surprise.

They chattered for a while longer until everyone had to go home.

Wizengamot, December 20th, 2002

Narcissa was attending her second Yule meeting. This time, she had gone Yule shopping yesterday, in order to distract herself since she was nervous regarding the meeting and to make sure that she didn’t miss Yule shopping like last year. The meeting had started with Dumbledore opening the session. The first thing that was discussed, if there were any reassignments to be made. Corban rose his wand and stood up. The auror announced that he is going to make the reassignment at the end of the session, which was accepted. When it was time to make nominations, one of Dumbledore’s sheep rose their wand and he was chosen in favour over the others. Albus’ biases are also clearly shown in the Wizengamot that he is favouring his disciples. The fool made the motion to ban veelas from having bank accounts in Gringotts. Furthermore, the idiot claims that this law against the veelas should prevent the goblins from opening up accounts since the goblins need to follow their laws.

Lucius and Cyrus wanted to groan like they were in actual pain. It is painful to listen to this nonsense. These fools are so uneducated. It is unbelievable. Thankfully, they had the treaty with the veelas and the goblin treaty regarding bank accounts. This should stop them. The majority looked pale at the idea of interfering in bank business. Many goblin wars and rebellions were caused by these interferences.

When the fool was finished, Albus questioned, if there was another proposal. Pandora rose her wand and Albus chose her with a brittle smile hoping that the woman wasn’t going to make things harder for him.

Pandora stood up and proposed: “My dear Lords, Ladies, I am nominating to open up a mall in Hogsmeade, so that our businesses in our world can expand and our economy does improve. On the other side of the village, there is some land that I have inherited from my Ravenclaw inheritance and I don’t know, what to do with it, but when I was told about the malls in the muggle world, I found the idea of opening up a mall like the muggles do to be good since it allows the smaller shops and businesses a chance to open up in a better environment and the bigger and more successful businesses like the Three Broomsticks, Zonkos, the Hogshead and many more are able to expand their businesses in the mall.”

“And what about taxes? Many businesses and shops could use that to evade taxes from the ministry”, Lord Selwyn questioned.

Pandora answered: “The taxes would be my problem since the land is in possession of the Ravenclaw line even before the ministry was founded. I mean everyone here is paying taxes for their lands that they own. The shops and businesses in the mall would only be responsible for paying the rent, which would also include the taxes that I have to pay.”

Many nodded and were chattering about the motion. Narcissa was glad that the motion was seen in a positive light, but her good mood was interrupted, when a huge argument broke out in the light section. Dumbledore’s sheep were throwing tantrums about the nomination since the elder generation didn’t like the proposal one bit. The old fool tries to calm down his followers, but he was failing and the man quickly erected a privacy ward. With that, Dumbledore stepped back for the time being and Aurelia Acton took over and banged her gavel on the podium. “There seemed to be some problems in the light section, but I can continue on with the meeting.” Everyone nodded and Lady Acton asked: “Are there any other nominations?”

Lucius rose his wand. “Lord Malfoy?”

The Malfoy patriarch stood up and announced: “I have a protest to make, Lady Acton. It is regarding the first nomination that has been made against the veelas. This proposal is dangerous since we would violate two treaties. The one treaty is the aforementioned treaty with the Veela Nations, where one of the clauses is stating that we are not allowed to interfere with their businesses, which also includes bank business. The second treaty is a goblin treaty regarding the bank accounts. One of the clauses states that a bank account can’t be banned by the ministry and the Wizengamot. The ministry can request Gringotts to freeze or to seize an account, but there must be a good reason in our appeal to the goblins. The ministry and the Wizengamot would break this treaty, if we allow this nomination to pass. We would have another goblin war and the goblins would also have the support from the veelas. Do you really want to fight a war against two magical beings, which one of them is a war race?” Many swallowed hard and shook their heads.

Lucius sat back and Aurelia continued with a shuddering breath. “Are there any other protests or nominations?”

Amelia rose her wand. “Lady Bones?” The woman rose from her seat and began: “Lords, Ladies, I have gone through the treaty from 1617 line by line and compared it with our laws, bans and restrictions that have been passed recently against the veelas and what I have found is astounding and terrifying. All those bans, restrictions and laws are violating certain clauses of the treaty and they can’t remain active since they are a risk to our society. Then, I also went through the ICW laws that is regulating our relations with magical beings and our handling of magical creatures that have the affinity to fire including the veelas and compared these laws with our laws and unfortunately, we are violating many ICW laws with our laws, bans and restrictions.” The woman handed over the laws, bans and restrictions in their country and then, she dished out the ICW laws and the treaty. Amelia made sure to put a mark, which laws were violating what ICW law and what clause of the treaty with the veelas. Many were stunned and horrified. Violating the treaty is one thing, but violating the ICW laws is very dangerous since they could be kicked off and isolated by the rest of the magical world. Britain could end up as a magical version of North Korea. Amelia announced: “For that reason, I am proposing to put those endangering laws on ice for the next five years. We need to rework those laws, bans and restrictions, in order to adjust them better with the clauses of the treaty and the ICW laws. As replacement, we are going to use the ICW laws and the clauses of the treaty for the time being.” A majority agreed on that. Even the darker purebloods were not making a fuss, but the members of the Anti-Creature Party were in a blind fury.

Amelia sat down and many chatters had started. When Dumbledore was finished, he retook his podium asking: “Were there any other nominations, Aurelia?”

“Yes, Lady Bones nominated to put the current bans, restrictions and laws against all magical beings and creatures that have the affinity to fire including the veelas under question. The reason for the proposal is that many ICW laws and the treaty with the veelas would be violated by these laws, bans and restrictions”, Aurelia said hiding a smirk.

Albus was numb with shock. This couldn’t be happening. What was he supposed to do now? Going over the documents that Amelia had provided for her nomination, Albus was stuck. Protesting against Amelia’s nomination would lead to too many questions, why he wants a war with the veelas and why he would want Magical Britain to be isolated by the rest of the world. He pulled himself together and went on with the voting. His followers had made many protests that were baseless.

The first nomination failed, which made Albus and the nominee angry. This was their last chance. The second proposal passed with a great majority. The last motion from Amelia passed with a landslide vote, which infuriated Albus and his followers and made the members of the Anti-Creature Party livid. This was a giant setback.

Before the meeting could end, Albus turned his attention to Corban Yaxley. “Lord Yaxley, you have requested to reassign your seats at the end of this session.”

Corban stood up and said: “Yes. I am reassigning the Yaxley seats to the neutral fraction.” With that, Corban moved away from the dark fraction and the seat disappeared.

When Corban set his foot on the floor, where the members of the neutral party were sitting, the Yaxley seat reappeared between Clara and Cyrus Greengrass. The man retook his seat.

Albus was stunned. The dark fraction has lost some power, but this could also bite him back hard, if more people from the dark fraction like Yaxley are reassigning their seats to the neutrals. He could lose his Head Governor and Chief Warlock position due to these reassignments.

The darker purebloods were furious about the loss of the Yaxley seats. They hoped that they aren’t going to lose more members, because of Isabella and Aurelius.

With that, the meeting came to an end.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

Albus was absolutely furious. This meeting was their last chance to put a ban on the veelas and it had backfired on them. And to make matters worse, Amelia nominated to put all the laws, restrictions and bans that he had worked so hard on under question. They are now on ice and as replacement the clauses of the treaty and the ICW laws would be used for the time being. This was his biggest setback and he wasn’t sure, if he was able to fix things.

“Albus. Is everything alright?”, Lily asked in a timid voice.

Albus took a deep breath pushing his anger down. “Everything is alright my dear. I am only disappointed about the outcome of the Wizengamot meeting.”

“Disappointing is an understatement, Albus. This was a travesty. We have not only lost, but all the laws, bans and restrictions that you have worked on so hard against all these filthy creatures that have the affinity to fire were put on ice and were replaced by that stupid treaty and these weak ICW laws”, Caradoc ranted.

An argument broke out in Dumbledore’s office. Many were trying to think of ways to fix this, but couldn’t find anything. Albus sighed. What was happening? It has been over a year since Tom was defeated by Harry. Albus knew that Harry is the one, who defeated Voldemort, since he checked up his memories again and noticed the scar. So, he had made many plans for the boy. He had announced John as the boy-who-lived, in order to prepare Harry outside of the spotlight. The boy would sacrifice himself like a martyr, so that he would be able to defeat Voldemort. But in order to make sure that his plans do work, the boy needed to be raised submissive and malleable. That is the reason why he sent him to the Dursleys. He knew that they hate magic and he is sure that they would abuse him. They would also keep him in ignorance regarding his magical heritage, in order to stop the brat from finding out about his political power. This could be dangerous.

When Harry is going to start Hogwarts, Albus would begin to execute his plans for the boy. But for now, he is asking himself, why nothing is going his way. Why are his nominations failing and why are the counter-nominations passing? He needed to find out, what is happening before things went out of control.

The argument came to an end, when Albus wanted to be left alone in his office. The man was still furious and needed to let out some steam.

When everyone was gone, Albus let his magic lash out and destroyed his office in his pure rage.

After he had calmed down, Albus fixed his office up and sat back to think. There is still the school board meeting on Monday and this meeting needs to be successful or there were going to be some corpses.

Yaxley Manor, December 21st, 2002

This year, the Yule celebration is taking place in Yaxley Manor. Corban and Clara were doing their vow renewal in front of their friends and close allies. Unfortunately, they had to deal with some unsavoury people too. Albus Dumbledore and his followers were attending the vow renewal. Among Dumbledore’s followers, there were also Stuart Fenwick and his goons, who had glares on their faces towards Corban. The blood purists had a look of pure disgust even though they were hiding their true feelings behind their masks. The Flints, Vaisleys, Puceys, Montagues and Warringtons were conflicted. At one point, they don’t like muggleborns, but on the other hand, Clara was a squibborn and had a noble title in the magical world. There is also the fact that she was accepted by the chamber’s magic as Lady Evandrus, which wouldn’t be possible, if she was a line thief.

James and Sirius were seething, when they saw Stuart’s hurt and furious look. They understood that feeling. Stuart truly loved Clara, but the woman chose a dark wizard over their friend and now, it would be official that Clara Yaxley would be now Lady Yaxley, when the vow renewal was finished. He would have liked to accuse Yaxley of binding Clara to him and making her a sex toy, but it wouldn’t work since Yaxley does the same vow like his wife binding himself to her.

After they had kissed, both sat down on their respective tables surrounded by their children and a subdued Seraphina Yaxley. The woman was a shell of her former self, and many pureblood supremacists felt bad for her since she had no one in the family apart from her blood traitor of a brother, his mudblood wife and their filthy halfblooded children. The blood purists only came here, in order to see Seraphina and how she is doing. They wished, they could do something for her, but they couldn’t since interfering in family matters is a death penalty. The Yule dinner started, but there wouldn’t be a Yule log since Dumbledore and his fools are here. There would be a Yule log after the old fool and his followers were gone. They wouldn’t remain here for long.

Stuart was eating his food in disgust. He glared at Yaxley. He muttered angrily: “That bastard. How dare he steal, what is mine! Why did Clara choose him?”

Arthur raised his eyebrows. “From what I have heard, they are soulmates.”

“I know, Arthur, but why him? Why not me? I would have made her life happy. I am sure that she is miserable with Yaxley even though they are soulmates”, Stuart finished with a determined, but pained voice.

“And we will prove it that Clara is in an abusive relationship, Stuart. At the end, you will get together with Clara and Corban would be rotting away in Azkaban. We also need to save the children from a bad father”, James said in a firm tone.

Arthur really wanted to shake his head. James can try whatever he wants, but proving that Corban is a bad husband and father is like proving that he is a blood purist.

When the dinner was finished, Albus and his followers left earlier since Stuart had gotten drunk due to his grief of losing a chance with his dream woman and the man had started some insulting rants against Corban, which embarrassed Albus. Everyone sighed in relief, when Albus and his followers left the Yule wedding. Clara ordered: “Binky!”

“Mistress called for Binky!”, the elf squeaked at her kind mistress. The Yaxley house elves adored Corban, Clara and their children since the day, they have arrived in Yaxley Manor. Corban gave them some fabrics and ordered them to make uniforms that they have to wear, when they were working. They were also given a schedule that would allow them to rest for a day and clean themselves up. They are better masters than Aurelius, Gerald, Octavia and Seraphina, who were mean and abusive.

“Bring in the Yule log. This Yule needs to be celebrated appropriately with a Yule ritual”, Clara announced in a grand voice. Binky nodded and brought the Yule log. Seraphina was startled that Clara wanted a Yule log or that she was a participant in the Yule ritual. The blood purists were thinning their lips in displeasure that the mudblood whore is daring to defile the proceedings of the Yule ritual. Only purebloods should participate in these kinds of rituals. Mudbloods and blood traitors should be excepted from these proceedings since they bring dirt due to their magic. They will not participate in the Yule ritual this year since they don’t want to sully themselves. The Flints, Vaisleys, Puceys, Warringtons and Montagues were a little bit stunned that Clara is following the old ways and traditions. They could tell that the woman is an appropriate noble witch with a good heritage.

What surprised the blood purists was the participation of Arthur Weasley and his children in those proceedings. The man has changed over the years. The darker purebloods were not stupid unlike the light fools, they had seen the changes in Arthur Weasley even though he is trying to hide it. Sometimes, slips do happen and they could see a gleam in his eyes that was very familiar, but they couldn’t put it in. But what they had missed was the fact that Molly Weasley and the two youngest were missing in the family of redheads. Why didn’t they notice this? They would have to question it.

When Arthur retook his seat, Raphael Parkinson approached the redhead carefully. “Weasley, where is your wife? I mean her voice couldn’t be overheard by anything.”

“She is at home taking care of Ron and Ginny”, Arthur answered with a smile, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes that said danger.

Raphael didn’t understand why he was intimidated by Arthur Weasley of all people, but the gleam was familiar. Looking around, he saw that many were keeping their eyes on him and Raphael noticed the same gleam in Narcissa’s eyes. Then, it hit him, Narcissa is a daughter of the House Black. He had seen the gleam in Bellatrix, but how is Arthur related to the Blacks directly? Raphael answered: “I see.”

He returned back to his close friends and allies, who asked why he did retreat from Weasley of all people. He asked them: “Have you noticed the gleam on Weasley’s eyes?”

“Yes, but why is it so important?”, Willem Crabbe asked.

“Because, you idiot, I have seen that gleam from someone that made our lives hell, when we served our Lord”, Raphael nearly snapped at the brainless gorilla. He had kept his voice quiet since there were two well-known head aurors that are influential within the DMLE. Sometimes, he questioned himself, how Crabbe managed to get into Slytherin let alone earned the mark, when he is so stupid.

The blood purists swallowed. “You don’t mean…”

“Yes”, the Parkinson lord answered with a shiver.

“But how?”, Goyle questioned.

Martin Flint answered in a huff: “Do you know, who Arthur Weasley’s parents were?” Some shook their heads since they ignored the Weasleys during the war, but the others knew, but didn’t understand why it was important. The Flint lord just shook his head at the stupidity displayed by some of those fools. “Did any of you know Cedrella Weasley neé Black?”

“The hell spawn of Arcturus Black II and Lysandre Black neé Yaxley. As a girl and later, as a woman, she was vicious and dangerous, but I never understood why she would fall in love with Septimus Weasley of all people. He was the complete opposite of her. The man had a calm demeanour and unlike her and the other Gryffindors, he was a patient and silent person”, the old Lord Pucey said. Seeing the gleam in Arthur’s eyes leaving, the man barked out a laugh. “It seems like that Arthur Weasley is a mama’s boy. The Black Family Magics must be strong within him.” The darker purebloods swallowed hard. Okay, they never thought that Weasley could be dangerous. They needed to keep an eye on him. Underestimating a Black is dangerous and painful.

The Yule celebration continued on peacefully until the last guests were gone.

School board meeting, December 23rd, 2002

Another school board meeting was taking place and Narcissa was nervous again. The Wizengamot meeting three days ago was a success. She hoped that they would be successful in this meeting too. Narcissa saw the smirks on Augustus’ and Thorfinn’s faces and Pandora had a calm smile on her face, which assured Narcissa that they are ready. Oreana Burke had some conflicting feelings since she is going to reassign her seats in the school board to the neutral fraction.

Augustus and Thorfinn had smirks on their faces. Silvia Hecat is waiting in the antechamber of the Wizengamot chambers. She will be nominated after Dumbledore and his fools were finished with their motion. Pandora was prepared to update the Charms class and Oreana was a bit unsure about the reassignment in the school board. She had discussed it with her closest relatives and they agreed that it was for the best to move the Burke seat in the school board since reassigning the seat in the Wizengamot would be too dangerous due to Voldemort’s followers. But no one will make a fuss, if she moves the seats within the school governors.

The meeting started and Oreana rose her wand, when Dumbledore asked, if there were any reassignments in the school board. Albus was startled by that. “Lady Burke?” Oreana stood up and announced: “I will do a reassignment at the end of this session.” Albus nodded suspiciously, but he continued with the next order of business. The nominations. One of Dumbledore’s fools was proposing to remove the marking scheme from the history class since the scheme is discouraging students from learning and doing their assignments properly. Furthermore, the fool went on that it is limiting the students’ capability and is unfair. For Narcissa and the other members of the Grey Alliance, it was a tantrum. Seriously, their reasoning is childish and petty. They only complain since their children’s lives would get hard, when they start school. But it was time to negate this nomination.

When the idiot was finished, Albus asked, if there were any other nominations. Augustus rose his wand and Albus frowned, but regardless, the man chose him. “Lord Rookwood?” Many in the light fraction were glaring at the man. Augustus ignored those looks and began: “Esteemed members of this board, there is something that I would like to ask the headmaster.” Albus was startled by this and questioned: “What would you like to know, my boy?” Augustus tightened his jaw due to the disrespect, but remained calm. He asked: “Headmaster, I have a question regarding the tutoring of the Transfiguration class. I remember back then, when I was a student that Professor McGonagall had no tutoring sessions for her class. Why is that the case?”

“Well, my boy, Minerva has many duties to do for the school. She is teaching Transfiguration and has a lot of work to do as Deputy-Headmistress and Head of House.” Albus gave the man a grandfatherly smile.

“Did you know, headmaster, that the tutoring sessions are a requirement for the teachers since there are still some students, who are struggling?”, Augustus questioned the headmaster.

Albus swallowed hard. This was a trap. He didn’t have a choice then to say yes since the man would point the rule out in the Hogwarts charter. “Yes.”

Augustus just smiled. “Headmaster, I brought this up, because we need a Transfiguration tutor. I am not saying here that we force Minerva McGonagall to do this since she has many duties to do for the school, but I am proposing that we hire a Transfiguration tutor that could take over her duties in the tutoring sessions and for that reason, the Department of Mysteries is offering that my fellow colleague, Silvia Hecat, should take over the sessions. She has a mastery in this field and has been working in the department for two decades.” The woman entered the chamber from the antechamber and Augustus handed over the paperwork to the other members about Silvia’s CV and her qualifications and certificates.

Albus really wished that there was a way to shoot down the idea, but unfortunately, there was nothing he can do due to the charter and furthermore, an argument broke out within his followers, when James made the stupid comment against Rookwood: “We don’t need one of your death eater friends in the school corrupting the children with their dark ways. It is bad enough that Snape is teaching potions, but this Hecat woman must be a dark and evil witch like you since she is working in a department that has classified nearly every project. Not even the ministry knows, what is happening in the DoM, and no one knows exactly, what the Unspeakables are working on, which is dubious and dangerous.” It descended in a rant from the younger generation against the Department of Mysteries and the Unspeakables, who are accused of being death eater sympathisers and dark wizards and witches doing evil things, whereas the older generation knew the DoM better and tried to keep them quiet. Albus was ready to kill. Not only did James alienate the other board members, but he also caused an argument within his section.

With Dumbledore being distracted for the time being with his followers under a privacy bubble, Aurelia took over and questioned, if there were any other nominations.

Pandora rose her wand. “Lady Lovegood-Ravenclaw?” Aurelia chose the blond woman.

Pandora stood up and announced: “Two weeks ago, Professor Filius Flitwick sent me a request regarding his Charms class and because of that appeal from my former head of house, which is not a favour that I am doing for him, I am nominating to update the current Charms curriculum in Hogwarts with the ICW curriculum, so that the Hogwarts students are up to par with the rest of the world in Charms.”

Many liked the nomination from Pandora since it would allow the children to learn more, so that they are on the same level like the rest of the world.

When Pandora sat down, Aurelia managed to quiet down the other governors and asked: “Are there any other motions?”

Zachary Abbott rose his wand. “Lord Abbott?”, Aurelia announced.

The Abbott Lord rose from his seat and proposed: “For the primary school, I am nominating the ICW primary school curriculum for Muggle/Wizard Studies.” There was silence in the chambers. Zachary continued regardless that many were staring at him in shock about his nomination: “The reason why I am nominating that class is that many wizard-raised witches and wizards are underestimating muggles since the current material is outdated and many would think that the non-magicals had stopped developing in the 1950s. We need to learn, how to hide in the muggle world, if we are venturing and we would be spotted, if we don’t learn, how to hide. I remember what Arthur Weasley had shown us at the February Wizengamot meeting with the weaponry in the muggle world. In open warfare, we would lose. And then, there is the fact that muggles are still afraid of the unknown and uncontrollable.” Many agreed on that. “Then, there is the Wizard Study class. The muggle-raised need to learn, how to get around our world and how to live full magical lives.” Zachary handed out some files that had charts. “Since the class was cancelled, over 67% of the muggle-raised are leaving our world and going back into the muggle world. This can’t go on. The muggle-raised like the other witches and wizards deserve a chance to live in our world.” Many were in a full agreement apart from the blood purists.

After Zachary Abbott sat down, Albus was finished with his followers and had managed to calm them down. He was furious with James for alienating the other members in the board. Retaking his seat as Head Governor, Albus questioned Aurelia, if there were any other nominations.

Aurelia answered: “There were actually two nominations. The one nomination is from Lady Lovegood-Ravenclaw. She nominated to update the current Charms curriculum in Hogwarts. Filius Flitwick requested from Lady Lovegood-Ravenclaw the ICW curriculum for Charms, which was proposed in this meeting.” Albus was stunned. This couldn’t be happening. He is cursing Filius for making such a request. He also can’t argue against the class since he had approved the ICW curriculum. Albus asked: “And what is the other nomination?” Aurelia smiled and answered: “The other motion is from Lord Zachary Abbott, who nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for the Muggle/Wizard Study class.” Albus was shocked. No, this will not happen. He doesn’t want the muggleborns to know, how to live in the wizarding world and become independent and uncontrollable. They needed his guidance. Albus tried to argue the class, but the charts that Zachary Abbott had presented were damning. Albus had started an hour-long lecture, on how dangerous, bigoted and prejudiced the class was and how the class is showing that the wizarding world is better than the muggle world. Many were confused about his argument since they had read the contents of the curriculum and they had noticed that the class is showing the muggle and the wizarding world in a neutral aspect.

When Albus was finished, only his followers agreed with him and were glaring at the Abbott lord, but the rest was not really convinced. With that, Albus believed that he had the majority of the board convinced to vote against the class and he moved on with the voting.

The first nomination failed horribly. Albus and his followers were furious. That couldn’t be. The history class couldn’t be changed. The second nomination had a great majority. James and some other radical followers of Dumbledore voted against the hiring of Silvia Hecat and were furious, when the motion had passed. The third proposal had a majority vote, which angered Dumbledore even more and the last nomination had a landslide vote, which allowed the class to pass. This made the headmaster livid. This couldn’t be happening.

Before the meeting could come to an end, Albus turned his attention to Lady Burke and asked in a forced calm voice: “Lady Burke, you wanted to do a reassignment at the end of this session?”

Oreana stood up. Many blood purists were slightly glaring at her since she tended to vote neutral. The woman announced: “I am reassigning the Burke seat in the school board to the neutral fraction.” With that, the seat disappeared and reappeared at the neutral fraction and Oreana retook her seat, after she moved over to the neutral section. Albus was not happy. He could lose his position as Head Governor, if more dark fraction members are leaving the dark section.

The meeting came to an official end. Albus and his followers stormed out from the chambers in a fury. The members of the Grey Alliance were smirking at the furious expression on Dumbledore’s and his followers’ faces. This year was successful.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

Albus was absolutely furious, when he arrived back at his office with his followers in tow. Sitting down, he gave the younger followers a disappointed look. James and the other younger followers looked down on the ground in shame. Why has everything failed? This year had been full of setbacks and failures. He doesn’t know why. The school has been undergoing slight changes and he couldn’t stop them since they were beneficial or were not interfering with his plans, but the updates of the potion, history and now the charms classes were ruining his plans.

“Albus, what are we going to do? How could everything go wrong? I thought with the defeat of You-Know-Who, we would have an advantage against the dark, but somehow, we are now losing more and more. And we don’t know, how and why”, Elphias said angrily.

“I know, my dears, but I am also not sure, what is happening. The dark is losing power. With the reassignments of the Yaxley seats in the Wizengamot and the school board and the reassignment of the Burke seats to the neutral fraction within the school governors, the dark has lost the support of two powerful families on their side. But that loss of power is dangerous to us too since the neutrals are gaining more and more power”, Albus explained.

James just waved it away. “Albus, we have the most seats in the Wizengamot and the school board. No one would be able to challenge us.”

“That is maybe true, James, but we need to be carefully that the seats in the neutral fraction are not outnumbering us”, Dedalus explained.

“Furthermore, you shouldn’t talk. You and the other younger brats have caused us a lot of trouble with your rants. I can’t believe it that you and the others were ranting, how dark and evil Unspeakables are and that they must be death eater sympathisers. Then, you have attacked Rookwood and accused him that he is a death eater. This is a political suicide. Did you sleep at the November meeting last year, where Rookwood, Rowle, Snape and Rosier were awarded the Order of Merlin First Class?”, Emmeline Vance questioned James furiously.

James glared at the woman petulantly. He will never acknowledge that Rookwood, Rosier, Rowle and Snape were awarded the Order of Merlin First Class. They are death eaters. They don’t deserve this privilege.

Emmeline continued: “Don’t look at me like that. Your childish behaviour costed us the support from the other members of the board. And now, we have the problem with the Charms class now. Do you have any idea, how many problems your rants have caused us? Multiple. We have lost a vote in the March meeting due to your rants against the homeless here in the wizarding world. In October, you have ranted against Lady Callidora Longbottom and turned not only her, but also her allies against us. The November school board meeting may not be your fault. I still blame Caradoc for the mess, but in this meeting, you are to blame for the lost vote. Why did you have to attack Rookwood out of all people?”

“But he is a death eater, who should rot away in Azkaban, and not run around free and make decisions for Hogwarts and the wizarding world. He is a clear danger”, James nearly screamed in defiance.

“Enough, James. From what I have found out, Rookwood became a death eater, in order to spy for the DoM and the ministry as a whole”, Albus said in exasperation. He was getting tired of James’ and the other followers’ attitude towards those, who are coming from dark families and were either neutral or spies for the ministry.

James just growled. Why isn’t anyone listening to him? They need to remove those dark families from the Wizengamot, so that their society can prosper. This continued corruption can’t go on. He has two sons and he doesn’t want any of his children to become corrupted by the darkness of the magical community.

Albus dismissed his followers and told them that after the New Year, there would be another order meeting regarding the Wizengamot meeting on January 6th, 2003.

After everyone was gone, Albus let his magic lash out obliterating his office in his pure rage. This entire year was horrible. All of his plans for this year were completely destroyed. He doesn’t understand why the members of the Wizengamot and the school board were so controversial now. He had never faced so many setbacks in his entire life. But this year was a complete nightmare. Nothing had gone his way. Maybe the new year would bring him some success.

Lady Magic, Fate, Destiny and Death were watching Dumbledore’s expression about the year of failure. The man will suffer losses after losses each year. His time as a rising star is over. Albus Dumbledore is going down. It will be slow and painful.

Ministry Courtroom 37A, December 27th, 2002

Manfred Jugson was sighing deeply, when he entered Courtroom 37A. He was enraged, when he received a letter from Lord Greengrass that Christina O’Neill has filed a lawsuit against him. He had thought that the case was closed and that his family would be left alone, but no, the nightmare was continuing and now, he is sued. This lawsuit could cost him his entire fortune. Manfred wanted to strangle Isabella for this mess. His family lawyer suggested that he should acknowledge that he is aware of Isabella’s and Eric’s actions since this court hearing is determining his involvement. If he was deeply involved, then, he could lose everything, but he is going to lose a lot of money regardless due to Isabella’s action and Eric’s involvement. Manfred needed to be carefully. Especially now, since Cyrus Greengrass was representing the woman.

Christina was glaring at Manfred Jugson. That man will bleed for destroying her life.

When the judge finally entered the courtroom, it was silent. Manfred looked resigned, when he had seen the judge presiding the hearing. Richard Rowle is not a fan of neither Voldemort nor Dumbledore. Looking around the courtroom, the man opened the hearing. “Today is the hearing of Lord Manfred Jugson represented by Ignatus Vaisley versus Christina O’Neill represented by Lord Cyrus Greengrass. Lord Greengrass, since your client is the applicant, you may proceed.”

Lord Greengrass stood up and started: “Your honour, we all remember the trial of Eric and Isabella Jugson. We all remember, what Isabella Jugson had done to my client on September 12th, 2002.” Cyrus handed the judge the transcript of the trial in November. “We all remember that she had tried to kill Christina O’Neill again and killed a golem instead. And we all remember that Heir Eric Jugson was indirectly responsible for the near-death experience of my client since he leaked out classified information. But what you don’t know is that Ms. O’Neill’s injuries were so grave that she is unable to work as an auror and her arms are restricted in their movements due to the nerve damage.” Cyrus gave the judge Christina’s health report from the healers in St. Mungos and the goblin healers. The man finished: “And we will prove that Lord Manfred Jugson was also involved in this and that he is also responsible for this mess. It is already well-known that Isabella and Eric Jugson were found guilty for their actions during their trials. We are petitioning the court to reimburse my client for the permanent injuries that she will have for the rest of her life.”

The judge nodded in understanding and turned his attention to Ignatus Vaisley. “Mr. Vaisley, it is now your turn since your client is the respondent.”

Ignatus stood up and said: “My client is admitting that he was aware of the doings of his children, but he wasn’t involved in this. Lord Jugson is ready to pay up recompensations for his children’s actions, but he would like to make an out-of-court agreement and not involve this court for this.”

With that, the man sat down. Cyrus rejected the appeal from Ignatus Vaisley and the court hearing began appropriately. The judge asked: “Ms. O’Neill, can you tell us about your current situation with your arms? What kind of troubles do you have with them?”

Christina let out a watery sigh. “I can’t move my arms appropriately. If I try to lift my arm up, it hurts. There is also pain, when I try to reach something like a can in a kitchen shelf. Furthermore, I have to take every second day a pain potion since my nerves are inflaming.” Christina continued to explain her issues with her arms and went into detail, how hard it is to live with the injuries.

“Thank you, Ms. O’Neill. Lord Jugson, what is your response to this?”, the judge said strictly.

Manfred Jugson had apologised many times about, what had happened to her and tried to convince her that their lawyers could discuss a reimbursement extrajudicial.

When it was time for the witnesses, Cyrus called upon Corban Yaxley as his witness since the man had a personal past with the Jugsons. Manfred withheld a growl. Of course, Corban would be called upon. That man could cause many issues. The head auror entered and took his seat, when he was called by the judge.

With the formalities done, the judge asked: “Lord Yaxley, you had a personal past with the Jugson Family. Can you tell us about your past dealings with Lord Jugson and his children?”

Corban nodded and began: “I have known Lord Jugson, when I was a toddler. My parents were close friends with the Jugsons and that’s how I became close to Ulrich, Isabella, Eric and Evelyn Jugson. There was also a betrothal between me and Isabella, but l had it dissolved since Clara was my soulmate and a soul bond has precedence. Both families didn’t accept Clara due to her heritage and were furious about the insult against Isabella, who was seen as a proper pureblood witch, but I didn’t care and chose her over Isabella, which made my former fiancée furious. During the investigation against my brother, it was noted down that he had a female accomplice. I immediately suspected Isabella since I have known her very well. It didn’t surprise me that she had helped Aurelius to break my soul bond with Clara, which would have resulted to my and my wife’s death, and tried to kill Christina O’Neill, in order to cover her tracks. Isabella was always vindictive, cruel and vicious. Eric was not that bad as his elder sister, but he was a pushover and did everything, what his family wanted since he didn’t have any self-confidence and a spine. Ulrich was terrible and a sadist. He was worse than Isabella. And then, there was Evelyn. She is like Eric, but at least, she had some self-confidence and wasn’t afraid of Isabella and Ulrich.”

The next question that was discussed was Lord Jugson’s involvement. Corban argued: “I suspect that Lord Jugson was not only aware about Christina’s position of being an undercover auror, but he was also involved in this case since none of his children can keep a secret from him.”

With that, Corban was finished with his statement.

The next witness that was called upon was Eric Jugson. Eric of course defended his father and explained that he wasn’t involved. He was aware of what was happening, but he was never involved in this mess. Cyrus and Corban knew that this was a desperate move from Eric to protect his father, but their last witness is going to dig up a grave for Manfred Jugson.

After Eric, Evelyn Jugson was called on the witness stand. Evelyn made the same statement like Eric that her father was not involved, but the girl was spiteful against her elder sister, who she blamed for this entire mess, and made sure to show her dislike towards the woman. Richard Rowle isn’t convinced about the statement of Eric Jugson, but he is convinced of Evelyn’s testament in front of the court. He is ready to dismiss O’Neill’s appeal and approve Lord Jugson’s motion of making an out-of-court agreement.

When she was finished, the judge turned his attention to Cyrus Greengrass. “Lord Greengrass, do you have another witness for your case, because due to the current evidence and the statements, I am inclined to rule in favour of Lord Jugson.”

“Yes. Nearly a week ago, I had an out-of-court agreement with Alexander O’Connell, where he had paid recompensation to my client. He is currently sentenced to five years in Azkaban, but I arranged for his temporarily release, so that he can do his statement, your honour. I also have this.” Cyrus had a file in his hand. He handed it over to the judge. “This file entails the cooperation between the aurors and Alexander O’Connell. Mr. O’Connell had given up more information regarding the case of my client and the involvement of the Jugson Family.”

The judge nodded and called upon Alexander O’Connell. Manfred and Eric were trying to hide their panic. This couldn’t be happening. Eric knew that they were screwed, if Alexander talks about his father and his involvement in this mess. Alexander knew that his father was involved in this.

The judge checked up the records of the crook and started: “Now, Mr. Connell, we are here to determine the involvement of Lord Manfred Jugson in Christina O’Neill’s exposition as an undercover auror and her attempted murder. What can you tell us?”

Alexander looked like he went through hell. Azkaban was terrible. His only reprieve was, when O’Neill came to visit him and informed him that he was sued, but she was ready to make an out-of-court agreement with him. His lawyer from his trial was again assigned to represent him and there was a goblin that would watch the proceedings since it was about the transfer of money. It was a heated discussion, but at the end, three-quarter of the money that he had gotten from Eric was taken for reimbursement. He was furious about the loss of money. His family needed that money, in order to survive. Alexander had sworn to make the Jugsons pay. He doesn’t care, what will happen to that family anymore.

The crook snarled: “I can tell you plenty.”

Eric snapped: “Shut up, Alexander!”

The judge banged with his gavel, when a commotion broke out, and ordered: “Silence, Heir Jugson, or I am going to implement some sanctions against you.”

Eric was furious, but he couldn’t do anything. Alexander is going to destroy everything.

The crook raged: “I will not remain silent. You and your family are responsible for my prison sentence and it is time to let everyone here in this court know, what is going on.” Alexander turned his attention to the judge. “Your honour, Lord Manfred Jugson was deeply involved in this mess. He was the one, who ordered Eric to break into Amelia’s office and get the files about the undercover aurors. Furthermore, when they found out about O’Neill, Jugson Sr. had ordered his son to deal with O’Neill, but Isabella did it, which was not in his plans.”

The judge asked him more in detail and Alexander talked like a canary about Manfred’s involvement. The Jugsons looked ready to throw a killing curse. That fucking bastard will cost them everything. He only had gotten five years in prison and he would be sitting in one of the lower cells, whereas Isabella will spend 50 years in a maximum security cell, where the dementors’ exposure is higher than in the lower cells. He shouldn’t be whining about his prison sentence.

When O’Connell was finished, everyone felt the fury from the Jugsons and for Corban, Christina and Cyrus, it was satisfying. Richard Rowle looked through the evidence and came to the conclusion that Manfred Jugson was indeed involved in Christina O’Neill’s ordeal. He continued with the verdict.

The verdict was that Christina won the lawsuit and gained half of the Jugson estate. This infuriated Manfred and his remaining children to no end. His family is nearly bankrupt, because of that. The goblin in the court hearing was told about the exact number of gold that would be given to Christina O’Neill as reimbursement and the transfer would be done today. Tomorrow, it would be finished. The verdict became magically binding and the hearing came to an end.

Alexander O’Connell was taken back to Azkaban. The Jugsons stormed from the courtroom in a fury. Their family lawyer just shook his head and was afraid that he would lose his position as the Jugson Family lawyer, but he doesn’t care. He would return back to work for the barrister department, but he would receive a lower paycheck. Family lawyers are better paid than normal lawyers since the families are paying them a lot of money, but since the Jugsons have lost half of the estate, it could be possible that he wouldn’t be able to continue with his position any longer due to the lack of funds. Christina was shaking Cyrus’ and Corban’s hand and was thanking them for helping her against the Jugsons. Both said that it was no problem for them of getting justice for her. It was about time that Lord Jugson suffered the repercussions.

December 28th, 2002

Today’s edition of the newspaper was the results of the court hearing of Christina O’Neill against Lord Manfred Jugson. The wizarding world was stunned that the woman had won her suit against a lord of a noble house.

The blood purists were enraged that someone lowly like Christina O’Neill had managed to take away half of the Jugson estate. How could the court rule in favour of this bitch? There must have been something fishy, but unfortunately, there was no proof of that since the representation of O’Neill was none other than Lord Cyrus Greengrass, a politically powerful man in the Wizengamot and the school board. Manfred was completely furious. He thought things couldn’t get worse, but he was wrong. Because of Isabella, he had lost half of his fortune to O’Neill. He should have disowned her, but the last words of his wife were stopping him. Eric was stunned and furious about O’Connell’s betrayal. That man will pay for destroying his family. Evelyn was ready to curse the student body in Hogwarts since they were bothering her about her family’s downfall. She also wanted to pay a visit to her older sister and make her suffer to the next millennium for this mess. Isabella and Ulrich were screaming in fury. They couldn’t believe that their family is now bankrupted. Ulrich was cursing Isabella for this mess that she had caused for his family. How could she be so reckless? Isabella was screaming obscenities in her cell, how they had no right to take away her family’s fortune and that Christina O’Neill, Corban and O’Connell were going to suffer for destroying her family’s legacy and power.

Dumbledore’s followers and the members of the Grey Alliance were excited about the outcome of the court hearing. They were glad that the Jugsons are bankrupt and would be useless for Voldemort and his cause since without money, Voldemort wouldn’t be able to fund his cause of blood supremacy.

Dumbledore was worried that one of the families that was loyal to Tom has lost half of their fortune. This was a setback for his plans for Voldemort and his followers, but he can’t do anything regarding this issue. He can only sit back and watch, how things were proceeding for now.

Great Britain, December 31st, 2002

This year the New Year celebrations were taking place in Greengrass Manor. Narcissa reflected back, what had happened during this year, and she felt happy that Dumbledore’s plans and nominations that he wanted to pass have failed. Akira was still safe with his parents in Japan and not abused by magic-hating relatives. She hoped that nothing will happen to him even though Lucius and she had a bad feeling, when they visited Akira and the Kurusus to celebrate the boy’s birthday. Their son is growing like a weed and was a happy and babbling boy. Lucius and she had thought that Draco should start to attend kindergarten after the summer holidays this year. It had its advantages and disadvantages, but at the end they decided against it. Although their baby boy could learn to socialise with other children his age, both were still afraid of the accidental magic that Draco could do in front of muggles since kindergartens are only known in the muggle world and the wizarding world doesn’t have something like this. Unfortunately, the school board is not responsible for the kindergartens since they are leaning towards the term of childcare and not education and for that reason, it had to go through the Wizengamot. But Narcissa is sure that no one would vote against the motion. It could be a good nomination during the next Wizengamot meeting, but that can wait. Now, she had a celebration to enjoy.

Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his office and was lost in thought. This entire year had gone bad. He didn’t understand, what was happening, but nothing had gone his way. All the nominations for this year had failed. But why? What was going on? Why did the Wizengamot and the school board voted against his motions? They had allowed three classes to be updated and that was a giant setback that would take years to fix. Albus confronted Filius about the change, but the filthy half breed had the gall to say that since he had approved the curriculum back then in the 50s, he thought that it would be nice to teach the children the international standards, so that the students are up to par with the rest of the world. Albus had been ready to kill. Why did he give his approval to that dratted curriculum? He never thought that this would bite him back hard.

The next thing, he did was checking up his house elves that were guarding the horcruxes that Tom had created. He was still furious that two horcruxes were destroyed. He had killed the goblin and the house elf that were responsible for guarding the two horcruxes for their failure. His plans were threatened with the destruction of the diary and the cup, but he was thankful that the other horcruxes were still intact. The locket was still in the cave. The diadem was here in his school. The ring is still in the Gaunt Shack, and he is ready to get it, when it is needed since the wards around the shack were weak and easy to break. And Harry is still with the Dursleys, which is good since he was sure that the boy was going to be weak and malleable and easily to be controlled. His plans would work at the end.

When the countdown began, everyone started to count down the last ten seconds of this year. With that finished, the New Year 2003 was welcomed.

Chapter Text

January 1st, 2003

Narcissa and Lucius were slowly waking up. It was 11 am. They fell asleep at 3 am. The New Year celebration had dragged on for a bit longer. Their son, Draco, was still sleeping, which is good since both had a hangover from yesterday. Narcissa was grateful that she brewed some hangover potions for her husband and herself. The only thing that had to be done was finding out, what Dumbledore’s bucket list is for this year. Like last year, Phineas warned her that Dumbledore was making another bucket list for this year. The Malfoy Family sat down to eat an early lunch. Narcissa was smiling at her son happily. He was going to be three this year and Narcissa was sure that this year was going to be exciting.

In Hogwarts in the headmaster’s office, Albus Dumbledore was writing another bucket list for this year. For the first six months, he had planned to put up more restriction against dark magic, which includes potions, elixirs and artefacts. From July to December, he planned to put up more restrictions and bans against the elves. During the school board meetings, he will try to limit the ICW curriculum in Charms and Potions. He has to fix things before they are going out of control. With that done, Albus left his office, in order to get some lunch. Phineas just shook his head at the foolishness and looked over the list. He managed to memorise it line by line. The former headmaster informed Narcissa about Dumbledore’s plans.

Narcissa had to admit that the fool is predictable, but that was over easy. She was also informed that there was going to be an order meeting during the holidays.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, January 2nd, 2003

Albus was sitting with his followers in his office discussing the Wizengamot meeting. They needed to make a progress now. He was furious that last year, everything went to hell. Today, they discussed to ban the Dark Arts, which is including the Unforgivables. Many agreed that something needed to be done since the spells and curses were too dangerous to be used and it is corruptive. Phineas rolled his eyes about the dramatics. Black Magic and the Dark Arts are not the same. The Dark Arts require a lot of control over the emotions. Only a few were able to cast the Dark Arts, because they needed to have strong shields around their minds, in order to stop any impulsiveness. Without any control, it could be dangerous and deadly and the person could lose their mind to it. Many former students like McNair and Mulciber have lost control over themselves and became mad like rabid dogs by doing the Dark Arts unsupervised. The same can be said about the Light Arts, which are as dangerous as the Dark Arts, but unlike the Dark Arts, the person needs to keep their intention at bay, when they were casting this kind of magic, because the person becomes self-righteous and controlling like Dumbledore’s followers. Phineas knew that Dumbledore also had dabbled in White Magic, which is as dangerous as Black Magic, because it blinds a person from right and wrong and makes the person arrogant to their own actions.

Albus was hoping that this time, they would be successful by banning the Dark Arts completely, in order to make their society good and light. He can’t afford that the next generation is corrupted by dark magic.

Arthur wanted to roll his eyes. The Dark Arts are a field of study and are not that dangerous, if you have the knack for it and you are trained. Dumbledore really wants to ban dark magic from their society, which is a really bad idea, because dark magic is part of their community and the magical cycle. Dark and light are like yin and yang. There must be a balance between both branches since an imbalance could harm their society and the magical environment. He had read, what Tsar Nikolaus II. under the influence of Rasputin had done to the magical society and environment and it was catastrophic. Dumbledore like Rasputin back then is trying to ruin the magical world with their only light ways. There is also the grey aspect in magic that is only important, if there is an imbalance in their society. He will inform the others about Dumbledore’s plans in the Wizengamot.

Sirius was paranoid. Narcissa hadn’t done anything apart from spreading the rumour about Harry in the ministry ball in Halloween. He had seen the annoyed and the slightly fearful expressions on James and Lily. Sirius was sure that Narcissa had done this, in order to scare off his friends and start her crusade against them. Last year, things hadn’t gone their way in the Wizengamot and school board meetings and he was sure that it is because of his ex-cousin. He wished that his ex-grandfather hadn’t disowned him and kicked him out on the street, where he nearly died due to the cold. He could have helped them in the Wizengamot and the school board with the added support from the Black Family, but this is not the case.

His dreams of being Lord Black were going to be just dreams as long as Harry remains under the Malfoys’ control.

Flora Donovan and Anna Nolan were sitting and plotting in an empty classroom. Both remained in school during this Christmas break since their parents had some businesses to do during the holidays. Flora was ranting: “Anna, we need to do something about Greengrass. I have heard from Sarah that during the Yule wedding of the Yaxleys, Jaques and Anton were still together. She had caught them making out under the mistletoe.” She had a disgusted face. Flora didn’t know what disgusted her more. That Clara Yaxley had married a death eater or that Anton was intimate with Greengrass and her friend had to endure it.

“Poor Sarah, how is she?”, Anna asked saddened. She felt sorry for her best friend, who had to watch her love of her life being intimate with a boy that comes from a dark and evil family. Anna still believes that Anton can change his ways and that he will get together with Sarah.

“She was devasted, Anna. It breaks her heart that Anton has chosen Greengrass over her and that Greengrass is not staying away from Anton. We need to teach Greengrass a lesson that his proclivities are not welcome here in Hogwarts and make him pay for turning Anton into a freak”, Flora said in a determined voice.

Anna nodded in agreement. “Yes. We need to do something against Greengrass, but what should we do?”

“Oh, I have a plan. And it would make sure that Greengrass stays away from Anton after that.” Flora had an evil grin on her face.

Unfortunately, the girls had been overheard by one of the portraits that is connected to Severus’ office. Severus would be notified about the girls’ plans. Since the man is cunning, he will make a plan that would teach those girls a very hard lesson.

Malfoy Manor, January 4th, 2003

Another meeting was taking place in Malfoy Manor. Narcissa informed the others about the nominations and proposals that Dumbledore wants to pass for this year. Arthur explained them that the first nomination is about the Dark Arts. He wants this field of magic banned, so that the wizarding world could ‘prosper’ with the removal of the Dark Arts. Narcissa and the others just shook their heads, the man is delusional. It’s time, the Wizengamot members learn some Magical Theory and there they would understand why dark magic and the Dark Arts are important for their society.

“The man is an idiot. Doesn’t he realise that the Dark Arts are a part of the magical world and that there must be a balance between light and dark magic? Without that balance, the cycle could cause many problems like low fertility rates and more squibs are going to be born. Our society would be decimated by these motions”, Augustus Rookwood explained, when he looked at the list of Dumbledore’s laws.

Many let out a breath of annoyance. Dumbledore is a danger to their society. Light Lords and Ladies could also be as dangerous as Dark Lords and Ladies, if they remain unchecked. They needed to keep an eye on Dumbledore.

“I never thought that a Light Lord could be a danger to our society”, Amelia huffed.

Thorfinn grumbled: “Oh, Light Lords and Ladies could also be dangerous with their beliefs. Rasputin for example was also a Light Lord and he had managed to convince the Tsar to ban Elemental Magic and other forms of magics in Russia that he didn’t approve of. The man had caused a bad harvest and many wixen and muggles died due to starvation. Rasputin had the same thought of school as Dumbledore and he was the leader of the pro-muggle group in the magical Duma, where he had the same belief to merge the magical and muggle world together. Unlike Dumbledore, he didn’t have any power in the magical government and was distrusted by the dark and neutral fractions in the Duma. That was the reason why, he became close to the Tsar, so that his only light policies are implemented in Russia through the ruler himself, which had only caused death and destruction. He was later betrayed and murdered by some members of the muggle Duma and high-ranking nobles in the muggle world, when the Russian Ministry of Magic explained, what the bans from Tsar Nikolaus II. had caused to the magical environment and that the issues would cause further bad harvest in the muggle world due to the lack of magic. It also explains why the Romanovs were murdered at the end.”

“Betrayed and killed by muggles? What an irony?”, Severus remarked.

“Some Light Lords and Ladies were pro-muggle and a smaller section were more radical regarding their beliefs since they wanted to merge the wizarding and muggle world. They were killed by those, who they had represented since they were seen as a danger”, Thorfinn explained with a shrug.

Everyone laughed at the irony, but they were glad that it was only a minority. They needed a distraction and Narcissa had a perfect idea. “Many of us have younger children and some of us have to attend the Wizengamot and the school board meetings or some of us have to go to work, which would leave our children home alone. Lucius and I hate it that we have to leave Draco alone during the Wizengamot meetings, trials and school board meetings. We always have to arrange for someone to look after our son.” Many nodded in understanding and sympathised with them. Amelia had always had to arrange for her niece to stay with the Abbotts until she returned back home from work. Arthur had the same feeling since he didn’t trust Molly around his older boys. Narcissa continued: “For that reason, I think that nominating a childcare centre would be beneficial for many working parents, where underage children from the age of 0 to 3 could be taken care off.” Many agreed on that. They also were sure that this was going to distract Dumbledore and his fools greatly.

“And we can nominate to put the current restrictions against the Dark Arts under question since they could harm the balance in the magical cycle and these restrictions could be a danger to our society since that imbalance could cause many fertility issues and a rising number of squibs to be born”, Cyrus said.

With that, the meeting came to an end.

Wizengamot, January 6th, 2003

The first Wizengamot meeting in the New Year had started and everyone saw the changes. Corban Yaxley was now seated in the neutral fraction with his wife, who was sitting beside him. With the formalities finished, Dumbledore started with his nomination to ban the Dark Arts. The man made an hour-long speech about the evils and dangers of the Dark Arts and dark magic. Narcissa was ready to fall asleep, but she remained awake since it would not be appropriate to do something like that here, where everyone could watch. She will take a nap after the meeting.

When Dumbledore was finished, many wanted to sigh in relief. That man could put even Voldemort to sleep with his monologing. The headmaster asked: “Are there any other nominations?”

Narcissa rose her wand since it was safe for her to make a nomination. Albus frowned, when he saw that Narcissa Malfoy wanted to make a motion. “Lady Malfoy?” The younger followers of Dumbledore had hostile looks. They were sure that the woman was going to make a motion that would support the dark.

Narcissa rose from her seat and nominated: “Lords, Ladies, I am nominating that we open up a childcare centre for infants between the age of 0 and 3. Many parents and guardians, who are working or attending the Wizengamot and the school board sessions, need to arrange for their children to be taken care of. For example, my husband and I have to attend the Wizengamot and school board sessions each month and for that time, we have to arrange for our son to be taken care of.”

Amelia seconded the motion and explained: “I agree with Lady Malfoy on that aspect, because I am working in the DMLE as head auror and deputy head of the auror office and at the same time, I have to raise my niece, who had lost her parents as an infant. I always had to arrange a babysitter for her and it is really challenging. A childcare centre could help in this aspect.”

There was a chattering regarding Narcissa’s nomination and many were supportive of that motion, but within Dumbledore’s followers an argument broke out since the younger generation doesn’t trust the proposal from Narcissa and are suspecting that there must be a dark intention behind this nomination. The fools went into hysterics about, how Narcissa wants to brainwash the next generation to support the dark, which caused many eyerolls from the other members. Albus wanted to torture his followers. He found the idea troubling since it is interfering with his plans regarding his control over the next generation, but if he gains access to these children through some of his followers, Albus could influence them.

But now, he had to deal with another fit of James and the other younger followers of his. He wanted to slam his head on the podium, how his followers were behaving.

Aurelia took over as Chief Witch after Dumbledore was distracted and asked the other members of the Wizengamot: “Are there any other nominations?” Amelia rose her wand. It was time to make the protest against Dumbledore’s motion. They agreed that if she does the protest, then, it would be harder to counter. “Lady Bones?”

Amelia rose from her seat and announced: “I have a protest to make regarding Lord Dumbledore’s nomination.” Many were silent. Amelia ignored the uncomfortable silence and continued: “Lord Dumbledore had been going on about the dangers of the Dark Arts and dark magic, but I partially don’t believe that both fields are as dangerous as Lord Dumbledore has claimed them to be since I did my research.” She took out many folders and handed them over to the other members of the Wizengamot. “Dark magic is a part of our world like light magic. There is a balance between dark and light. Without dark magic, there would be an imbalance and this imbalance could harm our society like low fertility and the rising numbers of squibs.” Many were stunned. This explains why there were many issues with fertility and why the number of squibs was rising. Some grumbled that Voldemort had caused this imbalance, others were blaming Dumbledore and the members of the Grey Alliance knew that both were the cause for this imbalance. Amelia continued before a chattering broke out. “Then, there is the point about the Dark Arts. The Dark Arts are difficult and challenging to study since you need a lot of emotional control, in order to do such kind of magic, but they are an important aspect of the balance. Furthermore, there is a strength test for those, who want to study that kind of magic.”

“A strength test? For what reason, does anyone need to do a strength test?”, Graham Mulciber asked annoyed.

Amelia just looked at the Lord of the House Mulciber critically and answered: “Lord Mulciber, a magical strength test determines, if someone is magically and emotionally strong enough to learn and cast the Dark Arts. Not everyone is able to study that field of magic. In Durmstrang for example every student is doing a magical and emotional strength test at the end of their sixth year of schooling, so that the Dark Arts professor can see, who is qualified to study and cast the Dark Arts and who is not.”

“What happens, if someone inexperienced is studying and casting the Dark Arts?”, Lord Dunbar questioned.

Amelia answered: “From what I have read, if someone, who is lacking the magical and/or emotional strength, is studying or even casting such kind of magic, then, there were going to be some mental and magical issues. Mentally, they slowly lose their minds. They go mad, but not insane and their humanity is slowly declining. Magically, there were going to be many issues. The magical core could become damaged and in case, it remains untreated, many wixen suffer from mutations in the core. These mutations are either causing rarely a depletion or in most cases an overload, which could be harmful for the body. Thankfully, there is a treatment and these issues can be fixed fairly easy.” Amelia handed the Wizengamot members many files about the field of study and she also showed them some cases, where inexperienced witches and wizards tried to do the Dark Arts and failed. She also showed the members the treatment plan regarding the mental and magical issues, which startled many members that there is a treatment. Dumbledore always claimed that there is no help for those, who do dark magic, but they were proven false.

“The same counts on the Light Arts even though this field of study is the complete opposite, where the intention had to be kept at bay. The Light Arts are as dangerous as the Dark Arts, because they have a similar effect like the Dark Arts on the magical core, if someone inexperienced tries to do this kind of magic.” Amelia showed the Wizengamot members some files about the Light Arts. “Like the Dark Arts, the Light Arts are also demanding a magical and emotional strength test since the Light Arts could also cause mental and magical issues too. Mentally, witches and wizards become self-righteous and controlling and magically, the magical core can be damaged, but it goes into the opposite direction unlike with the Dark Arts. The magical core in major cases is either suffering from depletion or in rare cases, are going through an overload.”

The Wizengamot members were startled by these revelations that the Light Arts are as dangerous as the Dark Arts, but the files are authentical since they were coming from the ICW. Some were suspicious about Dumbledore and his followers, but they needed a healer and a mind healer for that, in order to prove their suspicion.

Many chattered about the complete ban against the Dark Arts and thought that the Dark Arts are only dangerous, if someone inexperienced does this kind of magic. They were sure that the death eaters were inexperienced, when they tried that kind of magic. The current ban is forbidding everyone apart from the masters, their novices and Unspeakables from doing the Dark Arts, but this ban is banning even them from doing this kind of magic, which sounds to be a bad idea since it would cause an imbalance in the magical world and they couldn’t allow that their society was shrinking.

After the chattering was done, Aurelia questioned: “Are there any other nominations?”

Lord Greengrass rose his wand. The woman turned the attention of the Wizengamot to the Greengrass lord. The man rose from his seat and proposed: “I nominate that the current ban regarding the Dark Arts should be put under question, but the restrictions from the ICW should remain, and that the Light Arts should be restricted through the international regulations. We have seen, what kind of danger both fields could be, if inexperienced witches and wizards are trying to do that kind of magic.”

Many were chattering regarding the motion, but Narcissa saw that they were supportive.

After Cyrus was finished, Dumbledore managed to calm his followers down. The old fool quickly retook the podium and questioned Aurelia, if there were any other nominations. Aurelia answered: “Lord Greengrass nominated to put the current ban against the Dark Arts under question, but there should be some restrictions for those, who want to study this field of magic, in the form of a magical and emotional strength test. He also nominated to restrict the studying of the Light Arts through the international regulations like the Dark Arts.” With that, Aurelia sat down on her seat. Albus wanted to laugh. This nomination will fail. His followers were amused and were sure that no one would vote for this motion. James and the other younger followers were openly laughing and mocking Greengrass for his proposal, but the man remained confident.

Albus moved over to the vote and the first nomination failed. The man was stunned and then, he became furious. What? The amusement of his followers was gone and was replaced by shock and anger. What was going on? Why did the rest of the Wizengamot vote against Albus’ nomination? The younger followers stopped laughing and were completely furious. What the hell? Why? What was going on? The second motion had a unanimous vote since no one wanted to vote against the idea of opening a childcare centre. The third nomination had passed with a landslide vote, which infuriated Dumbledore and his followers even more. James and the younger followers were ranting and screaming in fury, but Albus managed to calm them down.

With the last vote done, the session came to an end. Albus dismissed his followers and told them the date of the next order meeting for the school board session in January 27th. He needed to outleash his anger on something.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

Albus arrived back at his office in an absolute fury. He let out a primal scream of rage and started to destroy his office. This was an absolute nightmare. Not only did his nomination fail, but those fools froze a very important law that he had worked so hard on and then, they had the audacity to restrict the Light Arts like the Dark Arts. The Light Arts aren’t dangerous unlike the Dark Arts, but those fools are viewing both fields of magic equally, which is an insult to him as the leader of the light.

After Albus managed to calm himself down, the man fixed his office and sat down behind his desk. He took a lemon drop, in order to sooth himself, but there is still a simmering anger regarding the lost nomination. How could this happen? This was a giant setback that destroyed many of his plans. The ban was important, so that their society does prosper and he abolished those ridiculous restrictions against the Light Arts since they were not a danger to learn even though, he knew that both the Dark and the Light Arts are equally dangerous for those, who do not pass the magical and emotional strength test.

Albus should have paid attention to the stack of files, the members of the Wizengamot had received, but he ignored them believing that the files were made up by dark wizards and witches, who are trying to spread their propaganda that dark magic can be used for good.

Now, he is paying attention going over the stack and his rage returned, when he had gone through the files. Looking at the source of the files, he had been ready to kill. The files were made by the ICW and things got worse, when he noticed that many acknowledged light wizards and witches wrote the articles about the Dark Arts and their parameters and the dark wizards and witches wrote the articles about the Light Arts and their parameters, which is damning.

Albus threw the files away and paced his office. Why is everything going the wrong way? What did he do that fate has turned against him? He needed to find a way to fix this mess.

Phineas was restraining a laugh. Watching the old fool throwing a temper tantrum is satisfying. This was a giant setback that could ruin everything the twinky eyed bastard had worked on. Watching the furious pace, Phineas was grinning like a shark. This year would be satisfying to watch.

After some time, Albus was finished with his pacing. He needed to pack some things since he needed to leave tomorrow morning after breakfast for the ICW meetings at the beginning of the year. Maybe this would distract him from the mess here.

Ministry, Department of Taxes, January 8th, 2003

Brandon Davis was sitting and having a job interview with Matthew Pike. He knew the man through his cousin, Michael, that he is working for the Registry Department, but he didn’t understand why he wants to work for his department now since the paychecks would remain the same. The minister before Bagnold, Adam Jenson, had set a minimum wage for the ministry workers. They would receive a monthly pay of 1200 Galleons per month and it had remained like this even after Bagnold took over. That would be enough for the average household and standard of living.

Brandon had looked through the CV and the application and he noticed that the man had good qualifications for his department, but the question still remained why he would change his job. What was the motivation behind this? He had gotten the explanation that he wanted to change his career and that he was interested in the open spot. He believed the reasoning, but he is sure that there was more.

When he was finished, Michael had informed Matthew that he is hired for the open position, but he asked: “Mr. Pike. I would like to know, why would you change your job now and please tell me the real truth behind your change? It will not affect your hiring.”

Matthew sighed and answered barely keeping himself from crying: “It’s, because of Mr. Selwyn, my current boss. He had cut the paychecks again in the Registry Department. We would be receiving only 900 Galleons per month and we have to work longer hours, which we are not paid for. Money is a bit tight at home since my wife is taking care of our child and my husband is working hard as an auror.” Brandon nodded in understanding. He had read that Matthew Pike married magical twins. The young man is a switcher. At one point, he can get pregnant, but at the other point, he can impregnate a woman. The man also noticed that Pike was struggling to keep his emotions at bay, when he answered his question. He had a suspicion, what it could be.

But the other point about Patrick Selwyn was startling. If it is true, what Matthew Pike had said, then, the man is violating a law in the ministry. He will inform his cousin about this. “I understand your problem, Mr. Pike, and to be honest, I am not a big fan of Mr. Selwyn either, but this is a violation. Why didn’t you or your co-workers report this?”

Matthew was trying everything to restrain himself from tearing up. He doesn’t know, what was going on, but Brandon noticed it and hid a smile knowing, what is going on with the young man in front of him. Matthew answered: “We tried, but our complaints were ignored by the Office of the Ministerial Regulation. To make matters worse, Selwyn had found out about the complaints and threatened us that, if we try it again, then, we will not only get fired, but we would be blacklisted from the ministry. From there on, no one did anything and we endured it.” Matthew didn’t understand, what was going on with him. He is ready to throw up.

“Mr. Pike, is something wrong? You look green.” Brandon quickly summoned a bowl and gave it to the other man. Matthew was retching until he threw up in the bowl. When he was finished, Matthew looked up and said: “I am so sorry, Mr Davis. I don’t know, what is going on. Yesterday, it was the same thing.”

Brandon banished the bowl and quickly assured the young man: “It’s alright, Mr. Pike. I know, what is going on since I have seen these symptoms on my wife. I think that you are pregnant.”

“What?!” Matthew was stunned. He is pregnant. He quickly took out his wand and casted a pregnancy detection spell on himself. It was positive. Matthew was stunned. He is pregnant.

Brandon knew, what was going through the man’s mind. A pregnancy changes many things. “Mr. Pike, you don’t need to panic. I can arrange some things for you during the last months of your pregnancy and paternity leave since I am a father like you. You are already hired, so, you don’t need to apologize for throwing up. Partially, it is my fault that you are still here and that my questions have caused you a lot of stress. You can leave now and I congratulate you.”

“Thanks, Mr. Davis. I need to tell my wife and husband about the good news.” Matthew quickly left. He was happy that he got the job and that his new boss is a lot more understanding than Selwyn. Now, he had to resign from the Registry Department and finish this month.

Brandon had a smile on his face, but he was worried. If it is true, what Matthew Pike had said about Selwyn, then, he needs to inform his cousin about this issue and ask his contact in the Office of Ministerial Regulation about the complaints. Maybe he can find something out, what was going on. There is something fishy in the Registry Department, but he doesn’t know, what?

Hogwarts, January 11th, 2003

It was another year, where Pomona had arranged the healers from St. Mungos to examine the students, and they found many issues with the children. Severus, Aurora, Filius and Pomona were glad that all the students from abusive homes were going to be removed by either the muggle child services or by Amelia Bones, Corban Yaxley and Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Whereas this was happening, Poppy was fuming. She tried to tell Albus and Minerva about what Severus and the other members of staff had done, but nothing came out of her. It seems like that the secrecy wards are still strong and she can’t get rid of them. Poppy tried to get a purge from Gringotts, but the goblins told her that if a wizard or witch casted the secrecy ward on her, then, there was pretty much nothing that they can do for her. She also tried with the St. Mungos healers, but they weren’t able to do anything for her since the secrecy ward can only be stripped by Severus and that she deserved it. She was furious that Severus had trapped her like this and that the other healers had the audacity to blame her for her current predicament.

Poppy knew Severus, when he was a student. For the first two years, she didn’t pay him any mind, but during his third year, she didn’t trust him, when he was removed from his parents by Lord Prince, who had taken custody over the boy. If she had known that the boy would cause so much trouble now as an adult, she would have done everything in her power to return him to his parents back then since the brat didn’t learn his place and was spoilt rotten by his grandfather.

The healers were insulting and snapping at her for being a failure. She also met her former trainer, but the man started to yell at her for being a disgrace to all healers. Poppy went to her office with tears streaming down her face. She hated the torment that she had to endure by being insulted and despised. When she had tried to interfere, she was threatened that she will be exposed and stripped from her medi-witch license. She made a step back, when that threat was thrown at her.

Poppy had to watch everything in a powerless fury.

Davis Manor, January 14th, 2003

Brandon with his wife, Julia Davis, and his son, Roger, was visiting his cousin Michael and his wife, Amanda. They were invited to eat some dinner, but Brandon needed to discuss with his cousin about the concerns that were raised about the Registry Department. Patrick Selwyn had no right to lower the wage from 1200 Galleons to 900 Galleons. There was a strict law that forbade that. The former minister had made it mandatory that every ministry worker should receive at least 1200 Galleons per month, so that every witch and wizard can afford a normal standard of living. Bagnold made it unlawful, if a department head lowers the wage without a good reason. They needed to present the minister an accountability report, if they were lowering the monthly pay.

When they were entering the manor, they were greeted by his cousin and his family. “Brandon, Julia, it is nice to meet you. And this must be little Roger.” The man went to his knee, in order to greet the five-year-old boy properly. The boy just grinned at him happily. The man stood up and said: “Now, follow me to the dining room. Today, we are going to enjoy a freshly grilled barbecue.” Everyone was excited about the food.

As the Davises sat down, Brandon took his place beside his cousin, who was sitting at the head table. They were waiting for the barbecue that was grilled by the house elves. “Michael, there is something that I would like to discuss with you. I need your expertise and maybe your confirmation.“ Michael nodded and Brandon continued: “Nearly a week ago, I have hired a young lad from the Registry Department. He wanted to change his job since he was gravely underpaid. Did you know that Selwyn has lowered the average wage with his employees to 900 Galleons?”

“What?! Really?!”, Michael questioned in shock. Brandon nodded.

“Normally, Selwyn is allowed to do that, but he needed to file the mandatory accountability reports to the minister, where he has to give a really good reason for the lowering of the wages”, the Lord of the House Davis explained.

Brandon grumbled a little. “I think that Selwyn didn’t do that. It needed to be checked with the minister.”

Michael said with a smirk: “There is no need for that, Brandon. The accountability reports are accessible to the public. You only need to pay a Galleon to get a copy of it.”

“Oh!” Brandon sighed. “I completely forgot about that. Between asking him after the real reason for his applying and cleaning up the vomit, I was distracted a little bit.”

Michael laughed. “Let me guess, Brandon, you had a talk with the man after the job interview.” The man nodded. Michael huffed, but he let it go. His cousin is a Ravenclaw through and through. Always curious about the oddest things. “What do you mean with ‘cleaning up the vomit’?”, Michael questioned worriedly.

“He threw up, when I had questioned him. The reason why is that he is pregnant and expecting a child”, Brandon explained.

Michael just chuckled. “Well, this should have been a warning to you that you should not question your applicants after an interview.” Brandon just rolled his eyes, but he had plans to get the accountability reports from the Registry Department. It would also be easy to get access to the paychecks from the employees in the Registry Department through his newly hired employee. He could have made a comparison and the truth would have been found out. He would send a letter to Matthew Pike to request his last paychecks from the Registry Department, in order to check it up with the accountability reports. Brandon is sure that there is something fishy.

Ministry, Department of Taxes, January 16th, 2003

Brandon was going over the accountability reports of the Registry Department that were filed by Selwyn and the last paychecks that he received from Matthew Pike. He had seen that there were many differences. In the accountability report, Brandon read that his new employee received 1200 Galleons, but the paycheck is saying a different story since Matthew Pike received only 1000 Galleons last year and in 2001, Matthew received 1100 Galleons. He didn’t understand why no one noticed that, but Brandon concluded that no one wanted to get in trouble with Selwyn.

He needed to talk to either Lord Greengrass or Lord Malfoy. Both men were experts in law and are sought out often.

Brandon quickly stood up and made his way to Lord Greengrass’ office with the reports and the paychecks. The man must still be working in his office since it is still afternoon and Lord Greengrass doesn’t leave the ministry until it is evening. Brandon hopes that the man is able to spare him some minutes.

Cyrus Greengrass was busy doing some of his paperwork. He was thankful that today, there wasn’t much work to do, but it was getting a bit dull and boring. When he was finished with the files that he got today, the man was startled, when his legal assistant came into his office and said that Brandon Davis wanted to talk with him. Before the assistant could ask him, when he could arrange an appointment for Brandon, Cyrus quickly interrupted his assistant: “Bring him in. I have some time to spare.” The man nodded, went outside and allowed Brandon Davis to enter. Cyrus ordered his assistant to get back to work.

“Brandon, come in. Sit down. What can I do for you?”

Brandon sat down and sighed. “Cyrus, I have a concern regarding Patrick Selwyn and the Registry Department. Here is something that could pique your interest.”

The man handed over the accountability reports and the paychecks that his newly hired employee had given him. “Look over these, Cyrus, and tell me your opinion.”

Cyrus was going over the reports and the paychecks and his interest was piqued, when he saw the irregularities in both piles. What Patrick Selwyn had done is against the law since employers in the ministry have to give good reasons to the minister, if they were making cuts. Cyrus will write up a report to the Office of Ministerial Regulation.

“I will write a report to the Office of Ministerial Regulation. From there on, there would be an inspection”, Cyrus said in a reassuring tone.

Brandon quickly argued: “Cyrus, I am not sure, if that would work. The employees from the Registry Department have tried to complain, but their complaints were ignored. I believe that Selwyn has someone in the Office of Ministerial Regulation, who is supressing the complaints.”

Cyrus nodded in understanding and knew the issue, but he had a plan, how to do it. He will write a report to the Office of Ministerial Regulation and another to its office’s head. Cyrus and the head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation were old acquaintances, and he is sure that the man will investigate, who is responsible for the disappearance of the complaints. That the person would get fired.

Brandon had seen the planful look on Cyrus’ face and knew that the man had a plan to bring someone down. He left Cyrus’ office in a good mood that his old friend knew a way, how to proceed.

Ministry, Office of Ministerial Regulation, January 18th, 2003

Cyrus had handed over the complaint against the Registry Department. He made sure that in case the report is ignored that it would reappear again on the desk driving Selwyn’s contact into madness. He had prepared a copy of the report and had plans to give it to the head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Cyrus would explain him the issue.

Lord Gerald Carrow was sitting behind his desk working on some paperwork. He had a quick appointment with Lord Greengrass about an important matter that is affecting his department. He and Cyrus were old acquaintances during their time in school and Gerald knew that he can trust him more than his twin siblings. Gerald sighed at this point. Amycus and Alecto were terrible even when they were children. Thankfully, he didn’t spend much time with them since his grandfather was responsible for his raising to be Heir Carrow and later Lord since he didn’t trust his father with his devotion to Voldemort with the heirship and lordship. His father was skipped as Lord Carrow, which infuriated the old man, and since he had the same standpoint like his grandfather regarding Voldemort and his followers, his father was even more furious and at the same time, he was terrified. Gerald remembered that his father had a meeting with Voldemort regarding him and he returned back with many cuts and bruises. Furthermore, his father was tortured. Patrick from there on tried everything to get him to take the dark mark, but he refused. His father tried to use the imperio on him, but it didn’t work since his grandfather found out about his attempt, and for that reason, he banished his father, which enraged his siblings, who were devoted to Voldemort. Both left home and cut all ties with him and his grandfather.

After his grandfather died, he took over as Lord Carrow. At first, he wanted to move his seats to the neutral fraction, but decided against it since he needed to have a good reason to move his seats. The Carrow seat was always dark, but it wasn’t traditionally dark like the Burke seat.

Gerald hoped that he would be able to finish with his work earlier, in order to spend some time with his son, Andreas Carrow, who was attending his final year at Hogwarts. His son planned to spend some time with him before he had to return back to school tomorrow. Andreas had wanted to become an Unspeakable since he loved to learn what the magical world has to offer. He was a Ravenclaw through and through and the first Carrow to be sorted in another house than Slytherin. That made him proud, but his siblings were infuriated. Gerald also wanted to quickly check-up on his wife, who gave birth to twin girls last year.

Gerald was interrupted by his thoughts, when his assistant announced that Lord Greengrass was here. He mustered himself up and prepared himself for the meeting with Cyrus Greengrass.

“Lord Carrow”, Cyrus greeted the man, when he entered his office with a stack of files. Great, more paperwork.

“Lord Greengrass! Come in and take a seat. Do you want some tea?” Gerald had a polite smile.

“No, thank you, it will be short.” Cyrus promised.

After the Greengrass lord sat down, they went down to business. “Lord Carrow, here is my complaint regarding the Registry Department. It seems like that the employees are underpaid. If you take a look at the paychecks that one of the employees has provided to me and the accountability reports from Patrick Selwyn, you can see the differences.”

Gerald nodded and went through the files. The Lord of the House Carrow noticed many irregularities by comparing both stacks of files and he was angry. Why did no one report his department about this clear violation? The clauses of the work contracts for ministry employees can’t be changed especially the wages since they need the approval of the minister. He will start an investigation against Patrick Selwyn regarding this violation. Gerald questioned: “Why wasn’t this brought to my or my department’s attention? Why do I receive this complaint now? Something like this requires my attention since a department head is abusing his power.”

“Because there is someone in this office that is making sure that the complaints are ignored”, Cyrus said with a sigh.

Gerald was furious. He knew, who could be behind this. Richard Avery. He had taken the man in, because of Patrick Selwyn and the Averys, who had praised him that he was promising and skilled, but at the end, he was proven wrong since the brat was only mediocre. Gerald will keep an eye on the young lad. Cyrus saw the look on Gerald’s face and he could tell that the man knew, who could be behind this and Cyrus had the same suspicion that it must be Richard Avery. “I already filed this report here in your department and if my complaint gets ignored, then, it will reappear back on the desk of the person that is trying to make it disappear and will start to glow. On the file, there would be a sentence: ‘Do not ignore me’.” Gerald chuckled at that. Cyrus Greengrass does know, how to be persistent. The man is not only an expert in Laws, but also in Charms. “Thank you. I will deal with the individual that is trying to supress the complaint.”

With that, the meeting came to end and both returned back to work.

Malfoy Manor, January 20th, 2003

Narcissa and Lucius were sitting in the playroom of Malfoy Manor and were watching their son playing with his toys. They were discussing some muggle books that they have read. Narcissa and Lucius both loved crime novels and thrillers, but Narcissa also tends to read romance novels, whereas Lucius likes to read polit thrillers.

Outside the manor, Louisa Haggard made her way to Malfoy Manor since there was something important that had to be done. During the Yule celebration, Lady Magic left their leader and the court members a message that a Grey Lord was born that would bring back the balance to the magical world. They were then informed that for now, the Grey Lord is still too young to handle his responsibilities, but his magical guardian would handle everything until he is old enough. Before Lady Magic left, she left them an address, where the magical guardian was living. Arriving at front of the gates of Malfoy Manor, she set off the alarms on the gates and a house elf popped in front of her. The elf had taken a protective stand and demanded from her who she was and why she was here. Louisa quickly explained that she is a representative of the Veela Nation and that she needed to speak with Lord and Lady Malfoy urgently by explaining the message from Lady Magic. The elf quickly led the woman into the manor’s parlour realising the importance of the surprising visitor. The elf popped to the playroom to get his master and mistress.
Lucius and Narcissa were busy talking until Dobby popped in the playroom and announced that there is a guest waiting for them in the parlour. He also explained that their visitor said that it was urgent and that she isn’t a danger since her visit is official and that Lady Magic is involved in this. Both were stunned since they weren’t expecting anyone until Saturday, but hearing that Lady Magic got involved piqued their interest. Narcissa quickly ordered: “Dobby, please watch over Draco until we are finished, what is going on.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Dobby turned his attention to the small toddler that was very important for his master and mistress. He quickly popped into the kitchen, in order to get the young master something to eat.

Narcissa and Lucius made their way to the parlour and saw a beautiful, blonde woman with sapphire blue eyes and pale skin. From her appearance, she must be a veela since they could feel her allure. The woman greeted them: “Greetings, Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, my name is Louisa Haggard. I apologise for my sudden visit, but it is urgent. I am a representative from the Veela Nations and I came here, because Lady Magic sent us a message regarding you and your role with the Grey Lord during the Yule celebration.”

Both Narcissa and Lucius looked at each other in shock. They were stunned that the woman came from the Veela Nations. But the biggest question was, what do they want from them? Did Lady Magic tell the leaders of the Veela Nations about Akira’s position as the Grey Lord and about her role in stopping Dumbledore’s machinations against the veelas and the other magical beings and creatures that have the affinity to fire? She asked: “What do you know and is there something that we can do, Ms. Haggard?”

The woman smiled and answered in a quick fashion: “Well, we know that you, your husband and your allies had stopped the worst laws and restrictions against the Veela Nation to pass in the wizarding world. Furthermore, Lady Magic revealed to our leader and the court members that she had sent a Grey Lord in this generation that could help us to bring back the balance in our society and that you are the magical guardian of the said lord. Finally, our lady informed us that we should help you with the current condition of Lord Longbottom and his consort and we would like to share some of our knowledge with you.” She took out three books. Lucius and Narcissa were curious about the books. Louisa began with the red book. “This book has potions and elixirs that were created by our nation and they can also be used by wizards and witches. They were a little bit adjusted, so that your kind is able to take them. So, you don’t have to worry about any issues, they could cause. There is a certain potion that stops the long-term burning of nerves that were caused by curses like the Cruciatus curse. From what we had gathered, Lord Longbottom and his consort are suffering, because of the long-term exposure to the torture curse. This potion would help them to heal the burning, but unfortunately, we don’t have a potion that could regenerate their nerves, in order to bring them back to consciousness.”

Narcissa and Lucius looked relieved. Lady Longbottom and Dowager Longbottom are going to be happy that their grandson/son and granddaughter-/daughter-in-law are going to be treated from their injuries. Louisa cleared her throat, which brought the couple’s attention back to the veela in their home, and she showed them the blue book.

“The other book is a book full of healing spells and some curses that could help you in the future. Especially, there is a spell that would be applied with the nerve-healing potion, in order to make sure that the burnings in the nerves are not returning again. Note of caution, the Curciatus curse leaves residues that are burning up the nerves and causing a lot of pain to the victims.” Narcissa and Lucius were nodding in understand and their attention went to the green book.

“And the last book is for the Unspeakables. There are many rituals that your friends in the DoM would be interested in and these rituals can be used for both races, the wixen and the veelas.” Both Malfoys were sure that Augustus and Thorfinn would be interested in the third book and would love to get new knowledge.

Narcissa said: “Thank you, Ms. Haggard for the gifts that you have enriched us with. We will make sure that they would be well-received and will not end up in the wrong hands.”

“Good. I have to go. I have surely surprised you by this visit and I apologise in advance for the sudden intrusion by myself, but it needed to be done now since I had been delayed in the past two weeks.” Louisa smiled at them apologetically.

“It’s alright, Ms. Haggard. Your visit was not that inconvenient, because I had a strange feeling that today something odd will happen. Apart from that, you came here due to Lady Magic’s call and it must be important regardless”, Narcissa said in a firm voice. Lucius nodded in agreement. Louisa smiled and prepared herself to leave. Narcissa and Lucius escorted the woman out to the gates, but before she could apparate back, Louisa said: “There is something else before I have to return home. You both are welcome in our Nations, if you are interested in more knowledge from our community. Lady Magic convinced us that you should become a friend and an ally to the veelas. Furthermore, the Grey Lord will have our back-up and is also welcome. Here, take this portkey. It would take you to the portkey area of our leader’s mansion. Your allies can also come and go, but you have to accompany them due to security reasons.” Louisa gave them the portkey and apparated back home.

Narcissa and Lucius were looking through the books that they had received from Louisa Haggard and were astounded. Narcissa looked at the healing spell and the potion that could help Christina O’Neill’s, Frank’s and Alice’s conditions. She will speak with Callidora, Augusta, Amelia and Severus about the treatment, but she is sure that both would do everything to help the couple and the former undercover auror. Thorfinn and Augustus would be interested in the ritual book and she herself is excited to go through the book about healing.

She couldn’t wait for the meeting on Saturday.

Hogwarts, January 22nd, 2003

Another order meeting was taking place in Hogwarts and Albus announced to remove the darker charms that the NEWT students are going to learn. There were many chatterings regarding this subject since many didn’t like that their children are learning dark magic during the charms class. Furthermore, they have lost all of their respect towards the little charms master for proposing something like this, but they also scrutinised Albus for approving the curriculum. Lily had been furious that Professor Flitwick would endanger her babies and the other children like this. James, Sirius and Remus were angered that the small professor had proven himself that he was nothing better than the other goblins.

Albus needed to work on the charms class now. Filius really brought many problems to his plans and had thrown him and his followers into disarray.

When they were finished with their plans for the charms class, Albus asked, if there was something going on in the ministry. Many shook their heads. Since the court hearing between the Jugsons and Christina O’Neill, there hadn’t been any news in the ministry.

But there were some of his followers that had noticed the meetings between Cyrus Greengrass, Brandon Davis and Gerald Carrow. Edward informed the headmaster about these meetings. Albus was thoughtful, but later, he had brushed it off since he wasn’t keen to mess up with Davis and Greengrass due to their positions in the wizarding world and the Wizengamot even though Brandon Davis is only the cousin of the current Lord Davis. The man is still the department head for taxes and is holding a seat in the Wizengamot. Gerald Carrow is maybe in the dark fraction, but he was tending to vote neutral. He is also the head of the Office for Ministerial Regulations. Brushing him off as a blood purist will not work.

Arthur will ask Cyrus about these meetings. Maybe there is something important, but he doubts it.

“Hey, Arthur, I am sorry that the nominations against the veelas failed last year. I don’t understand why the Wizengamot is so contrary these days, but we are going to be successful next time and we will make sure that this veela girl doesn’t get her hands on Bill”, James said.

Arthur wanted to snarl at the comment against Fleur, but managed to restrain himself. “Not to worry James. I will do my best to protect my son.” ‘From the likes of you’ was left unsaid. Arthur really hoped that those fools are going to suffer for what they had done in the past and for what they are doing now.

There was chatterings about the meetings that took place between Greengrass, Davis and Carrow and there were some hysterics that they had a death eater meeting. Albus quickly disproved that theory by reminding his followers about Lord Greengrass’, Brandon Davis’ and Lord Carrow’s standpoint regarding the death eaters. James, Sirius and Remus didn’t like it, but they had to admit that those three were not big fans of neither You-Know-Who nor his followers. They needed to find something damaging against them, but currently and unfortunately, they have nothing against those dark wizards.

After the chattering ended, the order meeting came to an end.

Malfoy Manor, January 25th, 2003

The meeting in Malfoy Manor was tense. Narcissa and Lucius had secretive smiles on their faces and many were ready to call them out on it. Adriana asked boldly: “Narcissa, what are you and your husband trying to hide from us?”

“Nothing”, Narcissa said it with a smile.

“Cissy, I have known you since we were little girls and I know that smile on your face. You are trying to hide something from us.” Adriana had to bite it down.

Narcissa just huffed and answered: “Well since secret-keeping is impossible, on Monday, we had a visitor from the Veela Nations. She had given us some books that could help us. Two of the books would help Christina O’Neill, Frank and Alice in their current condition since there is a potion and a healing spell that would treat the burnings of Auror O’Neill’s, Frank’s and Alice’s nerves. The red book is a potion book and I believe that you, Severus, would be able to brew the potion. The blue book has many spells and curses that could help us. Especially, there is a healing spell that would make sure that the burnings would not return. The green book would be useful for the Unspeakables in our circle since there are some rituals from the veelas that could be useful for the DoM.”

Callidora perked up when her grandson and granddaughter-in-law were mentioned and that there was something that would help them with their current condition. Since Frank and Alice were admitted in the hospital, they were suffering under gruesome pain since the residue of the Cruciatus curse is still on them and it can’t be removed. Those two books have the solution and it could improve Frank’s and Alice’s condition greatly. Amelia had the same thought like Callidora about Christina. The spell and the potion could help her greatly since it is unpleasant to watch her co-worker struggle with her arms. Thorfinn and Augustus had a gleam in their eyes. There is a new field to study. Severus was trying everything to hide his grin. This potion book is a gold mine. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on all the potions that the veelas had created independently, but the potion that could help Christina O’Neill, Frank and Alice had its priority. He will immediately start working on the potion first, in order to help them since no one deserves to be under these gruesome conditions. Augustus and Thorfinn took the green book, whereas Severus took the red one.

Severus promised Callidora and Amelia that he would work on the potion immediately and for free, which made both women smile, but they insisted that he should be paid at least. Amelia warned that Dumbledore could use that against him. Severus accepted the reason and knew that the women were right.

“Furthermore, we and Akira have a permanent invitation to the Veela Nations. You are also invited, but we had to accompany you due to security reasons”, Narcissa announced. Many were stunned. These were great news that the Veela Nations are opening up to witches and wizards. These were good news.

When the chattering died down, Narcissa moved over to the reason for this meeting. Arthur explained that Dumbledore planned to restrict the curriculum in charms, so that the NEWT students are learning spells that are taught in fourth and fifth year internationally. The reason,he wants to give, is that the spells are dark and dangerous.

Many rolled their eyes at the reasoning. Narcissa said: “We will just point out that the material was approved by the headmaster himself and we will give everyone the warning that in case, they want that nomination to pass, then, they are agreeing that they would want to have their children’s magic to be stunted. I believe that no one would want that.” Many agreed. Many members of the board are also parents and their goal is that their children should receive a very good education.

“But we need a distraction for that”, Michael Davis huffed.

Narcissa smiled. She had an idea. “Well, the Astronomy class would need another adjustment. The class should be taught also on a Saturday night. The first, second, third and fourth years should have that class during the weekends on Friday and Saturday, so that the younger years could have enough sleep and do not have to worry about any classes on the next day. The fifth, sixth and seventh years should be Aurora’s decision, when she wants to teach the OWL and NEWT classes, but I would suggest that the OWL and NEWT classes should take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 pm to 11:30 pm. The students due to their age would have enough time to rest for the next school day and the schedule didn’t have to be moved to 9:45 am.” Everyone agreed on that. Severus thought that Aurora would love the idea and additionally, she would have Sundays and Mondays off, where she could put the office hours permanently and she would be able to do her head of house duties without any issues.

“And we can nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Ancient Runes.” Amelia finished. Everyone nodded.

Before the meeting came to an end, Cyrus wanted to talk about an issue in the ministry that would also require Amelia’s and Corban’s attention again. “Cyrus, what seems to be the problem?”, Amelia asked curiously.

“Brandon Davis brought some troubling news to me about the Registry Department. It seems like that the employees there are underpaid, but according to the accountability reports that were filed in the ministry since Selwyn took over in 1999, the employees received 1200 Galleons, but according to the paychecks from an employee that Brandon had managed to arrange, the employees in the Registry Department received in 2001 1100 Galleons, in 2002 1000 Galleons and now, in 2003, there would another cut, where the employees would receive only 900 Galleons. I know that we have the Office of Ministerial Regulation for these issues, but the complaints have been ignored since I believe that Selwyn has a contact there that is making sure that the complaints do disappear. Selwyn, furthermore, is threatening the other employees with dismissal and that anyone, who dares to defy him, would also be blacklisted from the ministry, if they dare to go to complain to the Office of Ministerial Regulation. This abuse of power needs to be stopped and I am requesting from you and Corban to keep your eyes and ears open on the Registry Department and the Office of Ministerial Regulation. I already warned Gerald about Selwyn’s contact and he will make sure that he will deal with that individual personally.” Amelia and Corban nodded in understanding and had severe expressions. They will keep an eye on the Registry Department and the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Amelia had always had a bad feeling regarding the Registry Department, when Patrick Selwyn took over as department head and now, she was proven right that something was going on. She trusted Carrow to deal with Selwyn’s contact. Amelia knew the man and his views regarding Riddle and his death eaters and she can trust him that he would fair and just.

“Do you have any suspicion, who that contact could be, Cyrus?”, Michael questioned curiously. He was startled that the situation has become serious. At first, he had thought that a mistake was made and that either Pike was just exaggerating and his cousin was a little bit gullible, which couldn’t be the case since his cousin is taking every word with a grain of salt, or that there was a mistake, when the accountability reports were written, but now, he had to admit that things were getting serious. He knew Patrick Selwyn and that man is dangerous since he had managed to talk his way out that he wasn’t a death eater. He doesn’t have the mark that was maybe true, but he is a secret follower of Riddle, which is undeniable since the man and his family are blood purists. Michael was concerned about Brandon’s safety since he is sure that Selwyn and his associates could target him, if they find out that he is involved in this. He will make sure to warn his cousin from the danger and that he should be carefully. Michael knew that Selwyn would never go against Cyrus since his old friend is dangerous and no one would dare to mess up with him after he had managed to suspend Scrimgeour and put him after the war under probation.

Many had a bad feeling about this since there could be more to these cuttings. They are sure that behind Selwyn’s policies, there must be something darker.

School board, January 27th, 2003

The school board meeting of the New Year hadn’t even started and there was already a nomination from Dumbledore himself, where he proposed to limit the ICW curriculum in Charms since the spells and charms that are taught to the NEWT classes were dark and dangerous. He reminded everyone that the students’ lives were in danger and even subtly told them that it could corrupt the students, if they are learning these spells due to the nature of dark magic. The Grey Alliance in the school board wanted to roll their eyes. They should have predicted it that the old fool would go back to his light vs. dark argument. But they were not the only ones, who were annoyed by Albus’ attempts to dumb down the students. Many other board members were wary about the headmaster’s words and weren’t sure, if they should believe him since the man had approved the ICW curriculums.

When he was finished, Albus asked: “Are there any other nominations?”

Narcissa rose her wand. Albus sighed. He hoped that she will not make things complicated. Narcissa Malfoy’s nominations were innocuous and didn’t seem to harm his plans, when he looked through her nominations and proposals for his school, but his followers were making a big deal about her motions, which is a hindrance to him. “Lady Malfoy?”

Narcissa stood up and announced: “I have a nomination to make concerning the Astronomy class, headmaster. I am proposing that the class should also take place on a Saturday and that the first, second, third and fourth years should attend the class on Fridays and Saturdays, so that they could sleep through without worrying about any classes on the next day. It would lower the stress levels of the younger years. I would also make a suggestion that the OWL and NEWT classes in Astronomy should take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 pm to 11:30 pm. Due to their age, the OWL and NEWT students are sleeping lesser hours than the first, second, third and fourth years. So, the schedule doesn’t need to be adjusted for them, if they had an Astronomy class the day before since it would be expected from them to be up and ready for class at 9 am. It would also help Professor Sinistra with her head of house duties and office hours.”

Albus had to admit that the nomination sounded to be genuine in his opinion since it would make sure that all students would be able to attend class at 9 am and the staff doesn’t make these adjustments due to the Astronomy class. It would also solve the issue with the Astronomy class, the morning classes and the breakfast situation, but there was another problem. An argument broke out within his followers, where the younger generation were practically whining that the OWL and NEWT students needed more sleep and they didn’t like this change since it is ‘harming’ the students. Albus wanted to slam his head on the desk and scream. Why do his followers have to complicate things? He requested a privacy ward, where he would spend the next hour to calm his followers down.

Narcissa could admit that the old fool was supportive of her nomination, which is good since it gives Dumbledore a false sense of security, but his followers were doing more harm than good with their protests and hysteria.

With Dumbledore being distracted, Aurelia took over and questioned: “Are there any other nominations?”

Amelia rose her wand. Aurelia’s attention was on the Lady of the House Bones. “Lady Bones.”

“I have a protest to make regarding Lord Dumbledore’s nomination”, Amelia announced. “I don’t understand Lord Dumbledore’s reasoning. I have looked through the spells and charms that the students are going to learn during their NEWT class and I came to the conclusion that our head governor is exaggerating that these spells and charms are dark and dangerous since they were a little bit advanced. Furthermore, why is he against the ICW curriculum, when he was the one, who approved the curriculum and standards in the ICW. This also means that he approved the spells and charms that the NEWT students in Charms are going to learn in the other schools. Furthermore, do you want your children’s magic to become stunted?” Many shook their heads at the question and were thoughtful about Amelia’s statement, because she was right. Why would the headmaster approve the ICW curriculum and standards, when he doesn’t want it to be taught in Hogwarts. He had approved it and didn’t object against the decision from the ICW. Why is he now so contrary?

Narcissa knew that with this argument, everyone would not agree with Albus and the man would have no one else to blame than himself since he has approved the curriuclum.

Amelia sat down and there were some chatterings, but they quieted down, when Aurelia wanted to continue with the session. “Are there any other motions or protests?”

Michael rose his wand. Aurelia turned her attention to the Davis lord. “Lord Davis?”

The said man stood up and proposed: “I will make it short. I nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Ancient Runes.” Aurelia nodded and put the nomination in the docket. Questioning again, if there were any other nominations, the woman looked around the chamber, if there was someone, who had a nomination or a protest to make.

Half an hour later, Dumbledore retook his seat as head governor annoyed and exhausted. After he had calmed down, Albus asked Aurelia: “Aurelia, my dear, were there any other nominations?”

“Yes, headmaster, Lord Davis nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for Ancient Runes”, Aurelia answered.

Albus sighed deeply. This couldn’t get any worse, but he needed to be confident that his motion would pass. His followers were really getting on his nerves. Albus moved over to the voting. The first nomination from him failed. Albus withheld a growl. Why is everything going the wrong way. The next motion from Lady Malfoy passed with a great majority. James and the other younger followers had voted against the nomination since they didn’t like it. The last proposal from Davis passed with a majority vote, which was annoying, but thankfully, it wasn’t a dark class unlike Etiquette, Wizard Studies and Magical Theory.

With that, the board session came to an end.

Hogwarts

Albus was furious, when he arrived back at his office with his followers in tow. The board meeting had ended badly. What was happening? Why couldn’t his nominations pass? He was so well prepared, and still, he suffers failures and setbacks. Why is that? How aren’t things going his way? He just shook his head.

James and the others were not happy about the failed vote during the school board meeting. Maybe they need to reestablish John’s fame as the boy-who-lived, in order to build up some public pressure against the board and the Wizengamot, but they are not sure, if that would work. They have tried this method last year, but they failed since the primary school was popular and there was also an article that Albus had approved the ICW curriculum and standards, which overshadowed John’s fame. The changes in the magical world that were made by the Wizengamot also distracted the public from their attempt to use John’s fame. They hated this, but they couldn’t really do anything against it.

Phineas had a devious smile, when he had seen the looks on Dumbledore’s and his followers’ faces. It seems like that another meeting didn’t go his way.

After some time of silence, Albus said in a calm voice: “I understand, my dears, that the meeting was disappointing, but we have a lot of time to fix these issues up and for that reason, we should not dwell on the lost vote. There is a Wizengamot meeting next Monday.”

With that, Albus discussed with his followers to ban dark artifacts completely from their world since they were dangerous. There were many restrictions and bans against a great number of dark artifacts, but now, they should be banned from their world completely.

Phineas had to admit that only a quarter of the dark artefacts in their world were dangerous and should be banned. But there was another quarter of dark artefacts that are used in everyday life since they are not dangerous and had their uses. Most artefacts are restricted to certain fields or the Department of Mysteries since he knew from his former colleague, Dinah Hecat, who worked in the DoM, that the use of these artefacts is complicated and they could be dangerous in inexperienced hands.

But there are also light artefacts that are as dangerous as the dark artefacts since in his opinion, half of these artefacts should be restricted and a quarter of them should be banned from their world due to the danger they pose to their society.

He is sure that Narcissa will find a way to make sure that the complete ban fails, which would be entertaining to see the old fool’s face. The ICW laws regulating dark and light artefacts should be used for the time being. It would annoy Dumbledore that not only the dark, but also the light artefacts are banned, restricted or regulated.

The impromptu-order meeting came to an end and Albus was left in his office in his thoughts.

Pike House, January 29th, 2003

Matthew was lying on the couch exhausted, drenched in sweat and completely naked. His head was on Felix’s naked lap and the young man had started to fall asleep. When he was taught by his father that pregnancies are raising the sex drive, he thought that his old man was joking, but he was proven wrong, after he married Felix and Felicia. When Felicia got pregnant with their son, her sex drive was really high and she had jumped on him nearly every day, when he got home from work. But he was now experiencing the same things like Felicia and he was jumping on Felix like he was hormone controlled. It was embarrassing.

Felix was sitting on the couch nude stroking Matthew’s hair. He was happy that Matthew was pregnant, but the sex drive was tiring him out. Felicia entered the room with a tray of hot chocolate and some biscuits. She had a smile on her face and was excited that Matthew was expecting a child. Felicia had to take care of their son in the nursery since she didn’t want him to see, what his fathers were doing on the couch in the living room. Putting the tray down on the coffee table, she looked at her twin. “Felix, how is Matthew? Is he still alive?”

Felix nodded. “He had jumped on me again like his life had depended on. It reminded me of you and Matthew, when you were pregnant.” Felicia just huffed, but she had to admit that he was right. She had jumped on Matthew, when she was pregnant with Noah. It was hilarious.

Felix took some hot chocolate and started to enjoy some of the biscuits his twin had made. Matthew smelled something sweet and grinned. He set up on a sitting position and saw the hot chocolate and the biscuits. He quickly devoured one biscuit and started to take the next. “Slow down, Matthew, or you will choke yourself to death. Here some hot chocolate.”

“Thanks.” He swallowed down the chewed pieces and drank the chocolate. “Merlin. I never thought that pregnancies could be so exhausting.”

“Well, I have felt the same way like you, when I was pregnant with Noah.” Felicia smirked. Matthew just pouted and took a sip from his hot chocolate. These times were hellish. He didn’t want to imagine, how it would have been, if he and Felicia were pregnant at the same time. This would have been one hell of a time.

Felix quickly dressed himself since he had to return back to work in an hour, but he is sure that he would end up naked again, when he returns back home. Matthew is going to jump on him again since it is known in the magical world that the sex drive with males is higher than with females. Women are better equipped for pregnancies than men since they can deal with the pregnancy hormones better. Sitting down again on the armchair, he quickly emptied his cup.

When the cups were empty and the dishes were in the sink, Felix asked a still naked Matthew, who lied down on the couch, stretched himself and started to stroke himself since he got hard again: “Matthew, are sure that it is a good idea to change jobs right now? I think that you should take a break from work until the baby comes.” He was astounded, how fast Matthew became hard. Felicia had gone back to the nursery to check-up on Noah.

“Yes, Felix, Mr. Davis at least does care for his employees unlike Selwyn. Selwyn is a slave driver and I can’t work for him. This work climate could harm our baby.” With his other hand, Matthew stroked softly over his flat belly. He managed to restrain a moan. “Furthermore, Mr. Davis said that he will do some arrangements for my paternity leave. So, I don’t have to worry about losing my job.”

Felix nodded in understanding glad that there are employers, who are caring and understanding. Going over to Matthew, he stroked his husband’s brown hair and kissed him on his sweaty forehead. Moving down, Felix took his husband’s member and continued with the stroking until Matthew tightened up and was ready for another release. After some time, Matthew let out a moan and a release. That felt good.

Felix retracted his hand from his husband’s flat member and had taken out his wand. He cleaned Matthew and himself up since Matthew’s seed got on his auror robes. The last thing, he needed was his colleagues teasing him about his sex life. He put his wand back in his robe pocket and looked in his husband’s blue eyes that were half-closed. Seeing Matthew’s sleepy smile, Felix just shook his head and grinned. This night will be exhausting, when he returns back since he is sure that Matthew’s sex drive will return to a high peak. He kissed his husband on the lips and quickly flooed back to the ministry leaving Matthew alone on the couch, who drifted back to sleep.

Felicia returned back to the living room and saw her husband slowly drifting to sleep. “Matthew, are you going to remain naked like this?” Matthew nodded and rearranged himself on the right side. Felicia huffed since she knew that Matthew preferred this side. She quickly took out a blanket from the cupboard and covered him, so that he doesn’t get a cold and that Noah doesn’t see his father naked since his front side of his body is exposed.

Chapter Text

Greengrass Manor, February 1st, 2003

The Grey Alliance had a pre-meeting regarding the Wizengamot meeting on Monday. Arthur was explaining the others about Dumbledore’s nomination to ban all dark magical artefacts. This law could be reasonable since a majority are either restricted or banned, but it would ban all artefacts that are slightly dark and some are used in everyday life like the self-playing instruments. Narcissa has prepared a list, which dark artefacts were restricted and banned in the ICW and which dark artefacts are used in everyday life.

“At least this nomination does sound to be reasonable, but banning all dark artefacts completely is unreasonable since there are some artefacts that are used in everyday life”, Augustus said in a thoughtful voice.

Many agreed. Muriel explained: “You should also not forget that there are also light-magical artefacts, where a majority is internationally either banned or restricted since they could be also as dangerous as dark-magical artefacts.” Many were surprised, but they had to admit that a majority of the magical artefacts are dangerous and had been either restricted or banned. That would also be a good point to show the Wizengamot that the light-magical artefacts are as dangerous as the dark magical artefacts. Narcissa needed to show the other members that light magic could also be as dangerous as dark magic.

“But we need a distraction, in order to make sure that Dumbledore’s nomination doesn’t pass”, Cyrus explained.

Many agreed and Narcissa knew a very good distraction that would be very popular within the public and Dumbledore and his followers would have a hard time to argue it away. “I have an idea.” Many turned their attention to the Malfoy matriarch, who they had started to respect with her nominations. “We nominate to open up a kindergarten like in the muggle world, where children from the age of 3 to 6 could socialise with other children. It’s like playdates that are taking place from Monday to Friday and the kindergarten will follow the same patterns of Hogwarts, if you look at the holiday aspects. The childcare centre should take in children from the age of 0 to 3 from Monday to Sunday. This also includes the breaks. Whereas children from the age of 3 to 13 could only be taken in during the weekends and the breaks, where the kindergarten, the primary school and Hogwarts are closed.” Many agreed on the nomination regarding the kindergarten and the rule change within the childcare centre that would be finished at the end of February and be opened at the beginning of March.

They also made the plan to conclude the Wizengamot meeting with the motion to put the current bans and restrictions against the dark magical artefacts under question and convince the Wizengamot to use the international laws regarding all magical artefacts in their world until they found a solution. This would also include the light-magical artefacts, which would annoy Dumbledore and his fools to no end.

Cyrus was thoughtful regarding the complaint against the Registry Department that he had handed over. It’s already two weeks since he gave his report to Gerald. The man said that he was going to wait and see, what Avery was going to do and then, he is going to act.

He heard that Avery had been complaining about a file that was always reappearing on his desk. Cyrus knew that his spell work is working. Now, Gerald was waiting for the right time to strike. Avery would be gone from his position in the Office of Ministerial Regulation. But now, he had to focus on the Wizengamot meeting. Dumbledore needed to be stopped.

Wizengamot, February 3rd, 2003

The Wizengamot came to an end and Narcissa was ready to celebrate. It was another success. At the beginning, she thought that their plan wouldn’t work with Dumbledore’s speech against the dark artefacts and their danger to the society. She and the others remained quiet and waited patiently until the old fool was finished. Narcissa had to admit that Dumbledore made a good speech, but they needed to be better at it.

When the old fool was finished, Tarquinius Nott of all people proposed to open up a kindergarten like in the muggle world, where children from the age of 3 to 6 can attend and socialise. A large argument broke out in the light section since the younger generation believed that there must be a nefarious reason behind the Tarquinius’ nomination. They started to rant and rave, which really annoyed Dumbledore. Narcissa was amused about the accusations against the Nott lord, where the man was accused of brainwashing of children, child abuse and child endangerment. There were many other accusations. Many members looked at the light section critically and Dumbledore looked like he swallowed a lemon. The man had tried everything to calm his followers down, because the other members were looking at his followers with disdain.

Dumbledore was distracted for the time being and Aurelia took over temporarily as Chief Witch. From there on, Pandora Lovegood made a protest against Dumbledore’s motion and handed everyone the files about the dark artefacts that were banned, that were restricted and that were used for everyday life. She also pointed out that the files were coming from the ICW and that they didn’t need to worry since the Department of Mysteries in the ICW has a wider knowledge about the dark artefacts in their world than the British counterpart. She also handed everyone a file full of light-magical artefacts that are banned, restricted or used for everyday life and many were surprised that like with the dark magical artefacts, a quarter of them was banned and half of these artefacts were restricted.

From there on, things went their way, when Michael Davis nominated to put the current ban and restrictions against the dark-magical artefacts under question and proposed that the ICW laws should be used instead until they found a solution for the dark and light magical artefacts. The ICW laws should also be used against the light magical artefacts since they could also be dangerous.

When Dumbledore was finished with his argument, the man questioned, if there were any other motions. Aurelia explained him Michael’s proposal, which made his more radical followers laugh at Michael in a mocking tone and that his motion will fail. They completely ignored the files in front of them. Dumbledore had gotten worried, but he brushed it off and was confident.

After retaking his seat as Chief Warlock, the old fool moved over to the voting. The first nomination failed since a majority voted against it. Dumbledore looked ready to murder someone and Narcissa was sure that the man hadn’t planned for this outcome. His followers started to rant and were even frothing in their mouths about the lost vote. They couldn’t believe that Dumbledore’s motion has failed. The next proposal from Tarquinius Nott had a great majority since the motion regarding the kindergarten was popular. Only those, who caused the argument voted against the motion, which made them look bad. The last nomination passed with a landslide vote, which infuriated Dumbledore and his followers to no end.

The meeting came to an official end after some discussions about the budgets.

Albus was furious. This meeting was a complete nightmare and thanks to his followers and their hysterics against Tarquinius Nott, he had lost another vote. Why do his followers have to be so hysteric about the motions from the dark section? He should have known that they were always suspicious of anyone, who is dark. Most nominations could interfere with his plans, but they were popular among the public. So, he can’t really do anything against those motions without looking bad, but his followers and their hysterics against the dark fraction are making the light section look really bad.

He had to find a way to make sure that his followers were not making a big deal about certain nominations since they are hindering him, but it grows to be difficult since his followers were fanatical and are showing their biases, when someone from the dark fraction does a nomination and those idiots are always seeing a danger in those motions even though some of them are popular within the public. His followers’ tantrums are ruining his nominations since it seems like that they couldn’t pass, because of his pawns’ behaviour.

Now, the restrictions and bans against the dark artefacts are replaced by the ICW laws and now most of the light-magical artefacts are on the receiving end of being restricted and banned, which doesn’t bode well with him as a Light Lord.

He had to find a way to fix this and get the Wizengamot to listen to him.

Hogwarts

Minerva was making her way to the headmaster’s office. She was worried about Albus since he missed dinner. She knew that he was supposed to ban all dark magical artefacts from their world and to make sure that their society was safer from the evil darkness in their world that is still lingering in the dark corner of their society, but she had a niggling feeling that the motion had failed. Minerva was hoping that Albus was successful, but she had a bad feeling about this.

Entering Albus’ office, she saw her friend pacing in front of his desk.

“Albus? Is everything alright?”

Albus stopped his pacing and sat down behind his desk. He summoned a seat for Minerva, which she took. “I am fine, Minerva, but the Wizengamot meeting was a setback. The nomination to ban dark magical artefacts failed and the law was put under question. As replacement, the ICW laws would be used. Furthermore, those laws are also including the bans and restrictions against a majority of light magical artefacts, which is bad for our cause since it is equalising dark and light magic even more.”

Minerva tightened her lips in a thin line. This was bad. This was beyond bad. If the dark is successful in equalising dark and light magic, then, she would live in a society, where even light witches and wizards would be discriminated like the dark and that can’t be allowed. “We need to find a way to make the Wizengamot see reason that the path that they are taking is dangerous and could ruin our society.”

“I know, Minerva, but currently, we are suffering setbacks and I don’t know, why this is happening now. I am trying my best, but somehow, when someone from the dark is nominating something that wouldn’t risk our plans or is nominating something that is very popular within the public, James and the others are going into hysterics thinking that there must be something nefarious behind the nomination”, Albus explained with a sigh.

Minerva understood the issue. It seems like that the dark is not the issue why Albus is suffering setbacks after setbacks. It is unfortunately, their friends and allies that are causing these issues.

“Maybe I should attend the next order meeting regarding the school board meeting in two weeks and remind our friends and close allies that they needed to behave or face my displeasure”, Minerva suggested.

Albus found the idea to be good. If Minerva is there, maybe his followers are going to behave properly and none of his pawns are brave enough to face Minerva’s displeasure or even dissatisfaction. This could work.

“You are welcome, Minerva”, Albus said in a jovial tone.

He hoped that the school board meeting would work. Albus needed to find a way to restrict the ICW curriculum in Charms. He can’t allow another setback.

Ministry, Registry Department, February 6th, 2003

Richard Avery was making his way to Patrick Selwyn’s office. He needed to inform him about some issues that he is having with a complaint that is always reappearing, when he is trying to get rid of it. Richard knew that the complaint could cause him and Patrick many issues. The fact that Cyrus Greengrass filed the complaint is making things even harder for him and Patrick to deny anything since Cyrus is a one of the top lawyers in the ministry.

Richard quickly made his way through the Registry Department and reached Patrick’s office. The secretary noticed him and asked: “What can I do for you, Mr. Avery? Mr. Selwyn is busy for now, because he has a meeting. An employee had quit on Friday and we have a shortage of employees for now.” Avery nodded. He knew that Matthew Pike had resigned from his position in the Registry Department and had started to work in the Tax Department. There were already some nasty rumours in the ministry about Patrick Selwyn and his running of the Registry Department. He also heard that Pike was pregnant, which annoyed him. It was too bad that he was already married to the Pike twins, he would have taken him as well.

“I have an appointment in a few minutes with Patrick. There were some things that I needed to discuss with him.” The secretary looked at the appointment calendar and found the slot that was arranged for Richard Avery.

She turned her attention back to Avery and said: “Ah yes, you need to wait for a few minutes until Mr. Selwyn is finished with this meeting.

Richard waited impatiently until the office door was opened and Patrick came out with his brother. “You worry too much, Quintus. I have everything under control.”

“I hope so, but if something does go wrong, then, you wouldn’t like the consequences.” Quintus didn’t look amused, but was rather serious. The man was less than pleased with his brother. He turned his attention away and noticed Richard. Quintus greeted the man, but had to leave since he had some business appointments and so, Patrick turned his attention on Richard. “Richard, what can I do for you? You wanted to speak with me urgently.”

“I have to speak with you privately, Patrick. We have a problem”, Richard explained with a hiss.

Patrick just grumbled: “Follow me.” He went into his office and Richard followed him in. He sat down behind his desk and Richard took the seat in front of the desk. “What can I do for you now, Richard?”, Patrick questioned Richard sharply. All pretence of being a jovial man gone from his features.

Richard swallowed hard and answered: “I have a problem regarding a complaint against you, Patrick. It was made by Cyrus Greengrass and every time, I am trying to get rid of the complaint, it reappears back at my desk. I don’t know, what to do?”

Patrick glared at the brat. “Richard, you fool, Greengrass surely, has put some charms on the complaint, in order to mess with you. Remove those charms and then, get rid of the file.”

“Okay, but I have a bad feeling regarding this. We need to teach Greengrass his place.” Richard looked unsure, but his confidence was returning.

“No, Cyrus Greengrass is basically untouchable in the ministry. It is a political suicide to go against that man. Just remove the charms, Richard. Leave Greengrass alone. Our Lord will deal with him, when the time is right.” Patrick rolled his eyes in annoyance.

With that, Richard left the office and made his way back to work and Patrick was left on his own in his office. He had a lot of paperwork to do and he needed to find a new employee since Pike had resigned. Patrick was angered that the brat had dared to quit his job so suddenly. He wished, he had something against the man, in order to blacklist him for causing these problems, but the man’s records were clean and there was pretty much nothing that can be useful.

Richard returned back to his workplace and had taken the file from Greengrass. He examined the paperwork, if there were any charms on the file and found some that were annoying since it would make sure that the paperwork would reappear back on his desk. He quickly removed those charms and threw the paperwork into the bin. What he didn’t realise was that there was an alarming spell that would alert Cyrus and Gerald. Both men now knew, what he had done.

Gerald could fire him for dereliction of duty now. He will have to discuss it with Cyrus first and then, he would act against Avery.

Ministry, Office of Ministerial Regulation, February 10th, 2003

Cyrus was making his way to the Office of Ministerial Regulation. He had received a message from Gerald that the charms had been removed and he was alerted by Avery’s actions. He needed some counsel since he had enough evidence to fire Richard Avery. Cyrus knew that it was important since Gerald needs to make sure that Avery doesn’t put a stink against his resignation. There are still many labour laws in the ministry that Avery could use and this could cause many issues since the employees have rights too.

Arriving in the Office of Ministerial Regulation, he made his way to Gerald’s office. He had noticed that Avery noticed him and was glaring at him. Cyrus just restrained a smile and regarded him with a neutral expression. Approaching the secretary, Cyrus cleared his throat. The secretary turned her attention onto him. “Greetings, Lord Greengrass, what can I do for you today?”

“I have an appointment with Lord Carrow.” Cyrus explained.

The secretary looked through the calendar and found the appointment. “Ah, yes, Lord Carrow is expecting you. Follow me.”

The woman stood up and knocked on the door. “Yes.” A voice was heard from the office. The woman opened the door slightly. She saw her superior sitting behind his desk doing mountains of paperwork “Lord Carrow, Lord Greengrass is here.”

“Ah, let him in. There is something that I needed to discuss with Lord Greengrass privately.” Gerald waved his wand and brought his desk back in order. He quickly summoned a seat in front of his desk. The secretary nodded and returned back to her workplace. Cyrus entered the office and closed the door. He put some privacy and silencing charms on the door, so that no one was eavesdropping.

“Cyrus, sit down. I need your counsel regarding the labour laws, so that Avery doesn’t put up a stink against me, when he is fired.” Gerald explained. Cyrus nodded in understanding. “I have looked at the past cases that Avery had dismissed and I have found many complaints against the Registry Department. Avery had dismissed them of course with the reason that there was no evidence, but he never gave up a report that he was in the department, in order to check the situation up. Normally, a worker from this office has to go and check-up on the department and its accountability reports, if there were any cases of misregulations in a department no matter what. This is clearly a dereliction of duty. There is also your complaint that was ignored, dismissed and thrown into the bin.”

Cyrus nodded and explained: “You are right and you have a strong case against him. You can fire him and there are not going to be any repercussions since Avery has no one else to blame than himself, but I would suggest to put some secrecy wards around your office, when you are firing him, in order to make sure that he doesn’t snitch on Selwyn that you are aware of his actions and disregard for the rules and regulations in the ministry. I am afraid that Selwyn would try everything to cover his actions up, if he finds out.”

“I will adjust the wards that he is fired, because of dereliction of duty, but he wouldn’t be able to give up any specifics. He would know the truth why, but he would be unable to tell anyone.” Gerald had a smirk on his face.

Cyrus nodded and suggested to him to do this in a few days.

Ministry, Office of Ministerial Regulation, February 13th, 2003

Gerald had everything, what he needed, in order to fire Richard Avery from his department. He had quickly set up the secrecy wards around the office, but he wasn’t sure, if he should activate them. Maybe he should see the reaction from Selwyn, when he finds out that his contact has been removed and that he was going to take over the investigation of the Registry Department, but he doesn’t know, if this was going to be a risk. The best thing was that employers were allowed to put secrecy wards in case there are employees that are abusing their power since there is a possibility of an investigation, but it is not a requirement except the DMLE is getting involved, then, the secrecy wards are necessary. Today, he can get rid of Avery. That man had been undermining his authority since Gerald had been forced to hire the idiot, when Richard was finished with school. Now, he can fire the man and Avery wouldn’t have no one else to blame than himself or Selwyn.

He quickly informed his secretary that he needed to speak with Richard Avery. There were some things that he needed to discuss with the man. He gave her the look that said that someone was going to be dismissed permanently. The woman had tried to hide her smile, but failed. Gerald realised that Richard wasn’t really popular among his co-workers. He knew his secretary and he is aware that Avery hated her since she was a muggleborn and to make things even worse for the man, Gerald had chosen her over his sister.

Now, Gerald was waiting for Avery.

Richard Avery was in a bad mood. First, there was Greengrass’ complaint against the Registry Department that he couldn’t get rid of. Then, there was Patrick, who had pulled his ear out, and ordered him to examine the complaint, if there were any charms on the file. Finally, there was the tiring magical examination of Greengrass’ file and the fact that the man dared to put some charms that were making sure that he can’t get rid of the complaint. It was annoying that the file always reappeared at this desk. When the man wanted to sit down, he was interrupted by the mudblood that was Carrow’s secretary. Richard never understood why Gerald chose this inferior woman over his bright, pureblooded sister, but he can’t complain. “What do you want?”, Avery snapped at the woman.

“Mr. Avery, Lord Carrow demands your presence in his office. It is important”, the woman answered with a slight smile.

Richard grounded his teeth. What does the man want now? He had a bad week and he isn’t in the mood to deal with Gerald again. Couldn’t things get even worse? “Fine, I am coming.” Richard hated the mudblood and her presence in the office. He wished his Lord was in charge. The Dark Lord would have dealt with those filthy mudbloods that were polluting their society.

Richard made his way to Gerald’s office. He hoped that this meeting would be short and that he could return back to his work.

The secretary knocked on the office door and with a come-in, he was led in.

Gerald was doing some paperwork. There were some files on the desk beside him. The man turned his attention to Richard. “Ah, Mr. Avery, you came on time. Come sit down, we have many things to discuss. Mary, you can return back to your workplace.” The secretary nodded and left the office closing the office door.

Avery sat down with a sigh. “What can I do for you, Lord Carrow?”

“You can drop your pretence, Mr. Avery. I know that you don’t like me, but it doesn’t matter for now.” The man readjusted himself on his seat, in order to have a more comfortable seating arrangement. He leaned back slightly and gave the man a smile. “Mr. Avery, there were some grave irregularities that were done in this office. And most of these irregularities has your name and your signature.” Gerald took the files that were beside him and opened them. “Mr. Avery, there were many complaints about the Registry Department and many of these complaints were pointing to the paycheck cut. You have dismissed these complaints why?”

“Because there was no evidence that Mr. Selwyn has made these cuts since the accountability reports were showing that the employees were receiving the proper wage of 1200 Galleons. So, I dismissed them since the claims were false.” Avery explained. He was sure that this would be enough.

Gerald didn’t look convinced, which annoyed Avery. “Mr. Avery, you may have reasoned well, but what about Lord Greengrass’ complaint? His complaint was more accurate and there were many concerning issues.”

“With all due respect, Lord Carrow, but Lord Greengrass shouldn’t interfere in another department’s business. His report may have been more accurate, but there were no grounds and evidence to investigate Mr. Selwyn.” Richard had a thin sheen of sweet on his forehead. He looked insecure.

Gerald leaned forward and answered: “Mr. Avery, be respectful towards Lord Greengrass and do not sell me for a fool. I have looked over Lord Greengrass’ file and I found copies of paychecks that were coming from the Registry Department. They were carrying Mr. Selwyn’s signature and do you know, what was written on the paychecks? Do you know what the wage was of the employee?” Richard swallowed hard. This was bad. This was beyond bad. He thought that no one was going to find out.

Whereas Richard was lost in thoughts, Gerald spread the paychecks out. Avery’s attention was drawn back to the papers on the desks and the man paled, when he had seen the paychecks. Gerald smiled at the expression. “Well, Mr. Avery, our office also checks up the paychecks and compares them with the accountability reports. Why didn’t you do the comparison?”

“Well…” Richard was lost. What was he supposed to say? If he said that it wasn’t necessary, he would be fired immediately. “I haven’t found any grounds.”

Gerald’s expression changed fast. The man looked severe. “This is a flimsy excuse, Mr. Avery. You are suspended without pay. There will be a disciplinary hearing for your actions and inactions in this month.” Gerald changed his tactics. He will not fire the idiot right away, but he will make sure that there would be a hearing.

“You can’t do this. Do you know, who my family is?” Richard stood up in complete fury. This couldn’t be possible.

Gerald lifted himself up and stared down at his employee. “Do not take that tone with me, Mr. Avery, or you will be fired.” Richard looked cowed. He doesn’t need that right now. He is already in big trouble due to Patrick and his schemes. Gerald continued with a hiss: “You have no one else to blame than yourself. Pack your things from your desk and leave this office. You will receive time and date of your disciplinary hearing. I will take over the investigation of the Registry Department.” Avery paled at that. This was the last thing that Patrick and he needed. Gerald would not leave any stone unturned, if he is investigating the Registry Department.

Richard stormed out of Gerald’s office and went to his desk. He was enraged that he was suspended. Patrick is to blame for this mess. If he hadn’t demanded from him to stop any complaints from the Registry Department, he wouldn’t be fired right now. Richard quickly packed up his things and made his way to the floo, in order to go back home.

Avery Manor, February 16th, 2003

The Avery Family was sitting at the meeting room waiting for Patrick Selwyn, who had wanted to meet with Richard since the man had noticed that Richard wasn’t at the ministry during the work days. The entire family was enraged, what had happened to Richard and they blamed Patrick for his suspension. When Richard came home earlier than expected from work, he told them that he was suspended, because he had made the complaints against the Registry Department disappear. His boss, Gerald Carrow, had noticed the irregularities. They were going to make Selwyn suffer for this by telling him that they will no longer support him in his schemes with the illegal brothels that he had created in Knockturn Alley.

Patrick was lost in thought, when he arrived at the floo room of Avery Manor. He was led by an elf to the meeting room, where the Avery Family was sitting and waiting for him. Patrick greeted them, but the man received a cold reception from the other members. Patrick didn’t understand the cold treatment he had received from the Averys, but soon, he would learn, what had happened to his contact in the Office of Ministerial Regulations. Seeing Richard, Patrick greeted him: “Richard, where were you this week? I haven’t seen you in the Office of Ministerial Regulation for three days. I needed to speak with you about the complaint from Greengrass. Did you manage to get rid of the file?”

Richard just growled, but didn’t speak since his father, Nathan Avery, took over. “Yes, he did, but with a great cost.” The man said icily. “My son has been suspended, because of you. He has a disciplinary hearing at the end of February and it doesn’t look good for him since Gerald Carrow had discovered, what he had done.”

Patrick paled. What? That can’t be happening. Without Richard, he wouldn’t be able to stop Carrow from snooping into his department and making a mess out of his plans. He is also cursing Greengrass for pulling the trigger and causing him all these problems. He needed to find a way to fix this.

Nathan almost smirked at the panicked expression on Patrick’s face. “Furthermore, Carrow announced that he was going to take up the investigation of the irregularities in the Registry Department personally.” Patrick was paling even more. Couldn’t things get even worse? What was he supposed to do? Gerald unlike his twin siblings was raised by his grandfather and became Lord of the House Carrow after his father had been skipped as Lord after the old Lord Carrow’s death, which was an annoyance to their cause. Patrick knew that the former Lord Carrow was a fierce opponent of the Dark Lord since the man had fought against Grindelwald and things got worse, when Alecto and Amycus joined the Dark Lord and his cause. Both were declared persona-non-grata in their own family by Gerald’s grandfather. Patrick knew that the man was steadfast with his younger siblings’ predicament in the family and he knew that the man was going to ruin him, if he finds out about the brothels.

“I…” Patrick was at a loss. What was he supposed to do now? Richard can’t help him anymore. The only thing that the department head can do was to stall the investigation from the Office of the Ministerial Regulation, but that was going to be hard. He needed to pull some strings to lead the investigation in the wrong direction.

Nathan said: “Patrick, we will not help you anymore. You have costed my son his job and we are not in the mood to be dragged in a scandal like it had happened previously to the Yaxleys and the Jugsons. You are now on your own.”

Patrick was enraged. How dare they! After everything he had done for them by arranging for Richard to get the position in the Office of the Ministerial Regulation and this is how they are repaying him back. Surely, he is now responsible for the suspension and the possible dismissal, but at least, they should be backing him up in this grave situation.

Looking around the room, many were glaring at Patrick and he realised that the family is blaming him for Richard’s current predicament. He may have helped Richard get the spot in the Office of Ministerial Regulation, but he is also the reason why he was going to lose his job. His plans destroyed his first plan.

He left the manor in a fury. This couldn’t really get any worse.

Hogwarts, February 19th, 2003

There was another order meeting and this time, Minerva McGonagall is attending the meeting, in order to make sure that this school board meeting doesn’t end up in another failure. Albus can’t afford any setbacks since they were damaging his plans.

The Charms class was of course the topic and Albus had the plan to restrict the curriculum a little. He wanted to ban the Maxima spells like Lumos Maxima, Glacius Maxima or Aguamenti Maxima since the spells are too advanced for the students and he didn’t need the students to learn something like this in his school. It would suffice that the students learn the Trias spells, but the Maxima spells could be to be dangerous for the children in his opinion.

He agreed with his followers to ban the Maxima spells from the curriculum since they could be dangerous. Arthur wanted to slam his head on the desk. Albus and those, who followed him blindly apart from Diggle, are idiots. The board was not going to agree with that with ease since the Maxima spells were more powerful than the other spells since they are more effective and they are important in the curriculum.

Albus changed the topic, if there were any occurrences in the ministry. Many shook their heads, but some like Doge, Hestia Jones and Podmore were more observant. Arthur will warn his friends about them. Albus turned his attention to Elphias. “Elphias, my friend, you seem to have some concerning news.”

“Yes, Albus, there are some things going on in the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Last month, I saw Cyrus Greengrass going in and out of Carrow’s office. You all should know that Gerald Carrow is the department head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation. I don’t know, what the meeting was about, but I have a strange feeling, what is going on.” Elphias was thoughtful. He knew that something big was going to happen, but he doesn’t know, what.

Before James could start his rant about death eater meetings in the ministry, Hestia continued for Elphias: “There is also something else. Last Thursday, Richard Avery was suspended from the Office of Ministerial Regulation and it doesn’t look good for him. I have overheard that Carrow was planning to fire him, but I don’t know why? I mean his twin siblings were known death eaters, who had escaped justice and were good friends of the Averys, but I don’t know, why Gerald Carrow would act against the Averys like this.” Hestia was confused.

“Maybe he is just pretending, so that he does look good in front of the public. This is just a trick, so that we would fall in a trap”, James growled at his colleague’s naivety.

Many sighed at James’s hysterics. Keeping up with that idiot could cost them everything, but they shouldn’t forget that through the man’s line they had the Peverell and Gryffindor seats at their disposal. When Harry gets old enough, the light side would have an even bigger advantage than with having only the Potter seats on their side. Edward answered: “James, do you know Carrow’s grandfather?”

“No, he is just another death eater”, James answered rudely.

Many were stunned that the man had reached a new level of stupidity. Edward wanted to laugh at the fool, but remained neutral. Mocking him would be a bad idea since he wants to spare everyone another headache from that idiot. “James, I didn’t think that you could be such an idiot, but I will explain it, so that a toddler could understand. The former Lord Carrow was a fierce opponent of Grindelwald and was a well-known war veteran during the Global Wizarding War. You should know James that many, who had fought against Grindelwald, were also against You-Know-Who since they didn’t tolerate another insane Dark Lord. From what I know, Gerald Carrow was raised by his grandfather to be the next Lord Carrow since the old man had planned to disinherit his own son and make his eldest grandson heir. Andrash Carrow suffered the same fate like you. He was skipped as the next Lord Carrow due to his beliefs and allegiance to You-Know-Who and his own son took over. Gerald Carrow doesn’t believe in blood supremacy and purity unlike his younger twin siblings. For Merlin’s sake, his son and heir, Andreas Carrow, is the first Carrow to be sorted any other house than Slytherin. From what I have heard, he is a Ravenclaw.” Edward looked at the headmaster for confirmation. Albus gave him a confirming nod. He was still vexed that Andreas Carrow was sorted into Ravenclaw.

James wanted to snap, but remained quiet. Why is everyone so contrary to him? He couldn’t deny that those, who have fought against Grindelwald, were also against You-Know-Who. Even those from the dark were not loyal to Voldemort. Furthermore, there was no proof that Carrow was a death eater and then, there was his son, who was sorted in Ravenclaw. James didn’t understand why the hat did this, but he remembered that he was nearly sorted into Slytherin, so, he wasn’t going to dwell on this too long.

With that, the Potter Regent remained silent and glared. There were some discussions about Gerald Carrow and Avery’s suspension, but they didn’t come to a conclusion. Albus told them to keep their eyes and ears open in the ministry. With that, the order meeting came to an end.

Albus was thoughtful after the order meeting. He had hopes that this school board meeting was going to be successful, but he was still unsure. Then, there was the suspension of Richard Avery from the Office of Ministerial Regulation. He was concerned about this, but he wasn’t really that worried since it doesn’t interfere with his plans.

His focus is the board meeting on Monday. He needed to be successful this time and make sure that their motion does pass.

Davis Manor, February 22nd, 2003

The Grey Alliance had another meeting and like usual, they were discussing Dumbledore’s and his fools’ nomination. Narcissa was thoughtful, what she was going to do. The Astronomy class was adjusted. So, she needed a new approach that would look innocuous enough that even Dumbledore wouldn’t suspect anything. She turned back her attention to the remaining classes in Hogwarts and noticed that the Flying Class would need an adjustment. In that class, Narcissa noticed that the brooms should be replaced. The current brooms are old and damaged. They could also be dangerous since dysfunctional brooms could be dangerous to ride. Narcissa smiled slightly.

“That man is a control freak”, some complained. Others just grumbled: “And he has a massive ego and a superiority god complex. For Merlin’s sake, that man is going to be annoying.”

“I have an idea, how to stop Dumbledore’s motion.” Narcissa announced.

Everyone’s attention was on her. Narcissa continued: “The Flying Class needs an adjustment. This class needs new brooms. The current ones are old and damaged. We should nominate that. Dumbledore would be distracted for the time being and we can make our protest.”

“And do not forget that we can sneak in our proposal for the primary school. The Arithmancy class should be the next class for our proposal”, Augustinus Lestrange added with a grin.

Everyone agreed on that. Then, the discussion turned on the Office of Ministerial Regulation and the Registry Department. Everyone heard of Richard Avery’s suspension. Michael Davis asked: “Cyrus, I asked last month, who Patrick Selwyn’s contact was, but you didn’t answer me. Let me guess, it was Avery.”

Cyrus nodded and said: “Yes, it was Richard Avery, but I couldn’t tell you his name last time since Gerald and I needed to deal with him appropriately and Gerald requested from me to not tell anyone about Avery’s actions and inactions.” Michael nodded in understanding.

Narcissa asked: “Have you any idea for what reason Selwyn has done all these cuts in his employees’ paychecks? I mean for what reason does he need that money for and where does the money go? His family is wealthy and even titled since they have multiple votes in the Wizengamot.” Everyone was thoughtful about Narcissa’s question. Even Cyrus. This was a good question. What are Patrick Selwyn’s goal and motivation? Why does he need the money and for what reason?

Narcissa had a bad feeling about Patrick Selwyn. Something is off, but she doesn’t know what. For now, she could only speculate.

The meeting came to an end, when everyone went home and prepared themselves for the school board meeting, but her questions remained in everyone’s mind.

School board, February 24th, 2003

Narcissa had a smile on her face, when the school board meeting came to an end. They were successful again. After one of Dumbledore’s fools nominated to restrict the curriculum regarding the Maxima spells, Tarquinius Nott proposed that the school was in need of new brooms since the current brooms were old and damaged. He had deemed the old brooms as a security risk for the students. With that, a large argument broke out in the light section. Dumbledore’s oldest and most loyal followers were against the motion, but the younger ones liked the idea much to their disgust that they were agreeing with a death eater.

Much to Narcissa’s joy, Dumbledore was distracted and they were able to make their move against Dumbledore’s motion.

The first thing that was done was a protest from Zachary Abbott regarding the proposal to cut the ICW curriculum in Charms. He reasoned his protest note with the fact that the children should receive the best education that can be offered and that the next generation is better prepared for the future. The students should learn the Maxima spells too, in order to become stronger. When Zachary was settled, they moved over to their second part of their plan. Cyrus Greengrass nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for Arithmancy. He had explained that Arithmancy was a very important elective in Hogwarts and the students should have the choice to learn the theory of the elective in the primary school. Many were supportive of the nomination.

When Dumbledore was finished with his cheerleaders, he had returned back to the podium and had asked his vice, if there were any other nominations. Lady Acton explained him that Cyrus proposed the ICW primary school curriculum for Arithmancy. Narcissa had seen his resigned face and hid a grin. The old fool couldn’t argue against the class since Arithmancy is also an elective in Hogwarts and the primary school is still popular.

Dumbledore moved over to the votes. The first nomination from Jones failed. Narcissa wanted to laugh at the dejected look on Jones’ face and Dumbledore tightening his jaw. This board meeting was not going to go his way again. Narcissa was sure of that. The second motion had a great majority and the last proposal had a majority, which made Dumbledore’s followers angry.

Albus was ready to curse his followers to the next millennium. This time, his oldest and most loyal followers had hindered his plans for this board meeting. Another failure and he doesn’t understand why. The other two proposals had passed. Nott’s nomination didn’t interfere with his plans for the school since the Flying Class was in need of new brooms and he couldn’t argue there, but his older followers had caused many issues since they wanted the status quo to remain, which had a negative reception within the other board members. The third proposal was an annoyance. He didn’t want the ICW standards and content of the Arithmancy class to be taught in the primary school, but Albus knew that the other board members would argue that he had approved the ICW primary school curriculum, which would go against him and many were going to question him, why he is against the ICW curriculum and standards even though he had given his approval to them.

Albus didn’t understand, why things were not going his way at all. He is trying to fix their world and make their world a better place. He made sure that the school is teaching the correct information and material to the next generation, but it seems like that not everyone is agreeing with him and they were now interfering with his precious school. Unfortunately, he can’t stop them since a majority is liking all those changes and somehow, he can’t change their minds like he had managed in the past without getting questioned, which he hated.

He needed a new approach. Thankfully, the next Wizengamot meeting in March is taking place on March 20th.

The school board meeting came to an end and everyone returned back home.

Ministry, Meeting Room 213, February 26th, 2003

The disciplinary proceedings were taking place in a meeting room in the ministry like it was usually done. In rare cases, the disciplinary proceedings were taking place in courtrooms, but this is only in cases of criminal charges against the employees of the departments. Gerald Carrow was seated beside the lawyer, who was representing the Office of Ministerial Regulation, and on the desk, there were many papers that would help them with the firing of Richard Avery. Both were discussing, how they were going to proceed, but they were sure that they are going to be successful.

When Avery arrived with his lawyer and had sat down at the other side of the table, Gerald greeted the young man: “Mr. Avery, you are on time. Let’s begin with this meeting. The sooner we start, the sooner we can be finished.” Richard gave the Carrow lord a stiff nod and the meeting began officially.

Avery’s lawyer started: “Well, Lord Carrow, you have suspended my client and now, you want him fired. Can you give us a good reason?”

Gerald smiled at both men and answered: “Yes, Mr Warrington. Mr Avery had committed a grave dereliction of duty and wasn’t doing his job appropriately. According to these files, I came to the conclusion that Mr. Avery had ignored the complaints against the Registry Department and Patrick Selwyn.”

Warrington answered: “My client said that there was no reason to investigate the Registry Department and that the complaints were baseless without any evidence.”

“It seems like, Mr. Warrington that you have been lied to.” Gerald restrained a grin. Warrington looked annoyed and hoped that there were no surprises, because he will drop this case immediately, if Richard had lied to him. “Mr. Avery didn’t tell you, how our office does proceed. Firstly, if we receive a complaint, then, the first thing we do is checking up the accountability reports of that particular department. Then, we are taking the statement of the employer and then, we move on with the employee or employees, who have filed the complaint. At the end, we are checking up the department from top to bottom. That also includes the paychecks of the employer and the employees and the work day of this certain department. Mr. Avery has only checked up the accountability reports and declared the complaints baseless even though my investigation had proved that there were many issues with the Registry Department under guidance of Patrick Selwyn.”

Gerald took out the results of his investigation against the Registry Department and gave it to the lawyer. Richard looked pale, but the Carrow lord continued: “According to my investigation, Patrick Selwyn had made unjustified cuts on the paychecks of his employees. He didn’t mention those cuts in his accountability reports, which is a grave violation of the ministry rules and regulations. How is that baseless, Mr. Avery? Why didn’t you notice this during your investigation against Mr. Selwyn?”

Richard remained silent. He couldn’t believe that Carrow would present this in front of his lawyer. Now, he had to find a way to excuse this. He turned his attention to the family lawyer of the Avery Family and the man’s eyes were hardening, when he looked through the reports. When he was finished, the man sighed and gave him a glare. “Richard, what is the meaning of this? Why didn’t you inform me of this?”

The said man remained silent. He gritted his teeth. What was he supposed to say now? Gerald Carrow had boxed him into a corner. His lawyer was looking at him annoyed and answered: “My client is remaining silent. What are our options, Lord Carrow?”

“Mr. Avery will be fired, but he will receive a compensation. He will be banned from working in the Office of Ministerial Regulation for the next five years and he will take a secrecy oath regarding the investigation against Patrick Selwyn and the Registry Department”, the ministry lawyer answered. The woman turned her attention to Richard Avery. “Do we have an agreement, Mr. Avery? If you are not agreeing, then, you would be fired no matter what and you will not receive any compensation from us. Furthermore, you would be blacklisted from the ministry and we will hand over this case to the DMLE, if you refuse the secrecy oath.”

Warrington nodded in understanding and looked at his client, who looked angry. “Richard, we need to talk.”

The family lawyer put up some silencing and privacy wards. Gerald and the ministry lawyer representing his department couldn’t hear anything, but they noticed that the discussion was heated.

“I will not accept this, Claudius. You are supposed to help me get my job back and not ruin my career in the ministry.” Richard seethed.

The Avery family lawyer had enough. “Richard, this is enough.” The man’s tone was authoritative and commanding. Richard was quiet. He was furious at his lawyer’s disrespect. “First things first, you have lied to me about everything. I can’t defend you and through all this evidence, I am not able to get your job back. Secondly, what you have done was a grave dereliction of duty. That can get you fired. And finally, you didn’t do any investigation. Why didn’t you do the proceedings that Lord Carrow had explained? Do you know that your case is impossible to win?”

Richard wanted to scream in outrage, but Warrington raised his hand to stop Avery from speaking. “Richard, accept the deal. There is nothing that you can do. Do you want to end up with a criminal record, a black mark in the ministry file or worse in jail, if it is taken to the DMLE?” Richard shook his head. “Good. Then, accept this and we are finished with this issue earlier.”

Richard grumbled, but regardless, he nodded.

Claudius Warrington dispelled the wards and had his attention on Gerald Carrow and the ministry lawyer. Gerald questioned: “Well, Mr. Avery, Mr. Warrington? Do you accept the deal?”

“My client accepts the deal and will adhere to the clauses”, the lawyer answered in a clipped tone.

“Good. Here, sign this.” The ministry lawyer pushed forward a paper. “This agreement will solidify our deal. There is also a secrecy clause on the contract that would make sure that no one is going to expose the current investigation against Patrick Selwyn and the Registry Department.”

Warrington nodded and signed the contract right away. Richard was hesitant, but signed it at the end since there was no other choice.

The ministry lawyer smiled and said standing up: “Good. Now, you can go. Mr. Avery, your work contract with the Office of Ministerial Regulation has been terminated. Have a nice day and good luck in finding a new job.”

All occupants in the meeting room stood up. Richard and Claudius left the room, but Gerald and the ministry lawyer remained and were packing their things up.

When they were finished, they went back to work. Gerald returned back to his office starting his investigation against Patrick Selwyn, whereas the ministry lawyer went back to the barrister department doing some paperwork.

Avery Manor

Richard was in a fool mood. His father was furious that he was fired from the Registry Department and blamed Patrick for his current predicament. “That idiot. That fool. I wished that we had never agreed to get help from Patrick, when you were in need of a job after your graduation. You wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“I know, father, but Patrick arranged for me to get the job at the first place and now, he is the reason why, I lost the position. I will look up, if there were any other open spots in the ministry, where I can apply to”, Richard announced.

Nathan nodded and said: “Alright, but make sure that we are not owning anyone any favours. The last thing, I need from you is that you are fired again or worse, you get blacklisted from the ministry, then, your career possibilities will sink even lower.”

Richard swallowed hard. He barely avoided the blacklisting with the help of the deal. Being blacklisted from the ministry is the worst thing that could happen to a ministry employee and those, who are seeking to have a career in the ministry since it is a black mark in the work file and the CV and many employers are very careful, if they were going to hire someone, who has been blacklisted by the ministry. Those with criminal records are better treated than those, who were blacklisted by the ministry since they at least don’t have the black mark in the ministry file and wouldn’t be watched with suspicion. Richard would not let that happen and this was a promise. So, he will get a new job in the ministry and Richard would make sure that this time, he would be very careful.

Richard noticed that his father wasn’t finished. “I will also write to Patrick that you were fired and that he is now on his own.”

“Inform him that I have signed a contract with a secrecy clause, so, I can’t tell him anything, what I have discussed with Lord Carrow”, Richard added. His father nodded and went back to his home office, in order to write a letter to Selwyn. Both were sure that the man was going to receive a nasty surprise.

With that, Richard went back to the ministry, in order to see, if there were any open spots, where he can apply for. He had to write some application letters and update his CV, when he returns home.

Selwyn Manor, February 28th, 2003

Patrick was fuming in rage, when he was finished reading the letter from Lord Avery. He couldn’t believe that the man was cutting all ties with him, but he had no one to blame than himself. He may have arranged to get Richard the job in the Office of Ministerial Regulation, but he is also the reason why he has lost the job at the first place. Now, the situation is peculiar and he needed to be careful since he is sure that Gerald Carrow is going to start his investigation against him and the Registry Department, but he doesn’t know when the investigation is going to start since he doesn’t have anyone in the office that could report it to him. Richard was his only contact and now, he is gone and under a secrecy ward, which makes him useless. What was he supposed to do now? He could lose everything, if his schemes with the brothels get out.

He had been owning many illegal brothels, where his clients could have their fun with many orphans and desperate youths, who weren’t able to get a job in their society. He had kept the brothels quiet and made sure that the clients and the ‘employees’ had signed an exclusivity contract with a secrecy clause inside it, where no one could expose his secret business. For that reason, he needed a lot of money and that was the reason why, he needed to make many cuts from the paychecks of his employees in the Registry Department, in order to continue to finance the brothels.

Now, his schemes could come to an end, if he isn’t careful. If he stops the money now, then, the brothels wouldn’t make a lot of profit, which is a disadvantage for his financial future and schemes. On the other side, if he continues to finance the brothels through the money from the Registry Department, then, he would risk an exposition. He needed a plan, how to make sure that the brothels are making a profit without the money from the Registry Department, but at the same time, he wanted to make sure to keep Carrow away from his schemes with the brothels, which was going to be difficult since the man isn’t a fool. He needed that money for the Dark Lord and his cause. Without that money, the brothels could be fruitless.

Patrick had been thinking until it was time to go to bed. He didn’t come up with a plan, how to make his schemes work without the funds from the Registry Department, but he will not give up in finding a new financial resource. For now, he came to the conclusion that he couldn’t continue with the cuts without getting caught and had to pay the employees from the Registry Department full wages, in order to stop more complaints to the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Patrick knew that, if he gets caught, he would either be stripped from his position as department head and get demoted or he would be fired. The worst thing would be a blacklisting from the ministry, which would destroy any career possibilities in the ministry or criminal charges, which would cost him his standing in the wizarding world. He needed to avoid all these risks at all cost, if he wants to continue to finance the brothels.

With that, the man went to bed since tomorrow was going to be a long day.

Chapter Text

Ministry, Registry Department, March 3rd, 2003

Patrick was making his way to his workplace, in order to prepare himself for work. When he entered the department, Patrick saw Gerald Carrow. He withheld a growl. Great. What does he want now from me? Gerald had a slight smile on his face and was ready to drop a bomb. “Mr. Selwyn, I need a word with you immediately.”

“Lord Carrow, you need to arrange an appointment with my secretary before you can talk with me. I have a busy schedule today”, Patrick said formally.

“Mr. Selwyn, you don’t seem to grasp the gravity of your and this department’s situation. I am not here for a small talk. I am here, because this department is under investigation of the Office of Ministerial Regulation. I am here to talk with you, so that you can make your statement about the complaints against you.” Lord Carrow gave the man a sever look.

Patrick was ready to kill. “Fine, the sooner, we are done with that, the sooner, I can return back to work. Let’s go to my office.”

Gerald followed Patrick to his office and there both sat down. The Carrow lord started his questioning. He was already finished with the employees and he had promised them that Mr. Selwyn would never find out about their statements since it is now an official investigation and Selwyn would be suspended, if he tried something underhanded against his employees. “Mr. Selwyn, currently, there are many complaints against you and your guidance of this department. It had come to my attention that you made unjustified cuts to your employees’ wages. When I was informed of this mess by a concerned individual, who had filed an accurate complaint to me, I found the other complaints that one of my former employees had dismissed without doing an investigation. Thankfully, this employee was dealt with and was fired from his position. Now, I have taken over this case since I can’t trust the other employees with this task. What is your standpoint regarding the complaints?”

Patrick took a deep breath and was ready to defend himself. “These complaints are ridiculous. Maybe this former employee of yours was right and there were no concerns regarding my department. Do you know that this is ruining my reputation?”

“Mr. Selwyn, I am just asking a question. So, you are telling me that these complaints are unreasonable.” Selwyn nodded in confirmation. “Well, then, how do you explain that the paychecks from the employees are showing a lesser wage than what was written in the accountability reports?”, Gerald questioned.

Patrick was rubbing his eyes. He should have known that this question was going to come, but he answered: “I don’t really know, but I am not solely responsible for making the paychecks.” Gerald nodded and wrote it down.

“Very well, Mr. Selwyn. Can you hand me over the records of these past few months please and your tax declarations? I also need to check up the account ledgers and any bank statements from Gringotts.” Gerald said. He handed over a list of things that he needed.

Patrick grumbled, but he started to collect everything, what documents Carrow was needing. The man was terrified, when Carrow demanded to see the account ledgers and the bank statements. He hoped that the man wouldn’t find out about the money trail.

When he was finished and had put everything on his desk, Gerald took out his wand and shrank everything, so that he could put the files into his suitcase. “Thank you, Mr. Selwyn. You are going to be informed about the result of this investigation soon.” With that, Carrow left the office.

Patrick rubbed his eyes. He hoped that Carrow wouldn’t find anything incriminating. The last thing, he needed was the DMLE snooping in his department, but he is sure that the money trail would remain invisible.

Carrow Manor, March 5th, 2003

Gerald Carrow was frustrated, when he looked through the account ledgers and the bank statements. He had looked through the documents that were on the list and everything was alright apart from the account ledgers and the bank statements. Gerald had tried to trace the money back, but he was unsuccessful and he wasn’t able to find out, where the money has gone to. He was so busy with his work that he had forgotten that it was dinner time. His wife, Antonia Carrow, made her way to the lord’s study and entered her husband’s home office concerned for her husband since he was missing dinner. “Gerald, dearie, it is time for dinner.”

Gerald was perked up at the voice of his wife. “Antonia, sorry, sweetie. I didn’t realise that it was time for dinner. I am still busy trying to locate the money trail, but it is difficult. Somehow, Selwyn has managed to clean up all traces.” Gerald put the papers down on his desk and stood up. “Let’s go. I am starving.”

“You would have starved to death, Gerald, if you had remained here ostracised by your work. I would have met a skeleton instead of my husband”, Antonia joked. Gerald chuckled. His wife does have some odd puns. “I know, but I am still trying to find the money trial.”

“I understand, Gerald, but I have good news. Andreas is here. He had signed himself out of school, in order to meet us and his newly born twin siblings.” Antonia was gleeful that her son is coming home. He had grown up to be a fine young man and soon, he would start working. She still remembered, when he was a little boy and taking his first steps and now, he is finishing with Hogwarts. Andreas was their pride and joy and he was the first Carrow to be sorted anywhere than Slytherin. But not everyone was happy. Her in-laws were not happy about Andreas’ sorting and were furious that he was a raven, but her husband and she completely ignored them and severed all ties with them, which made them even angrier.

Both went down to the informal dining room, where Andreas was sitting and waiting for his parents. The twins were having their nap since they had been fed before. Both parents sat down and greeted their eldest.

“Mom, dad. Is everything alright?”, Andreas questioned concerned.

Antonia smiled at her son and answered: “Everything is alright. Your dad is overworking himself, because he is trying to find the money trail of the Registry Department.” Antonia looked at her husband for confirmation, which he confirmed with a nod. “It seems to be a challenge.”

Andreas nodded and all three began to eat their dinner. Andreas asked: “Dad, why aren’t you asking the goblins to do this? I mean, they would be able to find out, where the money did go, if you have the bank statements with you and explain your suspicion. Furthermore, you would have a good reason to involve them.”

Gerald was thoughtful of his son’s word. Maybe his son is right. The goblins are masters in banking. They would be able to track the money down better than him. “A wonderful idea, Andreas. After dinner, I will write a letter to my account manager that I need an appointment in the bank.” Antonia grinned. Her husband isn’t going to work himself to death trying to trace the money back. Andreas gave his father a smile. Why didn’t he come up with the idea before?

All three continued to eat their dinner talking about different topics like school, work and much to the males’ horror gossip. Andreas and Gerald were questioning themselves, where Antonia is fishing this gossip from, but none of them wanted to know that.

After dinner, Andreas spent some time with his parents before he had to go back to school. Gerald quickly wrote a letter to his account manager for an appointment. He also included that it was an emergency.

After the letter was sent, the man prepared himself for bed. Tomorrow was going to be a long day full of work.

Gringotts, March 7th, 2003

Gerald Carrow was making his way to the bank with a suitcase. He was glad that his own son suggested a way, how to trace the money back without going insane. He had received a message yesterday that his account manager can meet him tomorrow after work, in order to discuss his letter. Entering the bank, he quickly got in line, in order to speak with one of the tellers. When it was his turn, he greeted the goblin politely and quickly handed over the message from his account manager. The goblin verified the letter and confirmed that the message came from the Carrow account manager and requested from him to follow him to his account manager’s office.

Reaching the office, the goblin knocked on the office door. When both heard a come-in from the office, the teller opened the door. He announced Gerald’s arrival.

Gerald greeted his account manager appropriately and he was led into the office, where a seat was summoned for him. The teller then left the office and closed the door since he wasn’t needed.

“Lord Carrow, what can Gringotts do for you? You have written a letter to me that there is an emergency.” The Carrow account manager had a serious expression.

Gerald wanted to put the suitcase on his lap, but the goblin enlarged his desk, so that there was enough space for the suitcase. So, he moved the suitcase over to the table and opened it. He explained: “I will start from the beginning. In January, I had a meeting with Lord Greengrass and he had explained to me that there were some irregularities in the Registry Department that he had found. Later, he filed a complaint with the evidence of his claim. Furthermore, he warned me that there was an untrustworthy employee in the Office of Ministerial Regulation, who is dismissing complaints without doing a proper investigation. I, of course, have dealt with that and fired the responsible employee. Now, I am investigating the Registry Department and found out that the head of the department had been doing cuts on his employees’ paychecks that were not mentioned in the accountability reports and were deemed unjustified. Now, I am trying to trace the cuts back, but I am unsuccessful and for that reason, I need the banks’ help for that matter.”

The goblin nodded in understanding and knew that Gringotts would need to investigate that since the money was taken unjustifiably from the ministry and the bank could be accused of accessory, if the money was stored here in Gringotts and was even used or investated. He will have to inform the director of the bank, but first, he needed the name of the department head of the Registry Department. “Lord Carrow, who is the head of the Registry Department?”

“Patrick Selwyn”, Gerald answered in a clipped tone.

The goblin wrote down the name. He is sure that there was going to be an audit of the Selwyn accounts, in order to see, if the entire family was involved in this mess. He will have to send a report and a request to the director of the bank, in order to get the approval of the audit.

The account manager turned his attention to Gerald: “Lord Carrow, I will file a report and a request to the director of Gringotts. The chieftain would be informed of this matter, but other than that, there is nothing much I can do for you. But I am sure that there would be an audit with the evidence that you have presented in front of me.” Gerald nodded and sighed in relief. The goblin asked: “Can I copy the evidence for the director?”

“There is no need for that. These papers are the copies of the evidence. You can have them. There is also a certification mark on each of these copies that they weren’t altered”, Gerald said.

The goblin nodded and was glad that he didn’t need to copy the evidence. The papers could be useful. Additionally, the certification mark is also proving to him that the papers weren’t altered, because a magical certification examines official papers, if they were faked or altered. So, the papers could be used as evidence for the request and the report. “Good. Thank you, Lord Carrow. Gringotts will investigate that matter.”

Gerald bowed in gratitude and said goodbye. He left the office and made his way out. For now, he had to wait for the results from the bank.

The Carrow account manager was finished writing the report and the request. He knew that there was something fishy going on about the case and he is sure that one of the goblins has become a traitor. At first, the Selwyn account manager would be the obvious suspect, but the goblins are more objective, when they were interrogating. Apart from that, his colleague doesn’t like the family and he is sure that he would have no problems of selling them out. It must be another goblin, who is responsible for this mess.

The account manager stood up and took his report, his request formular and the evidence with him to the director’s office.

After he knocked on the office door and was let in, the Carrow account manager entered the office. The director looked up and said: “Account Manager Fanglock, please take a seat. What can I do for you?”

“Director Steelfang, my client has come to me with some concerning news and evidence that could damage us financially”, Fanglock explained. The director was paying close attention. The account manager took a deep breath and explained the situation in the ministry with the Registry Department and its head. He also added the issue that Lord Carrow had a problem with one of his employees that had worked with the head of the Registry Department and that he had fired. At the end, he reasoned that Lord Carrow wasn’t able to trace the money back that had been cut away by Patrick Selwyn and for that reason, he requested their help in that matter. Furthermore, Fanglock came to the conclusion that only a goblin would be able to make sure that the money couldn’t be traced back by a wixen. The director came to the same conclusion and he is sure that there was a traitor amongst the account managers.

When Fanglock was finished, Steelfang was looking through the evidence, the formulars and the report from the Carrow account manager and he had to admit that it was time for another audit. But first, he had to summon the Selwyn account manager, so that he can give his approval of having the Selwyn accounts audited. He pushed a button that would inform the Selwyn account manager that he is demanded in his office.

“Well, Account Manager Fanglock, thank you for presenting this to me. I will have a word with the Selwyn account manager, in order to get his approval of doing an audit on the Selwyn vaults”, the director explained.

Fanglock left the office, but at the same time, the Selwyn account manager was entering the director’s office. “Director, you have summoned me.”

“Yes, take a seat. Fanglock, please close the door.” Both goblins nodded and did what they were told.

After the Selwyn account manager sat down, the director explained the situation to him in the ministry of magic and had showed him the bank-related evidence that Gerald had collected from the Registry Department. Karkstone was cursing in gobbledegook, when he looked through the files. The director asked: “Did you know about this?”

“No, Director Steelfang. I wasn’t aware of any this and if I had known, I would have informed you about Patrick Selwyn’s activities”, Karkstone answered truthfully.

“I see, but there must be an account manager, who is helping Patrick Selwyn. This goblin is an accessory to theft and you know the punishment for helping thieves”, the director answered in a hard tone.

Karkstone shivered in fear. He knew what happens to those, who are helping thieves. They are immediately executed. The goblin said: “Maybe an audit could help us in this matter. If you have a request to audit all the vaults under the name of Selwyn, I will not stand in the way.” Karkstone bowed exposing his neck. The director knew that the Selwyn account manager has nothing to do with the theft, but he is curious, who could be responsible for this.

“A good idea. I originally called you here, because I wanted to have your approval for an audit of the Selwyn vaults, in order to see, where the money has gone to”, the director answered with a slight smile. He is one step ahead of finding out the thief in Gringotts. Karkstone nodded in understanding.

With that, the meeting was quickly concluded and Karkstone left the director’s office. He made his way back to his office and sat down thinking. Who could be the accessory to Patrick Selwyn? He knew that only a goblin was capable of making sure that the money trail was untraceable. But surely, the audit would give them some answers, who the accessory is.

Selwyn Manor, March 9th, 2003

Lord Quintus Selwyn was doing some Wizengamot paperwork until he was interrupted by an owl, who had flown in through an open window. He sighed, when he had seen that the owl was from Gringotts since the letter had the wax seal on the envelope. He quickly broke the seal and opened the envelope.

Quintus started to read the content of the letter.

Lord Selwyn,

We are informing you that due to an investigation in the ministry and a request from the Office of Ministerial Regulation, all the vaults that are under your family name are going to be audited.

We from Gringotts are reasoning the audit with the fact that your ministry can accuse us of accessory to theft and misuse of ministry funds and the Goblin Nation would not stand for this accusation. So, an audit was needed. Furthermore, we were informed from the Office of Ministerial Regulation that your brother, Patrick Selwyn, is involved in these schemes. For that reason, the Selwyn vaults are going to be under an audit and that can take some time. You are allowed to take some money for necessities like food, clothes and beverages, but for other things, you need to wait until the audit is finished.

The audit will take a week and we already got the approval of your account manager to do the audit.

With regards,

Director Steelfang

Quintus was furious, when he finished reading the letter and stormed out of his office.

“PATRICK!”, the man thundered in rage, when he had found his brother in the informal dining room eating his lunch.

Patrick was so startled by his brother’s furious voice that he had dropped his fork on the plate. He withheld a growl. What does Quintus want now? “What? For Merlin’s sake, Quintus, my heart nearly stopped.”

“Your heart nearly stopped. I am suffering a heart attack now, you fool. I got a letter from Gringotts. Our vaults are under an audit thanks to you”, Quintius raged and thrusted the letter in front of Patrick’s face.

Patrick took the letter and read it. He was stunned that all of their vaults were now under an audit. This was bad. This was beyond bad. What was he supposed to do now? He knew that Gerald Carrow is the cause of the audit since he is sure that the man went to the bank, in order to find a solution for the money trail. Goblins are good at finding money and tracking the money trails. He is terrified that his secret vaults for the brothels would be found. He had worked hard, in order to make these brothels work. He had been now running in some financial issues at the end of the war and that was the reason why he needed the money from the Registry Department, so that he can fix up the problems with the brothels. It would have taken only three months and he would have made sure to give those ungrateful shits that he had to call employees their full wages even though they didn’t deserve the money for their lack of work ethic.

Now, things looked worse and worse for him. The brothels would suffer more financial issues.

Before he could think of an answer, Quintus interrupted his thoughts. “I am going to arrange a meeting with our account manager, in order to see, if there is a way to fix this. You will be there with me.”

Quintus left Patrick to his own thoughts and went back to his home office, where he was pacing. He needed to find a way to fix this mess before things escalated. He is still furious that his brother had caused this mess and Quintus needed to find a way to fix this, but the question was how? How is he going to stop this? The goblins could kill him, if he tries to interfere in their bank business. Quintus quickly wrote a letter to his account manager, in order to arrange a meeting with him.

Gringotts, March 11th, 2003

Karkstone was less than pleased, when Quintus and Patrick Selwyn arrived at his office complaining about the audit. When he had received the message on Friday, Karkstone wanted to arrange the meeting after the audit was done, but he changed his mind and had agreed on the meeting before the audit was finished. He needed to explain to these fools in front of him, why the audit has been approved by him and why Gringotts justified the audit on the Selwyn vaults.

“Lord Selwyn, Mr. Selwyn, please take a seat and try to remain calm.” Karkstone gave both men a severe look.

Patrick and Quintus remained quiet, but they were still glaring at the goblin in front of them. Karkstone sighed. “You both have received a letter on Friday about the audit on your vaults. The reason why is that our director had received some startling information from the Office of Ministerial Regulation that involves you, Mr. Selwyn. It is about the investigation on the Registry Department and that there were some irregularities with the budget. Now, Gringotts had gotten involved since the Office of Ministerial Regulation isn’t able to trace the money back and we have the suspicion that one of our own is responsible for this. I can tell you that this goblin would face charges of theft and accessory to theft. And the punishment for that is death. Any idea, where the money went to?”

Quintus and Patrick grounded their teeth. This couldn’t get any worse. Quintus turned to glare at his brother, whereas Patrick was worried that his goblin contact was going to be found out and executed. How could things go so downhill? What was the cause of this? Looking back, he realised that since Matthew Pike had quit to work for his department, things were going in the wrong direction. Did he talk to Brandon Davis about the pay in the Registry Department and if yes, is he the reason why everything is going to hell? Patrick wished, he had some control over his former employee. At one point, he would have had a lot of fun with Pike due to his role as a switcher and at the same time, he would have been a perfect ‘employee’ for his brothels since Patrick is sure that the man with his looks alone would have made a lot of money, but Matthew Pike escaped his clutches. Patrick also heard that Pike was pregnant and is a little annoyed about this fact since this could ruin Pike’s figure and furthermore, he should have been carrying his kids, but he doesn’t have a say in this since he is married to the Pike twins.

Maybe he should get some answers from Pike with some less legal methods.

The goblin noticed the expression on Patrick’s face and had a bad feeling about this, but he had managed to maintain a neutral expression and waited for an answer. Quintus answered: “I don’t know, Account Manager Karkstone. I understand that the Office of Ministerial Regulation is trying to trace back the ministry funds for the Registry Department and that my brother is deeply involved in this mess, but why is it necessary that the audit is involving the entire family? Wouldn’t it be enough that only Patrick’s vaults are audited.”

Karkstone shook his head. “No, Lord Selwyn. Your brother is involved in this mess, Gringotts is required to audit all the vaults that are under the name Selwyn, so that we can be assured that your family has nothing to do with this issue. I understand your displeasure, but it is protocol that we audit all the vaults, in order to be sure that you are not involved in this mess.”

Quintus sighed deeply. If he tries to argue any further, then, he will look suspicious in front of his account manager and that would be the last thing, he needed. For the time being, he had to accept the audit, in order to make sure that his involvement doesn’t get out. “Alright. So, we have to wait until the audit is over.”

Karkstone nodded. Patrick was stunned and furious that his brother is giving up so easily. “Quintus!”

“No, Patrick. Let’s go home.” Quintus stood up and Patrick followed him out of the office. Before Patrick could start to argue, Quintus quickly silenced him by raising his hand. “Patrick, there is nothing that can be done. If we try to protest against the audit, it would look suspicious and the last thing, I need is an extension of this audit.”

Patrick was seething in rage, but he couldn’t argue since the goblins could become suspicious. He prayed to Merlin that the goblins do not find the hidden vaults for the brothels. Thank Merlin, he had put them under a pseudonym that he had been using, in order to make sure that certain things remained hidden and his goblin contact made sure that the vaults were sealed away and were invisible to Gringotts.

Gringotts, March 12th, 2003

Director Steelfang was furious, when he found out that Account Manager Halrick had been taking stolen money from the ministry. During the audit, Steelfang found three vaults that were opened through made-up names, which was illegal since in the founding charter of Gringotts, it was always demanded that either the birth name or a magically accepted legal name was used, when a new vault was opened. Furthermore, there was also the blood seal on the three vaults and all three had Patrick Selwyn’s blood. Unfortunately, they can’t charge Patrick for theft since the money came from the ministry. That meant that the ministry is responsible for Selwyn. The only thing, Gringotts can do is to arrest and sentence Patrick Selwyn’s accomplice here in Gringotts and confiscate the money in the three vaults, but they could send a report to the ministry about the theft and it can be used as evidence. They also would have to return the stolen money back to the ministry vaults.

Steelfang called the guards. Two goblin guards were in front of him. “Guards, arrest Account Manager Halrick for accessory of financing three illegal businesses, opening three illegal accounts, corruption, theft and accessory of theft. The king will deliver justice.” The guards nodded and made their way to Halrick.

Halrick was unaware of the on-goings in the bank and made his way back to his office, when he was stopped by two guards. “Guards, what can I do for you?”

“Account Manager Halrick, you are under arrest for accessory of financing three illegal businesses, opening three illegal vaults, corruption, theft and accessory to theft. You are coming with us to the chieftain, who will deliver justice.” The guards quickly handcuffed and dragged their prisoner to the chieftain’s office. The account manager tried to protest, but he was silenced, when the guards informed him that they had evidence against him from the account manager of the Selwyn vaults. It got worse, when it was explained that Karkstone allowed the audit to happen.

When they arrived in front of the office of the king, both guards knocked on the door and when they were allowed entrance, they dragged their prisoner inside. Entering the grand office of the chieftain, they made sure to restrain Halrick. In the office, the chieftain, who was talking with Karkstone, the Selwyn Account Manager, and the Director of Gringotts, Steelfang, waited for him. Both were talking about the sentencing of Halrick for his crimes. The evidence spoke for itself.

Their attention was quickly drawn to the prisoner and all three remained quiet. Karkstone and Steelfang quietly made their way to their seats outside the circle of the amphitheater-like room. Ragnock made his desk disappear and summoned a scaffold, where Halrick was going to be sentenced to death.

Ragnock began: “Account Manager Halrick, you have been found guilty of theft, opening three illegal vaults, corruption, accessory to theft and financing three illegal businesses. Before you are executed, you would be questioned regarding your actions against Gringotts and the Ministry of Magic.”

Both guards forced down the account manager on the accused chairs, where he was chained. Some goblin truth serum was administered and the questioning began. The first thing, they went over, were the test questions, if the serum does work.

Then, the questioning continued on to his actions. “Why did you open up three vaults under the wrong name, Account Manager Halrick?”

“It was for the brothels that Patrick Selwyn wanted to finance. He didn’t want to drag his family into his schemes. So, he wanted three vaults opened. At first, I denied him, when he suggested to open the vaults under a pseudonym, but then, he gave me some money to fasten the deal and there I made an exception.” Halrick was furious that he was caught.

Ragnock was satisfied with the answer since it answers him more questions. He continued: “Did you know, where the money came from?”

“Yes”, Halrick answered.

“Then, why did you help him with the theft?”, Ragnock questioned.

Halrick tried to stop himself from revealing this piece of information. “Because I had seen that the businesses were doing good and didn’t care, where the gold came from.” Then, Halrick explained his activities in the brothels, where he admitted that he had sexually assaulted and played with multiple young wixen and wizarding younglings. Everyone present apart from the accused was sickened about Halrick’s actions and Ragnock was ready to storm the brothels to kill all those that were involved, but he couldn’t since he needed to have the approval of the ministry. Thank Merlin that everything would be recorded. Ragnock will send this information to the Office of Ministerial Regulation.

Halrick also admitted that he had tortured some of the young wixen and younglings loving to hear their screams. Ragnock had to restrain himself from taking out his sword and cutting the bastard’s head off. Younglings not matter what race they are should be protected at all cost.

Ragnock questioned Halrick for an hour and had enough information. He waved his hand and the scaffold disappeared since he had a better punishment for that traitor. The desk appeared back in his office, where Ragnock sat down and returned his attention to Halrick. He wore a disgusted expression on his face. “Account Manager Halrick, you have been already found guilty of the crimes listed against you and you are also guilty of the additionaly crimes that you have admitted under truth serum. You will be castrated, your magic would be bound and you would be chained. You are sentenced for the next 50 years in the goblin mines, where you would do hard labour. You also will feel the pain of your victims fifty-fold and you will be locked up in one of the maximum-security cells. Your money would be seized and given to the victims of your cruelty. This also includes the money from the three vaults. After you are finished with your sentence, you will be executed.”

Many attendees in the trial swallowed hard. This punishment is worse than being executed since an execution is swift and less painful than this sentence. Halrick was terrified. He would not survive this sentence, but he had no chance to speak and he was dragged down to the mines, where the guards would castrate him, bind his magic and chain him.

After the traitor was dragged down to the goblin mines, Ragnock turned his attention back to the director. “Director Steelfang, send the records and the evidence that Account Manager Karkstone had collected to Lord Carrow since he was the one, who had started this business.”

“It will be done, Chieftain Ragnock.” Steelfang bowed and left the office. Karkstone remained.

“Account Manager Karkstone, you can return back to your work. The audit on the Selwyn vaults would be finished on Thursday”, Ragnock said in a neutral expression.

“Thank you, your grace.” Karkstone left returning back to his office.

Ragnock returned back to his desk and started to do a lot of paperwork regarding the trial.

When Steelfang returned back to his office, he collected all the evidence and the records and packed them up in a suitcase that would be sent to the Office of Ministerial Regulation through the Goblin Liaison Office in the ministry. He quickly floo-called Dirk Cresswell and gave him the suitcase with a red parchment glued on the front of the suitacse that had the word “Urgent” written. He explained the wizard that the suitcase is for the head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation, Lord Gerald Carrow, and that this is an urgent situation. Dirk nodded and took the suitcase. He made his way to the floo and flooed back to his office, where he went off to the Office of Ministerial Regulation since urgent situations were more important than anything else and he is required to do his tasks in these situations in less than 24 hours.

Ministry, Office of Ministerial Regulation

Gerald Carrow sighed deeply, when Dirk Cresswell arrived at his office and had handed him a suitcase that had a red parchment glued on the top, which said that it was urgent. He opened the suitcase and took out a giant file of paper and parchment. Gerald knew that he would spend the day to go over the paperwork and had to go over the findings of the goblins.

He looked up at Cresswell defeated. “Seriously. Why so much? One fact is clear, goblins can also kill people with paperwork.”

Dirk just chuckled. “Well, what did you think. That you would get only an overview? Good luck with that. The goblins are going into detail, when they were doing an audit or an investigation. I have heard that Lady Lovegood-Ravenclaw had it harder, when the Hogwarts Vaults were audited.”

“I can imagine, a mountain full of papers, how the school was financed.” Gerald was sure that Pandora Lovegood had a lot of fun going over the paperwork from the goblins.

Both had a small talk before Dirk had to return back to the Goblin Liaison Office for work and Gerald was focusing himself, what the goblins had found out.

Ministry, March 13th, 2003

Gerald made his way to the DMLE with the suitcase that he had received yesterday. The man was shocked and furious, when he was finished going over the paperwork. He wanted to go to Patrick Selwyn and murder the bastard. Going over the papers, he had found out that Patrick had been using the cuts, in order to finance some illegal businesses. According to the files, the money went to three dubious brothels and he is sure that they were not legal since the file included the confession of Account Manager Halrick, which was sickening to read. He needs to file the report to Lord Crouch since this was out of his hands.

When Gerald stood in front of Crouch’s office door, he knocked and after he heard a come-in, Gerald went in. Bartemius Crouch was doing some paperwork, but he turned his attention to Gerald Carrow. “Lord Carrow, what can I do for you?”

“I have a case for you that is out of my hand. Patrick Selwyn is illegally financing three brothels here in Britain through the cuts that he had made in the Registry Department. There is also a confession from his goblin contact that in those brothels, minors are employed, which entails sexual abuse and rape of minors”, Gerald said in a serious voice.

Bartemius was sitting tensely on his seat. This is big. This is really big and it could cause a scandal in the ministry that the government would have a hard time to fix. It also could damage the reputation of the ministry.

Gerald handed the suitcase over and opened it showing him the content. Bartemius started to take files after files, which made him sigh. This was going to be a lot of work and he knew it. Gerald quickly intervened: “These files are criminally relevant.” Gerald showed Bartemius the red files that the Carrow lord had marked as urgent. Bartemius took the files and went through them.

When he was finished, Bartemius had many thoughts. Patrick Selwyn could be charged with exploitation, sexual abuse, abuse and rape of minors, owning and financing illegal businesses, theft, corruption and many more. He will have to assign Amelia and Corban for this high-ranked case.

But first. “Lord Carrow, I will assign two head aurors on this case. This will be investigated.” Gerald nodded in understanding knowing that he was done with his job, but there were going to be some repercussions for Patrick Selwyn. He explained: “Lord Crouch, I will suspend Patrick Selwyn from his position for the time being until the DMLE’s investigation is closed.”

Bartemius nodded in approval, but hedged: “You need to keep quiet about our investigation, but you can suspend him for his actions. How long is the maximal suspension period?”

“One month, but it can be extended to two. This is the maximum I can do as head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation, but you need to be finished with the investigation first before the suspension ends”, Gerald answered.

Bartemius had a slight smile on his face trying to restrain a grin. He had a plan how he was going to proceed in this case.

Gerald knew that face and he knew that Selwyn would be finished. The Carrow lord stood up and left the DMLE’s office leaving Crouch to his thoughts.

Gerald arrived back at his office and wrote an order of suspension to Patrick Selwyn, where the man was going to be informed that he was going to be suspended for the next month. After he was finished, he made his way to the Registry Department.

Arriving there, he passed the workers by and went straight to Selwyn’s office. The secretary had tried to stop him from entering the office, but he had showed her the badge and warned her that any interference had a penalty, the woman returned back to her workplace knowing that there was nothing that she can do.

Gerald entered the office without a knock. There were two occupants in Patrick’s office, who were startled. He was surprised that Lord Quintus Selwyn was also here. “Mr. Selwyn, I am here in my official role as head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation.”

Patrick withheld a growl. The ministry workers and the head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation were able to enter the department’s office without invitation. The department head gritted out: “What can I do for you now, Lord Carrow?”

“I am giving you this.” Gerald handed the written order to Patrick Selwyn. “This is an official order from the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Mr. Selwyn, you are suspended for the next month since my investigation and the complaints against the Registry Department had proven to have grounds, when I have checked up the paychecks of your employees and compared them to the accountability reports. We will see, if you will remain head of the Registry Department, when we are finished with our investigation.”

Patrick was enraged. That couldn’t be happening. “I will not tolerate this. You will hear from my lawyer.”

“Good luck with that, Mr. Selwyn, but your suspension will not change since your punishment would last for a month. Maybe two, if our investigation takes longer. Have a nice day. Your deputy will take over for now.” With that said and done, Gerald went out.

Patrick glared at the closing door and turned his attention back to the order. Reading through it, his fury rose. This couldn’t be happening. Not now. He needed that money from the Registry Department, but for now, he had no access to the budget due to the suspension. His deputy is under control and Patrick knew that his deputy never liked him and would lead the department normally. Without the money, the brothels are going to suffer financially.

“I warned you, Patrick. I warned you that your schemes were too risky. Now, you are suspended”, Quintus hissed in rage.

“I know. We need to discuss this with our lawyer”, Patrick said in a furious tone.

Quintus argued: “You can forget it. Suspensions are not like resignations, where you can take it in front of the court. You still have a job, but you can’t do your job actively for the time being until the suspension is over. You can protest against the suspension, but if Gerald does have evidence, I am not sure, if the protest is going to be effective.”

Patrick grounded his teeth. He took out pen and paper and wrote a protest against the suspension and quickly sent it off to the Office of Ministerial Regulation. There must be a way to fix this.

Gerald smirked, when he had received the protest. The processing period could take two weeks maximal. He will send him the reply after the Wizengamot meeting next week.

Hogwarts, March 15th, 2003

Another order meeting was taking place in Hogwarts in regards to the Ostara meeting on Thursday. Albus had many plans for this meeting, but his main focus would remain on banning all dark potions and ingredients in their world. He was discussing with his followers about the Wizengamot meeting. Minerva was also attending this meeting with a severe face and a disappointing frown about the lost vote during the school board meeting, in order to make sure that the others should not disappoint the light side again.

Minerva had a private conversation, when the others were chattering about the meeting. “I hope that this time, you are successful, Albus. We cannot afford any setbacks.”

“I know, Minerva, and I hope that this time, we have some success.” Albus really hoped that he and his followers were going to make a step forward and not backward. It is frustrating that the last Wizengamot meetings were failures.

Albus turned his attention away from the Wizengamot meeting and had his focus on the Registry Department and the Office of Ministerial Regulation. There was something going on. His pawns from the Registry Department had informed him that Patrick Selwyn was suspended through Gerald Carrow and he wouldn’t be able to do his job for a month. His followers in the Office of Ministerial Regulation weren’t able to tell him anything since Carrow had kept everything quiet and secret, which is concerning.

Albus managed to get the attention back from his supporters. The office was silent. “There is something else, my dears. From what I have gathered from my contacts in the Registry Department and the Office of Ministerial Regulation, Patrick Selwyn was suspended for a month due to the cuts that he had done to the paychecks of his employees. But I am sure that there must be more to this.”

“I agree with you, Albus, but Gerald Carrow is keeping many things a secret. My great-niece told me that the man had put many classified information in a ministry vault that he had blood sealed”, Elphias answered.

“WHAT?! Why didn’t she report this to the DMLE? Blood magic is illegal and Carrow committed a crime by using that kind of magic.” James fumed. He was also hopeful that a death eater was going to be removed from a position of power that he didn’t deserve and that he was going to be brought to justice.

Alastor sighed at his former trainee auror’s childish rant. “Laddie, don’t you remember that last year, the current ban against blood magic was put under question and that the use of blood magic is regulated through the ICW laws.”

James was ready to scream. He completely forgot that the law regarding blood magic was put under question due to the dark fraction and the dark wizards and witches in the neutral fraction. This was unfair. The man broke the law and needed to be punished for his actions, but it seems like that he was going to get away with his actions since the law was inactive. Why is everything going the wrong way?

Albus sighed. That was also the reason why he wanted to ban blood magic from their world, in order to make sure that no one is able to use the blood seals to lock away classified information from the public. Now, he is stuck.

Whereas Albus was thinking, an argument broke out in his office. Many knew that Gerald Carrow wasn’t a death eater sympathiser due to his upbringing and his grandfather, who had fought against Grindelwald. But a loud and at the same time minor group led by James were arguing that it must be a ruse to trick them into believing that he isn’t a death eater.

Albus managed to keep them quiet and ordered them to pay close attention to Gerald Carrow and where he was going.

Before the meeting could come to an end, Hestia added: “Albus, there is something else that I need to tell you about Gerald Carrow.”

“Yes, my girl, what is it?”, Albus asked.

Hestia fidgeted slightly, but answered regardless: “I have seen Carrow in Crouch’s office. He went in with a suitcase, but I don’t know the contents since the office door was closed. But I have the suspicion that it must be about the Registry Department and Patrick Selwyn’s suspension.”

Albus was thoughtful, but he was sure that Hestia was right. The meeting between Bartemius and Gerald Carrow must be about the Registry Department and Selwyn and he is sure that Selwyn was going to be permanently removed from the ministry. But the question, where the money did go, is still lingering in his head. He is still not sure, what is happening to the money, but he is sure that he will get answers later on.

Albus dismissed his followers and had a quiet evening.

Bones Manor, March 18th, 2003

Amelia had a pre-meeting with Bartemius Crouch before she was going to meet up with the Grey Alliance. The man had informed her that he wanted to discuss some matters with her before she could meet up with the others.

When Bartemius entered the sunroom and had taken a seat at the other side of the table, Bartemius started the conversation. “Amelia, I wanted to speak with you before you are going to visit the Abbotts with little Susan.” There was silence for a time being before Bartemius continued: “I am planning to nominate that all classified information had to be stored in ministry vaults that had a blood seal, in order to minimise any leaks from the ministry departments. The Jugson case had bothered many ministry workers and there were many requests from the other departments to raise security for classified information.”

Bartemius was also going to assign Amelia to investigate Patrick Selwyn and his illegal dealings. The paperwork that Gerald Carrow had given to him was proving to be damning against Selwyn, because it showed that the cuts that Selwyn had done to the Registry Department were used to finance three illegal brothels, where even minors were involved. He was disgusted, when he read the confession of the account manager and what he had done to the minors and the youths that were working for the brothels. He was glad that the goblins had dealt with that monster. He will assign this case after the Wizengamot meeting, when he is finished going through the paperwork.

Amelia leaned back on her seat and thought things through. This nomination could be a great distraction and it could cause a great argument among Dumbledore’s followers, who hate anything dark. But she and the others needed to make sure that the nomination does pass.

“The idea doesn’t sound to be bad. I am also using the blood seal now on my cabinet, in order to store any classified information that I have. This also includes my new undercover auror team. It would help the departments to store classified information safely”, Amelia said with a smile. “But there is still the problem of Headmaster Dumbledore and his followers, who are staunch opponents of anything dark in our world.”

Bartemius had to agree with Amelia. Albus and his goons are going to be problematic regarding his nomination, but he is optimistic that his proposal would pass. “Thank you, Amelia, and I will keep your warning at the back of my mind. I will not hold you any longer with your visit. I will go now home and prepare myself.” Amelia nodded at him in gratitude.

After Bartemius left, Amelia prepared herself for the meeting in Abbott Manor.

Abbot Manor

Amelia arrived at Abbott Manor with her niece in tow and both females went to the formal meeting room, where she saw the other members of the Grey Alliance. She quickly left Susan with the other children in the play room. Amelia chuckled at the name that they had given to their new alliance. Narcissa came up with the name since they were a mix of light and dark witches and wizards that are working together to better the world, helping the current Grey Lord to stop the imbalance in their society and are making an united front against Voldemort and Dumbledore. Amelia was glad that she wasn’t alone in her endeavour.

“Amelia, finally, you arrived. We were worried that someone has been stopping you”, Zachary said in a light tone.

Amelia just smiled and answered: “Well, Bartemius wanted to speak with me regarding a proposal that he is planning to make at the Ostara meeting and I think that we have a good distraction against Dumbledore and his sheep.”

“Really?” Narcissa was surprised by this. She was out of plans for this Wizengamot meeting and had wanted to use this pre-meeting of finding a distraction.

Amelia nodded. Narcissa smiled. “Then, we don’t need a distraction for this meeting. Bartemius would do this.”

Everyone was glad that Barty was going to distract Dumbledore and his followers. The only thing left was Dumbledore’s proposal to ban all dark potions and any dark potion ingredients. Severus is frustrated by this nomination. “This man wants to kill our society with this ban. Doesn’t he know that the top healing potions are dark and by banning these potions many witches and wizards could die due to simple illnesses and diseases.”

Many nodded in understanding and were frustrated by Dumbledore’s views. Narcissa said: “We will make a protest against that motion and explain the importance of the potions and the ingredients to our society and why banning those potions and ingredients is dangerous. It would open many eyes, how much damage Dumbledore is doing to our society with his nominations.”

“I agree with you, the well-being of our society is very important. I wish, we could lift all these ridiculous laws, restrictions and bans immediately, but we need to play the long game. It is also fun that Dumbledore’s motions were not passing and the man is getting furious at every failure. We will nominate to put the current restrictions under question and make another law useless”, Lucius explained.

“Now, let’s move on to a different topic. I have heard that Patrick Selwyn had been suspended from his position as head of the Registry Department”, Narcissa said. She noticed the smile on Cyrus’ face telling her that he had something to do with that.

Cyrus explained: “It seems like that Gerald Carrow managed to get enough evidence to suspend Selwyn from his current position as department head. A blood supremacist less in the Wizengamot as department head is better in the long run.”

Narcissa hid a grin. Voldemort’s followers are also a headache, but currently, they had to keep their heads down and keep their views away from the public, in order to avoid a backlash. She also knew that removing them from their current positions of power would help them in the long run to go against Dumbledore and his fools.

This was the last thing that was discussed during the meeting. Many were nervous regarding the Wizengamot meeting, but they were confident.

Wizengamot, March 20th, 2003

The Wizengamot meeting didn’t even start appropriately and Dumbledore made his nomination first to ban dark potions and all dark potion ingredients from their world after he was finished with asking the Wizengamot, if there were any assignments or reassignments. The old fool reasoned the ban with his idea of saving the society from the corruptive darkness and warned the members that the potions and the ingredients did nothing then harm their world. His followers were just bobbling their heads in agreement. Narcissa and the other members of the Grey Alliance were stunned, how childish and bratish Dumbledore had behaved. Seriously, a Hogwarts students would have made a better argument than the old fool. How could everyone here believe this foolery? She just shook her head and continued to listen to the old man and his insanity.

When Dumbledore was finished with his motion, Bartemius rose his wand, in order to make his nomination. Dumbledore was surprised about Bartemius, but he had chosen him regardless. “Lord Crouch?”

Bartemius rose from his seat and announced: “Esteemed members of the Wizengamot, I am nominating that from now on, all classified information are required to be stored in a ministry vault with a blood seal. If you all remember the trial of Isabella and Eric Jugson, you all should know, how important and how dangerous classified information could be. I, as the head of the DMLE, do not want to repeat this mistake again and I am also sure that the other department heads do not want to have the same issue like I had last year. I request from the Wizengamot an increase of security for classified information and this should also apply to all departments not only the DMLE.”

Crouch sat down and there was silence for a second before an argument erupted in the light section. Dumbledore’s followers were ranting and raving at the nomination and the entire light fraction was in chaos. Albus was ready to throw a killing curse at Bartemius. This nomination is hard to fight due to Isabella and Eric Jugson and things didn’t look good, how his followers were behaving. For the time being, Albus was distracted, in order to put off the fires in his section.

After Dumbledore was busy with his followers, Narcissa had a smile on her face and gave her great aunt the look that it was time to liven things up here. Aurelia took over for the time being and noticed that Callidora Longbottom had her wand risen in the air. “Lady Longbottom?”

The woman stood up and started: “Chief Witch Acton, I have a protest to make against Lord Dumbledore’s nomination regarding the potions and potion ingredients that the Chief Warlock wants banned.” Everyone listened carefully at what the Longbottom matriarch is saying. “Lord Dumbledore’s proposal is dangerous, because we would also be banning the top ten healing potions in our world and most ingredients that our Chief Warlock wants banned are mostly used for healing and in some cases, they are used for tracking rituals, for beauty products etc. If we ban those ingredients and potions, then, we are putting many people at risk. Do you want this?” Many shook their heads and after Callidora was finished with her little speech, she waved her wand and summoned the paperwork, in order to prove her protest. Everyone stared at the paperwork that Lady Longbottom had collected on all the potions and the ingredients that the headmaster wants banned. They really endangered their world again, if they had voted for Dumbledore’s motion.

Before anyone could react, a wand was raised in the neutral fraction. It was Clara Yaxley. Aurelia had her attention on Clara. “Lady Yaxley?”

The said woman rose from her seat and announced: “With all this information, I am proposing to put the current restrictions against these potions and potion ingredients under question. I mean, we are also practically restricting the top ten healing potions from our world and when these are needed, the healers need to break the law, in order to brew them. This is not right to harm our society like this.”

Nearly everyone agreed with her even the blood supremacists. The Wizengamot cannot risk the magical society like this and many were furious at Dumbledore for endangering their society again.

When Dumbledore was finished, the man was exhausted and angry. Narcissa whispered to her husband: “Well, his followers had tired him out.”

“Not only that, they also angered him. It doesn’t look good for his nomination”, Lucius whispered back.

Both chuckled at that. Lucius and Narcissa couldn’t confront the old fool directly, but they can work in the shadows and bring him down. It is better that the man remains clueless, why his motions are failing and that there is an alliance against him and Voldemort. The worst thing that could happen is if Dumbledore finds out that a Grey Lord was sent to restore the balance and that Akira is the Grey Lord. Dumbledore would try everything to gain control over the poor boy and force him to be light-leaning and make him follow his agenda. Furthermore, if they were revealed, Dumbledore would focus on them and try to bring them down no matter what and his followers would target them. No. It is better, if they remain in the shadows and chip away on his power base.

Albus retook his seat and asked Aurelia, if there were any other nominations. Aurelia answered: “There is a nomination from Lady Yaxley, who wants to put the current restrictions against the potions and potion ingredients that you want banned, under question, Chief Warlock.”

Albus was stunned, but he was confident that the motion will fail. No one would side with a dark muggleborn witch like Clara Yaxley, but he temporarily forgot that Stuart Fenwick is attending the Wizengamot due to his position in the ministry and he had snapped. The said man stood up and thundered in rage accusing Yaxley of corrupting Clara and coercing her to make this nomination. Unfortunately for Albus, his followers agreed and demanded Yaxley’s arrest, but none of the aurors moved since they respected Yaxley and knew about the marriage between him and Clara. It is an insult that they were attacking one of their colleague and a soulmate couple. It had taken nearly half an hour to calm his followers down again.

Narcissa turned to her husband and commented: “What a turn of event. When are we going to vote?”

Lucius answered: “Don’t ask, Narcissa. We have to suffer the stupidity of Dumbledore’s fools.”

“Great. Thank Merlin, no one is attacking my marriage.” Narcissa chuckled. Lucius just rolled his eyes, but he grinned.

“You would have gone over corpses, if someone dared to attack your marriage”, Lucius commented. Narcissa gave him an innocent look, but Lucius knew that look. She is a dangerous wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Both remained silent, when an annoyed Dumbledore moved over to the vote. His followers were calm again, but there were still tensions in the Wizengamot chamber. The first nomination failed epically, which infuriated Dumbledore and his followers. The next proposal from Crouch passed with a landslide vote, which made Dumbledore’s followers combust in fury. It had taken another 45 minutes to calm Dumbledore’s sheep.

Narcissa was ready to cry. “I want to go home. Why do they have to argue against a passed nomination for more than half an hour? They should just accept it and move on.”

Lucius was irriated by Dumbledore’s idiots. Seriously, there should be an IQ test before someone could enter the Wizengamot. “I know, Narcissa, but we have to listen to their rants and ravings until they are dealt with.”

Narcissa just grumbled, when she leaned back on her seat. She was going to lose her patience, if she had to listen to these fools.

Albus was furious. Things were not going his way and he was ready to kill his followers. Those fools are causing him so many problems with their rants. Why did they have to lose their temper every time, when someone is nominating something dubious? He wished his followers were more cool-headed. Thank Merlin, he had managed to calm them down and was able to move on to the last nomination. He really had to pray to Merlin that Lady Yaxley’s proposal will fail.

This nomination passed with a majority. Albus was completely furious. This was another area that he was losing control over.

The Wizengamot meeting came to an end after the last nomination. Albus left the Wizengamot courtroom with his followers in tow. They were absolutely furious about the outcome of the Wizengamot meeting.

Hogwarts

Phineas Black and the other former headmasters and headmistresses were entertaining themselves by watching a circus in the headmaster’s office. It was funny to watch how James and the younger followers were practically frothing in their mouths and how the older followers were droning on about the failed votes, after Dumbledore and his followers arrived back from the Wizengamot meeting.

“SILENCE!”, Minerva ordered in a strict voice. Everyone was silent and turned their attention to Minerva apart from Albus, who was lost in his thoughts about the lost vote and the damage that had been done by Clara Yaxley’s and Bartemius Crouch’s nominations. The younger generation was terrified since the transfiguration professor had a displeased look on her face. Minerva continued: “I can’t believe that you think, it is alright to behave like children in the Wizengamot courtroom. The students here are more mature than you all.“

Minerva quickly collected herself before she could scold them even more and turned her attention to Albus, who had been thinking. “Albus.” The man was startled from his thoughts and had his attention returned to Minerva. “Yes, Minerva.”

“This can’t go on, Albus. We are suffering setbacks after setbacks. What will happen next? Are they going to freeze the restrictions against the elixirs or the wards or on spell crafting and spell weaving. We need to find out, what is the cause that many members of the Wizengamot are so contrary to our cause now and solve this problem”, Minerva explained.

“I know, Minerva, but I am clueless. At the beginning of the session, I have believed that our nomination would pass with a clear majority, but something had happened that I didn’t even manage to get a majority and to make matters worse, the majority voted for Clara’s nomination.” Albus didn’t understand, what was going on. He had the suspicion that there is a certain someone that is hindering him, but who? The nominations that are making these setbacks were coming from the members of the neutral fraction and they are not to be messed with since they had no affiliation with the order or the death eaters. He is still trying to understand, why nothing works, but he had to move on. There is still the school board meeting on March 31st.

He quickly dismissed his followers and informed them that the next order meeting was going to be on Wednesday. With that, the other order members left the office and went home.

Albus and Minerva were the only ones left, who remained in the office and both discussed the lost vote in detail. Minerva said: “Albus, this can’t go on like this. It would make dark magic legal again and this can’t be allowed.”

“I know, Minerva, but as long as the other members of the Wizengamot are voting against me and are voting for the counter-nominations, there is nothing I can do.” Albus sighed. He is getting tired of all this mess. He needed to find a way to regain control over the Wizengamot, but currently, he is unsuccessful. Why is everything failing?

Minerva and Albus continued with their discussions, but they couldn’t come to a solution, how to sway the Wizengamot.

Albus was left alone in his office with his thoughts after Minerva left and returned back to her office, in order to make sure that her lions are alright. She hoped that Albus knew a way, how to fix things.

DMLE, March 22nd, 2003

Amelia and Corban were curious, when Bartemius had called them to his office. There were some important matters that needed to be discussed. They weren’t sure what was going on, but Bartemius wouldn’t waste their time with frivolous things.

Arriving in front of Bartemius’ office, the door was open and Bartemius waved to them to come inside, which they did. “Please close the door.” When Corban closed the door, they felt the wards go up. Amelia and Corban knew, what wards were activated. Silencing, privacy and secrecy wards. These three wards can be combined with each other without harming someone. This matter must be important, if the secrecy wards are used. Normally, secrecy wards are not used, if there is a case from Bartemius, but a high-ranked case had always a secrecy ward, in order to make sure that the case is not endangered.

Bartemius was prepared, what he wants to say. “Amelia, Corban, I have a new case for you two. It comes from the Office of Ministerial Regulation and it is about Patrick Selwyn, the head of the Registry Department. There had been an investigation against him for making unjustified cuts to the wages of his employees, which had been proven to be true, and Gerald Carrow had suspended him for a month. But the big question was, where did the cuts go?” There was silence for the time being. Amelia and Corban gave him confused looks. Bartemius smiled. “Lord Carrow had tried to investigate, where the money did go and wasn’t able to trace the money back, but he didn’t give up and made a request to the goblins to help him, where the money did go. The goblins investigated the matter and found out that one of their account manager was untrustworthy and committed many crimes in the goblin nation and in our world. He was quickly dealt with and sentenced to the goblin mines. But he had given up a lot of information, which was disturbing. To spare you the details, the money was used to finance three illegal brothels that had underage children and youths as employees.” Amelia and Corban were furious. Both were ready to go and find those brothels, in order to dissolve them.

Bartemius saw the fury in his employees’ eyes and he knew that they would be hell-bent in finding those brothels. “I want you two to go over the paperwork that I got from Lord Carrow for the next two days, in order to be up to date with the case and find some clues about the three brothels.” Amelia and Corban nodded. Both sighed, when they had seen, how much paperwork they had to go through. This really would take them two days, but there are going to be many charges against Patrick Selwyn.

Bartemius hid a grin knowing that his best aurors in the office are going to be stuck with a lot of paperwork, but it would be worth it.

Amelia suggested: “Maybe, I should arrange an appointment with Chieftain Ragnock through my account manager. I mean, he has trialed Account Manager Halrick for his actions and sentenced him to the goblin mines. Maybe there is more to this.” Bartemius nodded in agreement. The goblins could provide them more information about this case.

After the meeting, both aurors took the paperwork and went to Amelia’s office, in order to look through the evidence that was provided by Gringotts and the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Amelia also wrote a letter to her account manager requesting an appointment with Chief Ragnock due to the investigation against Patrick Selwyn.

Later before Amelia’s and Corban’s shifts came to an end, she received a response from her account manager that he had arranged a meeting for her on Monday afternoon at 4 pm since it was deemed to be an important matter. That was good for her since she has a morning shift that would end at 3 pm. She informed Corban about the appointment and the male head auror told her that he would accompany her since they had the same schedule next week.

There was going to be a lot of work.

Gringotts, March 24th, 2003

Amelia and Corban made their way to the bank and went to the first open teller. Amelia greeted the goblin and showed the teller the letter from her account manager. The goblin looked through the parchment and told them to follow him.

After some time, they arrived at the office of the chieftain and were let in, when the teller informed Ragnock that Amelia and Corban were here. Ragnock had expected those two since it must have ended up in the DMLE. So, he was prepared for the meeting. “Lady Bones, Lord Yaxley, you have requested this meeting due to a criminal investigation. I know the gist of your investigation since we had dealt with that traitor, Halrick, for once and all, so, you don’t need to explain to me everything about Patrick Selwyn.”

Both nodded and were relieved that for the first time, they don’t have to explain the situation. Amelia began, when Ragnock gave them the go-ahead. “There were some unopen questions that we want to know about the three brothels.” Ragnock nodded and ordered the guards in gobbledegook to bring Halrick here. He also demanded to bring a truth chair, so that Halrick tells them everything truthfully. Truth chairs were used for further investigations after the cases were closed. Truth serums are used during the trials.

When everything was arranged, Halrick was forced to sit down on the truth chair. Ragnock had his attention to the aurors in his office. “You can ask your questions, Lady Bones, Lord Yaxley.”

Amelia asked the question that was burning on her mind. “Halrick, I want to know the addresses of the brothels. Where are the brothels?”

Ragnock cursed slightly. He had forgotten to ask the addresses of the brothels. A mistake that could have led to many problems. Thankfully, he didn’t execute the traitor, because the secret would have never been uncovered, if he was dead. The goblin in question answered the question and both aurors made notes of the addresses.

Amelia and Corban questioned the vile goblin for more information that hadn’t been asked by the chieftain and managed to get a decent amount of information. Halrick was brought back to the goblin mines after the questioning. Amelia was the first to speak after the interrogation. “Well, we have everything, what we needed. We need to make a request to Bartemius to get search warrants for the brothels. The more evidence, we have, the stronger our case would be.” Corban nodded in agreement.

Ragnock questioned: “Do you need something else before you go?”

“For now, we have everything, but we need Halrick alive for the Wizengamot trials, so that he can testify against Patrick Selwyn. Currently, he is our key witness”, Corban explained. Ragnock nodded in understanding. He will make sure that the traitor would be ready in case there was going to be a trial against Patrick Selwyn. He was glad that he didn’t execute the traitor on sight for his actions.

When Amelia and Corban had left the bank, they returned back at the ministry and went directly to Crouch. There, they requested a search warrant against the three brothels. They informed the Crouch lord that the goblin under the influence of the truth chair gave up the locations of the etablissments and they needed the search warrants, in order to get more evidence against Selwyn.

Bartemius quickly got to work. He filled out the three search warrants and sent them to the minister, in order to get the approval for the three warrants.

Potter Manor, March 26th, 2003

Charlus and Dorea were again listening to another order meeting. It was getting dull, but both were not happy. When Charlus had gone to the family library, he noticed that some books were missing and he came to the conclusion that his foolish son had given the old fool access to books from their private collection. Charlus had been ready to jump out of the portrait and strangle his son lifeless for his idiocy, when he found out about this. Dorea had been furious, when Charlus told her about the missing books. Both were putting their hopes up that their eldest grandson would fix things and get everything under control, but they had to wait for a few years until he is old enough to claim the heirship and recall everything back, what the old fool had taken.

Albus was discussing with his followers about the Trias spells. He wants to restrict them and with that restriction, they would be able to ban the Maxima spells at the next meeting. Albus needed to make some headways in the school board and can’t allow any setbacks.

After he was finished with his plans for the school board, he asked if there were any news in the ministry. He was annoyed that many of his followers shook their heads, but the more perceptive were nodding since they noticed some things amiss. Albus knew that there was something going in the ministry. He can feel it in his bones. Hestia was the first to speak: “I have noticed that Amelia and Yaxley were called in Crouch’s office, but I am not sure why since the silencing and privacy wards were activated and I wasn’t able to eavesdrop on the meeting, but when Amelia and Yaxley had left the office, Yaxley was carrying a suitcase, but I don’t know the contents of it since the suitcase was closed.”

Albus was listening to his pawn intensly, but he was annoyed that he didn’t know, what was going on in the ministry. He needed to find a way to put his followers in high positions of power in the ministry. Most of his pawns were working in mid or mid-high positions of authorities and some like the Marchbanks were high-ranking members of the ministry. He knew that Griselda is the head of the DOE and her daughter, Harriet, is working in the sub-department for OWLs and NEWTs. The DOE is tightly under his control, but the other departments like the DMLE are not under his thumb, which is annoying.

“Well done, my dear, but it would be better that everyone pays close attention to what is going on within the DMLE”, Albus said. Everyone nodded dutifully.

Charlus and Dorea were rolling their eyes at what the old fool had wanted from his followers. Dumbledore would not get any information from Amelia Bones and Corban Yaxley. They are sure of that.

Prewett Estate, March 29th, 2003

The Grey Alliance had their meeting at the Prewett Estate this time. When the meeting began, Arthur Weasley explained everyone, what Dumbledore was planning. Nearly everyone groaned at Dumbledore’s plan. Seriously, that man doesn’t give up, but they also will not give up to fight back against Dumbledore’s backwards views. Pandora sighed. “Any ideas how to stop this?”

Narcissa wasn’t sure, what more changes could be done that are innocuous enough to not rise any suspicions. Her thoughts then drifted to the muggle world and their schooling system and from there, she had a plan. Narcissa was grinning like a cat that got the cream. This nomination would be a good distraction. “I have an idea.” Everyone turned their attention to Narcissa. “We could nominate for the school to introduce the parental consultation.”

“What is that exactly?”, Augustus asked. This was new for him and all those that were wizard-raised were confused about this, but those, who were also muggle-raised knew exactly, what Narcissa was planning and liked the idea.

Jeremy Clearwater drew the attention to himself, when he started to explain: “Parental consultations are meetings between teachers and parents, where the child’s progress and grades are discussed. It would allow the parents to know the strengths and weaknesses of their children and how they were doing in school.”

“That sounds nice. It would also allow the parents to know, how the children are behaving in school and it would also allow the parents to know their children’s current standing with their grades”, Corban said. Jeremy nodded in agreement.

Narcissa could tell that Hogwarts is undergoing some slight changes that could be beneficial for later.

For the primary school, they were planning to nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Care of Magical Creatures.

Before the meeting could come to an end, the topic was changed to the Registry Department and the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Cyrus announced: “I have good news regarding Patrick Selwyn. I am sure that everyone is aware that Gerald had managed to suspend Selwyn from his position as department head in the ministry and it doesn’t look good for him since I am sure that the man is going to be fired from his position at the end of the next month due to his actions against the employees of the Registry Department.”

Everyone was satisfied that another Voldemort follower is going down. Especially Amelia and Corban, because both were leading an investigation against Selwyn for corruption, bribery, owning and financing illegal brothels, chid abuse, sexual abuse of minors, exploitation of minors and many more charges are coming against that man.

The case had been classified. So, they can’t even tell anyone that there is a criminal investigation against Selwyn.

Narcissa had noticed Amelia’s and Corban’s faces and asked: “Amelia, Corban, are you alright? You seem to be distracted by something.”

Corban grumbled. Narcissa is as perspective as Voldemort, but what can you say about someone, who has been raised in the Black Family. Amelia cursed Narcissa’s perception. Sometimes, it was a blessing, but it was also a curse. She answered: “Yes, everything is fine.”

“Okay. If there are problems, then, we can help you”, Narcissa said in a concerned voice. Something was going on, but she didn’t know, what? Her gut feeling is telling her that everything is going to be alright, but she is not really sure. The others felt that there is something in the air, but they are not sure what.

School board, March 31st, 2003

Another school board meeting was taking place in the Wizengamot chambers. Narcissa was prepared to counter Dumbledore’s motion and make some headway for the school and primary school. After the formalities were done, Albus moved over to the nominations. The first nomination came from a Dumbledore fool, who proposed to restrict some of the trias spells that were dangerous and could harm people. Narcissa and the other members of the Grey Alliance were ready to roll their eyes.

Albus hoped that this time, he was successful. He can’t allow any failures now. For this meeting, Lady Martha McDonald made the motion. She was one of his younger followers and he hoped that he was going to be successful. Furthermore, Martha didn’t cause many problems during the last meetings unlike his other followers even though, she was against the changes that were done for his school. He is sure that this time, he was going to be successful.

After Martha McDonald was finished with her nomination, Dumbledore questioned, if there were any other nominations.

Narcissa was the one, who rose her wand, in order to make the next proposal. Dumbledore was aggravated that Narcissa Malfoy was the one, who had risen her wand. He was not looking forward to this, but he hoped that the woman’s nomination doesn’t cause any problems for him. “Lady Malfoy?”

Narcissa rose from her seat and began: “Esteemed members of this board, I am proposing that during the next school year, there should be a parental consultation day in Hogwarts, so that the parents knew of their children’s grades and their in-class behaviour. It would also involve the parents more to be active in their children’s education.”

Many liked the idea, but an argument broke out in the light section. Dumbledore was stuck between supporting or opposing the nomination, because at one point, it could help him to show that the Slytherins were bad and were problem students, but at the other point, it would also show his pawns in a bad light, which would do him no good. What was he supposed to do? The first thing, he had to do was to calm his followers down. They were already causing a scene that doesn’t look good in front of the other members of the school board.

“The old fool is distracted”, Lucius whispered to his wife. Narcissa just chuckled. “I know, Lucius. Let’s have some fun.” Lucius was hiding a smile and Narcissa gave Danielle the look that it was time to strike. For this meeting, Danielle was attending the school board meeting instead of her husband since she was able to sit on the Greengrass seat due to her bonding to her husband and she is better equipped for the board meetings due to her position as head of the Summer Study Department.

When Aurelia took over and continued the session, Danielle rose her wand, in order to make sure that Dumbledore’s motion doesn’t pass. “Lady Greengrass?” Aurelia turned the attention to the Greengrass matriarch.

The said woman rose from her seat and began. “Lords, Ladies, I have my doubts about Lady McDonald’s nomination regarding the Trias spells in the charms class. We all should remember that we should not hinder the education of the next generation and make sure that the students are learning, what they need. We can’t limit the students’ education, because of our views. Education is very important for our society and we would face stagnation, if the next generation has a lacking education. Furthermore, Headmaster Dumbledore had approved of the curriculum and this curriculum is used internationally.”

Narcissa hid a grin. This was a good manipulation tactic. It would make sure that Dumbledore couldn’t talk his way out without answering some uncomfortable questions. Many in the school board were convinced that restricting the curriculum was a bad idea.

After Danielle retook her seat, Callidora Longbottom rose her wand. “Lady Longbottom?”, Aurelia announced.

The old woman rose from her seat and proposed: “Lady Acton, I am nominating the ICW primary school curriculum for Care of Magical Creatures. The students should learn the theory part of this class.” Aurelia nodded and added the motion to the docket.

After Dumbledore was finished and had retaken his podium, Aurelia explained Callidora’s proposal, which made the old man frown, but the man continued to the voting.

The first nomination failed epically, which infuriated Albus and Martha McDonald. The second nomination had a great majority, which annoyed some of those, who voted against the proposal. The last nomination had a majority, which angered Dumbledore and his followers. With that, the meeting came to an end and everyone returned home.

Hogwarts, Great Hall

Albus was sitting at the staff table watching the chattering students with a frown on his face. The food in front of him was ignored since the man was lost in thoughts. Why does nothing work? He had worked hard on the nomination with Martha and it didn’t pass, no matter what he tried to do. Maybe he should discuss with his followers about the inconvenient nominations first that were made by the dark and the neutrals before an argument could break out in his fraction. That would also stop the bad image that his followers were creating. That could help him.

“Albus.” Albus was startled, when Minerva had called out his name.

“Yes, Minerva, my dear, what can I do for you?”, Albus asked in a kind voice.

“Is everything alright? You seem to be lost in thought”, Minerva asked.

Albus sighed. “I am just thinking about the lost vote during the school board meeting. I don’t understand, Minerva, why is nothing working?”

Minerva looked down on her food and tried to find an answer for the headmaster, but she had gotten nothing. “I don’t know, Albus. I wished, I could help you, but you know that I am not that politically involved unlike you.”

Albus nodded in acknowledgement knowing that Minerva was telling the truth. He continued to think, whereas he was finishing his meal.

Severus overheard the conversation and had an evil smirk on his face that he had managed to hide. ‘Albus, Albus, Albus, this is just the beginning of your end.’ The potion master continued to eat and thought about the potion that he is working on, in order to stop the inflammation caused by the Cruciatius Curse. Severus was sure that the potion would be finished at the end of May. With that potion, he would be able to help Frank and Alice Longbottom and Christina O’Neill. Especially Christina O’Neill would be able to return back to work as an auror since she is restricted within her arms. Frank’s and Alice’s problems were more sever since the damaged nerves need to be regenerated, so that they can return back to normal life. Severus will not fail since he is close.

Chapter Text

Weasley Manor, April 1st, 2003

The twins celebrated their fifth birthday and all of the Weasley children were there for Fred and George. There were many guests from the Grey Alliance and like always Molly was furious about the dark wizards and witches that have come to celebrate the twins’ birthday. She always enjoyed the birthdays, when Arthur had behaved like a good and light wizard and there were people that she approved of being around her children, but now she despised those days since Arthur was also inviting death eaters and death eater sympathisers to her older boys’ birthdays and is allowing them to corrupt her poor babies. There must be a way to fix this mess, but how? She can’t get out of her punishment and Albus needed to know that Arthur is betraying the light to the dark. Albus’ plans are at risk, because of her husband.

Bill was enjoying a piece of cake with Fleur, who will celebrate her own birthday at the end of April. They had gone to her fifth birthday last year and it was nearly a disaster, because there were many witches and wizards that looked down on them due to their home country. Many muttered that Lady Magic made a mistake with making Bill Fleur’s creature mate and soulmate. Arthur was annoyed and had been ready to leave the party earlier, but was stopped by the Delacours, who were furious about the disrespect that their acquaintances had shown towards Arthur and his five boys. There were some thinly veiled threats against those, who looked down on Arthur and his boys, as a warning that the Delacours would cut ties with them, if they were disrespectful towards their daughter’s soul and creature mate.

Another aspect that was worrying Bill are the end of year exams. Last semester, he had his midterm exams before the Yule holidays started and he had studied really hard for them. He was glad that Professor Hecat was the new tutor in Transfiguration and she taught him everything that he needed to know on the international scale. Then, there were the Yule holidays. The first week was spent with revising for his exams and doing his holiday assignments. The second week was hellish. He had to do exams in English, Math, French, Latin, Geography, History and Science, which includes Biology, Chemistry and Physics that were examined separately. He was happy that he had passed everything with many Os and some Ees, but it had taken a lot of work. Thankfully, he had three months to study for the exams.

The spring break was more enjoyable since he didn’t have a lot of work to do, but it was hard since he had the holiday assignments to do that he had managed to finish after four days. Now, he can enjoy another relieve before he had to go back to school and prepare himself for the final exams in June.

Jaques, who had started with the other seventh years to tutor the younger years, was also a great help since the tutoring did help the seventh years to revise for their NEWTs better than everything else, but Jaques was only able to help him, when he was there and not with Anton, with whom he has been going on dates, when he had some free time.

Doge Manor, April 2nd, 2003

Albus was sitting at the head of the table and was discussing with his followers the Wizengamot meeting on Monday. This time, Albus was planning to ban all dark alchemic elixirs from their world due to their harm that they are doing to their society. In reality, the dark elixirs are mostly used for healing and for protection. One of the elixirs was also able protect the consumer from the Cruciatus exposure, but it was banned and to make matters worse, it never reached the public. The elixir would have protected the victim’s mind, but it still would have been painful, but if Frank and Alice had these protections, they wouldn’t have been tortured to insanity. They would have had problems with the mobility of their arms and legs, but their minds wouldn’t have been damaged. Arthur was going to warn his allies about this nomination.

When they were finished discussing about the proposal, Albus changed the topic to the happenings in the ministry. Most had nothing to say about the matter in the Registry Department and the Office of Ministerial Regulation much to Dumbledore’s annoyance, but there were some that were more observant. “Albus. There is something that would interest you.” The said man perked up and turned his attention to Mundungus Fletcher, who had called him out.

“Yes, Dung, is there something that you have noticed?”, Albus asked hopefully.

“Well, I have seen Amelia and Yaxley in Diagon Alley entering and exiting the bank with the same suitcase that Hestia had seen two weeks ago after they had left Crouch’s office”, Mundungus reported. He had made sure not to mention the glasses that he had used, in order to look through the notice-me-nots and disillusionment charms on the suitcase since these glasses were illegal and are only used by aurors and the magical law enforcement. Anyone unauthorised could have their glasses confiscated by the DMLE and he couldn’t risk that.

Albus was happy about this information. Finally, something useful. “Thank you, Dung. This information is useful.”

“Maybe the suitcase is entailing evidence for a new case, Albus. Aurors are using suitcases, in order to transport evidence from one place to another”, Hestia explained. “They also put notice-me-nots and disillusionment charms on these suitcases, in order to get to the bank without anyone noticing that they were carrying something. I am asking myself, why they didn’t use the floo?”

Many were confused for the time being forgetting to ask Dung, how he was able to see the suitcase that was layered with notice-me-nots and disillusionment charms, but Alastor had explained his suspicion. “I believe that they had a meeting with the Chieftain or the director of the bank and that the case is also involving the goblins. If Gringotts gets involved in an auror investigation in the wizarding world or a criminal case, then, the investigating aurors are required to use the main entrance and are forbidden from using the floos or the portkeys since it would be perceived as an attack against the Goblin Nations.”

“Then, we must act, if the goblins committed a crime in the wizarding world. We can’t sit here and allow these filthy creatures to get away with their criminal actions against us”, James growled. The others agreed since many hated the goblins with a passion, but Alastor quickly stopped the commotion. “Silence!” Everyone was silent, but many were glaring at the old grizzly auror. Alastor turned a stony glare at his former trainee. “Laddie, we are not sure, if either a goblin or a wizard or a witch is involved in this case. You should know that if I say that if Gringotts gets involved in a criminal case or an investigation, then, it could also mean that one of the human employees in Gringotts could be involved in this. Furthermore, we don’t even know, what the case is about or who is involved, but one thing, I am sure. That case must be a high-ranking one, if two head aurors are involved and Barty is keeping quiet about the investigation.”

Many were furious, but they had to admit that currently, they had nothing, but one thing is sure. There is a high-ranked case going on that two head aurors are investigating and this case also involves the goblins, which could be dangerous, if they were not carefully enough. Albus had to make sure that his more-excitable followers are not causing any problems since they could get arrested or worse cause a goblin war, which would be a bad idea.

He quickly told his followers to get him as much information as possible about the case, but he also warned them not to arouse any suspicions, so that they do not get fired.

With that, the meeting came to an end. Arthur left the office in thoughts. Maybe he should talk to Amelia and Corban first about the case that both were investigating and warn them that Dumbledore and his fools are aware of what they were doing and that the idiots are going to try to get information about the case. They need to be ready.

Bones Manor, April 5th, 2003

Before the meeting could start, Arthur sent a letter to Corban and Amelia, so that he could discuss some important matters with them that he had gathered from the order meeting and about the case that both head aurors were investigating. So, Amelia and Corban were waiting for Arthur before the meeting could start. When the floo flared, Arthur stepped through with the twins, who he had sent to play with little Susan. Whereas the children were busy playing under the watchful eye of a house elf, Arthur sat down in the lounge with the others talking.

“Arthur, you wanted to see us.” Amelia smiled at her friend in the ministry, but she knew that something was bothering him. Corban gave the man an acknowledging nod and noticed the same.

“Yes, it is important and very concerning. Amelia, Corban, I don’t want to endanger any investigations that you two are doing, but Mundungus Fletcher had seen you both going into the bank with a suitcase. Hestia and Alastor explained that this only happens, if there is an investigation going on and that this investigation is also involving the goblins. The entire order is aware of, what you are doing, but they don’t know, what is going”, Arthur explained. Corban and Amelia were slightly panicking. Great. That was the last thing that they needed. Both also swore to make Fletcher suffer. They knew that the only way, he could have seen the suitcase is, if he had used the Revelio glasses that were classified as dark artefacts since with them, anyone was able to see through glamours, notice-me-nots or disillusionment charms. They are going to make sure that the man would regret this.

Both aurors were discussing, what they wanted to tell Arthur and came to the conclusion that they should tell him that there is an investigation going on and that the case is completely classified. They both turned their attention to Arthur. “Arthur, can you make a vow of secrecy?”

Arthur nodded and made the vow. Both sighed in relief and began. “There is an investigation going on, but the only thing, I can tell you that it does involve an untrustworthy Gringotts account manager and a corruptive department head in the ministry, but this is everything that I can tell you. This case is for now classified. No one outside Bartemius, Corban and me should know about the investigation, but it seems like that there are still some leaks happening. I will have to report this to Bartemius about this leak and from there, we would be able to make Fletcher suffer. That man will spend some time in Azkaban for endangering a classified investigation and leaking out highly-classified information.” Amelia was ready to kill the crook. The man has been causing problems and they will not allow the man to continue, but they also can’t expose Arthur’s role in this since the order could become suspicious that they had another spy, who is betraying the order, and Dumbledore and his followers will try everything to find out, who it is, in order to remove the threat. So, they had to look for other ways to arrest Fletcher. Maybe there was someone, who had seen that Fletcher was using the glasses. It would help them in the long run.

After some time, both head aurors calmed down, but there was going to be hell to pay, when they get their hands on Mundungus Fletcher.

All three waited for some time until the other Grey Alliance members arrived and Arthur, Amelia and Corban made their way to the formal meeting room of the manor. When the others arrived, many took their seats and Arthur explained the order’s plan to ban the darker alchemic elixirs from their society. Augustus and Thorfinn just shook their heads. That man is a fool. Like the darker potions, most elixirs were used for healing or for protecting the body from harmful curses. There was even an elixir that could have protected Frank and Alice from going insane through the Cruciatius exposure.

“That man is even a bigger fool. Doesn’t the man realise that most darker elixirs were used for healing or for protection. One of the elixirs had the ability to protect Frank and Alice Longbottom from going insane through the Cruciatius exposure”, Augustus explained.

“WHAT!?”, everyone shouted in fury.

Callidora was completely furious. “You want to tell me that there is an elixir that could have protected Frank’s and Alice’s mind from the Cruciatius exposure and I am getting this information now. Why wasn’t it made public? The aurors would have benefited with this kind of protection during the war.”

“Because Dumbledore had it banned here in Britain and the publication about the elixir was supressed”, Thorfinn explained.

Callidora let out a curse. She will make that old fool suffer for this. “We need a distraction for that fool’s nomination and point out the benefits of the elixirs. That fool is going to regret this. I will make the protest against Dumbledore’s proposal due to Frank’s and Alice’s conditions. One of you will make a distraction.” Many liked the idea since Callidora as a grieving grandmother and great-grandmother would be able to sway the Wizengamot against Dumbledore’s motion. But they needed a distraction and Narcissa knew a perfect way, how distract Dumbledore with something that would be a threat to Dumbledore’s world, but it would be very popular within the public.

“How about, if we open up a shelter for witches and wizards and their children that are living in abusive homes. It would help many witches and wizards to escape from their abusive spouses and save many children from a bad environment”, Narcissa suggested. Everyone thought that the idea sounded to be good to be true and many made plans, how to ensure the safety of the shelter and how to make sure the staff is reliable. Narcissa suggested that the staff should sign a strict secrecy contract, where they are forbidden from exposing the whereabouts of the shelter.

With that plan in mind, they also made plans to put the current restrictions and bans against the dark elixirs under question.

Wizengamot, April 7th, 2003

Another first Monday of the month, another WIzengamot meeting. Albus was confident, when he had opened the session and when there were not any assignments or reassignments, he was able to start the session without any issues. Dumbledore nominated to ban the dark elixirs from their world due to the damage that they could do to their society. Callidora had to restrain herself from snarling at the man and his nonsense that he was spreading. The man continued to drone on for half an hour about the dangers of dark magic to their society and how it could ruin lives.

Narcissa repressed a yawn and Lucius didn’t look any better since he was ready to fall asleep. “If he continues to speak like this, I will summon a bed here to lay down instead of sitting on this hard wooden chair that is made to kill butts”, Narcissa commented.

“Yes, but it is also a tactic of his to annoy the Wizengamot members in such a way that they would vote for his nomination. We need to make sure that his proposal is failing and not passing through. And Narcissa, if you can’t sit comfortable on the seats, then, you can bring with you a seating cushion or you can use cushioning charms on the seat”, Lucius explained chuckling knowing that the seats here are really uncomfortable. He had been using cushioning charms on his seat, in order to sit comfortably. Narcissa just grumbled making a mental note to either cast a cushioning charm or use seat cushion. Lucius knew Dumbledore very well and he is aware of his tactics. He made sure to warn the others about his tactics in the Wizengamot, so that they would be prepared.

When Dumbledore was finished with his motion, he continued, if there were any other nominations. This time, Clara Yaxley rose her wand. “Lady Yaxley?”, Albus said in a fake happy tone.

The woman rose from her seat and announced: “Lords, Ladies, I am nominating to open up shelters for spouses and their children that are living in abusive homes, where they could escape from their abusive spouses and save their children from a bad environment. The staff in this shelter should ensure the safety of the victims and in order to make the staff reliable, they should sign a strict secrecy contract, so that the shelters remain secret.”

The nomination was seconded by Arthur Weasley, who explained that the muggles had something similar for spouses and their children, who were living in abusive homes and it had worked very well.

When Dumbledore noticed his followers’ reaction, he quickly stepped back from his post and quickly put up privacy and silencing wards around his followers, in order to discuss the nomination quickly and quietly without making a big scene.

When Aurelia Acton took over, she asked, if there were any other nominations. This time, Callidora Longbottom rose her wand. Aurelia turned her attention to the Longbottom matriarch. “Lady Longbottom?”

The woman rose from her seat. “I have a protest to make regarding Lord Dumbledore’s ban against the dark elixirs. Lord Dumbledore didn’t mention that most of the dark elixirs were used for healing and protection. We also banned an elixir that could have helped my grandson and granddaughter-in-law from being tortured to insanity. This elixir would have been able to protect Frank’s and Alice’s from going insane even though, their mobility would have been restricted. They would still have been harmed, but they would have been able to recognise their son, my great-grandson. Did you know that both are not able to recognise me, Augusta or Neville due to the hell, they had been subjected to? I am also blaming this body for banning the protection that could have helped them” The woman gave everyone a cold glare and waved her wand to summon the paperwork.

After everyone got the papers about the elixirs, they swallowed hard and felt a little bit guilty, when they found the elixir that could have helped Frank and Alice Longbottom from being driven to insanity. The other elixirs were used for healing and protections, which would have been useful for the St. Mungos healers and the aurors in the ministry.

Everyone knew that allowing this nomination to pass would lead to problems. Aurelia continued with the session after Callidora’s protest was taken into consideration. “Are there any nominations or protests?”

Amelia was the one, who rose her wand. “Lady Bones?”, Aurelia announced.

The female head auror stood up and began. “Lords, Ladies, I am nominating to put the current bans and restrictions against the alchemic elixirs under question with all these revelations.” Aurelia nodded and added the nomination to the docket.

When Dumbledore was finished with the argument in his section, he retook the podium and questioned Aurelia, if there were any other nominations. The woman explained Amelia’s motion, which made Dumbledore frown in disappointment. The man hoped that this proposal wasn’t going to pass with his explanation. Dumbledore moved over to the votes.

The first nomination regarding the ban of all the dark elixirs from their world failed epically. Dumbledore was stunned and furious. What is going on? That couldn’t be happening. The second motion passed with a great majority. Only the darker purebloods and his followers voted against it. The last proposal passed with a narrow majority, which infuriated Dumbledore and his followers to no end. Before there were any protests, the meeting came to an end.

James was furious that Amelia was making such dangerous nominations. That woman needed to stay away from his sons. It was a mistake to make her Harry’s godmother, but it is too late to reverse this decision. But he can make sure that the woman stays far away from his son, when they have their family reunion.

Hog’s Head Pub, Hogsmeade

Aberforth Dumbledore was less than pleased, when his brother entered his pub, in order to have some dinner. He hadn’t seen the man for two months. Aberforth never liked his brother due to his past actions and inactions. He blamed his brother for the death of his sister and his partnership with the Dark Lord Gellert Grindelwald during the Global Wizarding War. Aberforth knew, what his brother was capable of and what kind of destruction, he had caused to the magical world since he was aware that Albus had been in contact with Grindelwald during the war and both had helped each other with their plans for their world. Aberforth remained quiet since he knew that no one would believe him and that his brother is manipulative cunt. He had prayed that someone would put a stop to his brother’s machinations, because he knew that Albus’ views are harming their society and it would also mean the death of magic, and it seemed like that his prayers had been heard.

Aberforth had been doing Samhain rituals since his sister had died, in order to talk with her every October 31st. But when he made another Samhain ritual in 2001, his sister informed him that a Grey Lord has been born and that according to Lady Magic and Lord Death, he and those, who will help him, will bring death and destruction to Voldemort, his brother and their followers. Finally, someone is going to make sure that Albus pays for his crimes and transgressions.

Aberforth noticed the pensive expression on his brother’s face and knew that things didn’t go his way during the Wizengamot session. He had read the newspapers about the Wizengamot meetings from last year and he is sure that this must have been a complete disaster with all these setbacks. His brother had complained about the lost votes in the Wizengamot and the school board and it was satisfying to see his world being slowly torn to pieces. He had saved the newspaper articles about Albus’ misfortune during the Wizengamot and school board meetings.

Seeing the thoughtful expression on his face, Aberforth couldn’t resist to ask. “So, Albus, another failure at the Wizengamot?”

Albus sighed deeply. He hated the jab. “Yes, I don’t know, what is going on. This time, I managed to stop an argument within my section, but regardless of my efforts, I have not only failed to make my nomination to pass, but at the same time, I didn’t manage to stop the counter-nomination to my proposal.”

Aberforth narrowed his eyes. He knew that something was going on and he is sure that there is someone or multiple someone that are stopping Albus and his plans. “Maybe next time, you will be successful”, Aberforth lied knowing that Albus’ time as a rising star has come to an end.

Albus huffed at that. Easier said than done. He is still unsure why his nominations are not passing, but he will find out and make the Wizengamot pay for their disrespect. Albus began to eat his dinner with a sigh. The man was still thinking, why everything is going the wrong way.

DMLE/St. Mungos, April 10th, 2003

Bartemius was ready to celebrate. He had managed to get the search and arrest warrants against the illegal brothels that were exposed by Patrick Selwyn’s goblin contact. The minister gave his approval to the search warrants and he filed the arrest warrants against the managers and the staff of the brothels. Furthermore, Bartemius gave both head aurors the green light to arrest any clients that they could get their hands on. But one aspect made the head of the DMLE furious and it was Mundungus Fletcher, who is endangering the investigation. He informed Amelia and Corban that they should deal with Fletcher after the May trials. For now, the focus should be on Patrick Selwyn and the three brothels and not on a crook. He quickly called Amelia and Corban to his office, in order to get ready and get back-up for the raids of the brothels.

When Amelia and Corban entered his office, Bartemius quickly told them to close the door and made motions to come and take a seat. “Amelia, Corban, the arrest and search warrants were approved by the minister. You need back-up, if you are searching the brothels and arresting the managers, the staff and the clients of the brothels. You also have to arrange mind healers for the youths and minors that were involved in this kind of business. So, you need to be carefully since this is going to be a delicate matter.”

“Yes, Bartemius, we will be careful”, Amelia answered and turned her attention to her partner. “Corban, you go to St. Mungos and prepare the mind healers. I will get the aurors for the search and I will make sure that none of them are going to be untrustworthy.” Corban knew, what Amelia’s message is. She will not choose Dumbledore’s and Voldemort’s followers in the DMLE for the searches and arrests since they were unreliable. Corban flooed from Crouch’s office to St. Mungos, in order to get the mind healers that specialised to deal with children and Amelia went to the DMLE and ordered her most trusted aurors to be ready for the storm against the first brothels.

She made sure that none of them had any allegiances with Dumbledore and Voldemort and were trustworthy. The first thing that Amelia did was to request the aurors to take a vow of silence and then, she explained the situation with the three brothels and that they have search and arrest warrants against the managers and they had the right to arrest any clients that they manage to catch. The aurors nodded and prepared themselves for a long week.

Like Amelia, Corban did the same with the mind healers in St. Mungos. They were informed that also minors were involved in the brothels and they needed every help that they could get. The reaction was a bit volatile since many mind healers were outraged that minors were used as sex workers and he could understand their anger since he himself is a father of three children.

Corban knew that everything was ready and they were ready to get to work. The mind healers were ready to take care of the children. The sexual abuse coupled with being raped would cause extensive damage to the minds of the children and youths. It would take years of therapy for the children and youths to get over this mess.

Knockturn Alley

Amelia and Corban with a team of aurors made their way to the first address and prepared themselves to storm the first brothel. Corban quickly put some anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards, in order to make sure that the clients, the staff and the manager do not escape. Amelia quickly stunned and restrained the doorman and they continued with their next phase.

Corban gave the aurors a nod that it is time to strike. From all entrances of the building, the aurors stormed the brothels and started their work to arrest the clients. Amelia and Corban entered the brothel from the main entrance and both had their wands on the manager and the staff. “You all are under arrest. Now, let’s move on.”

“You have no evidence against us”, the manager snarled.

Corban snarled back: “Oh yes, we have. One of your clients has sung like a canary. I believe that the former account manager, Halrick, told us everything, what is going on in this establishment. We can interrogate him again, if he recognises you.”

The man growled in rage. This was bad. This was beyond bad. He warned Patrick that goblins could be untrustworthy, but the man didn’t listen since he had handled everything and the DMLE would never suspect anything. Now, everything has gone to hell. He needs to warn the other brothel owners, but the aurors confiscated everything even his instruments that he had used to stay in contact with the other brothel owners. What was he supposed to do now?

Amelia and Corban had satisfied smiles, when the clients were escorted out with handcuffs. Many made threats against them that they would use their connections in the ministry to get them fired for this or that their families are going to destroy them politically, but both knew that these were only barks without any bites.

Another team of aurors were leading the children and the youths out. They were a lot gentler and were leading them to St. Mungos. Corban had seen that one of the children was the same age like his eldest and he was ready to carve those bastards up for what they had done to the minors. Amelia quickly stopped Corban from doing something stupid. “Corban, they are going to pay. Azkaban is going to be a nice stay for them.” Corban nodded and smiled knowing that those fools are going to suffer hell.

Both head aurors planned that the next brothel would be raided in three days, because they want to go through the building first, in order to look for evidence.

Hogsmeade, April 13th, 2003

In the outskirt of Hogsmeade, Amelia, Corban and a team of aurors were making their way to the second brothel that was hidden in the outskirt of the village. It is time to dissolve another brothel and arrest all those involved. Bartemius told them that Patrick’s arrest warrant would be done after the third brothel is cleared. Gerald and Bartemius came to the agreement that they would set up a trap against Selwyn, so that he doesn’t escape justice. The Selwyns had many properties around the world, where Patrick could hide and that could be risky. Gerald would write a letter, where Selwyn would be demanded in the ministry and from there, they would strike.

Reaching the address, they found a villa with many wards surrounding the place. The ministry curse breaker started to work on dismantling the wards and making sure to deactivate the monitoring charms that would alert the managers of their presence. When the wards were gone, the aurors began to work.

Like last time, Amelia, Corban and the other aurors surrounded the building and stormed it from all sides. The ministry curse breakers put up wards that wouldn’t allow the clients and the staff to flee from the building. The floos are locked and there are anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards.

One of the staff members tried to use the floo, but failed since the wards blocked the floo, and the manager tried to use the portkey, but the device was inactive. The man shook it, but it didn’t work. Amelia and Corban started to throw stunners at the manager and the staff, when they tried to flee. Some tried to fight against the aurors, but they were overpowered and handcuffed. They are going to face many charges.

Like last time, the aurors led two different groups. The bigger group led the clients and the staff to the ministry holding cells. The clients made many threats, but unfortunately, there was nothing that can fix this since they were caught in the act. This group was thrown in the ministry holding cells. The smaller group led the minors and young adults to St. Mungos, where the healers would take care of them.

Bartemius was pleased. Two gone, one to go. For the next three days, the aurors are going to be busy collecting evidence against Patrick Selwyn and all those that were involved in those brothels. According to his calculation, they would arrest Selwyn before the school board meeting at the end of April. Gerald will write a letter to Selwyn that was going to be a trap and then, Selwyn would go down.

London, April 16th, 2003

Amelia and Corban let out a sigh of relief. The last three days were hellish. They had to go through a lot of evidence in the villa that was found in the outskirt of Hogsmeade. They had made many additional arrests since the youths that were off-age gave up their memories, who the clients were. Even some aurors that were connected to Voldemort were arrested and charged for sexual abuse and rape of minors. The ministry has undergone a clean-up, which ruined many lives. Nearly every arrest involved a blood supremacist. A minority were paedophiles that were a danger to society.

Now, they had to deal with the third and last brothel, which is going to be harder than the other two brothels since it is in a muggle area. They had to contact the muggle authorities and those that were in the know about the magical world were explained the situation. The muggle authorities that were aware of the magical world started to close up the surrounding area of the brothel, in order to make sure that the aurors were able to storm the brothel properly and unseen by their kind. The ministry curse breakers dismantled the wards and the raid began.

This time, the staff was even more vicious and threw some Unforgivables including the killing curse. Corban threw a dark cutting hex at one of the staff members that started to throw the killing curse at the incoming aurors. Thankfully, the aurors managed to dove behind the counter from being hit. The hex cut the man’s throat open, which made the others desperate and furious that one of their own had fallen. Amelia used the blasting curse on two of the staff members and managed to throw them off balance. Corban quickly used the banishing charm, which blasted the remaining staff away. Both aurors heard many sickening cracks of cracked bones. The remaining staff fell on the floor unconscious. Checking them up, everyone was alive apart from one. A woman died by the impact since her neck broke ending her life instantly. “Another causality. Bartemius is not going to be pleased.”

“It’s alright, Corban. Apart from that, no one was able to predict that this would happen”, Amelia said. Corban had to agree and both started to handcuff the staff and a team of aurors led them out. The clients were also arrested and some were high-ranking ministry officials that were threatening with lawsuits and dismissals from their current positions. Bagnold was not going to be happy about this.

When everything was cleared, the aurors started to collect evidence. It will take some time to get everything since the charges had to stick or the case was going to be dismissed.

Bartemius was stunned that some high-ranking ministry officials were involved in these brothels. He would have to call the minister for this mess since she had the power to remove their political immunity from them. If a high-ranked ministry official is arrested, they only had the right to hold them in the holding cells for 48 hours.

He quickly left the scene and went to write another emergency notice to the minister that he had sent off and he ordered the aurors to collect evidence against those officials.

Minister’s office, April 18th, 2003

Bartemius was sitting in front of the minister’s desk and waited for the woman to go over the evidence that the aurors had collected against the high-ranked members of the ministry before they could get out today. Bartemius had seen that Milicent looked like, she had swallowed something nasty.

The minister was sighing, when she was going over the evidence of those, she trusted. Well, so much for trusting them. This is clear abuse of power and corruption and she didn’t imagine, what this would do to her and her position as minister. The only thing that she could do was to lift the immunity of these high-ranking officials and cut all ties with them before things could get worse for her and her administration.

Bartemius knew that expression. The public would react negatively to this and the ministry would face a backlash, but Bartemius knew, how to lower the backlash. “Millicent?” Bartemius tried to get the attention of the minister, which worked. “Yes, Bartemius.”

“I know that the situation doesn’t look good, but I can give you a suggestion, how to handle this situation.” Bartemius smiled.

“I am listening.” The minister turned her attention to the head of the DMLE.

“The investigation is still classified and closed to the public since our goal is to arrest Patrick Selwyn and we are getting closer and closer with our case. The only thing, I can suggest, if you allow my head aurors to investigate your and your administration’s involvement in these brothels. With that, we would be able to weed out those that would harm your administration greatly. With that, we would be able to lower the backlash, if Amelia and Corban prove that you and the rest of your administration had nothing to do with the brothels.” Bartemius knew that this was going to be risky, but it was the lesser of the two evils. There was going to be a backlash. He was sure of that, but it could be minimised to a certain degree.

Milicent sighed deeply. This couldn’t be avoided, but with that she would be able to remove those, who are untrustworthy. Since the case is classified, no one was allowed to know about the investigation. The reporters would be troublesome, when the investigation is finished, but Barty’s idea, she would be able to minimise the damage. “Alright, I will allow you to interrogate me and the entire administration under truth serum. Would that suffice?”

Bartemius smiled and answered: “Yes.”

“Good, tomorrow, you will start with the interrogations. I will be there first.” Milicent looked at him strictly.

Bartemius nodded and left.

Leaving the minister, Bartemius made his way to his office and ordered the head aurors to come to his office. After everyone was seated, Bartemius activated silencing, privacy and secrecy wards, which made some uncomfortable. Amelia and Corban were curious about the meeting, but remained quiet. Bartemius started to explain to the other aurors in the office about the investigation against Patrick Selwyn and that the case has been highly classified. Furthermore, he told them that Amelia Bones and Corban Yaxley were investigating against Patrick Selwyn. Both head aurors were aware of the information since they were investigating the case. The other head aurors were startled by the information and some from Dumbledore’s camp were giving them slight glares. They should be the ones to investigate this case, but no, it was given to Corban and Amelia.

Amelia and Corban wanted to ask Bartemius why he was revealing the case to the other head aurors, but the man quickly explained the reason why they were called here. “But now, I am coming to the reason why I have called you all here. Amelia and Corban had caught some high-ranking ministry officials that were involved in those brothels. The minister gave the DMLE the approval to interrogate the entire administration. The interrogations will start tomorrow and you need to be discreet about this matter. I will interrogate the minister personally. Minister Bagnold agreed that she and her administration were going to be interrogated under truth serum, in order to clear the matter up.”

“For now, the case has been classified since our goal is to arrest Patrick Selwyn and we can’t risk to let him know that he is under the DMLE’s observation since he could escape, if he finds out that we are investigating against him”, Bartemius explained. Many understood the situation and prepared themselves for the next day.

After everyone left, Bartemius was glad that the secrecy wards would make sure that none of the head aurors were going to expose the investigation to the public.

Ministry, DMLE, April 19th, 2003

Bartemius dropped down on his seat exhausted. The entire day was hard. He had interrogated Milicent first and the minister was able to prove her innocence under truth serum. With that, he turned his attention to her administration and they had found some members, who were involved with the brothels. They were immediately stripped of their immunity and were excluded from the administration, which infuriated them to no end. Bartemius had taken great pleasure in hearing their protests and threats, how they were going to make sure to have him demoted from his position as head of the DMLE. He wanted to laugh since these charlatans have no idea that they don’t have any support anymore from the minister and her administration and he is sure that anyone, who was involved with them in the past, had severed all ties with them, in order to save their faces and reputations. They had been thrown in the holding cells, where they would await trial. Bartemius asked himself, what they had been thinking? Did they believe that being a high-ranking official of the ministry would protect them from persecution? Well, they were fools.

Bartemius also noticed that most of them were blood supremacists and this was good for his books to have them removed from their positions of authority.

Then, there were the victims. A majority of them were muggleborns, who had been snatched away from their parents as children or hadn’t had any career possibilities after graduation. He had asked himself why the underage children were not registered in Hogwarts until he found out that there were some wards that stopped the registration of the children in the Hogwarts registry, which explained why Hogwarts wasn’t able to reach them.

Bartemius shook his head regarding the graduates. He is cursing the lacking education in Hogwarts since the school was offering the bare minimum of classes and there were many classes that were cancelled. He was glad that there were many that wanted to improve the education of the next generation. Bartemius was not a fool. He knew that Hogwarts was lacking and that needed to change. Look at the graduates that had worked in those brothels. They didn’t find proper jobs since there wasn’t a Wizard Study class, where the students would have learned, what it means to be a witch and wizard and how to get around in the wizarding world.

Bartemius hoped that the education of Hogwarts was going to improve. At first, he had doubts since Dumbledore was headmaster and head governor at the same time and he had been limiting the curriculum and cancelling many classes. Now, he wasn’t sure since there were some changes in Hogwarts and there was Lady Malfoy’s motion to open up a primary school. Three classes had been updated to the ICW curriculum and he had been listening, how Dumbledore was working hard on limiting the curriculums, but was failing since the governors started to become contrary and were voting against his motions. Bartemius supported these changes and he is sure that soon Hogwarts was going to change to its former glory, if not greater, if he takes the primary school into consideration.

Returning his focus back to the current situation with Patrick Selwyn, his next plan of action was to send a message to Gerald Carrow to end the suspension on Patrick Selwyn, in order to get to his final phase of his plan. The arrest of Patrick Selwyn. After that was finished, Bartemius was sitting behind his desk and smiled. Soon, another blood supremacist was going to fall from grace.

Gerald Carrow received the notification from Bartemius that it was time to enact their plan to trap Selwyn and started to work on the letter that he was going to write to Patrick Selwyn, where his presence would be demanded on April 21st. He couldn’t wait to see the bastard arrested and he hoped that Patrick paid for his crimes during his trial.

Quickly finishing the letter and sending it, Gerald prepared the paperwork to have Patrick Selwyn dismissed from his position as department head and have him fired. Furthermore, he was going to blacklist the man from the ministry, so that he would never manage to get a job in one of the departments here.

Ministry, April 21st, 2003

Patrick was pleased, when he had received a letter from Gerald Carrow two days ago that his presence was demanded today. He was sure that he was going to be reinstated back to his position and he will make Gerald suffer for what he had done to him. Confidently, he made his way to the Office of Ministerial Regulation not noticing that two head aurors were following him.

Arriving at the department, he was led to Gerald’s office by the secretary. Patrick sneered at the mudblood. Soon enough, his lord would return and take control of the ministry. This unworthy filth will be eradicated from their society and he is sure that their world is going to be cleaned.

Entering the office, Patrick wore a victorious smirk on his face thinking that he was going to regain his position as department head back. Gerald was going to wipe away that smirk from his face, when he reveals that he was not only demoted, but also fired and blacklisted. The man would leave this office jobless and in handcuffs. “Mr. Selwyn. You are on time. Please have a seat.”

“Thank you, Lord Carrow.” Patrick sat down. “I believe that we hurry this up, so that I can return back to work.”

Lord Carrow wanted to snort, but managed to withhold it. That man is so full of himself, but soon enough, he will learn some humility.

“Well, Mr. Selwyn, there are some bad news regarding your expectations to get back to work.” Gerald opened Patrick’s file. “Mr. Selwyn, you are hereby fired from your position as head of the Registry Department and due to your unjustified actions, you are also blacklisted from here.”

“WHAT?! You can’t do this?!”, Selwyn thundered in rage. This couldn’t be.

“Mr. Selwyn, you violated many regulations and rules in the ministry. What have you expected? That you would have gotten away. Now, get out of my office.” Gerald hid his smile, when he had seen Selwyn’s outraged face.

Patrick was ready to storm the office. He was ready to go to the family lawyer and demand from him to find a way to fix this mess. He will not accept this. But before he could leave, Gerald gave the man a warning. “And Mr. Selwyn. There is something else. Your family lawyer had been informed of your dismissal. He had received all the information that I have gathered against you. Do not think that I am incapable of reiterating.” Patrick was furious. Things couldn’t get any worse.

Leaving the office and making his way out of the Office of Ministerial Regulation, he was stopped by Amelia and Corban in front of the entrance of the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Patrick didn’t have the patience to deal with them. “Lord Yaxley, Lady Bones, I don’t have any time left. I have an appointment with my lawyer.”

“This has to wait, Mr. Selwyn”, Corban said in an annoyed tone. “Patrick Selwyn, you are under arrest for corruption, bribery, exploitation of minors, rape, accessory to rape, accessory to sexual abuse and sexual abuse of minors as well as owning and financing three illegal businesses.”

The aurors started to handcuff the man. Patrick was infuriated. Things could get worse. “You have no proof.”

“We have a mountain of evidence against you that was provided by the goblins. Furthermore, we also found the three brothels and dissolved them. Furthermore, we found your magical signature in the buildings and the owners have confessed under truth serum that the brothels belonged to you. You are busted, Mr. Selwyn”, Corban explained with a smirk on his face. “Get going.”

Both aurors were dragging Selwyn to the ministry holding cells. The man was making all kinds of threats, but the aurors ignored him. After locking him up, he demanded the Selwyn family lawyer, which was quickly arranged. They also handed the Selwyn family lawyer the file that entailed their evidence against him.

“Patrick, there is no way out of this”, Tiberius Warrington answered with a sigh, when he had gone through the evidence that the aurors had collected against his friend. “The evidence is damning. You either plead guilty and I will manage to work on a lower sentence or you could get a life sentence in the worst-case scenario.”

“Tiberius, this is not a joke. Our reputation is endangered. You need to find a way to get me out of this mess”, Patrick hissed in rage.

Tiberius growled. “Patrick, there is no way out of this. Please, take the plea deal. You would make things worse for your family than it already is. I am saying this as your lawyer that there is no way out.”

Patrick fumed. He will not accept this lying down. The man shook his head and returned back to his cot. Tiberius interpreted this that he will not take the option of doing a plea deal, which is an annoyance. “Very well, then prepare yourself for a nice hospitality in Azkaban.” With that said, Tiberius left the holding cell. He made his way to the atrium, from where he flooed to Selwyn Manor, so that he can inform the rest of Patrick’s family of the said man’s arrest.

Selwyn Manor

Quintius Selwyn was raging, when he was informed that his brother has been arrested and to make matters worse, that fool refuses to make a plea deal with the courts. Tiberius told him that the evidence is clear as day and that there was no way out of this. Either Patrick takes a plea deal or he will spend decades in prison since the man is sure that he would be questioned under truth serum, if they manage to avoid veritesarem. Quintus knew his brother very well. He had always wanted to prove himself and was too prideful to admit that he was in the wrong.

But now, things are different. His brother’s pride could destroy everything. He could reveal that he and the rest of the family were aware of the brothels and that they did nothing. This would be enough for a lawsuit that could bankrupt the Selwyns beyond saving. He needed to stop that.

His family’s legacy is threatened and he needed to find a way to stop his brother from talking, if he is questioned under truth serum or worse under veritesarem. But what can he do? Killing his brother wouldn’t solve anything. It would only bring upon suspicions against his family and that would be the last thing, he needed. Quintus needed to think.

Hogwarts, April 23rd, 2003

Another order meeting was taking place in Hogwarts. The topic that was discussed were the duo spells. Dumbledore wanted to restrict certain duo spells in the Charms class and he had prepared a list that were too dangerous for the little children to learn. This time, it had to work since he could use that to restrict the trias spells and ban the maxima spells. He had been working hard to get the spells restricted or banned. Furthermore, Albus was annoyed that he didn’t restrict the duo spells first and worked his way up to restrict the trias spells and ban the maxima spells. So many mistakes and it had costed him nearly everything in these last months, but he knew a way to salvage this. He will fix the mess that the neutrals had caused. After all, he is Albus Dumbledore. He had been running this world for nearly half a century. He will not allow those upstarts to cause trouble for him.

Albus quickly explained the nomination to his followers and impressed upon them not to fail him this time. Many made promises not to fail.

When that was out of the way, Albus turned his attention to the ministry especially the DMLE and the Office of Ministerial Regulation. He was annoyed that most of his followers hadn’t had any information, what was happening. Only Doge and Hestia had some valuable information regarding both offices.

He allowed Doge to speak first since his great niece is working in the Office of Ministerial Regulation and she knew, what was going on. “My great niece had told me that Selwyn’s presence was demanded in Carrow’s office. The man was confident, when he entered Carrow’s office, but after he left the office, Selwyn looked ready to kill someone. It seemed like that he was either demoted or fired from his position as department head.”

“Well, we can celebrate that another death eater had been removed from a position of authority in the ministry”, Sirius said in an attempt to sound cheerfully. Many were happy, but some had a sombre tone like James.

James argued: “What should we celebrate, Sirius? That a death eater removed another death eater from the ministry. We should be doing this and get credit and not someone evil like Gerald Carrow.” Many agreed on that. They were not happy that someone like Gerald Carrow is getting credit for dealing with corruptive ministry officials. It should be them, but unfortunately, none of them was senior enough to become head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation.

Albus sighed. James was right. If dark wizards and witches like Gerald Carrow are getting credit for removing corruptive officials and Tom’s followers in the ministry, then, they would get a good image in front of the public and any accusations against them of being Voldemort’s supporters or blood supremacists would not help them since there would be a backlash from the public, if they accuse Carrow of being a death eater, which would be counterproductive. They needed to make some headway in the ministry, in order to get some credit and make sure that they were portrayed as the people’s heroes and the ones, who are fighting against corruption and blood supremacy.

It is no wonder, the neutrals were seen as more favourable than the light to some muggleborns. Amelia Bones and Corban Yaxley are members of the neutral fraction and they have gotten credit with the arrests of Aurelius Yaxley and Isabella Jugson. The public had heralded them as good people and heroes, who are fighting for justice and equality, which is angering his more radical followers, who hate anyone dark. Gerald Carrow had many connections within the neutrals and even though the man was sitting in the dark fraction, he is leaning neutral, which is an annoyance, if he wants to create a clear rift between light and dark.

“This is not the only thing that had happened, Elphias. After he had left the Office of Ministerial Regulation, he was arrested by Amelia and Yaxley. I wasn’t able to hear out the charges, but it doesn’t look good for Selwyn”, Hestia added.

Albus was frustrated. Those two are going to be the death of him. Through these arrests, Amelia and Corban are gaining a lot of influence in the ministry and are crafting an image that would gain them the public’s trust, whereas his followers in the DMLE would be invisible and wouldn’t be acknowledged.

A chattering broke out, where many theorised that there must have been another case that was classified by the DMLE. Amelia and Corban were responsible for the investigation and everyone came to the same conclusion that Crouch only trusted Amelia and Yaxley with the case, which is angering them. Why didn’t he trust Scrimgeour to help Amelia? He was a good and light wizard unlike Yaxley. Why did he trust Yaxley so much? There must be a reason that the dark wizard had gained so much trust from the head of the DMLE. They needed to find a way to destroy that, but how? Yaxley is basically untouchable, if he had the support from Crouch. Not even Rufus would be able to find a way to remove Yaxley from his position as head auror.

Albus came to the same conclusion and he was getting tired that Crouch doesn’t trust his followers in the DMLE with cases like these. Classified cases were also more high-ranked cases and it would have helped Scrimgeour to get the spot as head of the DMLE faster.

But for now, they had to see, what charges were filed against Selwyn and that was going to be difficult since the case was classified until the trials in May. Albus also noticed that some members of Milicent’s administration were missing and when he had questioned her about them, the woman only answered that they became untrustworthy and she had been forced to fire them from their positions of authority. She also explained that she had to replace them and Albus had planned to get his followers in the administration. Unfortunately for him, Milicent had also informed him that she already had selected, who would replace those, who had been removed, and when he had looked at the replacements, Albus was frustrated since only a few were loyal to him and the positions that his followers have taken were not as glamourous as the other vacant posts, which is annoying.

Albus sighed. What was going on? Why did Bagnold remove a part of her administration? What was the reason behind this? He had a feeling that Patrick Selwyn was involved in this, but he isn’t sure. He had to wait and see, what was going to happen much to his annoyance.

Malfoy Manor, April 26th, 2003

The meeting in Malfoy Manor was heated. No one liked Dumbledore’s nomination and they tried to find a new distraction. Narcissa was thoughtful about the parent consultation day and thought that the parents should be even more involved in their children’s education and there should be a parents evening, where the parents should also be informed by the staff, what the school year is going to offer. The parents would be given a basic outline, what they would be expected to do for their children. Narcissa presented the idea in front of the others and many agreed. But there were some questions that needed to be dealt with. “When should the meeting take place?”

“It should take place on every September, when the school year is starting”, Narcissa answered. Many agreed on that. They discussed the finer details until they came to the conclusion that this would be a perfect distraction for Dumbledore and his fools.

“We will make the protest and nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Divination. The elective should be a pure theory class for everyone. Only seers should do the practical portion of the class”, Augustus explained. He knew that seers do exist, but they are rare. Many witches and wizards are able to see some glimpses of their future or see the signs that something good or bad was going to happen, but this wouldn’t be enough to do the practical portion of their OWLs and NEWTs.

After the Grey Alliance managed to build up their strategy, most turned their attention to Amelia and Corban. Amelia asked: “What is it? Is something on my face?”

Corban chuckled. “Amelia, I think that they are curious about the recent arrest against Patrick Selwyn.”

Amelia sighed. She should have known that someone was going to witness their arrest. “How did you find out?”

Narcissa answered: “Phineas told us. You were watched by Hestia Jones. I should warn you that you need to keep an eye on the woman.”

“Thanks for the warning.” Amelia really needed to keep an eye on the unstable woman. Since her soulmate died, the woman became more focused on her work and had been trying to look through old cases during the war. Amelia was sure that she was trying to find something to get Severus arrested, but it was useless. Severus received a full pardon, which means that any crimes that Severus had committed during the war was sanctioned by the ministry.

With that in mind, she informed everyone that they would have to wait for the trials at the middle of May.

School board, April 28th, 2003

Albus was absolutely furious. This meeting didn’t go the way, how it was supposed to go. He was confident, when one of his followers made the nomination to restrict the duo spells. He had thought that this time, he had managed to sway the school board to vote for his nomination, but unfortunately, Lestrange had interfered. The man introduced the parental evening that should take place on every September, where the parents would be informed about the children’s education and the on-goings in the school year. It would help that the parents are more involved in the students’ education and are better prepared for their children’s future.

From there on, an argument broke out since some of his followers were questioning the nomination and had even gone into hysterics that the motion must have a dark and nefarious reason. Albus didn’t like the proposal, but it wasn’t damaging his school and endangering his plans. But he was thankful that he was able to stop his followers from making a bad impression on the other members of the board.

It had taken nearly an hour to calm his followers down and make sure that the nomination isn’t anything dark or dangerous. When he had retaken his podium, Albus noticed that there was something in the air and he was right, when he had questioned Aurelia, if there were any other motions.

Aurelia explained that there was a nomination from Corban Yaxley to propose the ICW primary school curriculum for Divination. Albus sighed, when it was explained that the class would be theoretical, but for those, who have the sight, it would be practical.

Albus didn’t have the strength to argue and moved over to the voting. The first nomination from his followers failed epically. He didn’t understand, why it failed. What was going on? He is sick and tired that the nominations that he wanted to pass were not passing and those nominations that are not supposed to pass were passing.

The second motion from Lestrange passed with a great majority, which was irritating a little bit.

The last motion from Yaxley passed. The ICW primary school curriculum was an annoyance, but the class was a minor setback. This meeting as a whole was a setback.

Corban and Amelia may be smiling about the outcome of the school board meeting, but their thoughts were on other matters. Patrick Selwyn, the managers of the brothels and the clients may be in a holding cell, but they need to develop a strategy, how to make sure to lock them away for a longer period. Corban had theorised that the brothels were created for Voldemort’s campaign since Riddle needed money for his campaign. And what better way to gain money than running brothels and black markets. But Corban is also sure that Dumbledore had a role to play since the man’s name was mentioned in the brothels. Amelia and he knew that Dumbledore had a big role to play in this, but they weren’t sure what.

They have to wait for the trials in May, in order to find out the truth.

Returning back their focus on the results of this school board meeting, both were happy that Dumbledore’s motion didn’t pass and that their proposals got through. The protest was made by Pandora, who explained that without learning the duo spells properly, the students wouldn’t be able to do the trias spells and this could be dangerous for the students, if they start to learn the trias spell in their third year. The governors were easy to convince, if you give them the proper information and make it plausible.

Another aspect, where Corban was taking great joy in watching was Quintus Selwyn’s reaction about his brother’s arrest. The man had been thoughtful and seemed to be nervous the entire time. Corban smirked at that since the man is worrying that his brother’s conviction could destroy his and his family’s reputation.

Quintus Selwyn was lost in thought. After his brother was arrested, he had jumped into action to help him to the best of his ability. He wished that Patrick would plead guilty to the charges since his lawyer told him that the case was impossible to win. There must be a way to get Patrick to plead guilty before he could destroy the family’s reputation.

Unfortunately, his brother is too proud to admit defeat and this could cause many problems.

He needed to find a way to fix this.

Hogwarts

Jaques had a feeling that he was watched. Since the second term started, he had noticed that Fenwick’s friends were glaring at him. Especially, her two closest friends, Flora and Anna. Both girls were sending him looks of hatred, but he mostly ignored them. But the girls weren’t the only ones, who were looking at him with disdain. Fenwick had many friends in Gryffindor and they were very hostile towards him due to his betrothal to Anton or his criminal record. He was grateful that his housemates were there for him and were keeping a close watch on Fenwick’s friends.

“Hey Jaques, how are you?” Jaques was interrupted by his thoughts by a familiar voice. Looking down, he noticed William ‘Bill’ Weasley.

“I am fine, Bill. It is the same like every day. I have to study hard since my NEWTs are coming closer and closer and my final year is coming to an end.” Jaques just shrugged.

Bill gave him a mischievous grin and answered: “Well, then, good luck. I have still another five years before I am finished with Hogwarts. You only need to survive the next two months and then, you are finished with school. Apart from that, you need to be carefully around Anna and Flora. Both are planning something and I can tell you that it isn’t anything good.”

“Thanks for the warning. I am already aware that they are up to something and I am prepared for anything.” Jaques knew that Anna and Flora are not going to leave him alone and both girls would try everything to separate him and Anton, which will not happen.

Bill nodded and made his way to the Great Hall for dinner.

“Weasley!” Bill was startled, when someone called his name.

Turning around, he saw Anna and Flora making their way to him. He asked them in an innocent voice. “Yes, what can I do for you?”

“Stay away from that husband-stealing freak, Weasley. He is only trouble. Look what he had done to Sarah and the Fenwicks. He destroyed an alliance and brought only misfortune to the Fenwicks”, Flora snarled. Anna bobbled her head in agreement.

Bill just stared at them blankly. Those two are just delusional, but he had to deal with delusional fools that were following Dumbledore blindly in his house. Bill hoped that Charlie would not be sorted into Gryffindor. He knew that his little brother would be miserable with the lions. He argued: “But according to the Daily Prophet, the Fenwicks were to blame for the end of the Abbot-Fenwick alliance. Tamara Fenwick sent an insulting howler to the Abbotts and Sarah had attacked Anton last year. Are you sure that Greengrass is to blame solely for the end of the Abbott-Fenwick alliance?”

“Yes, the prophet has been writing lies, in order to make the Fenwicks look bad. Especially, Skeeter is full of lies. That woman never tells the truth and is making up stories. How that woman is still employed is beyond my understanding and why are there people that are believing in her stories?”, Flora said angrily. She never liked Skeeter. That woman is openly lying about everything, but no one does anything and allows her to write disgraceful articles that are ruining many lives.

Bill knew from his father that even though Rita Skeeter loves drama, she remains within the truth. He answered: “Very well, but you should not forget that Skeeter has gained a lot of influence with her articles and there are many witches and wizards that are believing in her stories.” Bill knew that this will set the girls off. Last year, when the Abbott-Fenwick alliance was terminated by the Abbotts and the reason behind the end of the alliance was made public, Sarah and her closest friends learnt, what it meant to be unpopular. Many students had distanced themselves from Fenwick and her friends due to the attack on Anton and the article.

Flora was frustrated since Weasley was right. Skeeter had a lot of influence within the press and there is nothing that can be done, but she is sure that Headmaster Dumbledore would find a way to get the woman removed from the Daily Prophet.

With that, Bill left the girls to their own thoughts. He knew that they were planning something big that would fail horribly.

After Bil left them, Anna and Flora were planning to take their own form of revenge against Jaques for ruining their friend’s chances of true love and happy marriage. They will free Anton from Greengrass’ clutches and make sure that the Abbott Family reinstate the alliance with the Fenwicks, in order to help them. They are sure that their friend and her family would be grateful, if they are successful. Both had discussed their plan without noticing that they were overheard by Severus.

The said man shook his head at the two foolish girls. He couldn’t believe, how stupid they were that this would solve everything. If Jaques came to harm due to their plan, Anton would have the right to meat out justice for his betrothed and make them suffer, for what they had done to Jaques. Not to mention what Cyrus Greengrass and his wife would do. He is sure that the current Lord Greengrass with his knowledge as barrister would make the girls pay for their attack on his nephew and this wouldn’t end up pretty. If things got worse, then, the Abbott and Greengrass families could declare both girls as enemies of their respective houses and this could ruin their lives in the magical world and it would destroy any career possibilities in the ministry.

But this wouldn’t be his responsibility since Minerva is the girls’ head of house.

Potter Manor, April 30th, 2003

This time the order meeting was taking place in Potter Manor. James was prepared for the meeting and he was sure that at the Wizengamot meeting in May, they would be successful. He was frustrated that the last meetings were failures. They are doing everything in their power to protect their world from the darkness in the magical society, but there are still some fools that are defending the dark and they are annoying. He wanted his sons protected from the dark influence in their world.

Arriving at the formal meeting room, James was glad that his close friends and allies were there. He had waited until the headmaster arrived, so that the meeting could start properly.

Charlus and Dorea were sighing deeply, when Dumbledore arrived and the meeting started with the man talking again some nonsense about the darker wards that had to be banned from their society, which would also include the blood wards. Charlus knew that the darker wards are more effective in their protections than anything else. He himself had casted them during Grindelwald’s rule of terror and those wards had done extensive damage to Grindelwald’s followers, because the wards were more volatile than the normal wards. Those fools lost either some limbs or even their lives in case, he had casted some blood wards.

Charlus still couldn’t understand that his son believes in this trash. He is wasting away his potential and Charlus could only watch, how James was turning into a fool. The man has also ruined his own core with his hatred towards anything dark. Charlus and Dorea had checked their son’s core, when he was an infant, and found out that he had a grey core. But during the years, the colour of the core changed. Before they died, their son’s core became light like it had happened with that mudblood bitch. Sirius’ condition was even worse since according to Walburga his core was dark, when he was an infant, and during his time in Hogwarts, it became light.

Remus on the other side was a werewolf that had rejected his own wolf, which is a mistake since every werewolf needs to accept his own wolf, in order to be in control of its mind and body. This is the reason why he is so dangerous in his werewolf form. To make matters worse, the idiot is consuming the wolfsbane potion, which is harming the wolf more since the potion is actually poison for the werewolves. It is exacerbating the madness in the wolf.

Both couples were forced to listen to another pointless meeting. They were sure that the newly dubbed Grey Alliance would stop Dumbledore’s motion.

Dumbledore was confident that they were going to be successful this time, but he is still cautious. “Are there any news in the ministry?” Albus changed the topic, in order to calm his followers down.

Hestia was the one, who answered: “It is the same. I have heard that Selwyn has meetings with his lawyer and his brother. I think that they are trying to find a way out of trouble, but I have heard from some head aurors that this was going to be impossible since there was a lot of evidence from Gringotts.” Many were sure that the man was going to be convicted. Even though the goblins were untrustworthy creature, they knew, how to delve into details.

Albus nodded in understanding and also annoyance. He wished that Rufus had known something, but it seems like that the man is either as clueless as he was or he was under secrecy wards, which would stop him from talking about the case much to his annoyance. Alastor said: “Maybe we should wait until the May trials. I don’t want to end up in Azkaban for leaking out classified information. From there, we would be able to find out, what is going on, legally.” Albus knew that the secrecy wards are the most likely option and, in this case, he had to wait. He doesn’t want to end up in prison for trying to information on classified cases.

Many agreed begrudgingly about this plan since getting this kind of information is difficult to get and too risky. They had to wait for the trials and see, what was going on.

Chapter Text

Weasley Cottage, May 3rd, 2003

This pre-meeting was taking place in a cottage that has been belonging to the Weasley Family for generations. Arthur had selected the property since it was far away and at the end of one of the islands of Scotland that was basically uninhabited. Narcissa and the others didn’t like it that they had to move locations since many started to grow suspicious about their meetings. For that reason, they needed a location, where they couldn’t be disturbed by anyone outside their circle. The view was beautiful. The landscapes were green and there were many perfectly shaped hills. Everyone could hear the waves from the sea hitting the rockface.

Narcissa was standing in front of the porch lost in thoughts. The last months were difficult, but they had to be ready for everything, what Dumbledore is planning. For now, Dumbledore was too powerful and influential, but slowly, they were chipping away from his power base and making sure that he is slowly losing control over their world.

“Narcissa.” The said woman perked up and turned around and saw Adrianna stumbling her way towards her.

“Yes, Adrianna.”

“Is everything alright? You seem to be lost in thoughts.”

Narcissa shook her head, but she smiled at her friend’s concern. “I am alright. I was just lost in thought about Dumbledore and his cheerleaders. I am still worrying, what they are planning.”

“I understand. Cissy. The man is maybe a fool, but he is a manipulative, old goat with a god-complex that thinks that he is the only one that knew, how to lead the wizarding world.”

With that said, both women made their way into the cozy cottage, where they sat down in the meeting room. Everyone decided that the cottage would be their permanent meeting room since it was far away in a desolated area and no one, not even Dumbledore and his sheep, would never suspect that a Weasley property was used. Narcissa always felt safe in Weasley Manor since she was sure that no one would suspect that Arthur Weasley and his family were inhabiting the manor.

When the meeting started, they discussed Dumbledore’s motion to ban the darker wards, which would also include the blood wards. They came to the conclusion to point out, what a ban like this could cause to their society, but they needed a very good distraction and there Lucius had an idea.

“Do you remember the April session last year, when Darren had nominated to open up orphanages in the wizarding world?” Everyone nodded and turned their attention to Augustinus and Darren. Both lords were smirking. They remembered the session to well. The proposal had really rattled Dumbledore and his followers. Lucius continued, when the attention returned to him: “We should make a ban for the first time.”

Everyone was momentarily surprised by this approach since they never used bans to distract Dumbledore. Narcissa asked her husband: “And what should we ban, Lucius?”

“We should make a ban that forbids children to be sent to religious, non-magical orphanages. We all know the stance that the Christian religion has regarding magic and the risks, if we send a magical child there.” Many nodded at that.

Jeremy Clearwater agreed: “I agree with Lord Malfoy on this. These orphanages are intolerant about anything different to their views and there were some accusations of sexual and physical abuse against the staff of these orphanages. Unfortunately, there is some truth in those matters.”

Many were horrified, how some orphanages in the muggle world had been run and agreed that the magical children would be safer here in their world. Everyone agreed that the ban would be a great idea. They would also propose to put the current restrictions regarding the darker wards under question, if they are able to convince the other members of the Wizengamot with their protest.

The rest of the day, they watched the children play on the fields of the island. They were prepared for the Wizengamot meeting on Monday.

Wizengamot, May 5th, 2003

Narcissa and Lucius were sharing a smile. Another success another victory against Dumbledore and his fools. At the beginning of the session, Dumbledore nominated to ban the darker wards, which would have included the blood wards. Unfortunately, many didn’t know that and both questioned the intelligence of the members of the Wizengamot. They needed to make the protest, in order to stop the motion from passing. There were still some that were idiots and had a tunnel-vision.

When the fool was finished, Lucius nominated his ban to stop any magical children from being sent to non-magical, religious orphanages. The nomination had received many protests from Dumbledore’s followers before Lucius could give his reasoning. The idiots had been going on, how the man was a blood purist that hated muggles and a death eater in the same sentence. Narcissa looked around the Wizengamot and smirked, when she noticed that many had looks of disdain against James and the other protesters. Many were disgusted with the attitude from the light fraction since they remembered the April session from last year, when it was nominated to open up orphanages here in the wizarding world and they were told, where You-Know-Who was raised. They didn’t want another Dark Lord issue. So, they had no problems with this nomination since it could be beneficial.

Narcissa was glad that Dumbledore was distracted and furious at the same time. His followers had caused a mess and she was sure that they had managed to make themselves look bad and unpopular.

When Aurelia took over as Chief Witch, she asked, if there were any other nominations or proposals. Narcissa smiled, when Pandora made the protest regarding Dumbledore’s motion by mentioning that with the ban of the darker wards, they would also ban the blood wards. Furthermore, she explained that the darker wards were also effective and strong as the other wards even though they were darker and a bit more complicated to cast than the normal wards.

With that, they managed to convince the Wizengamot to vote against Dumbledore’s motion about the darker wards and they turned their attention to their next phase.

Cyrus was the one, who had executed their next plan to put the current restrictions against the darker wards into question.

When everything was done, they waited for Dumbledore to be finished with his followers. It had taken longer than usual, but then, Dumbledore had managed to calm his followers down, when the man dispelled the silencing and privacy wards and was returning to the podium of the Chief Warlock. Like usual, the fool asked Aurelia, if there were any other nominations and she explained Cyrus’ motion.

Dumbledore looked annoyed, but the man had a confident smile on his face. Narcissa had also seen the reaction of Dumbledore’s followers and noticed that James and the other younger followers were giving Cyrus a mocking smile. These idiots really believe that the nomination would fail. Oh, they are going to receive a nasty surprise.

Dumbledore moved over to the voting and like it was expected the old fool’s nomination failed horribly. Narcissa had to restrain a chuckle at the looks from Dumbledore and his sheep. The fool looked shocked and furious, whereas his followers were frothing at their mouths for the lost nomination. James was red-faced in fury, when he had seen that the nomination had failed.

The next motion passed with a great majority, which infuriated Dumbledore’s younger followers, but they remained quiet and waited for the last nomination.

Cyrus’ proposal passed with a landslide vote, which was too much for James and the other younger followers, who had started to protest against the vote and tried to rally against the results of the voting. Dumbledore quickly closed the session and spent the next hour to calm his followers down.

This Wizengamot session had ended on a good note.

Albus Dumbledore was in a state of blind fury. The entire meeting was an absolute nightmare. He didn’t understand, why his nomination had failed and why everything went in the opposite direction.

When the session started, he made his motion to ban the darker wards, which would have also included the blood wards. He had also managed to make very good arguments, why the wards were a danger to their society. But things started to go out of his control, when Lucius Malfoy proposed a ban that would forbid any child from their world to be sent to a non-magical, religious orphanage. Before the man could give his reasoning, his younger followers started to protest and were insulting Malfoy heavily. This didn’t go well with the other Wizengamot members since they were watching James and the others with disdain. The April session from last year had made his comeback and he knew that the other members didn’t want another Voldemort issue on their plate.

He had to calm his followers down during the time being and when he was finished, Albus was angered, when Aurelia told him that Cyrus Greengrass nominated to put the current restrictions against the darker wards into question, but he was confident that the nomination will fail. When he moved over to the voting, his proposal to ban the darker wards failed epically, which infuriated him to no end.

Lucius Malfoy’s motion to ban children from being sent to non-magical, religious orphanages passed with a great majority, which enraged him to no end since he couldn’t send the children there anymore, in order to mould them to be loyal and submissive. These orphanages would have made sure that they were abused and desperate for help. Now, this plan was ruined by Malfoy.

The third motion passed with a landslide vote, which infuriated him to no end. He will make them all pay for their disobedience and disrespect towards him.

Quintus Selwny was lost in thought. His brother was still in a holding cell and his lawyer told him that Patrick refuses to plead guilty. Quintus was ready to disown his brother, but he can’t do it since he is still family. What was he supposed to do? Killing Patrick wouldn’t solve anything since it would make things worse for his family and the DMLE would target his family.

He needed a plan to find a way out of this.

DMLE, May 7th, 2003

“Amelia, are you out of your mind?!”, Bartemius exclaimed in a shocked tone. The man couldn’t believe, what the head auror had presented.

Amelia pursed her lips, when he had said that. She had told her boss that they should make the case of Patrick Selwyn public through the Daily Prophet, in order to lower down the backlash from the populus after the trial. The more, they are waiting, the worse, the backlash could be. The people should be informed about the case before the trial since it would make things easier, if the public was informed about Patrick’s arrest, the charges against him and the three brothels, which would include the clients and the staff. Amelia is sure that Rita was going to go into detail and explain the situation with the ministry officials.

Amelia said: “Bartemius, the longer we wait, the bigger the backlash. If we publicise this sooner, the public would be able to digest the information before the trial better and we would be able to keep the reaction during and after the trial minimally.”

“I know, Amelia, but we need the approval of the minister for that and I am sure that Milicent isn’t going to agree with that. She would demand a closed session during the trial”, Bartemius agreed, but there were point, where he didn’t.

Amelia sighed deeply. “I know the risks, Bartemius, but this would not work. Corban and I were seen, how we arrested Selwyn. Do you think that those, who had seen the arrest are going to keep quiet? Do you think that no one is going to notice the change of administration and that some high-ranking ministry officials were replaced? The reporters will ask questions. Uncomfortable questions. And I am sure that neither you nor the minister would like to answer those questions since you can’t deny the replacements. You know as I do that there are reporters that would look into this and if you don’t answer their questions or they notice that you are hiding something since you have classified the case, they would make speculations and conspiracy theories that the ministry is hiding something, which could cost us the trust of the public. I am also sure that the likes of James Potter are going to rant about the ministry’s corruption and abuse of power. Do you want that?”

Bartemius sighed and turned around. He looked out of his window in his office at the busy ministry atrium. Amelia is right. Milicent and he can’t hide the change in the administration and the replacements of the high-ranking ministry officials. If things go wrong, then, it could be leaked out and they would have to answer very uncomfortable questions, which wouldn’t go well for them. Bartemius is sure that those like James Potter are going to put up a stink that the ministry is corrupted by blood purists and from there, things would get worse.

He doesn’t have a choice. He had to talk with the minister. “I will speak with Milicent about this. You have a point, Amelia, that there are going to be questions that could be uncomfortable for us.”

Amelia nodded and left the office. The meeting was a success.

Minister’s office, May 9th, 2003

“Bartemius, have you gone mad?!”, Milicent asked in a furious voice. She couldn’t believe, what Bartemius had suggested.

Bartemius grimaced at Milicent’s outburst. It reminded him that he had the same reaction, when Amelia had presented that plan in front of him the first time around. “I know that the plan sounds insane, but do you think that the public will not notice the change in the administration or the replacements? Or do you think that those, who had seen Corban and Amelia arrest Selwyn, would keep quiet? Milicent, people are going to notice that and I am sure that the reporters are going to ask uncomfortable questions. We can’t keep the case secret from there on since there are going to be many conspiracy theories against us. Furthermore, there are certain individuals, who are going to accuse us of corruption and abuse of power.” Bartemius was hinting to James Potter and the other younger followers, who are blindly following Dumbledore. Those fools are going to cause many headaches.

Milicent knew, who Bartemius was hinting to, and she groaned. The likes of James Potter are going to be headaches to no end. Milicent had to think about the advantages and the disadvantages.

After some time, Milicent decided. “Alright Bartemius, but if things go wrong, then, I am going to hold you and Amelia responsible for this. Make sure that the Daily Prophet has an overview.”

“Don’t panic, Milicent. I trust Amelia and her judgement. I was also against the idea, but when she presented me the arguments, why keeping the case secret would be a bad idea, I was forced to admit that things could have gone wrong since we wouldn’t be able to deny the replacements in the ministry and the administration. There would have been questions. Uncomfortable questions that would have made things worse for us. Apart from that, we weren’t aware of Selwyn’s schemes and the three brothels until we received the case from the Office of Ministerial Regulations at the last week of March and the arrests of the ministry officials and the members of your administration had happened at the last week of April. We are going to make your and your administration’s interrogation public, so that everyone is aware that you have cooperated and tried to weed out the corruption in your administration and the ministry.” Bartemius knew that he was repeating the same thing like what Amelia had said two days ago, but the more he thought about the plan, the more he liked it.

Milicent took a deep breath, but she had to admit that the case could have caused many issues within the ministry, but she had made her decision. The case would be made public, in order to minimise the backlash against her and her administration.

With that, Bartemius left the minister’s office. He will give Amelia the task to get the information to the Daily Prophet. He knew that she was going to give it to Rita Skeeter. Bartemius was still wary of the woman, but her article about the Jugson case had showed him that the woman would remain within the truth unlike her coworkers, but the articles had some drama that could be dangerous.

Daily Prophet, May 11th, 2003

Amelia smirked, when she was making her way to the Daily Prophet with a suitcase in her hand. Bartemius informed her that the minister gave him the approval to make the case of Patrick Selwyn public, but Bartemius warned her that the woman would make him and her responsible, if things go wrong. Amelia just huffed at that. She had a good feeling that things would go smoothly. Amelia noticed that Rita’s articles are always read fully due to her dramatic flair and Amelia is sure that the people are going to read the case fully completely. Apart from that, her last articles about Aurelius Yaxley and Isabella Jugson were accurate and Rita remained within the facts.

But in this case, things are more complicated since it is involving high ranking ministry officials and members of the administration unlike with the Jugson case, where an auror was involved. For Amelia, the Jugson case was more of an annoyance than this case since the minister received a request from Deloris Umbridge of all people to have the DMLE supervised. Thankfully, Bagnold denied the request, but the bitch was persistent.

Amelia despises Deloris Umbridge to no end since she is sure that she was blackmailing her way up, but she doesn’t have any proof. That woman is a menace and a blood purist even though Umbridge was a halfblood. Then, there are her friends Amycus and Alecto Carrow, who are death eaters that had managed to bribe their way out of trouble and have managed to get jobs in the ministry. Amelia had no idea, how those insane monsters managed to get jobs in the ministry in the first place, but she will keep an eye on those two.

Entering the offices of the Daily Prophet, she informed the receptionist that she had a meeting with Rita Skeeter. She was shown, where Rita’s office is.

Rita was busy thinking, what she was going to write next. The article for tomorrow was ready to be made public, but now, she needed a new topic.

She was interrupted in her thoughts, when she heard a knock on her office door. “Come in.”

The door was opened and the receptionist revealed herself to be the knocker. “Rita, your appointment is here.” The woman stepped back allowing Amelia to step forward. Rita said in a cheerful tone knowing that there must be something big that she would work on: “Amelia, what can I do for you?”

“Well, I would like to speak with you about a matter in the ministry, but it had to remain private, in order to avoid any misunderstandings”, Amelia said formally hiding her disdain, when she had said that. She was disgusted with her excuse since she sounded like Dumbledore and his excuses of small misunderstandings, but there was no other way to describe the situation. Both women recognised the excuse and knew that the excuse was similar to Dumbledore and his small misunderstandings. They also noticed the disdain Amelia had by using this kind of excuse and hid a grin.

“Beatrice, you can go back. It seems like that there is something very important that Amelia and I had to discuss”, Rita said trying to hide a grin, which she was failing at.

With that said, the receptionist understood and left the office. The woman closed the door and returned back to her desk.

Amelia and Rita were left alone and the head auror asked Rita seriously: “Can I cast some silencing and privacy wards since the information is also dangerous?”

Rita nodded and Amelia casted the wards in the office. With that done, the head of the House Bones sat down and began to explain: “There is another classified case, Rita, and I warn you now that this time, you have to be careful, what you write in your article since in this case, some high-ranking ministry officials and members of the administration are involved. The minister is going to have my ass, if there is only one inappropriacy.” Amelia opened the suitcase and handed Rita the overview of the case that she, Bartemius and the minister had worked on, so that the woman doesn’t go over the mountain of evidence that the goblins had collected against Selwyn and the three brothels. The overview had also a certification mark that there were no alterations made. Rita looked at the overview and was stunned at the information. This could be dangerous, if she isn’t accurate with her article.

“I will be careful, Amelia. It will take me some time to finish to write the article, in order to put the entire overview, but I can promise you that I will be finished with the article in two days. The evening edition on Tuesday is going to be exciting.” Rita had many plans, when she was going to publish the article.

Amelia nodded and dispelled the wards. She left the office, in order to get her lunch.

May 13th, 2003

The evening edition of the Daily Prophet had caused an outcry in the wizarding world. The Selwyns were furious that their reputation had gone down-hill especially, because of Patrick and his schemes with the brothels. Patrick was enraged, when the guard showed him the evening edition about him and his brothels. He is stewing in his thoughts, how he is going to sue the ministry and the Daily Prophet for printing these filthy lies about him. Don’t they realise that they were besmirching his family’s good name?

The blood purists were not happy campers that another respectful family was disgraced and thrown through the mud. This was another setback for their cause and they were sure that their Lord was not going to be pleased, when he returns. They already lost seats during the December meeting and they can’t lose more with these scandals going on against their close allies. The loss of the Yaxley seat was expected since Corban was a blood traitor, but the loss of the Burke seat during the school board meeting was a big setback since the Oreana Burke had lost her trust in the dark fraction.

The Grey Alliance was shocked about the article, but their emotions turned to fury, when they read the charges and what was happening in these brothels. Narcissa wanted to pay Patrick a visit and make him suffer for what he had done to the minors. But thankfully, he was going to be punished severely. The trials will start in two days and Narcissa was sure that Selwyn was going to spend a long time in Azkaban.

Dumbledore’s followers were celebrating that another death eater will be punished, but there were some pensive faces. James was happy that Selwyn would be sent to Azkaban, but when he read that Carrow had discovered the three brothels and had gone to the DMLE to report it, he started to dislike the article since it was putting Carrow in a positive light. Then, there were the investigating aurors, Amelia and Yaxley. Amelia is alright, but he despises Yaxley. The man is dark and evil, but no one cares and hails him as a hero. That man is a clear danger to the DMLE, but no one does anything and Crouch gives him access to classified cases. How could his boss be so naïve and trust that man with these cases? James just shook his head. Yaxley is gaining too much influence in the DMLE and he isn’t able to stop due to his role as junior auror.

Sirius, Remus and Lily had seen the pensive look on James’ face and had to admit that even though a blood supremacist is going to end up in jail, Yaxley and Amelia are getting the praise for solving the case. All three do not like Yaxley since he is a dark wizard and a clear danger to the DMLE, but there hadn’t been any proof that Yaxley was a death eater, which is infuriating. They wished that someone from the order is getting praises like these, but somehow Crouch is ignoring them and trusts Amelia and Yaxley more than them, which is unfair. Sirius and Remus are trying to cheer James up and Lily just said that Yaxley will not be as popular as their son, John, which improved James’ mood.

Albus was furious that the brothels had been found and dissolved. When he read the article, he thought that it had to be a joke, but when he checked everything up, Albus was stunned. This couldn’t be happening. Not now. He had used those brothels, in order to get rid of muggleborns that had dark cores much to his annoyance. Now, these brothels were gone and these ‘children’ will attend his precious, light school since the ministry will put the responsibility of the children to Hogwarts, which wouldn’t be good for his plans. He also can’t say no, because there were going to be uncomfortable questions and many will question his position of championing the rights of the muggleborns. Albus is not going to tolerate that.

Albus was so lost in thoughts that he didn’t notice that Minerva had entered his office. “Albus.”

The said man was startled and had his attention to Minerva. “Minerva, my dear, what can I do for you?”

“Have you read the evening edition, Albus?”, Minerva asked.

Albus sighed. “Yes, and this could cause us many problems.” Albus hadn’t had any issues telling Minerva about the brothels since she was aware of them and she knew the plans regarding them. “We would be forced to take these ‘children’ in and educate them since the ministry is going to ship them off to us.”

“Isn’t there a way to stop that?”, Minerva questioned.

Albus shook his head. “The brothels were our only way to remove muggleborns that had dark cores, but they are now gone.” Minerva sighed. There was nothing that can be done, but she would pay close attention to these ‘children’ and she is sure that Albus would do the same.

Both agreed that they would keep a close watch on these ‘children’ and make sure that they don’t do anything diabolical.

Wizengamot, May 15th, 2003

The Wizengamot trials against the clients and the managers of the brothels had started and things were tense in the courtroom. Everyone knew that tomorrow was going to be the trial of Patrick Selwyn, the owner and the puppet master of the brothels, the ministry officials and the members of Bagnold’s administration, who were involved in the brothels. The evening edition on Tuesday had caused outrage in the wizarding world, but strangely, there weren’t many howlers that day in the ministry. The Selwyns had received many glares of hatred and anger from the public and there were some that openly have disrespected or verbally assaulted the members of the family.

Quintus was seething in rage. The last two days were hellish. The article pretty much destroyed his family’s image and reputation. He had received many letters from business partners that due to his brother’s actions, they were cutting all ties with his businesses or were cutting away his investments since they didn’t want to be dragged into this nasty business. It’s the same thing what had happened to the Jugsons. All ties were cut with the family after Isabella was convicted and the family had struggled the past months financially since the family businesses didn’t receive any investments. Quintus never thought that his own family would endure the same fate, but it seems like that this is the case now and there is nothing that can fix this.

The Grey Alliance and Dumbledore’s followers apart from Albus himself were watching the proceeding in satisfaction. For Dumbledore’s followers, they were happy that more dark wizards and witches are going to be punished and sentenced to Azkaban, whereas the Grey Alliance was glad that the wizarding world had gotten safer with the removal of Selwyn and his entourage. Narcissa was furious, when she read about the state of the children and what the children and the youths had been forced to do. The woman had been ready to skin Patrick Selwyn slowly and painfully, when the article showed that the children were raped and tortured and are going to have to have many issues. She also wanted to kill Dumbledore. Phineas told her that the old bastard had known about the brothels and used them to remove the dark-cored muggleborns from their society. This was another charge against Dumbledore and his “Greater Good”. Narcissa had to admit that the old fool is conniving, but soon enough his manipulation is going to be his undoing. She will tell Amelia, what Phineas had said.

Albus was trying to hide his foul mood in front of his followers. He couldn’t believe that Selwyn was caught and that the brothels were dissolved. Albus had used them for years to get rid of muggleborns that had dark cores and made sure that they were not attending his precious school. Now, this source is gone and he had no other choice then to accept these ‘children’ in Hogwarts. Why is everything going in the wrong direction?

Bartemius was nervous. Tomorrow was the trial of Patrick Selwyn, the ministry officials and the former members of Milicent’s administration, who were directly involved in this nasty business. He was surprised that they didn’t receive many howlers after the evening edition came out. There were many angry letters from the public, but thankfully most letters were not demanding Milicent’s resignation. Instead of they were demanding more security in the ministry. The howlers were demanding that the ministry should make more check-ups regarding the ministry officials and members of the administration, which is motivating Bartemius to make another motion that he would like to work on, in order to stop the abuse of power in the ministry. He had seen that Milicent was relieved that the evening edition didn’t cause a rebellion against her administration. So, Bartemius didn’t need to protect Amelia from being murdered by an angry minister.

Amelia and Corban were excited that Patrick, the ministry officials and the former members of Bagnold’s administration would face justice for their crimes. With the conviction of Selwyn, Voldemort’s power base is going to be shrinking and that is good for their books, but not only Voldemort would suffer losses. Even Dumbledore would have to endure some setbacks.

Wizengamot, May 16th, 2003

The second day of the Wizengamot trials had started and everyone was excited that today Patrick Selwyn was going to face justice, but first, they needed to get through the trials of the ministry officials and the members of Bagnold’s administration. It was amusing to watch, how the once powerful charlatans of their government were whimpering and begging to get a lower sentence. They were furious that they were caught and had lost their positions of power. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Selwyn promised them that no one would find out about the brothels, but he was wrong and now, they are going to spend some time in Azkaban.

When the last ministry official was sentenced to seven years in Azkaban, Bartemius moved over to the last trial in the docket. “And now, I am opening the trial of Patrick Selwyn. The charges are illegal prostitution, illegal procuring of minors, corruption, sexual abuse of minors, accessory to sexual abuse of minors, rape, accessory to rape, accessory to torture, child abuse, exploitation, exploitation of minors, misuse of ministry funds…” Bartemius was reading out the rest of the charges against Selwyn and he had to admit that the list is long.

After Crouch was finished reading out the charges, many members were sickened, what Patrick was accused of. Bartemius turned his attention to the former head of the Registry Department: “How do you plead, Mr. Selwyn?”

“Innocent. This is a conspiracy against me.” Patrick will never admit his guilt. The lawyer rubbed his eyes like he was exhausted. Quintus was ready to throw a killing curse at his brother. This will end bad.

Many stared at the man like he was a fool. Bartemius couldn’t believe that the man thinks that he is innocent. Alone the mountain of evidence from the goblins is enough to convict the man. Not to mention, the evidence that Amelia, Corban and the aurors under their command had collected in the brothels. He had spent the last few days ordering and filing the evidence against Selwyn and things are not going to look good for the man, if he presents it here.

“Very well, it will be taken into consideration.” Bartemius was going to have a lot of fun with that man. “The prosecution can present its evidence against the defendant.”

The prosecutor nodded and started to present the evidence regarding Patrick’s misuse of ministry funds since this was the beginning of the case. He used the pay-checks of his former employees and the accountability reports that were compared by Gerald Carrow. There, he had shown the difference.

The next that he had shown was the evidence from the goblins. “Lord Gerald Carrow had tried to trace the ministry funds back, but wasn’t successful and requested the help from the goblins, who had started an audit on the Selwyn Vaults. Gringotts had managed to trace the money and found three illegally opened vaults that were used to finance the brothels.” Many were surprised that opening a Gringotts vault could also be done through illegal means and there were some questions, how it is possible.

The prosecutor answered the questions: “Gringotts vaults could become illegal, if you are using a pseudonym or a false name and in Mr. Selwyn’s case, pseudonyms were used. The goblin that was responsible for opening and managing the three vaults was arrested and sentenced to the goblin mines. There were multiple charges against the account manager including the torture of minors since he revealed, what was going on in those brothels.”

With that, he moved over to the evidence that Amelia, Corban and the other aurors had collected during their raids in the brothels. It was sickening to watch the memories of the minors and the youths that were sexually abused, raped and even tortured by Selwyn, the account manager, the clients and the staff. Narcissa had gripped her husband’s hand hard, whereas Lucius was trying to comfort his wife, but even he had a hard time since these images are going to follow him for the rest of his life. Many members looked pale and wanted to have a break, in order to work through everything, what they had seen. When they were finished going over the gruelling evidence, Bartemius had seen the state of the majority of the Wizengamot and asked, if they needed a recess. There were many answers of yes and Bartemius put it to a vote, which received a majority.

The trial will be interrupted for the next twenty minutes, but they will continue on with the trial.

“Cissy, you need to breath. I know that this is hard, but we will have to get through it”, Lucius said in a concerned tone.

Narcissa took a deep breath and answered: “I know, Lucius, but the evidence that Amelia, Corban and the other aurors had collected in the brothels was gruelling.”

“I understand, sweetheart. Even I have a hard time to go through that. These images are going to follow me for the rest of my life.” Lucius was honest in this.

Narcissa tightened her lips and nodded. Lucius led her to the canteen, in order to get her something non-alcoholic to drink since members aren’t allowed to drink alcohol during the Wizengamot meetings, trials and the school board. They were joined by their friends and allies. Lucius also took out some calming draughts from his suitcase. He was taking them with him, if the Wizengamot meetings, school board meetings and the trials were growing too much for him to handle.

After the break, the members returned with refilled energy back into the courtroom. When everyone was seated, Bartemius announced: “Let’s continue with the trial of Patrick Selwyn. The prosecution can continue now with the witnesses, if there are not further evidence.”

“All the evidence has been presented, Lord Crouch. I would like to call upon the witnesses”, the prosecutor announced.

Bartemius nodded and began with Matthew Pike, who was already in his third month of his pregnancy. The former employee of the Registry Department testified against Selwyn regarding the misuse of ministry funds. No one noticed that he was pregnant, but everyone knew that he was in a triad relationship with the Pike twins. James and the other followers of Dumbledore were giving Pike looks of disdain since in their views, it is disgusting to be in a poly relationship with the Pike twins. They would have been alright, if Matthew married Felicia Pike only, but he also married Felix and the magical society accepted it without issue. This should be illegal since bigamy is criminal and being in a relationship with a man is immoral and wrong. Many made the excuse that Felix and Felicia were magical twins and that both were going to marry the same person, but they didn’t believe in that trash.

After Matthew was finished with his testimony, the prosecution called the next witnesses. First, Gerald Carrow was called as witness and the man made the testimony about the missing funds from the Registry Department, the bank audit and its results and the role of the Office of Ministerial Regulation. The former account manager that was involved in the brothels was dragged in chains by two goblin guards in front of the courtroom and was forced down to sit. Many were a little bit startled, how brutal the goblins were towards the former account manager, but remained quiet. Some, who are prejudiced against creatures, were glaring at the goblins, but they had to remain quiet since they have to proceed with the trial.

The former account manager had gone into detail about his meeting with Patrick Selwyn and his idea about the brothels. He also explained that he had arranged to open up three vaults that were used to finance the brothels separately, so that there wasn’t a conflict of interest. He also confessed that he had done it under pseudonyms, which is forbidden since only a legal name could be used. Halrick also explained his activities in the brothels, which horrified the members of the Wizengamot. Thankfully, many were satisfied about the punishment that the goblin had received. They knew that the goblin mines are brutal. Death would have been a mercy that the goblin didn’t deserve.

At the end, the prosecutor presented the clients and the staff that were willing to testify against him. With that, the prosecution was finished with his presentation. The members turned their attention to Patrick Selwyn and his attorney. Selwyn remained silent and his lawyer gave only clipped responses that his client would remain quiet about the evidence.

Patrick’s lawyer sighed deeply and requested: “Can I talk with my client, Lord Crouch? There are some things that I have to discuss.”

Bartemius gave him the go-ahead and Tiberius Higgs put up some silencing and privacy wards, so that he could have a private conversation with Patrick.

Tiberius took a deep breath and turned his attention to Patrick Selwyn. “Patrick, I will resign my mandate as your defence attorney, if you are going to claim that you are innocent. You either plead guilty or I will resign my mandate and spare the shame and disgrace. It is your choice.”

“Absolutely not, I will not plead guilty to something like that and don’t you dare to resign. My family is paying you a lot of money, so that you remain our family lawyer and if you resign, my brother will remove you and hire a better lawyer”, Patrick spat. He is not going to end up in jail.

Tiberius was grinding his teeth. That was it. He will not represent Patrick anymore. That man is going to ruin everything. Tiberius had gotten a letter from Quintus that if his brother refuses to accept a plea deal, he can resign his mandate and he will. Patrick isn’t listening, so what is the point of representing this idiot. “Very well, I am resigning. Good luck with having a defence now.”

“YOU CAN’T DO THIS!”, Patrick thundered in rage.

Tiberius was glad that he had put silencing wards around them. He would have hated it, if his outburst got out. “Yes, I can. Your brother wrote me a letter that I can resign, if you are not pleading guilty. I gave you the opportunity, but you blow it off.”

Patrick was furious. Well, if he goes down, then, he will drag Quintus down too. “Very well, but you both will regret it.”

The wards were dispelled and Patrick announced that he was innocent. Bartemius took it into consideration. Before he could move on to the vote using truth serum or veritesarem, Tiberius announced: “I am resigning my mandate, Lord Crouch.” There was silence in the courtroom. Bartemius stared at the lawyer in disbelief. Legally, he could do that, but it was uncommon since lawyers remained always at their client’s side until the end. But there must be a good reason. Bartemius managed to regain his voice. “What is your reason, Attorney Higgs?”

“My client refuses to cooperate with me and due to the lack of cooperation, I can’t represent him.” Tiberius knew that always a reason is demanded, if a defence attorney is resigning from their mandate. This is always a setback for the client since Patrick doesn’t have anyone, who would represent him and make objections.

Bartemius accepted it and moved over to the vote of using truth serum or veritesarem. The vote was clear that veritesarem should be used.

Patrick was forced from the defendant’s desk to the accused’s chair and was forced down to sit. They administered the potion and the man went into a trance-like state.

Bartemius started with the test questions, in order to make sure to prove that the potion is working, and then, he started with his questioning. “Mr. Selwyn, let’s start with the misuse of ministry funds. Did you make the unjustified cuts to your former employees’ pay-checks?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I needed that money for the brothels. Those ungrateful shits are undeserving to have such a wage. Most of them were ugly, but some like Pike were good-looking and could have earned a lot of money through ‘my side businesses’.” The man turned a demented look at Matthew Pike, who flinched at the expression he received from his former employer. “Especially you. If you weren’t married to the Pike twins, I would have enjoyed your body and made you mine. But no, you had to go around and get married to those fools. You would have done well in my brothels.” Matthew was pale. Has Selwyn always lusted after him? He remembered that there were some instances, where Selwyn was uncomfortably close to him or had been watching him longer than it was necessary. Matthew had always had a bad feeling, when Selwyn was too close and he was right. The man wanted to whore him out and use and abuse him. Felix Pike was ready to curse the bastard. He will never get his filthy hands on his husband.

The majority of the Wizengamot was disgusted and some gave Matthew a sympathetic look. Bartemius was sickened by the man and turned his attention to Matthew Pike with a brittle smile. “Mr. Pike, if you are feeling unwell due to your pregnancy, then, you can leave whenever you want.” Many were surprised that Pike was pregnant. Narcissa had a grin at that revelation and her expression said only one demand: shopping. Lucius wanted to groan. He knew that expression. His wife will reduce him to tears, when she is finished with her demand. The Pikes would receive a lot of clothes and everything what a baby needs from Narcissa.

James and the other Dumbledore fools were disgusted. This is wrong and immoral that a man becomes pregnant. In their views, Pike is not a real man. He is an abomination in their society and men like Matthew Pike and Jaques Greengrass should be killed since they are tainting their society. A woman is responsible for the birth of children. There should be a law that forbids male bearers and switchers to get pregnant, so that the muggleborns and muggle-raised can easily adapt in their society. There should also be a ban that wouldn’t allow a dominant witch to impregnate someone, but no one would vote for that and James and the others are stuck since their society would not accept this law at all.

Bartemius continued with his questioning, when Matthew gave him a nod. “Were you responsible for the brothels?”

“Yes.”

“Can you elaborate, how you have operated?”

“I have opened the three vaults before I even started to run the three brothels. I have received a lot of money from the Dark Lord and some of his most loyal followers, in order to start a business, so that I can prove myself and have money for the cause.” There was silence in the courtroom. No one made a noise. Bartemius was hiding a grin. Another death eater sympathiser was going down. “I put the money in the three vaults and I decided to open up the brothels. At first, it was difficult since I needed a trustworthy staff that would help me run the brothels. When I have gotten the right people as staff, I started to manipulate young muggleborns and muggle-raised that have graduated and weren’t able to get jobs in our world to work for me as sex workers. I put some wards and enchantments, so that they are not going to betray me and remain obedient. But I have known that I would always need replacements since I can’t stop the aging. So, I started to kidnap young muggleborns from their families and forced them to work in the brothels regardless of their age. If one of my birds got old and unattractive, I removed them by killing them off.”

Bartemius was disgusted. Amelia and Corban needed to investigate that. “What did you do to the corpses and where are they?”

“I buried them either in the Forest of Dean or at the forest in the outskirt of Hogsmeade,” Patrick answered. Amelia and Corban wanted to groan. There was going to be a lot of work in recovering the bodies of the victims.

“Did the staff knew about the murders, you have committed?” Bartemius didn’t like it, where this was going.

“No. Not even the staff knew, what I have done to them, but they didn’t care since they were only interested in the money.”

The interrogation continued on and Patrick had confessed to all charges. Bartemius was sure that there were going to be some charges added to the docket.

“Do you want to add something else, Mr. Selwyn?”, Bartemius questioned.

“Yes, my family has known about the brothels. The only thing, they didn’t know, was about the murders”, Patrick added.

Quintus was ready to kill. That bastard. He will suffer for dragging the family through the mud. What was he supposed to do now? The entire Wizengamot knew that he had known about the brothels and this isn’t going to look good.

Everyone looked at Quintus. Many were furious at the man. Some were insecure and shocked about the revelations and others had mixed reactions between shock and fury. Bartemius, Amelia and Corban knew that there were going to be many lawsuits coming Lord Selwyn’s way. It could bankrupt the entire family like it was done with the Jugsons. The same thing will happen to the families of the ministry officials and the members of Bagnold’s administration. A lot of gold will flow to the victims.

“Very well, let’s proceed to the vote of conviction.” With that, the members voted for or against conviction. Unfortunately for Selwyn, the Wizengamot voted unanimously guilty.

Patrick was furious and was ready to protest, but he had remained silent since the aurors warned him that they would silence him, if he causes a disturbance.

The next thing was that a privacy and a silencing barrier were put around, so that the Wizengamot could discuss the sentence. After a short debate, the Wizengamot decided to sentence Patrick to twenty-five years in a maximum-security cell before he will be given the kiss. Patrick was furious. They will not get away with this, but for now, blood traitors are in power and there was nothing that can be done. The Dark Lord will return and save him. And then, everyone will pay for convicting him for doing the right thing. After the sentence became binding, Patrick was dragged away from the courtroom to the boats that would lead him to Azkaban.

The trials came to an end since this was the last case in the docket.

Matthew was leaving the courtroom and met up with Felix. Both shared some kisses and Felix told him that they would be talking, when he is finished with his shift. “Alright, Felix. I have to go, Noah needs a lot of attention.” He gave him one last kiss and was ready to leave, but both were interrupted by an irate James Potter, who had watched the entire scene in disgust. “You two should stop this disgusting behaviour or I am going to report your misbehaving to Lord Crouch, Auror Pike.”

Felix was restraining a growl. He never liked James Potter. In his opinion, the man behaved like an entitled brat that didn’t grow up. Before he could respond, a gruff voice interrupted them. “What do you want to report, Regent Potter?”

James smirked, when he heard Crouch. “Well, this indecent behaviour from Auror Pike with his ‘husband’ Matthew Pike.” James sneered, when he referred Matthew as his husband.

“Regent Potter, Auror Pike’s relationship with his husband is neither my nor your business to butt in.” Crouch knew about Potter’s opinion of anyone homosexual and he could only guess that this was coming from his wife since everyone knew that Lily Potter was devoted to her muggle heritage and the woman was homophobic. It seems like that Lily’s views have rubbed on James Potter.

James was shocked and tried: “But-“

“But nothing, Regent Potter. Move on and don’t cause a scene”, Bartemius said in a severe tone.

James seethed, but left. The last thing, he needed was more trouble that would lead him to be fired from his favourite job.

Matthew smiled and kissed his husband one last time before he left. He made his way home, where he met Felicia, who was ready to go out, in order to relax in the newly opened spa in the wizarding world. Before she went out Felicia explained that Noah has fallen asleep and that she was going to return in a few hours.

After Felicia left, Matthew quickly went to the bathroom, in order to shower. The trial really was gruelling. After he was finished, Matthew didn’t bother to put any clothes on and went to the bedroom nude and waited for his husband and wife stroking himself. He has a surprise for them.

May, 17th, 2003

At the next day of the trial, the Daily Prophet wrote about the trial of Patrick Selwyn and the result of it. This caused an outrage in the wizarding world and the reputation of House Selwyn plummeted to rock bottom. Many started to see the members of the Selwyn family with distrust. Even in Hogwarts, Killian Selwyn was under scrutiny from the other houses apart from Slytherin due to his uncle’s actions. The Slytherin House was still under the influence of the blood purists, but that influence is slowly dwindling due to the scandals from the Yaxley, Jugson and Selwyn families. Furthermore, Professors Snape and Sinistra are very tough against the blood supremacists and the blood purists, which is making the house a little bit welcoming. For this school year, they had 13 snakes. Eight of their snakes are coming from well-known families that are blood supremacists, but both were sure that next school year, there are going to be less supremacists in Slytherin.

Severus was also sure that the old fool was going to be forced to take in the school-aged muggleborns that were found in the brothels. He still was disgusted with Selwyn, but he was surprised by his actions. He hadn’t known Selwyn very well during his time in school since the man was in his seventh year, when he had started, but he had heard rumours from some younger years that Selwyn was adventurous. Looking at Aurora, he had an idea.

“Aurora, can I ask you something?”, Severus asked.

“Yes, Severus, what do you want to know?”, Aurora questioned.

Severus thinned his lips and asked: “Did you know Patrick Selwyn during your time in school?”

Aurora huffed. “I wish I didn’t, but unfortunately, I had the misfortune to be in the same house like him. I was in my fifth year, when he had started his first. He was annoying and pompous like he is the heir and not his brother. Quintus wasn’t that bad, but he wasn’t the lesser of the two evils. What about you, Severus? Did you have some dealings with him?”

“I only had to deal with him, when I was in my first year and he was in his seventh. From what I have heard, he was adventurous with his year mates and the younger years.” Severus knew that the man wasn’t a virgin, when he was finished with Hogwarts.

“Adventurous? This is an understatement, Severus. Mr. Selwyn was caught in compromising positions during his time in school. He had slept with many students in the empty classrooms. I have taken from him many points and given him detentions for his gross conduct of behaviour”, Filius huffed.

Pomona pursed her lips and said in an exasperated voice: “Filius, you were not the only one, who had caught Mr. Selwyn in compromising positions. Minerva and I had the same joy to do.”

Minerva sighed remembering Mr. Selwyn as a student and she really got an eyeful, what that boy had been doing. He was as bad as Sirius.

Albus had gone through the article and sighed. The brothels are gone and now, the ministry is planning to send the school-aged muggleborns to his school. There was nothing that he can do to stop this without ruining his reputation. He also knows that the next board meeting was going to be about the muggleborns and he had to prepare himself for that.

The Grey Alliance was going to celebrate that another death eater had been arrested and that the Selwyns are going to get their comeuppance. Cyrus was planning to represent the muggleborns getting restitution money for what had been done to them. The Selwyns and the families of the former ministry officials and the former members of the administration are going to receive a nasty surprise this month.

“Cyrus!” The current Lord Greengrass was interrupted from his thoughts by his wife. He turned to his wife and asked: “Yes, Danielle?”

“You seem to be working on a plan.” Danielle knew her husband very well. She knew, when he was making plans.

Cyrus attempted to give her an innocent look. “I don’t know, what you are talking about, Danielle?”

“Cyrus, I am married to you for nearly a decade. I know you, when you are planning something big.” Danielle gave him a smirk.

“You caught me. I am planning to represent the victims of these brothels and help them get justice. Furthermore, I am a little bit vindictive to bankrupt the Selwyns and the families of the officials and the former members of Bagnold’s administration. I want to make sure that their financial nest egg is gone and that they learn that actions have consequences for their families too.” Cyrus had an evil smirk on his face. He had met the wives and the children of the former officials and the former members of Bagnold’s administration and he didn’t like them. The children were spoilt rotten and were entitled, whereas the wives behaved like they were better than the others. It is time that their life takes a nosedive.

Danielle knew, what her husband was planning. She also didn’t like the Selwyns and the families of the incarcerated officials and members of the administration. In her opinion, they didn’t learn the word no and behaved like children. Danielle will not regret her husband’s plan. The remaining fools needed to learn that actions have consequences. “When are you going to meet them?”

“In two days. I have talked with the mind healers first, in order to inform them about my plan. They were supportive and arranged a session, where I could speak with the victims of the brothels. I informed them about my offer and at first, they were comprehensive, but with the help of the mind healers, they were convinced and supported my offer.” Cyrus grimaced at that. One of the victims questioned him, if they had to repay him for his offer, but he said that those, who have hurt them would pay for the trial and carry the legal fees. He knew what the boy had offered him and with the help of the mind healers, he quickly discouraged the children and the youths that they are not required to repay him and made sure to tell them that he doesn’t want anything in return from them.

“Alright, I will support you. Make sure that there are some tears during the lawsuits.” Danielle grinned sadistically.

“Don’t panic, Danielle, there will be more than tears. Some tantrums, screams of denial, rants and many more.” Cyrus had the same grin like his wife. This was going to be funny.

Within the Order of Phoenix, there was a celebration, but James was the only one, who wasn’t in the mood to celebrate since he knew that Yaxley was again involved and it makes him furious that the man was getting praised by the public. He really wished that there was a way to get rid of the man and make sure that the DMLE was safer from people like him, but he doesn’t have any proof and he doesn’t want another Diggle debacle on his plate since he was going to be fired, if he is stepping a toe out of line.

Lily, Sirius and Remus knew that James was upset that Yaxley was getting the praise and not one of the members of the order, but they tried to cheer him up and tell him that they were still famous through the defeat of Voldemort, which lightened James’ mood a little bit up.

Amelia and Corban had read the paper, but instead of being happy, they were cursing Selwyn to the next oblivion since they had to bury out corpses and identify the victims. They also have to contact the families, if there were any left. There was going to be a lot of work and they swore that it would take them weeks to finish this up.

Ministry, Meeting Room 3, May 19th, 2003

Cyrus Greengrass was helping the muggleborns from the brothels and their relatives consulting their rights and making sure that they could petition a lawsuit against their tormentors and rapists. It’s time that those monsters learn, what the consequences of their actions could be to their families and how their families had to pay the price for their criminal actions.

Cyrus knew that the barrister department would have a lot of work to do, but it would pay off at the end. The next month was going to be a busy month for the courts and he is sure that those imbeciles and the Selwyns are going to regret ever getting involved in those brothels.

Many of-age muggleborns struggled with filling out the applications and were embarrassed since some couldn’t read and didn’t know, how to write properly. Cyrus, some of his colleagues, who wanted to help the children and youths, and the children’s relatives made sure to help them with filling out the application. Cyrus also suggested to the analphabetic children and youths that they should apply at the Department of Education to relearn reading and writing during the summer holidays, in order to be prepared for Hogwarts at the fall.

Danielle was also here and she and some of her colleagues of the DoE were there to help them to fill out the application for the summer course, where they would learn, how to read and write again.

At dinner time, Cyrus, Danielle and the members of the barrister department and the DoE were finished with the applications and the children and youths had filed their lawsuits against those bastards. Now, everything would be ready. The minors are either living in the newly opened orphanages or with their families and the young adults were housed by their parents or Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, who had received funds from the ministry to house the of-age youths that had no family and were forced to work as sex workers. The man had a big heart and had been willing to take them in until they had a roof under their heads. Unfortunately, the majority of the rooms was filled and many witches and wizards had to wait until they could get a free room in the Leaky Cauldron.

Cyrus had an idea to open up a youth hostel for young adults that can’t afford a home or are in a similar situation like the children and youths that were saved from the brothels. This would be a perfect distraction for the next Wizengamot meeting, where no one was going to vote against it, but for that motion, he would have to wait a month for that. It would also relieve Tom with the rooming issue.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, May 21st, 2003

Another order meeting was taking place in Hogwarts and this time, Dumbledore had decided to ban Bardic Magic from the curriculum. He had reasoned that the children shouldn’t learn something so difficult and that the magical branch could be dangerous. Bardic Magic is taught during the charms class since it is classified as a charm. In healing, there are some special fields, where mind healers are using that kind of magic to treat patients that are mentally ill.

Phineas shook his head. The man will fail epically. Bardic Magic was one of the less dangerous fields. The only thing that was dangerous was the Pied-Piper flute, which is locked away in the German Ministry of Magic.

Before the meeting could come to an end, James asked: “Albus, is it true that the school-aged children and youths from the brothels are going to attend Hogwarts next school year?”

Albus sighed. “Yes, my boy, the ministry had decided that and I can’t stop this.”

“But there must be a way. Those children and youths are coming from a bad environment and the students shouldn’t associate with them”, Lily said in a haughty voice.

“I agree with you, Lily, but the public wouldn’t understand it and we can’t say no since most are muggleborns and the light fraction is known for championing the muggleborns’ rights. There would be questions regarding our stand”, Albus said. He hated the idea of having those children in his precious school, but the ministry would make it public, if he denied the school-aged children and youths their attendance in Hogwarts and that wouldn’t do since his reputation would take a hit.

Many didn’t like these children attending Hogwarts. At least, their children had class and dignity, whereas those had sold their virginity to the best bidder. They will never acknowledge that they were raped since the ministry has exaggerated with their claims and the children were fine in their view.

Arthur wanted to vomit here and now. He couldn’t believe, what he was hearing. Those fools believed that since the children were manipulated or convinced to have sex, they were not raped. This was low. This was really low. He will take a long, hot bath after this meeting.

But he wasn’t the only one, who had the same thought. Phineas was sickened, how the fools were talking about the children and youths that were found in the brothels. Seriously, Dumbledore and his fools are sick and demented apart from Arthur and Diggle, who at least are rational adults.

The meeting came to an end and everyone left the office to go their separate way.

Weasley Cottage, May 24th, 2003

“I need a bucket, because my lunch wants to come out”, Adrianna said in a disgusted tone. She never thought that Dumbledore and his fools were so disgusting. Oh, she knew, what they were capable of, but she never thought that they were so low and delusional. Their opinion of the children is really taking the cake.

Many were sickened about Dumbledore and his fools apart from Arthur and Dedalus. There were no words, how those fools were acting like they had better standards. Narcissa will find some dirt against them and show the public their true colour, which would make sure that it would bring ruin to Dumbledore and his sheep.

“To be honest, they should be carefully, what they are saying, because it would bite them back in the butt hard and they would be in the same position as the children from the brothels,” Corban said with a huff.

“Speaking of the brothels, Cyrus and many of his colleagues were planning to help the children and youths get justice and restitution for what had been done to them. So, I can tell you that the Selwyns and the families of those, who were involved in those brothels, are going to go bankrupt”, Danielle announced.

“Now, that is something that I like to hear. Soon, enough, those monsters are going to regret their involvement. I would love to see their faces, when they found out that when they are released from Azkaban that they are jobless and penniless.” Amelia smirked and turned her attention to Corban, who became serious.

“Amelia and I are also announcing that we have managed to find the graves of those that were killed by Selwyn. With the help of the goblins, we were able to identify the victims and contact their remaining families to bury them. I don’t want to do this ever again”, Corban said in a dejected voice. Amelia sighed sadly.

“Are they going to file a lawsuit within the ministry?”, Cyrus questioned with a sigh.

Corban and Amelia shook their heads. “No, they said that no money would bring them back. They just wanted justice for the deceased.”

“A human life has more value than money. Nothing can replace this loss”, Augustinus said in a sad voice. He understood the families. No matter what, a death is a loss that can’t be replaced by anything.

Many nodded in acknowledgement. It is hard for families to suffer losses like these. “At least, Patrick will suffer for his actions in Azkaban”, Amelia added. Everyone nodded and changed the topic to the board meeting on Monday.

Narcissa had announced that they should nominate to make accommodations for the school-aged children and youths that were saved from the brothels, in order to re-integrate them into society and make sure that they adapt in the magical world. Everyone agreed on that and they were sure that Dumbledore and his followers are going to make a big deal regarding their nomination. This would allow them to make their protest against Dumbledore’s motion and introduce a new elective that would make Dumbledore and his followers flip. Narcissa announced that they should introduce the ICW primary school curriculum for alchemy. Everyone knew that this would cause protests from the fool and his cheerleaders, but they will just point out that the students deserved the best education that they could offer and that Dumbledore shouldn’t talk since he himself had studied that subject under Nicholas Flamel, which is public knowledge.

For now, the meeting came to an end.

School board, May 26th, 2003

Narcissa was excited. This board meeting will be a success, she is sure of that. Dumbledore and his fools are still blind that there is an entire alliance that is against them and that this alliance had many powerful notable members in the Wizengamot. Like usual, Dumbledore was late and everyone had to wait for him, in order to open up the session. She really couldn’t wait to remove him from his post as Head Governor. Then, the fool would have to come on time since he would be excluded from the board meeting and he wouldn’t be able to attend the school board meeting without any consequences.

When he finally arrived, Dumbledore had started the session by going over the seat arrangement, if there were any assignments or reassignments in the board, which wasn’t the case. Then, he went over the summary of the last session and with that, they started with the nominations. One of Dumbledore’s fools nominated to remove Bardic Magic from the charms curriculum and explained his reasoning. Another attempt of dumbing down the students. Well, let’s see, how long this motion is going to stand.

When the idiot was finished with his rant, the other Wizengamot members were chattering until it was silent again. Dumbledore asked: “Are there any other motions for this meeting?”

Amelia rose her wand. Albus frowned hoping that the woman is not going to make his life difficult with her nomination. When Amelia was chosen, she rose from her seat and nominated: “Lords, Ladies, next school year, the school-aged children and youths that were found in the brothels are going to attend Hogwarts in the fall. For that reason, I am nominating to make some accommodations for these children and youths, so that they could adapt to school life again and help them to re-integrate them back into our society. The DoE should be allowed to send some members of their department to deal with these issues and help the children and youths with their future in our world. This motion will also include the mind-healer visits.” With that, Amelia sat down and like it was predicted, an argument broke out in the light fraction. James and the other younger followers of Dumbledore were arguing that they shouldn’t coddle the children and youths like that. Many were disgusted, how callous they were and Dumbledore had to act fast since they were making themselves unpopular in front of the board with their idiotic comments.

Narcissa smirked. Dumbledore is distracted and it is time to strike and stop another pointless motion.

When Aurelia Acton took over, she asked, if there were any other nominations.

A wand rose from the light fraction and Aurelia turned her attention to the person. It was Zachary Abbott. Aurelia asked: “Lord Abbott?”

“I have a protest to make regarding Lord Jones’ nomination to remove Bardic Magic from the curriculum. Last year, at the Wizengamot session, we have discussed the ban of Bardic Magic from our society and during a protest note, it was pointed out that Bardic Magic is very important for the mentally ill in St. Mungos and that banning this kind of magic would cause many problems for the mind healers. Now, Lord Jones nominated to remove Bardic Magic from the curriculum, which is also counterproductive since the students, who want to become mind healers, should be trained in that field due to its importance in St. Mungos. Furthermore, Bardic Magic is also focusing on enchanting instruments to play certain plays. I am asking myself, what is so bad to learn Bardic Magic.” With that, many members agreed with Abbott and were asking themselves the same question.

Narcissa knew that Zachary has managed to convince the Wizengamot away from Jones’ nomination, but they were not finished with their work.

When Zachary sat down, Aurelia drew the attention back to her. “Are there any other nominations or protests?”

Danielle rose her wand at that statement. Aurelia turned her attention to the Greengrass matriarch. “Lady Greengrass?”

The said woman rose from her seat and proposed: “I have a nomination to make.” Everyone listened closely. “I am proposing the ICW primary school curriculum for Alchemy. The students should at least be prepared for the theory portion of the class.” Everyone nodded hesitantly. There were some discussions, but when Callidora pointed out that Albus Dumbledore had studied Alchemy under the tutelage of Nicholas Flamel, many were convinced that the theory part of the class should be taught to the students in the primary school.

The chattering continued on until Dumbledore was finished with his discussion with his followers and returned back to the podium. He asked: “Aurelia, were there any other motions?”

Aurelia said in a stoic voice: “Yes, Lady Greengrass proposed the ICW primary school curriculum for Alchemy.” Albus perked up at that and was ready to protest, but Aurelia quickly stopped him and said: “Don’t even try, headmaster, it is public knowledge that you have studied Alchemy under the tutelage of Nicholas Flamel. So, there shouldn’t be a problem for the students to learn the theory part in the primary school.” Albus quickly closed his mouth. He couldn’t argue against that fact and he is cursing himself that his tutelage with Nicholas would be used against him like that.

Albus moved over to the voting. His goal is that Herbert’s nomination should pass and that is his focus now. The first proposal from Herbert failed. Albus was taken aback. This couldn’t be. Why is this happening? Why didn’t his nomination pass? They have worked so hard on this motion during the order meeting that all the weak spots were covered. He needed to think. The second motion passed unanimously. No one dared to vote against the school-aged children and youths from the brothels. The last proposal from Danielle Greengrass passed with a great majority. This was a setback and he didn’t know, if he was able to fix this. For now, the meeting was a complete blowout.

With the last vote, the session came to an end and Dumbledore sent his followers back home. He needed to have some time to think.

Potter Manor

James arrived back home in a bad mood. The entire meeting didn’t go the way, how it was supposed to go. When Herbert made his nomination, James thought that everything will go according to Albus’ plan, but things went to hell, when Amelia made her stupid nomination about those disgusting whores from the brothels. In his opinion, they should stay away from Hogwarts, so that they are not tarnishing its reputation. The school has standards and those children and youths are lacking these standards, but no one cares. Then, there was the motion from Greengrass that had made things even more difficult.

Arriving at the living room, he saw Lily reading a book and Sirius and Remus playing with little John, who will turn three at the end of July. Lily was the first to notice him. “James, you are here. How was the school board session. Was there any success with the Charms class?” Sirius and Remus turned their attention curiously to their friend.

James shook his head. “No, the meeting was bad. Herbert’s nomination didn’t pass and there are going to be some accommodations for the children and youths that were saved from the brothels in Hogwarts.” James sneered at the last part. He still didn’t understand, why the ministry is forcing Hogwarts to take them in.

Lily sighed heavily. This really was a bad meeting. She didn’t understand why Filius wanted to make changes to his class. The charms class was alright and there shouldn’t have been any changes. He was one of her favourite professors and she didn’t know, what made him to change like this. “I don’t know, why Filius would change his class?”

“It’s Snivellus’ fault. Since he introduced the ICW primary school curriculum in potions, I think that the other professors are following suit. He always was good at manipulations and lying. Should I remind you all that Marlene and Dorcas have turned their backs on you and Mary due to his lies, Lily. Or should I remind you that you, Lily, have lost so many friends due to his manipulation. He spread his venom across the entire school that you were a love-potioning bitch and that they should stay away from you. And everyone believed him and no one wanted to associate with you”, Sirius snapped. He hated that bastard. Since Snivellus was teaching in Hogwarts, nothing is going their way.

Lily growled. “Don’t remind of that, Sirius Orion Potter. It was painful and cruel. The worst thing was that Snape called me a mudblood and everyone nodded in agreement, when he had called me this. No one stepped up and told Snape off for calling me this degenerate word. They just bobbled their head in agreement and ended their friendship with me like I was filth.” Lily had tears streaming down her face remembering, how Snape had ruined her.

All three males were stunned. James was absolutely furious. How dare they? How dare they abandon and insult his wife like this? They will all pay for treating his wife like this. Sirius couldn’t believe, how catastrophic the friendship between Snape and Lily had ended. He never thought that Lily was even insulted like this and how the students had treated her like trash. He swore that he will make them pay. Remus was stunned, but he shook his head. It was in the past. Nothing can fix this. He asked: “Were Marlene and Dorcas there, when Snape had called you the M-word.”

Lily nodded and sobbed: “Yes, but they didn’t care and agreed. They didn’t step up and told Snape off. They just bobbled their heads in agreement and ended their friendship with me.”

James, Sirius and Remus were vibrating in fury. They can’t believe this. They were Gryffindors. They were supposed to stick to Lily, not abandon her and let her be insulted like this by a snake. And to make matters worse, they became friends with the one, who insulted her like this. Sirius was also heartbroken that Marlene would act like this. He still loves her, but she is despising him like he was trash. Why is the world so cruel? James curled his lips in fury. “They will pay, Lily. They will pay.”

James explained also the rest of the session. Lily, Sirius and Remus were concerned regarding the ICW primary school curriculums that were passing each session. Somehow, things started to change, but they don’t like the changes. James hopes that the next board session would be successful, but he was not sure, if things are going to go their way.

Hogwarts, May 29th, 2003

Flora and Anna were in the library discussing their plan, how to make Jaques pay for stealing Anton from their friend. They needed to hurry with their plan since Jaques was graduating after this school year is ending. They had convinced some of their friends to help Sarah get revenge on Jaques for stealing the love of her life. Many agreed that Jaques needed to learn a lesson for what he had done to Sarah and some even muttered disdainfully that being gay was wrong. On Saturday, they will strike and make sure that Anton stays far away from Jaques.

“Are you sure that this plan will work?”, Anna asked her friend warily. She was still not sure, if their plan was fail-proof.

Flora nodded. “Yes, and soon enough Anton will learn Jaques’ true colours of being a death eater and will leave him. Sarah deserves to be the next Lady Abbott and Anton should marry a light and good witch and not someone dark and evil. It is also wrong that one of the popular boys in our school is gay.” Flora and Anna continued to work on their plan. Soon enough, everything would be fixed.

But both girls didn’t realise that someone was eavesdropping on their plan and that person will do everything to stop them.

Bill left the library as fast as he could and was on his way to Professor Sprout’s office. He needed to warn Jaques that Sarah’s delusional friends were planning on assaulting Jaques and Anton during their date on Saturday. It wouldn’t be bad, if Professor Sprout was aware of what the girls were planning to do.

Arriving in front of the office door, Bill knocked the Herbology professor’s office and when he heard a come-in, he entered the office and was told to take to take a seat and wait a little, which he did. Bill waited patiently until the professor was finished with her final marking. She turned her attention to Bill and asked in a kind voice: “Mr. Weasley, what can I do for you?”

“Professor, I came here, because I overheard something unsettling in the library.” Bill was nervous. He wasn’t sure, how he should approach this subject.

Pomona became concerned. “Oh dear. Is something wrong, Mr. Weasley? Are you well? What did you hear?”

Bill took a deep breath and answered: “Well, I was studying for my final exams in the library and there, I overheard two girls from my house discussing, how they were planning to make Jaques pay for stealing Sarah’s ‘future husband’, if I heard correctly. There is something big that will happen on Saturday.”

Pomona sighed. She knew, who Mr. Weasley was referring to. Flora Donovan and Anna Nolan. Severus had warned her during the school year that the girls were planning something against Jaques and Anton. She should have expected that the girls and Sarah’s friends are going to do something drastic and it seems like that this was a desperate attempt to separate Jaques and Anton before the school year is coming to an end. Pomona returned back from her thoughts and had her attention to one of Minerva’s lions.

“Thank you, Mr. Weasley, for informing me about this. I will deal with this. Fifteen points to Gryffindor.” Pomona gave the boy a kind smile, but her expression turned serious. “Now, Mr. Weasley, return back to your common room. In half an hour is curfew.” Bill nodded and made his way back to the Gryffindor tower. He had a good feeling that he had done the right thing.

After Bill had left, Pomona got out of her office and made her way to Severus’ office.

Severus was doing his fair share of marking until he heard a knock on his office door. “Come in”, Severus said. He finished with his marking of another paper and turned his attention to the opening office door. Seeing Pomona, Severus was a little bit surprised. “Pomona, what a surprise? Come in and take seat. Do you want to drink something?”

Pomona went in and sat down. “Yes, I need something strong.”

“How about a glass of scotch?”, Severus asked.

Pomona pursed her lips and nodded. Severus quickly filled them two glasses of the amber liquid. When both staff members were settled, Severus had his attention to Pomona. “What can I do for you, Pomona?”

“I have bad news, Severus. Ms. Donnovan and Ms. Nolan are planning to assault Mr. Greengrass on Saturday, when he had his date with Anton.” Pomona took a deep sip from the scotch.

Severus sipped his scotch and looked annoyed. This Saturday was going to be a bad day. He had hoped that the weekends are going to be calm, but he was wrong. Thankfully, there is a Sunday. “We need to be ready for whatever is going to come, Pomona.”

Pomona nodded and spent the rest of the evening talking with Severus until it is time for their rounds during the night.

Hogwarts, May 31st, 2003

Jaques was on his way out of Hogwarts. He and Anton were on another date and both were planning to have some fun during the afternoon. Jaques got a letter from Anton that he is waiting for him in a private room in the Three Broomsticks. Before he could leave, a voice called out for him. When he turned around, he saw Bill coming his way, but the situation was anti-climactic since Flora shot a bone-breaker at Jaques, whereas Anna threw a stinging hex. But due to the bad aim of the girls the stinging jinx hit Bill instead of Jaques on the shoulder and the bone breaker nipped the redhead’s hip. Jaques instantly put up shield charms around himself and Bill and quickly was on the defensive. Bill screamed in pain and cried, which alerted Pomona and Severus, who had seen the event unfold and hurried from the dungeons to the injured student. Jaques lifted the shields and allowed both teachers to come through. Pomona quickly started to treat a sobbing Bill, whereas Severus turned his attention to the two terrified girls that were hiding in the shadows. “Ms. Donnovan, Ms. Nolan, both of you step forward. You are in a lot of trouble.” Both girls were terrified and furious. This wasn’t supposed to happen. The curses were supposed to hit Greengrass, not Weasley.

“Pomona, bring Mr. Weasley to the hospital wing. You two are going to come with me to the headmaster’s office.” Before Severus could leave, the man turned his attention to Jaques. “Mr. Greengrass, you have to come too. Your date has to wait due to some dunderheads, but you are not in trouble.” Jaques nodded and followed his potion professor to the headmaster’s office.

This meeting was going to be ugly.

Pomona brought Bill to the hospital wing and quickly laid him down on one of the beds. She started to treat him and managed to remove the stinging hex from his shoulder, but the bone breaker was going to be harder since his hip was broken in some places. A skelegrow could fix this in no time.

She gave him the bone-regrowing potion, which was followed by a pain potion, in order to stop the pain from the effects that the skelegrow has. Bill was going to spend a week in the hospital wing, because of these girls.

“What is going on here?”, Poppy demanded in an imperious voice, when she came out of her office.

Pomona wanted to ignore the woman, but answered regardless: “Mr. Weasley was attacked by two students and he has a broken hip that will take some time to heal. I am going to floo-call his father in the ministry.”

Pomona quickly went to the floo, in order to call Arthur Weasley.

Arthur was startled, when he received a floo-call from the school. He quickly made his way to the fireplace in his office and saw Pomona’s face. “Pomona, what can I do for you? Has something happened?”

“Arthur, your son, Bill, was attacked and was hit by a stinging hex and a bone breaker. He is severely injured and is currently lying in the hospital wing”, Pomona said. She was out of breath since she ran to the next fire place.

“What?! I am coming. I will inform my deputy to take over and I will floo from my office to the school.” Arthur was stunned. What has happened? Who has attacked Bill? Why was his son in the hospital wing? Is he alright? Many thoughts were running through his mind.

Arthur quickly informed his deputy about the emergency and told him that he was in charge. The redhead quickly flooed directly to the hospital wing.

Arriving at the hospital wing, Arthur was led by Pomona to the occupied bed, where his son was lying. The Herbology teacher explained to the man, what had happened.

Arthur was furious. He checked up, if his son was alright. Arthur sighed in relief that Bill hadn’t had any lasting damage. When Pomona had informed him that Bill will spend an entire week in the hospital wing, he demanded to speak with the headmaster about this. He will not let the two perpetrators get away with attacking his boy. Pomona led Arthur to the headmaster’s office.

At the same time, there was a large argument in the headmaster’s office already. Severus had called Cyrus and Danielle, who were not happy, when they were demanded in the headmaster’s office. Since Flora and Anna were muggleborns, their guardian was Minerva. So, their parents weren’t even called. Severus was sure that that needed to change.

The argument was really annoying. At first, Flora and Anna were blaming Jaques for the attack. They lied that he became violent and attacked Bill, when the redhead had called for him. But this was quickly disproved by Severus, who warned them that Pomona and he were there, when the attack took place. Both girls whimpered at that and Cyrus demanded a prior incantatem on the wands of the students. Jaques gave his wand to Severus, who casted the examination spell, and confirmed that the boy didn’t cast the stinging hex and the bone breaker. Minerva and Albus looked like they swallowed a really sour lemon. This was bad, when the attention was turned on the terrified girls.

Severus turned a sever look on the girls, who were paling, and when he demanded their wands to be checked, both girls refused, which made things even worse since everyone knew that they were hiding something. Albus and Minerva tried to downplay the situation by reasoning that no one was hurt, but that didn’t last long.

The meeting went from bad to worse, when a furious Arthur Weasley was led in by Pomona in the headmaster’s office.

The redhead demanded to know, why his son was lying in the hospital wing with a broken hip and a stinging hex on the shoulder. Both girls swallowed hard, when they had seen the Weasley patriarch. This was going to end badly for them. Albus and Minerva were stunned and wanted to know, who the injured student was.

With that, Pomona explained the situation and from there, things started to escalate. There was a loud argument in the office about the girls’ punishment. Arthur demanded: “Albus, either they are punished for their actions or I swear to Merlin that I am going to Crouch and file charges against them for aggravated assault on my son.” There was dead silence in the office, when Arthur made this threat. Cyrus and Danielle were impressed by Arthur, but were acting shocked that Arthur Weasley could be a tough nut to crack, if he needs to be. Severus had acted the same, but Pomona, Minerva, Albus and the girls were truly shocked about Arthur’s outburst.

Pomona for her part was startled that Arthur would go this far, but she had to admit that the man wants justice for his son and if Albus and Minerva do not want to deal with this, then, the DMLE would get involved, which would make things worse for the girls.

Albus and Minerva were stuck. What were they supposed to do now? If they don’t punish the girls appropriately, then, Arthur could file charges against them and there, things would go from bad to worse.

Severus proposed: “Then, I am proposing that the girls are suspended for the next two weeks and that they are barred from taking their end of year exams since the exams are going to start at the second week of June. They would be required to do them during the summer holidays in the ministry, where their guardians are required to pay for them.” Anna and Flora were stunned. This can’t be happening. Their parents are going to be furious about that.

“Severus, my boy, there is no need to be so cruel to them. It was a little mistake.” Albus was fiddling with his beard. This really couldn’t be any worse.

Danielle answered in a furious tone. “A little mistake? A student has been sent to the hospital wing. Both girls should be punished for their actions or I will file a grievance within the board to have them expelled, if you are refusing to take proper action.” Cyrus quickly added angrily: “Not to mention that Mr. Weasley is going to file charges. Both girls could be sent to Voggekk, the magical version of the juvenile detention centre here.” Anna and Flora were even more paling. Why is this happening? They really hope that the headmaster has something that would save them from this punishment, but from his and Professor McGonagall’s look, things don’t seem to be good.

Severus and Pomona were surprised by this, but they nodded in agreement and warned Albus and Minerva that they would also put their names on that grievance.

Albus was stuck. What was he supposed to do? He never thought that things would go so badly with his plans for Jaques. He had to admit defeat in this instance. “Very well, Ms. Donnovan and Ms. Nolan are going to be suspended for the next two weeks. They are also going to be barred from the exams and would have to do them at the ministry.” Minerva was dejected that her lions would be treated like that, but there was nothing that can be done. They were the guilty party. Anna and Flora were ready to scream. That couldn’t be happening. Why did the headmaster give up? He was supposed to protect them from this punishment, but it seems like that the pressure on the headmaster was too much.

The others agreed on the punishment and Cyrus and Danielle were ready to leave, but before this happened, Severus wasn’t finished with his punishment. “Ah, before Ms. Donnovan and Ms. Nolan are going to return home. There is something else. Both of you will lose each 100 points from your respective house.” Anna and Flora were ready to cry. 200 points gone. Their house mates are going to be furious about the loss of points.

Minerva and Albus were ready to protest since Gryffindor had lost 200 points in one day, but the occupants were ready for them. Pomona nearly snarled: “Don’t even try, Albus, Minerva. They should also expect that there is also point loss for their actions.” The herbology professor sighed like she was exhausted and turned her attention to Jaques. She smiled. “And Mr. Greengrass, for helping another student in need and for your impressive shields, I will give you 50 points to Hufflepuff.” Cyrus and Danielle wore proud smirks and Jaques grinned. “Thank you, professor.”

“Now, you can attend your date with Mr. Abbott.” Pomona was a little bit flushed, but she smiled regardless. With that, Jaques left, but he heard his uncle shouting: “And don’t forget the protections, if you two are on it again.” Jaques was beet red and furious. He will make his uncle pay for this comment during the summer holidays. Danielle elbowed her husband and scowled at him. She dragged him to the floo by his ear. “Ow, Danielle. I am sorry.” Arthur, Pomona and Severus were trying everything to supress their laughter. The man knew, how to embarrass his nephew. Albus, Minerva and the girls were stunned. This is not good that Jaques’ and Anton’s relationship had gone this far.

Arthur was led back to the hospital wing after he had managed to get the fit of laughter under his control with Cyrus’ comment about Jaques’ love life, in order check up on his son before he had to return home. He was assured by Pomona that he will be alright.

Jaques was hurrying to the village and to the Three Broomsticks, in order to get to his date on time. When he had reached the Three Broomsticks, Jaques quickly got the room number and inside he met Anton, who was waiting for him nude. Jaques waved his wand and all his clothes including his shoes and socks were gone. He made his way to the bed and both boys spent the afternoon with their love-making session.

Chapter Text

June 1st, 2003

Anna and Flora were miserable, when they returned home from school. After Professor McGonagall had dropped them home and explained their parents their suspension and the reason behind it, both sets of parents were furious at their daughters’ behaviour and they punished them severely by making them to help them to take care of the household and by studying for the exams during the summer. They didn’t get a moment’s peace and to make matters worse, they were told that they were grounded during the summer break. Flora was also told that she would spend her summer with her grandparents, who are going to supervise her during the summer break and that she would study there for her exams at the beginning of the holidays. Her parents are going to work and then, take a break for the time being. They will spend some time in Italy before they would return back in Britain and supervise their daughter until it was time to go back to school. Mr. Donovan had spoken to his parents and the elderly couple agreed to supervise their granddaughter during her punishment as long as her parents worked and were on their vacation in Italy. He also put ground rules for his daughter, which would make things worse. Normally, Flora would go too, but due to her suspension, her parents decided against it.

Anna on the other hand would spend her holidays with her maternal uncle, who was running a farm, and there, she will help her uncle with the farming. The girl was furious and disgusted at the idea, but her parents put their foot down and they will also spend their vacation there too. The man agreed, but Anna would be his only worker, whereas his sister and her brother-in-law should enjoy their vacation. It will teach the girl, what it means to work hard. Both parents agreed on that.

Both girls are complaining about their punishments since it wasn’t fair in their opinion.

In Hogwarts, things were tense. The Gryffindors were completely furious about the loss of points and they were even more enraged, when they were told, what had happened to Bill. Many of his friends had seen this attack as a war declaration and they swore that Anna and Flora will pay for this.

Jaques spent some time in the hospital wing to help Bill with his studying for the exams. Pomona told them that Bill would be released at the end of the week. The exams will start next week and things were a bit stressful. The blond boy is also planning to take some exams in the ministry for subjects like Magical Theory, Magical Law, Politics, Warding, Spell Weaving and Crafting and Alchemy. Before he had run away from home, Jaques had taken his OWLs in Politics, Magical Law and Magical Theory at the beginning of the summer apart from the OWLs in Alchemy, Warding and Spell Weaving and Crafting, which he had planned to take them at the end of summer since he needed some tutoring, how to do the practical portion. But he didn’t take them due to his father’s machinations. After Jaques was found, he was tutored at home before he started Hogwarts and had taken his practical OWLs in those three remaining subjects at the beginning of July with his sixth-year exams in Politics, Magical Law and Magical Theory. At the end of the summer, Jaques also spent a lot of time doing his sixth-year exams in Alchemy, Warding and Spell Weaving and Crafting. Jaques was planning to do the NEWT exams in Politics, Magical Law and Magical Theory at the beginning of the summer holidays and at the end, he wanted to take the NEWT exams in Alchemy, Warding and Spell Weaving and Crafting, in order to be better prepared than with the current curriculum in the other subjects. His aunt and uncle told him that they and their allies were working to fix the school, but it will take them some time since it would be dangerous, if they are boxing Dumbledore hard into the corner.

Albus was annoyed. The meeting yesterday was really tiring. Sometimes, Minerva’s lions are too much to handle, but he always had been successful to make sure that they were not punished too harsh apart from Sarah’s suspension last school year and now, the punishment of Anna and Flora. He could have stopped it, but the attack on young William and Arthur’s threat of filing charges against the girls within the DMLE as well as the threat of expulsion from the Greengrasses through the board made him think twice, what he was going to do. He hadn’t had a choice. It had taken some time to explain to Minerva that they couldn’t lose Arthur in the order and that he hadn’t had any choice with the suspension since the board is not listening to him properly. Minerva had taken a step back, but she was still not happy.

Minerva was not happy about her lions’ suspension, but she had to accept it since there was no choice. The school year is coming to an end and the Greengrass boy is graduating. Much to her irritation, the boy was seen as a model student and he had gained Hufflepuff a lot of points. Furthermore, he was rather popular within his house and the school. Minerva thought that there have to be a way to break Anton and Jaques up, but there wasn’t anything that could be done.

Anna’s and Flora’s friends were keeping their heads down since there was nothing that can be done against Greengrass. They couldn’t believe that their friends were suspended for two weeks and that they were barred from taking the exams. They decided to not pursue Greengrass anymore. They want to be able to do the exams and not end up like Flora and Anna.

The Sunday continued on without any issue.

Hogwarts/DMLE, June 2nd, 2003

Severus Snape had a mad grin on his face. Finally, he was finished. After so many adjustments, he finally, had managed to create the potion that would help the Longbottoms and Christina O’Neill. The potion was originally created for veelas, but since veelas were a bit different than the wixen and had an affinity to fire, the potion wouldn’t have worked for witches and wizards or in the worst-case scenario, the potion could have become toxic. For six months, he had worked on the potion, in order to adjust it and now, he was successful. But there was only one problem with the potion. He had to test it since he isn’t sure, if it will work or not.

Severus quickly floo-called Amelia. The said woman was immediately at the other side. “Severus, I hope that it is important to disturb me. I have mountains of paperwork to do, because of Selwyn and his idea of replacing his sex-workers.”

The potion master flinched. He knew, how dangerous Amelia could be, if you disturb her and at the end, it is a waste of time, but this news is going to better her mood. “Amelia, I have good news. The potion for Christina and the Longbottoms is finished, but I need to test it on Christina, if it would work.”

Amelia was silent for a minute and said: “I am going to get Christina. We are going to come through to your office, so that Dumbledore doesn’t grow suspicious of your whereabouts.”

Severus nodded and went back to his desk waiting for the women to arrive.

Amelia was making her way through the DMLE offices. She was excited about Severus’ floo-call since this was going to help Christina with her current condition with her arms. Entering the auror offices, she went straight to Christina’s desk and drew the woman’s attention to her. “Christina, I have great news.” Amelia’s eyes were shining in happiness and excitement.

Christina stared at the woman in confusion. “What are the news?”

“Let’s start from the beginning. Severus Snape had managed to get a potion book from the Veela Nation. Don’t ask me how? And there was a potion recipe in the book that would help victims that are suffering under curse-induced inflammations, which would also include your current predicament. He had worked very hard on the potion since the recipe is showing, how to brew the potion for veelas, but not for wixen. He isn’t sure, if it will work, but he wants to test it. There is maybe a chance that you would be able to move your arms without any restrictions”, Amelia explained as short as possible.

Christina’s eyes grew wide at that information. Tears were prickling out. There is a chance to help her with her arms. It could also help others like the Longbottoms, so that they are not suffering any pain due to their exposure to the Cruciatius Curse. “These are… These are great news. Let’s go and test that potion. What are we waiting for?” Christina was quick on her feet. She ignored the pain in her arms, when she made that swift movement. She was excited.

Amelia nodded in agreement and followed the auror to the next floo.

Severus was sitting and waiting until the floo flared. Christina and then, Amelia stepped through from the fire place. Both women looked happy. He knew the excitement and hope, but Severus wasn’t really sure, if it would work, but if he doesn’t test it, then, he would never know.

Severus moved over to the cauldron. He took a ladle and dipped it into the potion. He poured the potion in a vial. He explained: “Ladies, I will warn you. I am not sure, if that potion would work, but I can reassure you both that the potion isn’t toxic.” Both women nodded and Christina took a shuddering breath. She took the vial from Severus’ hand and looked at the purple liquid. With a lot of courage, Christina drank the potion in one go. She shuddered at the taste. It was bitter und uncomfortable.

For some time, nothing happened until Christina started to breath hard. Her arms felt like they were on fire. The woman was led to the couch by Severus and Amelia and there, she sat down, so that she doesn’t fall. Christina restrained a cry. Her arms felt like, they were cooked. After fifteen minutes, the pain finally stopped and the woman had managed to catch her breath. Amelia asked her former undercover auror in a concerned tone: “Are you alright, Christina?”

“I am alright.” Christina sat up and was on her feet. Surprisingly, she didn’t feel any pain at her arms. The woman stopped for a minute, when she noticed that. “Amelia, I don’t feel any pain in my arms. It seems like the potion had worked. Master Snape, can you check it up?”

Severus nodded and examined the woman. He looked at the results and noticed that the inflammations on Christina’s arms have disappeared on the scan. The man had a smile. “It had worked. The potion has worked. The inflammations are not documented in your scan, Ms. O’Neill.”

“These are great news, Severus. This would help many people.” Amelia couldn’t believe that there was finally a potion that would help many witches and wizards in Christina’s predicament. “But now, we have to return back to work. Thank you, Severus.”

“You are welcome. I will test the potion on the Longbottoms. I will speak with Lady Longbottom in two days and we are going to make the potion public knowledge after that. I have already written the recipe down”, Severus explained his plans.

Amelia and Christina nodded and Amelia said: “Good, Severus. With your potions, you will be able to save the magical world and modernise it.”

With that, both women said goodbye and left the potion master’s office. There was a lot of work to do. Amelia was going to request from Crouch to reinstate Christina as a full-time auror, if her former undercover auror doesn’t suffer any setbacks with her arms.

Severus quickly wrote a letter to Callidora Longbottom that he had managed to finish the potion and requested an audience with the said woman and the dowager.

Longbottom Manor/Janus Thickey Ward, June, 4th, 2003

After Severus was finished with his teaching duties, he requested from Aurora to take over as head of house temporarily since he had a meeting with Lady Longbottom. The woman agreed and Severus flooed to Longbottom Manor, where he arrived in the floo room. A house elf was waiting and he was led to the formal meeting room. There, Severus met the current head of the Longbottom family, Callidora Longbottom, until Frank Longbottom was better and her daughter-in-law, Augusta Longbottom. Both women looked excited and happy and he knew why. Before he had left, Severus had two vials with the potion that he had created.

“Ah, Severus. From your letter, you are bringing us good news that could help Frank and Alice with their issues with the inflammation that has been caused by the Cruciatius Curse”, Callidora announced.

Severus nodded and smiled. “Yes, I have managed to perfect the potion and it does work, but I will warn you now. I have tested the potion on Christina O’Neill. I believe that I don’t have to tell you, who she is.” Both women nodded. They were aware of the trials of the Jugson siblings. “After Christina drank the potion, there was nothing unusual happening to her, but a few minutes later, she felt sweltering heat on her arms, which had lasted fifteen minutes.” Both women were concerned about the effects of the potion. Frank and Alice could endure the same, but their brains would be affected by this potion not their arms. Severus knew and understood the concern. Even though the potion does work, he isn’t sure, if Frank and Alice should be conscious, when they are taking the potion. The pain could be too much for them to handle. He doesn’t want to be responsible for their deaths or further brain damage.

Callidora asked carefully, in order to be sure: “And the potion worked?”

“Yes. Christina was able to move her arms without issue, but in Frank’s and Alice’s case, I would suggest that they are under coma spells, so that they are not enduring the same pain like Christina had endured with her arms”, Severus suggested.

Both women had to admit that this could work. Augusta said: “Then, what are we waiting for? Let’s go and test it. It is our only way to help Frank and Alice with the pain issues. The healers could put them under coma spells for the time being.”

Severus agreed with the woman. All three went to the floo, in order to floo to St. Mungos. Neville would be watched by a house elf until they were gone.

In St. Mungos, Callidora, Augusta and Severus were making their way to the Janus Thickey Ward after they stepped through. Arriving at the ward, they went in and made their way to the room, where Frank and Alice were residing. When they entered, Severus called for a healer since they had to put the couple under coma spells.

When one of the female healers arrived, she asked: “Master Snape, Lady Longbottom, Dowager Longbottom, what can I do for you?”

Severus was the first to speak, before the women could make their demands. “I need you to put Lord Longbottom and his wife under coma spells.”

“Okay, I will call three other colleagues here since I am not allowed to work alone”, the healer explained. Severus understood that. St. Mungos had their own rules and regulations, where healers are not allowed to work alone on a patient. The healer asked: “Why do you need them under coma spells, Master Snape?”

“I have created a new potion that should help victims with curse-induced inflammation.” Severus showed the healer two vials of the purple liquid. “I have tested the potion on Christina O’Neill and it had worked, but there was a side effect on the potion. During the healing process, Ms. O’Neill has felt sweltering heat on her arms and it has caused her some pain, but at the end, the potion has worked since the residue of the Cruciatius Curse was removed and Ms. O’Neill has reported to me that she is able to move her arms without any issues.”

The healer was shocked about these revelations and jumped into action. She went out and arrived with three other healers, whom she had explained about the potion that Severus had created and its effect. The other healers were stunned about the potion since it must be a new potion in the medical field and all four quickly put Frank and Alice under coma spells, in order to test Severus’ invention.

After Frank and Alice were put into a coma, Severus handed over the potions to the healers. They potions were quickly administered into Frank’s and Alice’s system.

After some time, both started to shake and sweat a little. It seems like that the potion is expelling the residue of the torture curse. After half an hour, both stopped shaking and the healers started to examine them. They were stunned, when they read the results.

“This is impossible.”

“It had worked.”

“Master Snape created a miracle.”

The healers muttered about the results excitedly. Callidora and Augusta heard the whispers and were smiling. These were great news. One of the healers turned to the Longbottom matriarchs and Severus. “Master Snape, Lady Longbottom, Dowager Longbottom, the potion has worked. There is no residue of the Cruciatius Curse on Lord Longbottom and his consort.”

“These are good news”, Severus said with a smirk.

“When are you planning to make the potion public, Master Snape?”, the healer asked.

Severus was thoughtful for the time being. He answered: “In two days, I will make some arrangements.”

The healer nodded and informed the other healers. Severus will make an appointment with Rita Skeeter on Friday, in order to make the potion public.

Daily Prophet, June 6th, 2003

Severus was smirking, when he was making his way through the offices of the Daily Prophet. Many reporters were hurrying out of his way, when they saw the potion master of Hogwarts being led by the receptionist through the offices. There were many questions, why the potion master was here and what he was doing here. Arriving in front of Rita’s office, many were a little bit startled that Rita had an appointment with Severus Snape of all people. The two were like day and night.

When they were allowed entrance, the receptionist went in and Severus followed the woman inside. The door was open until the receptionist left the office and closed the door behind her.

After the secrecy and privacy wards were put around the office, Severus explained Rita his reason why he was here. The man normally doesn’t like attention, but he needed to make the potion public since it was his creation. The potion was tested on other patients that were suffering the same issues like Christina. Rita was stunned, when Severus revealed that he had created a new potion that would help victims that are suffering inflammations that were caused by curses like the Cruciatius curse. The woman grinned. This article was going to ruffle some feathers.

Rita started the interview with Severus. The said man explained the potion in detail and he also elaborated, how the potion does work. Severus didn’t hide the fact that the potion is causing some pain in the affected area of the body since the potion is expelling the residue of the curses especially the Cruciatius Curse. Rita had written it down, so that there weren’t any complaints regarding the effects of the potion and that the public is warned that even though the potion does work, the process of expelling the residue was quite painful. He also referenced that Rita should question the healers, the Longbottom matriarchs and Auror Christina O’Neill about the potion too. Rita wrote the names down and she was sure that she was going to question them about Severus’ potion.

After the interview was over and Severus had left, Rita wrote letters to St. Mungos requesting their reports regarding Severus’ potion, a statement from Auror Christina O’Neill, Lady Longbottom and the dowager about the potion and in Christina’s case, what effects the potion did have on her arms. There was going to be a lot of work to do, but it would be worth it since she knew that Dumbledore and his followers are going to react negatively with the potion master getting praised. She would like to see the faces of James Potter, Sirius Potter and Remus Lupin. It would be funny.

The St. Mungos healers prepared the reports for Rita, when they received the request from the said reporter about the potion that Severus had created, and its effect on patients that were victims of the curse-induced inflammations. The healers are going to send the reports, but they are going to make them anonymous, in order to protect the patients’ identity. The Longbottom matriarchs and Christina will each send Rita a letter that they want to be made public about the state of Frank and Alice and in Christina’s case about her state with her arms and her experience with the potion.

Rita was sure that the Sunday edition would be exciting.

June 8th, 2003

The Sunday edition of the Daily Prophet caused an outcry within Dumbledore’s followers and the Order of the Phoenix. The newspaper reported about Severus Snape’s new invention that would help victims that have curse-induced issues and there were even reports that the potion had been tested on the patients that are suffering under inflammations through the Cruciatius Curse. This also included the Longbottoms. There was a hysteria from the order members, where many claimed that Severus could have tried to kill Frank and Alice and that the healers from St. Mungos that have allowed this, were irresponsible for allowing Snape free access to the patients and that they should be stripped from their healer’s license, but the hospital threatened them with lawsuits, which made a majority of the order quiet and the public ignored them since the affected reported that they felt no pain any longer after the potion had expelled the residue, which made many people happy. But many were critical regarding the pain aspect. Fortunately, the healers explained that the pain during the healing process is coming from the removal of the residue and everyone was reminded that removing residues of curses and jinxes is quite painful. The public accepted the explanation from the healers, but there was a lot of hysteria from Dumbledore’s blind followers, which was ignored.

James and Sirius were completely furious that Snivellous was getting praised for his newly created potion. That slimy bastard is a death eater and no one should drink his potions without checking, if there wasn’t any poison that could kill them, but unfortunately, most healers had their blind trust in Snape, which is dangerous for their society and to make matters worse the public is supportive. Whereas James and Sirius were fuming, Lily was seething with jealousy. Her former best friend is becoming even more successful with his potion mastery than her with her charms mastery. That was it. She needs to finish her mastery this year. Lily had thought of postponing her final mastery exam in August, but she will not drag her feet. Severus had managed to get two masteries in four years, whereas she was struggling to finish her one mastery for nearly five years. Lily will finish it this year. She wished that she could show up Severus, but it is already too late since he had already two masteries.

The Grey Alliance sent Severus congratulating letters and gifts for his success and they were happy that his potion was successful. Many staff members apart from some were congratulating Severus for the creation of the potion and there was a little celebration in the staff room. Minerva was quiet during the celebration since this was a setback of gaining control over Severus. Andromeda on the other side was seething in rage. How dare the public praise that monster for helping their society? Didn’t they forget that Snape killed many innocent people during the war? Andromeda had received an angry letter from Ted, who had made sure to express his fury and disgust that Snape was getting praised for something like this.

Albus was sitting behind his desk annoyed. His plans to gain control over Severus was not working properly and thanks to that article, his plans regarding Severus were suffering setbacks. He needed the public to look at Severus with distrust, but with these things happening, his plans were not really working.

Greengrass Manor, June 9th, 2003

Cyrus Greengrass was sitting at the breakfast table eating. Today, he has a long schedule since this week, he was going to be busy with the lawsuits against the Selwyns and the families of the clients. Danielle was also there eating with him and Daphne was sitting on a toddler-safe stool, where she wouldn’t be able to fall from. The blonde, little girl was fed by her mother. Astoria on the other side was on a baby stool and Danielle was busy with both girls having their breakfast. Danielle asked: “Cyrus, are you ready for the day?”

“Yes, this week is going to be a long week. My colleagues and I are going to help the children and youths get justice for what had been done to them. I am sure that at the end of the week the clients’ family and the Selwyns are going to be bankrupted.” Cyrus had a smile on his face. Danielle gave her husband a slight smirk. Today is the start and on Friday is the end of the lawsuits. The ministry courts had taken this week for the lawsuits, so that everything could be compressed in one week. With that, she changed the subject about their nephew. “Cyrus, I sent Jaques a letter wishing him good luck with his NEWTs. He had been studying very hard for the exams and he had helped Bill with his studies. I am a bit concerned about the extra classes that Jaques wants to take at the ministry. Is it not too much for him to take so many classes?”

Cyrus knew his wife’s concern, but he quickly assured his wife: “Danielle, Jaques is going to be fine. He had chosen the subjects that he wanted to self-study at the beginning of the summer. This would include Politics, Magical Law and Magical Theory. And at the end of summer, Jaques had planned to take Alchemy, Warding and Spell Weaving and Crafting.”

Danielle was reassured. She was sure that Jaques was going to do fine. “Okay, I also heard that he is planning to do a mastery in Charms. He always was good in that subject.”

Cyrus nodded and answered: “Yes, Filius had been praising him for his skills in the class, but he needs to finish his NEWTs first.”

“I bet that there were going to be many Os and some EEs”, Danielle answered.

“This is a sucker’s bet, Danielle. He will manage it.” Cyrus grinned.

Danielle kicked him on the shin for his language. “Cyrus, language.”

Cyrus rubbed his sore shin and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, Danielle.”

Danielle just shook her head. Her husband is incorrigible. Both continued and finished their breakfast and Cyrus made his way to the floo, where he flooed to the ministry.

Hogwarts, June 11th, 2003

The third day of the exams has started and many students were very nervous. The OWL and NEWT students were even more nervous, if it is possible. Some even went to the hospital wing, in order to get some calming draughts. The staff was also under a lot of stress since the OWL and NEWT examiners were there and they had to discuss the points that they were going to give to the students with their practical portion. The entire school was busy.

Jaques was a little bit nervous since these were his NEWT exams and they were brutal and very important for his future, but he was glad that the exams were not compressed. On Monday, he started with his history exam and yesterday, he had his Transfiguration exams, where he had to do the theory and practical portion of the class. Today, he had his Charms exams and he is confident that he was going to pass the class.

Jaques also received a letter from Anton that they both received a gift from his parents for their betrothal. It was a big cottage, where they could live their married lives and he is inviting him to come over on Friday after dinner. Furthermore, he had an idea, how to make the weekend exciting, but he will give him some space, if he had some revising to do for the rest of his exams. Anton also wrote down a hint, where the word cards was mentioned. Jaques was confused about the hint, but he will find it out.

Bill was also a little bit nervous. He had less exams to do than Jaques since he is a second year, but regardless, he had a lot of work to do. At the beginning of the summer, he was going to take his exams for the Magical Theory class and he was going to do summer school for his 7th grade. This would include English, Math, Latin, French, Science, Geography and Muggle History.

Both boys need to survive the exams first and then, they can focus on their summer plans.

Abbott Cottage, June 13th, 2003

After dinner, Jaques signed himself out of school and went to see Anton, with whom he went to the cottage that was gifted by Anton’s parents. It was beautiful. The cottage was decently made and the facade was pristine white. The garden and greenhouse were stunningly made and the inside was big with six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a formal and informal meeting and dining room. “It is beautiful, Anton”, Jaques said happily. Anton smiled and hugged his betrothed. The Abbott Heir also introduced the elves that are going to take care of the cottage and them. After the elves saluted and went to work leaving their masters alone.

“Now, let’s get to the exciting part.” Anton took out a pack of cards.

Jaques now understood the hint in the letter. They are going to play cards, but why would it be exciting.

“How about a round of strip poker”, Anton said. His cheeks were a little bit rosy.

Jaques grinned. Now, that must be the exciting part. “Then, let’s play. But first, we have to have an equal number of clothing before we could start.” Anton agreed and both boys went to redress themselves with more comfortable clothes. Jaques and Anton were wearing normal muggle clothes, which is containing a pair of jeans, their underwear, a short-sleeved T-Shirt, a pair of sneakers and socks.

The rules were quickly explained that they had seven articles of clothes and one last chance, if they were in their birthday suits. When the first hand was played, both were talking about different topics. Anton asked: “How were the exams?”

“They were alright. I am confident that I have passed them. My last exam would be on Friday in Astronomy. I am surprised that Astronomy doesn’t have a practical portion anymore”, Jaques said. The younger male cursed, when he had lost his first hand and took off his T-Shirt, which startled Anton, when Jaques was shirtless.

Jaques had seen the surprised look and smirked. “What? I can choose what clothes I am going to take off.” Anton just grumbled and they continued with their second hand.

Anton returned to the topic about the Astronomy class. “My father told me that Professor Sinistra had petitioned the school board to remove the practical portion in the exams since the Astronomy class was purely theoretical in her opinion. It had caused a large argument in the school board, but it had gotten approved in the end.”

“I can imagine the headache after the meeting.” Jaques chuckled before he let out another curse, when he had lost. He took his wand and waved his pants away.

Anton blushed a little since Jaques was dressed only in his underwear, his shoes and his socks and they started their third hand. “How is Bill? I have heard that Sarah’s friends tried to attack you, but failed and had hit Bill instead.”

“Well, he is alright. He recovered fast. I have helped him with his studying since he had to spend a week in the hospital wing because of Donovan and Nolan”, Jaques answered.

Anton grumbled, when he had lost this time. He took off his left shoe. They continued to play. “I can’t believe Sarah’s friends would do that.”

“Me neither, but I am not surprised that they would do something like that. At the beginning of this school year, they have threatened and insulted me that I should stay away from you”, Jaques said with a frown.

“Really?!”, Anton asked surprised. He didn’t know that. Anton became annoyed since he had lost this hand too and that his betrothed was threatened and insulted like that. Anton took off his other shoe.

Jaques nodded and they continued with their fifth hand, where Anton lost again. Jaques seems like to have a stroke of luck. Anton took off his left sock. Another round was started.

“They have gotten suspended for attacking Bill for two weeks and they were barred from taking the end of year exams due to their actions against Bill and me”, Jaques explained.

“Wow. Never thought that Dumbledore would do this to his two lions”, Anton said surprised. He knew that Dumbledore is biased towards the Gryffindors and Slytherins. Anton wasn’t blind about Dumbledore’s views regarding the Hogwarts houses. He sighed in relief, when he had won after three times of losing.

Jaques gave Anton a mischievous grin. He took his wand again and waved his underwear away. Anton blushed hard, when he saw Jaques naked. “You are cheating. You are trying to distract me”, Anton complained dramatically.

“Nope, I am not doing anything. I am playing”, Jaques said with a grin. “Let’s continue.”

“Okay, but back to the topic, Dumbledore suspended them?” And they did continue with playing.

Jaques answered: “Yes, there was a large argument in the office. Dumbledore and McGonagall had tried to defend them, but it didn’t work, because Lord Weasley threatened to file charges against the girls and my aunt and uncle added that they will file a grievance within the board to have them expelled.”

Anton nodded in understanding, but he let out another curse since he had lost again. He took off his other sock, which left him bare-footed.

“They even tried to blame me for the attack, but it failed since my uncle demanded a prior incantatem on our wands”, Jaques said.

Anton was angry. How dare they blame Jaques for what they had done. “What did you do?”

Before Jaques could answer, Anton cursed again. The Abbott Heir took off his T-Shirt and realised that he had only two articles of clothes, whereas Jaques had four since the shoes and socks were counted separately. Not bad, but he will not give up.

Jaques knew that Anton had realised, what trick he had used. He took off his T-Shirt, his jeans and his underwear, in order to save up his shoes and socks at the end. He answered to his question: “I gave Professor Snape my wand and he quickly examined it.”

Anton nodded and let out another curse since he had lost another hand. The boy took off his jeans and was only in his underwear.

“I have heard from their friends that they were severely punished at home for their suspension”, Jaques explained. He sighed, when he realised that he had lost this hand. Jaques took off his left shoe.

“Well, they have the right to be angry. I mean, their parents must be mad since they had to pay for the exams now”, Anton answered. Jaques was amused at that, but the amusement turned into a grumble, when he had lost another hand and the boy took off his other shoe leaving him only in his socks.

They continued with their next round and this time, both boys were serious. Their dignity was at risk. At this round, Anton lost since he had a bad hand and he took off his underwear, which made Jaques excited. Anton was nude and for him, it was his last chance to save himself. Jaques’ member was erect, when Anton took of his underwear. He said in a mocking tone: “Anton, this is your last chance. I have still my socks on.”

Anton smirked and said: “Don’t panic, Jaques. I will liberate you from them.”

The next round was in Anton’s favour. Jaques took off his left sock. He was a little bit worried, but still confident that he will win. Unfortunately, the supposed last round for Jaques was a failure and the said boy had to take off his other sock making him completely naked. Anton smirked. “So, this is our last hand, Jaques. How about a bet?”

“I am listening.” Jaques was ready for everything.

Anton grinned. “Okay, the loser in this round will not be allowed to wear any clothes until Sunday evening, when you had to return back to school. My parents and your aunt and uncle have decided to visit at the last weekend of this month. So, we can have our return match next weekend.”

“Alright.” Jaques shook Anton’s hand and the bet was accepted by magic.

Another round was played and Jaques was sure that he was winning. At the end, he presented his three kings and was ready for a happy dance, but the joy was short-lived, when Anton presented his deck, which contained a Royal Flash, which beat his three kings. “No.”

“Yes.” Anton had a huge grin on his face.

Jaques watched his clothes disappear, but he wasn’t sad. Great. An entire weekend remaining in his birthday suit with his betrothed. It isn’t that bad. He turned his attention to Anton, who called an elf to return his clothes back to his room: “You are not going to put on a pyjama?” He noticed that Anton didn’t order the elf to bring his pjs or even an underwear.

“No, only if I am sleeping alone, I am wearing a pyjama, but since you are here, I don’t need any clothes, when we are going to bed. Let’s go. The night is long.” Anton stood up and quickly gathered Jaques in his arms. The Abbott Heir carried him to the bedroom in bridal style. There the boys had one passionate night, but Jaques promised himself that he will win next weekend and Anton will spend the next weekend naked like him.

Hogwarts, June 15th, 2003

There was another order meeting in the headmaster’s office regarding the Wizengamot session on Friday. Dumbledore wanted to make the last nomination against dark magic since he was planning to implement some laws against the elves. His time is running out and he needed a new approach in the Wizengamot.

They were discussing that any new spell that was created through Spell Weaving and Crafting should be monitored and controlled by the ministry, in order to make sure that the spell wasn’t dark or harmful for their society. This would have included the spells that were created for the families’ grimoires.

Arthur really questioned, if the man was senile or an idiot or both. This nomination will fail due to the family laws that the ancient and/or noble families have implemented in the past before the ministry was founded, because it would be seen as an interference in the family and this could become problematic for the aristocratic Wizengamot members.

He still doesn’t understand why the old, established families here are agreeing on that motion since the law would also include them, if they are creating a new spell and want to add it to their family grimoire. But he can’t argue against them since they were blind fools apart from Dedalus.

Well, time to go home. He will tell the Grey Alliance about the nomination on Wednesday, when they are going to meet up again. Arthur already can imagine his friends’ and allies’ comments about Dumbledore’s stupidiy.

Jaques returned back at school fully dressed in his school uniform. This weekend was annoying and funny at the same time. It was annoying since Anton had a Saturday shift this weekend and before he left, the sadist had made sure to leave him with an erection. It had taken some time until his member was flaccid. Then, there was the fact that he had to revise his NEWTs completely naked, which was uncomfortable since he never studied nude. To make matters worse, when Anton returned home, he refused to take off his clothes or he had taken off his clothes, but either remained in his underwear or in his muggle shorts, which frustrated him.

When it was time for bed, there was the funny part since Anton took off his clothes until he had nothing and refused to wear anything, when they were sleeping together.

Today was the same since he had a hard time to do his revision for his NEWTs, because of Anton, who had made sure to distract him a little or better to say a lot. His betrothed decided that he would help him with his revision, but without any clothes and with some rewards. Jaques was really exhausted after these rewards and he couldn’t continue with the revising.

Thank Merlin, no one was there. He would have hated it, if his or Anton’s friends were there or worse, Anton’s parents or his aunt and uncle. Aunt Danielle wouldn’t have commented his current predicament, but she would have made many hints about his current state. His uncle on the other side would have been unbearable and wouldn’t have been able to keep his mouth shut, in order to tease him. Anton’s parents would have made some jokes, but at least, they would have been less embarrassing than his aunt and uncle.

Entering the common room, Jaques went to his dorm and was greeted by his friends and roommates. He never felt that warmth, when he was in the Slytherin dorms, but in Hufflepuff, his house mates were a lot warmer than the members of the snake den that he had known before he ran away.

They talked about his weekend with Anton and they also commented about the game of strip poker and the bet that he had lost against Anton. Jaques was less than pleased about that conversation. Even more so, when two of his roommates have even suggested that they would have liked to join them in the game. Jaques knew them very well and he knew that they would have been unbearable. He told them to ask Anton, if they are allowed to join. Jaques was sure that Anton wouldn’t like the idea since they want to play the game in private.

Jaques made some revision before he went to sleep. Tomorrow, he had his potion NEWT and he was nervous since the class was more difficult under Professor Snape’s new policies than it was under Professor Slughorn, but he was ready for everything.

Weasley Cottage, June 18th, 2003

The Grey Alliance had their meeting regarding the Wizengamot meeting for this month and everyone was frustrated, when Arthur was finished with his tale about the order meeting. Many thought that the man had lost his mind by presenting this law. Doesn’t he realise that he is interfering within the family laws that have existed even before the ministry was founded? Furthermore, the man shouldn’t think that the family laws are inactive after the ministry was established. The family laws are still active and nearly everyone knows that. Even the minister and her administration know that the family laws have never been abolished. Unfortunately, there were some fools that still live in a fantasy world in their opinion.

Adrianna shook her head in exasperation. “If someone like Dumbledore was in charge of the Wizarding Italian Senate, I swear, the members there would have demanded that he was being mentally examined.”

“I know Adrianna, but through his ‘heroic’ actions during the Global Wizarding War and the war in Britain during the last decade, the man gained too much power. Not to mention, how many people were trusting him and I am not only talking about his blind followers, but also about his sympathisers”, Narcissa explained.

Adrianna tightened her lips and gave her friend an acknowledging nod.

“We need a distraction, in order to stop that nomination from passing”, Augustus said in a tired voice.

“And I know a way, how to distract the fool.” Cyrus had a genuine smile.

Everyone looked at Cyrus with curiosity and the man continued: “Well, I thought that we should open up a youth hostel for the young adults that are graduating, but have nowhere to go. I mean some of the children that were saved from these brothels are orphans that have no relatives to go to.”

That sounded to be a nice idea. Many discussed the motion and found the nomination to be good.

“Speaking of youths, Cyrus, how did the lawsuits go last week?”, Adrianna asked innocently. Everyone looked at Cyrus curiously, how the lawsuits had ended.

Cyrus had a victorious smirk. “Well, like I have promised Danielle, there were many tantrums, tears and screams of denials from the families of the former ministry officials and the former members of Bagnold’s administration. Especially the Selwyns were absolutely furious. Quintus Selwyn had a murderous glare, when the verdict fell that the majority of his fortune would be given to the victims of the brothels. That family had suffered the full brunt of the lawsuits and are now bankrupt. They only had their seat in the Wizengamot left, which is going to be an annoyance, but their influence is gone.”

Everyone was happy about that.

Zachary had a mischievous grin on his face that is telling everyone that there is something else to add. Seeing the grin, Cyrus sighed. He really hoped that the man doesn’t tell anyone that Jaques had lost a game of strip poker against Anton, but seeing Lord Abbott’s face, Cyrus was sure that this secret will not remain a secret.

“Cyrus, have you forgotten something that had happened last weekend between my son and your nephew”, Zachary said in mocking tone.

Cyrus sighed heavily. Great, here it comes. Danielle had a thin smile and Amélie facepalmed. Seriously, that should remain private, but Zachary has a big mouth.

“What has happened?”, Adrianna asked in a sultry voice and she wiggled with her eyebrows. Narcissa rolled her eyes at her friend. She knew that tone of voice. Adrianna is using that tone, if someone had done something naughty and she wants to know it no matter what. Everyone was chuckling at that and had their attention on the Abbott lord.

Zachary told them about the game of strip poker that his son had won against Jaques and he also explained the bet. Everyone laughed at that. Adrianna commented: “Well, their life in matrimony will not be boring as I have thought.”

“Yes, but I think that we should wait with the wedding”, Danielle said thoughtfully.

Amélie questioned confused: “Why, Danielle?”

“Education, especially their education in the muggle subjects”, Danielle answered in a clipped tone.

Everyone understood it. Cyrus explained: “Yes, you are right. Jaques had managed to finish his tenth grade in June last year. There was a lot of work to do, but he had managed it. And during the Yule holidays, he has finished his eleventh grade. He is planning to get his NEWTs in Politics, Magical Law and Magical Theory at the beginning of the summer holidays and at the end, he is planning to take his exams in Alchemy, Warding and Spell Weaving and Crafting since he wants to be tutored in these subjects first before he would do the exams. One thing I am sure is that he will be attending a boarding school in the muggle world that was accredited by the ICW, where he could finish his GCSEs. The headmaster or better to say the principal is a squib that is aware of the magical world and Dumbledore’s screw-ups. He has been working with the international Department of Education for decades.”

“I wish that we had done the same with Anton, but he had started an internship in the Department of Mysteries and it will be ending at the beginning of August. He had managed to finish his 12th grade during the Yule holidays and the spring break. The head of the DoM told us that the evaluation would take another year until a position is open for him. During that time, Anton is planning to finish his 13th grade in the same boarding school, where Jaques is going, in order to do his GCSEs”, Zachary explained.

Everyone was glad that the boys were going to take their education seriously unlike some individuals in the school. Unfortunately, their plans for the wedding had to be postponed.

Narcissa cleared her throat before they were chattering about wedding plans and education. Everyone turned their attention to the Malfoy matriarch and the current regent of the House Black. “Guys, we need to focus on the Wizengamot meeting. My plan would be, if we are successful with the distraction from Cyrus that we are nominating to put the current laws and bans against dark magic under question.” Everyone agreed on that. They hoped that with that motion, they would go out with a big bang.

Wizengamot, June 20th, 2003

Another Wizengamot meeting started and Narcissa was ready for everything. When Dumbledore finally arrived, the meeting had officially started. First, they went over the assignments and reassignments of the seats, then, the meeting last month was summarised, which made Dumbledore frown. After that, the nominations have started. Dumbledore was the first to nominate as the leader of the light fraction that any spell that was created through Spell Weaving and Crafting should be monitored and controlled by the ministry, in order to make sure that the spell isn’t dark and harmful for their society. Many old, established families looked ready to object, but restrained themselves from lashing out since they were aware that the motion will fail. Narcissa had seen the majority of the Wizengamot and noticed that many were against Dumbledore’s motion.

When the old fool was finished, Narcissa gave Cyrus a look that meant that it was time to strike. They have to wait until Dumbledore asks the members of the Wizengamot, if there were any other nominations. When that has happened, Cyrus was the first to raise his wand. Albus sighed. He isn’t sure, what motion Greengrass was planning to make. “Lord Greengrass?”

Cyrus rose from his seat and nominated: “Lords, Ladies, I propose that we open up a youth hostel for young adults from the age of 17 to 29. I am sure that many of you noticed that the brothels that were dissolved two months ago inhabited also young adults that had nowhere to go. With my motion, I want to make sure that the youths have a roof over their heads and are not ending up on the streets again.” Many were agreeing with Greengrass, but within the light fraction, an argument broke out.

Narcissa had seen the younger Dumbledore followers protesting the nomination since the Wizengamot shouldn’t coddle the off-age youths so much and that the brats should work instead. This made them look bad in front of the other Wizengamot members and she had seen a flash of anger on the old fool’s face. Narcissa was sure that Dumbledore was ready to curse these idiots. Narcissa smirked, when Dumbledore put up a privacy bubble, in order to discuss Cyrus’ proposal.

With Dumbledore distracted, Aurelia Acton took over as Chief Witch. She asked the other members: “Are there any other motions or protests?” She is sure that there are those that would make the protest against Albus’ proposal and would make a counter-nomination. Aurelia wasn’t a fool that Dumbledore is facing many opposing voices even from his own fraction.

Corban rose his wand. Aurelia had her attention on the head auror. “Lord Yaxley?”

“I have a protest to make regarding Lord Dumbledore’s nomination and I have a nomination to make”, Corban announced. The Grey Alliance was ready. Everyone was listening intensely. “I am protesting Lord Dumbledore’s proposal since the nomination is interfering within the family laws that most families had made before the ministry was founded. These family laws are still active and this motion would be seen as an interference in those laws.” There were many agreements and furthermore, an argument broke out in the Wizengamot regarding Dumbledore’s proposal. Narcissa heard many angry voices that Dumbledore’s nomination would cause many problems and that the motion is interfering within the family laws.

Narcissa had to admit that the protest wasn’t that necessary since the majority is against Dumbledore’s motion. Only those blind fools are supporting the nomination without knowing that it would also cause trouble for them.

The members were still arguing until Aurelia tried to get order in the court. “Order, please, order!” The voices started to quiet down and everyone had their attention to the Chief Witch. The woman in turn had her attention to Lord Yaxley. “Lord Yaxley, can you continue with your nomination?”

Many had their attention now on Corban. The man in question nodded and continued: “I am nominating to put the current restrictions, laws and bans regarding dark magic into question. My reasoning is that dark and light magic needed balance, so that our society can prosper. Imbalance causes many problems with fertility, the number of squibs that are born and the magical strength of the next generation. Britain had many problems with having that balance between dark and light magic.” Corban took out the research that the ICW had done, in order to have his proof. This research shows the low fertility rates in Britain, the rising number of squibs that were born and the weakening magical strength of the population. Everyone stared at the research and there was a marked paragraph that all of this was caused by the imbalance between the dark and the light. They also looked at the sources and there were many known light and dark witches and wizards that are supporting each other. They also realised that there was a lot of truth behind the research. The fertility had sunk and the birth of squibs had started to rise. Then, there was the weakening magical strength in their society. Many couldn’t believe, how their world was failing.

Narcissa was smirking, when a majority read the research intensely and she was sure that this would cause many problems for Dumbledore and his plans.

When Dumbledore was finished with calming his followers down, the man retook his podium. He asked: “Aurelia, my dear, were there any other nominations?”

“Yes. Lord Yaxley nominated to put the current restrictions, bans and laws against dark magic into question. He had presented us a report from the ICW that our country is imbalanced and this imbalance between dark and light magic is harming our society as a whole. The consequences are low fertility rates, the rising number of squibs that are born and the weakening magical strength in our society.” Aurelia hid a smirk. This was going to be entertaining, when the report was given to Dumbledore and his followers.

“THIS REPORT IS A LIE!”, James thundered in rage. He had enough. “Yaxley had made it up, in order to deceive you.”

“James, my boy, calm down”, Albus tried. He was having a hard time to deny the report since it was written by the ICW. This was bad. This was beyond bad. This couldn’t be happening right now.

“Ah, really, Regent Potter. Have you looked at the sources of the file? I don’t see anywhere in this report that Lord Yaxley had written it. This report is coming directly from the ICW describing the problems in the UK. There is also a certification mark that proves it and the ICW had verified and certified it. So, Regent Potter, where is your proof that Lord Yaxley had written this?”, Aurelia questioned the man.

James was red-faced in fury and started to argue. He will not allow dark magic in their society. The other followers of Dumbledore were furious and were arguing against the nomination. Albus was trying to get his followers back under control. They are making things worse in this session with their arguing. After an hour-long argument, the light fraction managed to be calmed down, but the room was tense.

Albus moved over to the voting. He prayed that Yaxley’s motion would not pass. This would be a nightmare, if it did. The first nomination was an epic failure. Albus was ready to curse. That was a setback. The second motion had a great majority, which angered some of Dumbledore’s fools. When the final vote came, the results were shocking. Narcissa didn’t bother to hide her relieved look, but no one noticed it. The motion passed with a narrow majority of 52%. Dumbledore’s followers exploded in fury, when the nomination passed. This can’t be happening. Albus was ready to kill. That wasn’t possible. Why did this have to happen now? What was going on? He had worked so hard on the bans, laws and restrictions against dark magic and now, they were frozen. He needed a new approach and for that he was planning to add some anti-creature laws against the elves. Albus needed a change of scenery.

Albus quickly quieted his followers down and ended the session since it was the last vote. He had ordered his followers to come to his office.

Hogwarts

A loud argument could be heard from the headmaster’s office. James and the younger followers were practically screaming in fury that Yaxley’s nomination had passed. The older followers were furious and exhausted. This meeting was a nightmare. Minerva had a dark look on her face that things had gone so bad. She never thought that the Wizengamot would cause so many problems for their world.

Albus was sitting behind his desk lost in thoughts. What was happening? How is this happening? And why is this happening right now? He had never thought that this Wizengamot meeting would be a disaster. How could someone like Corban Yaxley come in in his Wizengamot and destroy decades of work with one nomination. He needed a new approach.

Albus returned his attention to his followers, who were arguing like children. “Silence!” Everyone was quiet looking at the headmaster fearfully. “My dears, I know and understand that this meeting had gone wrong, but we can’t give up. For the next six months until the end of this year, our focus would be to push some laws against the elves, which would also include house elves. A change of scenery is maybe necessary.”

Everyone nodded. They were exhausted from that meeting.

“You can leave now. Minerva, I will speak with you tomorrow about the NEWT and OWL exams.” Everyone nodded and they made their way to the floo, in order to get home. Minerva left the headmaster’s office. There were so many things to do in the coming weeks.

When everyone was gone, Albus allowed his magic to lash out obliterating his office in his pure rage. How dare they? How dare they do this to him? They have destroyed so much work in one meeting.

The former headmasters and mistresses watched the fury in pure entertainment. That was funny. Phineas was proud that his descendant, Narcissa Malfoy, is making Dumbledore’s life very difficult. But Fawkes fled the office since he doesn’t want to be hit by his master’s magic. The phoenix knew that there was someone or multiple someone that are ruining Dumbledore’s plans and he is thankful for that.

After he was finished of letting out his fury, Albus quickly fixed up his office and sat down. He took a calming draught and a lemon drop, in order to calm his nerves down. Albus needed to focus. Right now, his focus would be on the elves. He needed to unleash his anger on something else and the elves were perfect for that.

Hufflepuff Common Room, June 23rd, 2003

Jaques was grinning, when he was talking with his newly-made friends in the Hufflepuff common room. Nothing could worsen his mood for this week since the exams were finished. Not even Nolan and Donovan, who have returned back to school last week on Monday, would be able to ruin his mood. Both girls were right now miserable and very unpopular in the whole school due to the attack on Bill at the end of May and the loss of points that Gryffindor had suffered. There was also a protective barrier around Bill and him, when the girls were anywhere near them. His house mates were always there, if the girls are trying to get near him or Bill.

He had been talking with his friends about the second round of strip poker. This game was intense too like last time, but it had proceeded differently and the end was surprising.

The first round, he had lost and like last time, he took off his T-Shirt. But the next three hands were in his favour and like last week, Anton was a coward and had taken off his shoes and his left sock. Unfortunately, his luck didn’t remain long since he had lost two other rounds and was forced to take off his shorts and his boxers. But he had his fun since he was naked and was able to irritate Anton for this round. His betrothed took off his last sock, but he repaid him by winning another hand. Jaques had taken off his left shoe. The other round was in his favour again and Anton took off his shorts.

The next two rounds after that terrified him that he would lose again. He had to take off his remaining shoe and his left sock. But luck was back on his side and the next round was a success, where Anton had to take off his boxers. Jaques had managed to strip him completely naked. Unfortunately, the last round was a failure and he had lost his remaining sock, which really annoyed him since it seems like that fate loves to repeat itself, but the last round was in his favour instead of Anton’s.

For the entire weekend, Anton had to be naked and wasn’t allowed to wear any clothes. At first, they spent their Friday evening in bed naked, but on the next day, Jaques had either clothed himself completely or he was either in his boxers or his bathing suit, when he was swimming in the pool, or in his shorts, where he didn’t wear his underwear often. Jaques had to study for his exams that he had arranged for the beginning of summer and there was a lot of revision to do. He loved to tease Anton until it was night, where he took off his remaining clothes. On Sunday, he remained nude, but he was focused with his studying and his revision too. It also went well. Somehow, he got used to study without any clothes. Anton at least respected his privacy and the fact that he wanted to do well on his exams.

“Man, Jaques, I wished that I have joined you and Anton in this game. I would have beaten you both”, one of his friends teased.

Jaques rolled his eyes. Anton had said that it would have been funny to invite one of his friends to a game of poker and make that person loose, so that they wouldn’t end up naked at the end, but that wouldn’t make sense, if they were playing.

They talked for a bit longer until it was time to go to bed. He had this week only and then, everything was over. He would be finished with Hogwarts.

Potter Manor, June 25th, 2003

James was sighing deeply, how the order meeting was progressing. Everyone was still angry about the Wizengamot meeting on Friday last week. He still didn’t understand, how the Wizengamot members could be so heartless and cruel to allow this madness in their society. James hoped that the school board meeting would be a success. He wished that everything the light was doing was a success. The last meetings since his son was hailed as a hero had been going the wrong way. He realised that the November meeting in 2001 was a trick, in order to agree on a new law, where any witch or wizard had to work in the goblin mines, if they don’t have any money for reimbursement of damages that they had caused. He thought that the law would only count against the death eaters, but it is also counting against the general public, which is terrifying. James shivered at the idea of being sent into the goblin mines, where he would have been whipped and forced to work.

Returning back his attention to the order meeting now, Albus announced to remove the marking scheme and standards from the Charms curriculum. James agreed on the removal since the marking scheme is making many things unfair for the students and it is restricting the students, when they were working on an assignment.

Albus hoped that they would be successful with removing the marking scheme, because he was planning to make some changes to the potion class. His Gryffindors are doing bad in Charms and Potions with the marking scheme being used. History was taught by Andromeda, who is mostly ignoring the marking scheme, but that would bite her back hard since Hogwarts had bound the scheme to the wards and is making notifications of unfair and biased markings. Pandora Lovegood had seen the reports, but for now, she will have to wait. Hogwarts as a sentimental being is making the changes to the assignments and tests in History that were marked biased and unfairly. Andromeda doesn’t notice the changes.

Charlus and Dorea frowned at the order meeting. From what Dorea managed to get from Phineas Black, the Wizengamot meetings in the past six months were failures. All the bans that Dumbledore wanted to pass didn’t pass and the counter-nominations from the Grey Alliance were passing through without issue. It also explains the tantrum that James had thrown, when Corban Yaxley’s nomination to put the current laws, bans and restrictions against dark magic under question has passed.

Sirius and Remus were furious about the passed motion and Lily was a dramatic bitch that whined that their babies are in danger, if dark magic becomes legalised. At one point, it was grating to hear Lily’s voice, but it was also satisfying to watch them run around like headless chickens.

They also noticed Arthur and the man looked as usual humble and kind, but that was a perfect mask. Dorea had a talk with Cedrella, who had also a portrait in Black Manor, about her son and the woman was happy and proud at her firstborn. Arthur was always close to his mother and she had taught him everything, what she had learnt from the Black Family. Cedrella also noticed that Arthur had a close affinity to the Black Family Magics beside the Weasley Family Magics unlike his younger brothers, who had only a close affinity to the Weasley Family Magics. She was proud that her son was able to use the Black Family Magics too. But there was one thing that she disagreed with Arthur and it was his marriage with Molly Prewett. Cedrella never liked Molly and she was right that the girl was up to no good, but thank Merlin, her son had found out about her treachery and punished her severely. The only thing, Cedrella didn’t like was the waiting, but she knew that Arthur had to be patient, in order to get rid of his wife, because of Dumbledore and his sheep. Her son was planning to divorce her at the end and file charges against the bitch. Molly Prewett would have a new home in Azkaban after the ten years are up. If she had been alive, Cedrella wouldn’t have waited like her son. Molly would have been publicly shamed and disgraced so badly until nothing was left of her name or she would have become a NoName since the former Weasley matriarch knew Muriel Prewett and Cedrella was sure that the old witch would have disowned Molly from the family. Dumbledore and McGonagall would have suffered too and Cedrella would have killed the cat bitch using the Black Family law.

But now, she can wait and watch, how her son was proceeding against those bastards. It is about time that someone gets rid of Dumbledore and his dumb idiots.

Platform 9 ¾, June 27th, 2003

The school year had come to an end and Jaques was boarding from the Hogwarts Express for the final time. Bill was right behind him. Both boys had many plans. Jaques had his exams on July 1st in Magical Theory and Magical Law, whereas he had his exams in Politics and Government on July 2nd. After that, he would be free until July 7th, where he would start his tutoring in Alchemy, Warding and Spell Weaving and Crafting and he would have his exams at the last week in August in those subjects.

Bill on the other side had a lot of work to do. He was going to have his exam in Magical Theory on July 2nd and on July 7th, he will attend the summer school in France, where he would be tutored in the muggle subjects until the end of August. During the Yule holidays, he was planning to do the exams that are needed for the 7th grade.

Jaques saw his family and the Abbotts waiting for him. He went directly into Anton’s arms and kissed him. Bill had an impish grin, how those two are enjoying each other.

“Bill!” A voice interrupted his thought process and the boy turned around seeing his father, who was making his way to him with Charlie, Percy, Fred and George in tow. The man had seen Anton and Jaques, who were hugging and kissing each other. Bill went into his father’s arms and his father had him in a tight hug. Arthur was glad that Bill was alright. The man was furious about the attack on his son and Jaques.

“Dad. I am ready for a long summer.” Bill had a determined look and hugged his brothers, who had a death grip on him.

“I know.” Arthur sighed. He wished that his son could enjoy the summer breaks like the other children, but due to Dumbledore and his idea of dumbing down the students, his son had to study during the summer holidays, in order to be up to par with the rest of the world.

Arthur was taking his sons to the floo and was on his way home. There was a lot of work to do for this summer.

Jaques and Anton had a small talk with their family and both said goodbye. The boys were unhappy that their wedding was postponed, but education unfortunately comes first. Anton and Jaques went their separate way. They flooed to the cottage that they got as a gift, whereas the Greengrasses and Abbotts returned back to their respectable estates.

The summer holidays could start.

Weasley Cottage, June 28th, 2003

The Grey Alliance had another meeting and they were discussing Dumbledore’s motion to remove the marking scheme. That man is making a repeat regarding the curriculum. But they will not only make the nomination fail, they will also introduce the ICW primary school curriculum for Magical Law. Narcissa was surprised by the ICW curriculums for the primary school, but it is for the education of the next generation. The students are learning for the first two years English and Math. There are also lessons in Arts, Music and Physical Education. From the magical aspect, they also have lessons in Etiquette and the basics of magics, where they are taught, how to hold wands and how to work with them. Furthermore, the wizard-raised children are going to be introduced to the Muggle Study class, whereas the muggle-raised are required to attend the Wizard Study class.

In third year, the students have a set schedule, where they would be taught English, Math and General Knowledge Lessons, where they would learn the basics of Science, Geography and Muggle History. Additionally, the students are also taught in Arts, Music and Physical Education. On the magical aspect, the children are taught the theory portion of Transfiguration, Charms, DADA, Herbology and Potions. Furthermore, they would also be taught in History of Magic, Magical Theory and Astronomy. They also have an elective and it is Muggle/Wizard Studies. The children could choose to attend the class or not.

There is one class that will not take place during third year and it is the Etiquette class since two school years should be enough to teach the students Etiquette. But there was going to be a Flying class during the students’ third year, which would be a required class.

During fifth year, the children have the ability to choose two electives at least. The electives are the theory portion of Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures and Alchemy. There are also the electives Politics and Government, Magical Law, Magical Theory and Divination. Magical Theory is an elective in fifth year. The students have a lot of work to do after that.

But in order to realise their plans, they needed two distractions since Dumbledore is planning to target the potion class again. Cyrus had a distraction that could work good against James and the others: “I want to discuss the scholarships since the system should be regulated. I noticed the issue after the lawsuits.” Everyone had their attention on Cyrus. The idea sounded to be good. “I think that the children from wealthier families no matter what blood status they have should be able to afford the tuition without issue. They should be barred from receiving the scholarship. Children from families that are in the middle class should have a standard scholarship, where they should have some support, if their finances are getting tight. And children that come from a poor background should receive a full scholarship, where every aspect should be covered.” Many agreed on that and they discussed the motion for the time being.

“Okay, but we have another issue. The old fool is going to target my class again and we need to do something about that”, Severus said in a strident and severe tone. Teaching students had changed Severus a little bit. It isn’t his passion, but he wants to make sure that the students are learning the art of potion-making and he had seen some potentials, but not many.

“Don’t panic, Severus, I have an idea. Pomona requested my help to update the Herbology class. She wants to use the ICW school curriculum and standards in Herbology. It would be a good distraction for the next few months.” Amelia smirked. Everyone had to admit that this would be the fourth class that would go through an update and it would be an annoyance to Dumbledore and his cheerleaders.

Severus was happy. Finally, some good news and he was surprised that Pomona wanted to make a change in her class, but he had noticed that Pomona didn’t trust Dumbledore like Filius. The woman had always questioned the headmaster regarding his decisions, he was making for the school, which was annoying the old man.

With that, the main point of the meeting was discussed and finished and they were talking about other staff. Cyrus especially is taking great joy of Jaques’ victory last weekend and the Abbotts just huffed. Danielle was rolling her eyes. Her husband can be a man-child sometimes, but she still loves him.

School board, June 30th, 2003

The school board meeting was ready to start, but the Head Governor was late like usual. Narcissa went over the strategy that they are going to use against Dumbledore and his chickens. She was lost in thought for the time being until the old fool arrived at the board meeting.

The session was opened and the meeting started with the assignments and reassignments of seats, but there was no one new to the board and none of the members have moved their seats, which isn’t surprising. Then, they summarised the last meeting and continued with the nominations. Dumbledore was the first to propose the removal of the marking scheme from the ICW school curriculum in Charms. The reason he had given was the fact that the marking scheme was discouraging students from learning and doing their assignments properly. Narcissa was getting a bit bored that Dumbledore is using the marking scheme again, but she is sure that this nomination will fail.

When he was finished with his motion, it was time to make the next nomination. Narcissa turned to Cyrus Greengrass, who was sitting in this meeting and the man immediately rose his wand. Dumbledore had a frown, but he chose the man regardless. “Lord Greengrass?”

Cyrus rose from his seat. There were some hostile glares from the light fraction, but the man ignored them. “Esteemed members of this board, I have a nomination to make regarding the scholarships that are given to students, who are coming from poorer backgrounds. There should be new regulations about the scholarships. First thing first, the students’ parents should fill out an application with the goblins regarding the scholarships since Gringotts is responsible for the Hogwarts Vaults. Then, there should be new rules, who should receive the scholarships and who is barred from receiving the money. Another aspect that needs to be regulated is, how much the students should receive from the vaults. Children whose parents are barely affording the tuition or have troubles with their finances should receive a standard scholarship that should act up as support and students, whose parents can’t afford the tuition, should receive a full scholarship. The parents of the first years need to present the birth and the citizenship certificate of the entire family, the Hogwarts invitation, the registration forms of the address that shows how many occupants were living in the house as well as the bank statements of both parents from the last three months. For the other school years, the parents need to provide the registration forms, the Hogwarts invitation and the bank statements of the last three months. With that, the parents’ financial situation and their living accommodation could be checked and the goblins would be able to calculate how high the scholarship should be for the children’s and the youths’ expenses.”

Many were discussing the nomination, but there were loud protests from the light fraction. James and the other younger followers didn’t like the motion and were protesting against it. Albus was not happy with their protests. He found the nomination alright, but his followers were making a big deal out of nothing. He will have to discuss with his followers that the motion is alright and they shouldn’t protest against the proposal.

With Dumbledore distracted, Aurelia Acton took over as Chief Witch. She announced: “Are there any other nominations or protests?” The woman had exaggerated the last part of the sentence.

Narcissa knew that it was time to make their move. She rose her wand. Aurelia turned her attention to Narcissa. “Lady Malfoy?”

The Malfoy matriarch rose from her seat gracefully. “I have a protest to make regarding Headmaster Dumbledore’s nomination about the marking scheme. This proposal would not help the students at all. It would make things worse for Master Flitwick since the marking scheme allows the professor to not only correct the assignments properly, but also to put a limit, on how much the students are allowed to write, and to make their expectations clear in their assignments. Furthermore, the marking scheme is also making sure that there is no extra credit and I should mention to everyone here that extra credits are forbidden in Hogwarts. It is only used, if more than 50% of the students are failing a class and it is due to a teacher’s incompetence that this is happening.”

Many didn’t know about that, but were supportive of the protest. Narcissa was sure that she had managed to get them hooked regarding her protest. This was good.

With that, Narcissa sat down and Aurelia asked: “Are there any other nominations or protests?”

Amelia rose her wand. Aurelia looked at the head auror. “Lady Bones?”

The said woman rose from her seat and began: “I have a nomination to make. It is a written request from Master Pomona Sprout. She is requesting from this esteemed board to update the Herbology class. Master Sprout wants to use the ICW school curriculum in Herbology for her students.”

The motion was added to the docket. Many were supportive of the proposal and were discussing the nomination.

The chattering ended, when Aurelia had returned the attention back to her. “Let’s continue. Are there any other motions?”

Michael Davis rose his wand this time and nominated: “I propose the ICW primary school curriculum in Magical Law. The class is taught during the last year of the primary school.” Many nodded in understanding at that and were discussing the motion until Dumbledore was finished with his idiotic followers.

When Dumbledore managed to calm his followers down and had retaken the podium as Head Governor. He asked Aurelia kindly, who was returning back to her respective seat: “Were there any other nominations during my absence, Aurelia?”

“Yes, there were two proposals. Lady Amelia Bones proposed the ICW school curriculum in Herbology. Lord Michael Davis nominated the ICW primary school curriculum in Magical Law”, Aurelia answered hiding a smirk.

Albus was alerted by this. No. This can’t be happening. He and his followers quickly protested the motions, but the majority of the school board gave them a blank look, which really made Dumbledore and his sheep desperate. They tried to make excuses that the updates of the Herbology class and the introduction of the Magical Law class were not necessary. Unfortunately, their desperate protests didn’t affect the members even slightly. It evolved into many rants and even tantrums, which really annoyed the board members. There was also the dark vs. light argument, which had also barely any effect on the other governors.

Dumbledore continued on with the votes, when he noticed that no matter what, he wouldn’t be able to convince the board members from plunging their world into darkness. Why is fate against him? The first nomination failed horribly, which infuriated Dumbledore and his followers. The second motion regarding the regulations and rules of the scholarships was approved by a unanimous vote. Dumbledore was glad that the motion passed without any issues. Amelia’s proposal had passed with a great majority, which angered the old headmaster to no end. He had to rework his plans again. The last motion from Davis had a three-quarter approval from the school board, which infuriated the headmaster even more.

With that, the session was closed and everyone was able to go home. Albus left the school board in an absolute fury. His followers were sent home since he wanted to be alone for the time being.

Hogwarts

Albus arrived back at his office in an absolute fury. The school board meeting was a complete nightmare. He allowed his magic to lash out obliterating his office in his pure rage. Why does nothing work? Since when does he suffer failure after failure. He had led this world for nearly a century and right now, he is suffering setbacks after setbacks. Why now? What did he do that fate has turned against him. He never had to deal with issues like these, but now, he is facing problems that he couldn’t fix, because someone is interfering in his plans. He only doesn’t know who.

He needs also to rework his plans regarding the next six months since his focus is now on the Herbology class. He needed to find a way to cut the ICW curriculum and standards before things could become difficult for his pawns in school. This was already the fourth class that had gone through an update.

Phineas was trying to supress a laugh. That man is still clueless that there is an alliance that is working against him and that dark wanker that calls himself Voldemort. Seriously, those two have caused more damage than good to their society. Voldemort’s blood supremacy is causing inbreeding within his followers, which leads to weaker magic and lower fertility rates as well as bigger risks of miscarriages and stillbirths. Dumbledore is causing problems within the balance between dark and light magic with his bans, restrictions and laws against dark magic, which is rising the number of squibs, lowering the fertility rate in the society and causing weaker magic strength rates in the UK.

Phineas knew that soon enough that balance would return and the magical society in the UK would recover from those two imbeciles through the Grey Lord.

Chapter Text

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, July 2nd, 2003

There was another order meeting in Hogwarts, where Albus and his followers were discussing their plans for the Wizengamot meeting on next Monday. This time, he had plans to put some laws against the elves and his first nomination would be to propose that the territory of the elves has to be reported and inspected by the ministry. Albus had presented his idea and many agreed on that. The elves were living somewhere unknown and that couldn’t be allowed and it needs to be inspected and controlled.

Arthur had the urge to rub his eyes at the idiocy of the fools here in this office. He couldn’t believe that the idiots here are thinking that the nominations that they were proposing should be done for the good of their society. In reality, their proposals were damaging their world even more and are causing problems in their world. He will inform the Grey Alliance about this. Arthur was careful enough that no one noticed anything amiss with his family. He is also avoiding eye contact with Dumbledore since Phineas warned him that Dumbledore is a master in legilimency. For that reason, he is avoiding eye contact and he is wearing goblin protection that should stop anyone from reading his mind.

James hoped that the Wizengamot meeting next Monday would be a success after all these failures that they had endured, it is about time that they were making some progress against the dark. John is celebrating his third birthday soon and he is planning to make it a great celebration. For this year, Lily, Sirius, Remus and he were planning not to invite the Longbottom matriarchs. Both women are Slytherins and he doesn’t want them anywhere near his son and the good and light people that were going to attend his son’s birthday. He found out that Callidora was a Black and that Augusta was a Greengrass before they married in the Longbottom family. The House Longbottom was compromised with Slytherins. He wished to get custody of Neville, in order to save him from the dark influence of his grandmother and great-grandmother, but both women had too much influence in the Wizengamot and unfortunately, he is only able to gain custody of his godson, if Callidora and Augusta were dead. James wished that they had died during the war, but You-Know-Who had targeted the younger generation during the war and not the older generation.

They will invite the Bones and Abbott Families again and hoped to fix Anton with his disgraceful behaviour. They were sure that with the Fenwicks and their friends there, they would be able to convince the Abbotts to dissolve the betrothal between Anton and Jaques. Sarah deserves to be the next Lady Abbott not a filthy snake. James is sure that it would work this time.

The meeting came to an end and everyone went their separate way.

Weasley Cottage, July 5th, 2003

The Grey Alliance had their meeting to counter Dumbledore’s nomination. Albus Dumbledore’s proposal is dangerous. Forcing the elves to report their colonies and allow the ministry to inspect their whereabouts is breaking the agreement between the wixen and the elves that was signed about 4000 years ago. This agreement was also regulating the symbiotic relationship with the house elves and in case, the agreement is broken, the elves could dissolve the bonds that the witches and wizards have with their house elves and they would from there on serve the elves. That would cause many problems with the noble families since they were depending on the servitude of the elves. Narcissa knew that no one would dare to vote for Dumbledore’s motion, if that was shown in front of the Wizengamot.

But they needed a distraction and Narcissa was running out of ideas. Adrianna had an idea since she noticed that one institution was missing that should help their society. “Guys, you are missing a department that should help the unemployed in your society. If a witch or wizard becomes suddenly unemployed, your ministry should have a department that deals with issues like these. There should be an income for the unemployed and those that can’t find a job. Furthermore, there should be a consultation, where the unemployed should be helped with their job opportunities.”

That sounded to be a good idea and many agreed on the nomination. “And from there, we could nominate to put the current restrictions regarding the elves’ colonies, where the elves are forbidden from expending their territory, under question. The elves should have the right to expand their territories like the other magical beings.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. This proposal should make sure that the elves could live without any interference from the government.

“Now, let’s talk about another topic”, Adrianna said and she turned her attention to the Abbotts, Greengrasses and Arthur. “How did the boys do on their exams?”

Cyrus and Danielle sighed. “Jaques did well on his exams and on Monday, he will start with his tutoring in Alchemy, Warding and Spell Weaving and Crafting. He will be busy with the practical portion since the theory had to be self-studied in those classes. For now, he had some free time before he had to do the tutoring in those classes. Jaques and Anton were putting some cooling wards around their cottage. It was too hot with the current wards that you have put.” Cyrus and Danielle were chuckling, when Jaques told them that they should visit him and Anton next weekend since it was still too warm.

Everyone nodded in understanding and also complained about the heat. Adrianna was grinning, because she imagined, what those two boys were doing and what their ‘dress code’ was during the summer, but she remained quiet and had her attention on Arthur.

The redhead had a proud smile on his face. “Bill had finished his exam in Magical Theory and it was the only class that he had to do at the beginning of summer. The results will come next week. He will start with his tutoring for his seventh grade in the muggle subjects next week.”

Everyone was glad that the boys were taking their education seriously. Jaques will start to attend a boarding school at September, whereas Bill will take his exams in the muggle subjects during the Yule holidays.

The meeting came to an end and everyone spend some time talking until it was time to go home with their children.

Wizengamot, July 7th, 2003

The Wizengamot meeting didn’t only start a few minutes, but when it was time with the presentation of new proposals, Dumbledore allowed a member of the Anti-Creature-Party to make the nomination regarding the elves. The fool started to rant: “My proposal is that the elves in our world are required to report their whereabouts and the ministry has to inspect the territory, in order to make sure that there was nothing malicious going on in these lands.” The man continued with his rants that the ministry had neglected to do this, in order to make their world a lot safer.

Narcissa rolled her eyes. That man is an idiot. Thank Merlin, she managed to get her hands on the agreement between the wixen and the elves. Narcissa read the agreement line by line and was horrified, what the consequences are, if this motion passes through. The worst-case scenario would be the loss of magic. The best case scenario is not even any better since they would lose the house elves to the elves, which would be another downside since they would be forced to hire normal servants for their households, when the house elves are gone.

When the fool was finished, Albus questioned, if there were any other nominations. Narcissa was the one, who rose her wand. Albus frowned. “Lady Malfoy?”

Narcissa rose from her seat and announced: “Lords, Ladies, I nominate to open up a new department in the ministry.” There was shocked silence in the Wizengamot chambers. Many stared at the Malfoy matriarch. These nominations were rare. Narcissa continued unbothered: “This new department should deal with the unemployed and the jobless in our world, so that those, who have suddenly lost their jobs or can’t find a job, have some consultation, where they could improve their chances of getting a job and an income during the time they are jobless. They shouldn’t be penniless in that time period. But there should be strict regulations regarding the income. Members from wealthy families are exempt from receiving money from that department for example, but those, who are depending through their jobs should receive an income from that department, in order to survive. Furthermore, there should be monthly examinations regarding those, who are registered in that department, if they are doing everything in their power to get a new job, and they should report it, if they were successful, in order to make sure that the new department is informed that they don’t need the income anymore. If they don’t report it, then, fraud charges would be filed against the person and if they received an income from that department, they would be required to pay it back fully.” Many nodded in understanding and Narcissa continued to go into details regarding the new department.

Many liked the motion, but there were some from the light fraction, who started to protest against the nomination.

Albus sighed, when his followers started an argument and he quickly stepped down, in order to calm his followers down.

Narcissa was hiding a grin and was ready to play with Dumbledore and his fools. When Aurelia Acton took over as Chief Witch, the woman continued: “Are there any other nominations?”

Narcissa looked at Tarquinius Nott, who gave her a nod and rose his wand. “Lord Nott?”, Aurelia asked and the attention was on the Nott lord.

Tarquinius started: “I have a protest to make regarding the nomination that was made concerning the elves. This is a bad idea, because 4000 years ago, we have signed an agreement with the elves that is regulating our cooperation with the elves. If we break that agreement, then, the consequences would be horrendous. The worst-case scenario would be the loss of magic and the best-case scenario is not any better, because we would lose our house elves to the elves and they would not be serving us anymore.” The man handed over the agreement and many were horrified, what the consequences were. No one would like to admit it, but they can’t lose the house elves to the elves. They needed them since hiring servants cost money and there are many requirements that they had to take precautions for.

Narcissa was glad that a majority was swayed away from the motion from Dumbledore, but it was time to act against the expansion restrictions against the elves. Looking at Amelia, the woman understood, what needs to be done. The Bones matriarch rose her wand after Aurelia asked, if there were any other nominations. Aurelia had her attention on Amelia. “Lady Bones?”

Everyone was silent, when the attention was on Amelia Bones, who rose from her seat. “Lords, Ladies, due to the agreement between the magical community and the elves, I am motioning to put the current restrictions regarding the expansion of elvish territory under question since these restrictions are violating the agreement.” Amelia turned to the marked paragraph regarding the territory of the elves and she also explained that the elves are mostly living in natural environments like forests, mountains, rivers, lakes and many other natural places. With these revelations, many questioned why they should restrict their territories since the elves were living outside the magical society and are living in natural habitats.

They were some discussions regarding Amelia’s nomination and Narcissa can tell that the motion is positively accepted.

When Dumbledore was finished with calming his followers down, the man asked Aurelia, who was returning to his seat: “Were there any other nominations, Aurelia?”

“There is a nomination from Lady Bones to put the current expansion restrictions against the elves under question”, Aurelia answered.

Albus grounded his teeth. Great, another nomination that could endanger his plans. The man moved over to the voting without protest since he doesn’t want to look bad, if he starts to protest against Amelia’s motion and the first nomination failed much to his fury. The second proposal passed with a clear majority vote, which confirmed a new department that would be created and staffed by the ministry. The final motion passed with a majority vote, which infuriated the members of the Anti-Creature-Party, Dumbledore’s followers and the fool himself.

With that, the session came to an end and everyone was able to leave.

Weasley Manor

Arthur returned back home from the Wizengamot session. He wished that his deputy would have taken over the seat in the Wizengamot, but the man doesn’t have any experience and had no interest in politics. Seeing Bill’s tutor in Math making his way to the floo, Arthur greeted him. “Master Thornwood, how was the tutoring session with my son?”

“It was alright, Lord Weasley. Your son is very exceptional in the non-magical subjects especially in my subject Math. I think that we would be finished with his tutoring a lot earlier than I had expected”, Allen Thornwood said with a genuine smile. Arthur nodded and was proud that his son was doing fine with his tutoring. But there was something odd about Bill’s birth. When Molly was pregnant with Bill, he remembered that the announcement was in February, but Bill was born at the end of August. Normally, he should have been born in November. He would have to check something up with Gringotts, in order to find out why Bill was born three months earlier than expected. But Arthur should be glad that Bill was alright and the goblins told him after the purge that there weren’t any problems with his children.

Arthur talked with the tutor and Bill for some time until the tutor left the manor and Arthur went to sit down in the living room that was leading to the veranda. On the veranda, there was a pool, where the kids started to have fun playing in the water and enjoying the summer. After Master Thornwood left, Bill undressed himself completely and joined his brothers in the pool. Arthur shook his head and called an elf to bring the clothes on the floor to the laundry room. Was it so hot that his sons were not even wearing a swimming trunk? Arthur made his way outside and quickly went in. Well, it was sweltering. Now, he understood, why his children were not wearing anything. There must be hundreds of degrees outside. He would melt in his robes, if he only remained for a full minute.

He should have taken the weather reports from the muggle news a little bit more serious since their prediction was more accurate. Arthur stopped thinking and had a grin. He had a good distraction for the next Wizengamot meeting. The WWN is transmitting the current news in the wizarding world, but Arthur had the idea that the WWN should also be transmitting some news from the muggle world like the BBC radio and the other show podcasts from Britain and the other countries. This idea sounded to be good and they could profit from this.

Arthur was lost in thought and he only noticed it, when it was getting darker outside. He quickly made his way outside to get his sons back inside. The boys climbed out of the pool and quickly dried themselves and ran to their rooms leaving the damp towels behind on the ground.

Arthur shook his head at the mess and collected the towels. A house elf quickly took the towels from Arthur to the laundry.

The man also made his way to his bedroom, in order to prepare himself for the night. He changed in his sleeping attire and brushed his teeth before he laid down. Tomorrow is going to be a long work day.

Avery Manor, July 10th, 2003

Brutus Avery was staring at the crystal ball that has the power to detect, if he had a soulmate. These crystal balls were created by the goblins and Brutus had rented the ball for this week. He had to return it back, when the week is over, where he had to do an inheritance test. The ball is showing eight colourful lights and these lights are representing the gender, the status and what is his soulmate. According to the goblins, the white light is showing him that his soulmate is alive, whereas black represents the fact that his soulmate is dead. Blue is describing that his soulmate is male, whereas purple means that his soulmate is female. The yellow light is showing him that his soulmate is a witch or wizard regardless of blood status. Orange means that his soulmate is a squib and red is showing him that his other half is a muggle. Green light means that his soulmate is a magical being and that they were also creature mates. He prayed to Merlin that his soulmate is alive and is a witch or wizard. He doesn’t care about the gender. The blood status is another matter. Brutus was the Avery Heir and he needed to marry soon. He had known that he had a soulmate before he started his seventh year through an inheritance test, but he is not aware, who it is since he received the gift too late on his 17th birthday and he is required to do a crystal test. Unlike Corban, who had known about Clara before he was seventeen, the man was not required to do the test. But due to the lateness, Brutus had to do the test now.

During the first round, he asked himself and held the crystal ball with his hands, if his soulmate was alive. The ball showed him a white light, which allowed him to sigh in relief. His soulmate is alive.

The next round was about the gender and the crystal ball glowed blue, which confirmed that his soulmate is a he. Brutus was surprised by this, but he didn’t care.

The last round was making him edgy and there Brutus was pacing his bedroom. Suddenly, the crystal ball gave him a bright orange light. “No!” Brutus was shocked and furious. A squib. A filthy and useless squib is his soulmate. No, he will not accept that. Brutus will kill this filth before he would even lay with him.

Quickly de-activating the orb, Brutus put it in his trunk in front of his bed. None of his family should know that a squib is his soulmate. He was furious. Out of all the fine witches and wizards, it had to be a squib. He will find that person and make them suffer for ruining him.

Brutus quickly wrote a letter to Gringotts, in order to bring the orb back and to make an appointment for an inheritance test, in order to find out, who the squib is and find a way to break the soulbond between that filth and him. He is still asking himself why, it had to be a stupid squib that was his soulmate. Why did Lady Magic give him such a useless person as a soulmate? Couldn’t it be a wizard from a good family? He will get his answers soon.

Gringotts, July 12th, 2003

Brutus was making his way to Gringotts. He was hiding his anger and sneer of contempt, but soon enough, his questions are going to be answered. Entering the bank, he went to an open teller. When he had rudely interrupted the teller from his work, the man shoved the orb in the goblin’s hands. The teller was slightly panicked that he would drop the orb and break it, when the rude human had shoved it in his hands, but thankfully, he managed to hold the orb tightly. Breaking this artefact would be disastrous and expansive. The teller glared at the man, but managed to retain his mask of disinterest. Brutus growled: “This orb must be defect. My soulmate cannot be a filthy squib.”

The teller took a deep breath. Great. Another person that is not accepting his soulmate. There were many of these. “Heir Avery, this artefact is not defect and is in a fine condition. Lady Magic is choosing your soulmate not the orb or me. If your soulmate is a squib, then, there is nothing that I or the orb can do.”

Brutus seethed and demanded: “Well, I demand an inheritance test, in order to find out, who my soulmate is.”

The teller withheld a growl, but the goblin had a bad feeling regarding the demand. He was sure that his next move could cause many problems, but the rude wizard has the right to know, who his soulmate is, and he can’t withhold the information from the rude heir. But at least, he can stall the wizard for a little bit longer.

Slowly preparing the ingredients, the teller prepared the potion and a piece of parchment. When the potion was finished, the goblin soaked the parchment in the potion. “I need from you seven drops of blood”, the goblin said with a sneer and handed the man a dagger.

Brutus took the dagger and cut his finger allowing seven drops of blood on the soaked parchment. Both waited until the inheritance test is finished.

When the test was finished, both had taken a good look at it.

Name: Brutus Octavian Avery

Father: Justinian Avery (Alive)

Mother: Josephina Avery neé Burke (Alive)

Siiblings: Arianna Avery (Alive), Damian Avery (Alive), Brian Avery (Alive)

Godfathers: None

Godmothers: None

Heir/Lordships:

Avery (paternal; Heirship: claimed; Lordship claimable after death of father)

Abilities: None

Spells/Potions: None

Blocks/Leeches: None

Soul Mate: Anthony Gardner (Alive)

Brutus was puzzled. Who the hell is Anthony Gardner? He knew that he was his soulmate, but who is that lad and from what family is he coming from, if he was a squib. At first, he thought that his soulmate is descending from the Gardner line that had gone extinct two centuries ago, but he dismissed the idea. It isn’t possible. He will make the boy suffer. There were many dark thoughts that were crusading through his mind. That bastard would regret ever thinking, he could besmirch his family name. There were many thoughts, what he was going to do to that prat.

The teller was uneasy, when he noticed the dark look on Heir Avery’s face. He will report it to the director. He had a bad feeling about this.

The goblin was interrupted by his thoughts. “Good, I will take the inheritance test home with me. I will track my soulmate down.” Brutus had a dark smirk on his face. He will hire a private investigator and will track the squib down. Then, he will have his fun with that fool.

With that, the heir of the Avery Family left the bank. The teller was still uneasy and had a bad feeling about this. The goblin returned back to work after Brutus was gone, but the feeling was not leaving him.

Knockturn Alley, July 14th, 2003

Brutus Avery made his way through Knockturn Alley, in order to speak to one of the less than legal private investigators. He had noticed the changes in the alley since the Wizengamot allowed to build shelters for the homeless and there were less people living on the streets. He was not happy about these changes since their lord needed new recruits and without the homeless, it was impossible.

He arranged the meeting with a private investigator here in Knockturn Alley since the PIs in the ministry are working for the DMLE and they could report his case to the head of the DMLE, which would make Crouch pay attention to him, if the man gets interested. The DMLE had their attention on his family after Patrick Selwyn was convicted due to Richard’s and Nathan’s past dealings with the man himself. They would of course keep the details secret, but his name would be mentioned and that wouldn’t do since the DMLE is paying close attention to his family. He had to do it discreetly.

Entering the shabby office of the PI, Brutus sneered at the state. The layout was disgustingly made. The desk was charred and grimly. The wallpaper was starting to peel and the carpet looked ratty. The shelves were old and had many splinters, whereas the books in the shelves were worn. The two chairs in front of the desk are looking ready to collapse, if he sat down. Brutus refused to sit on the chair, when it was offered by the PI.

The private investigator noticed the sneer and sighed. What was the man expecting a lavish office in Knockturn Alley of all places. The man should know that Knockturn was a terrible place to live in. “Heir Avery, what can I do for you on this fine day?”

“I am here to give you a new assignment, but this will be done under secrecy wards.” The private investigator nodded in understanding and took out his wand casting the secrecy wards around his office and sat down. Brutus continued: “I will pay you well, if you are able to find me Anthony Gardner. He is unfortunately my soulmate and a squib at the same time and I want to you track him down.” The PI nodded, but a bad feeling had settled in his stomach. Whatever Brutus was planning to do, it was not going to end good.

“It will be done. It will take me some time since you didn’t give me any clue, where he could be living. The muggle world isn’t small.” The PI was confused, who or where Anthony Gardner could be. He is sure that the lad was living in the muggle world, but where? Trying to find a squib in the muggle world is as difficult as finding a muggle or a muggleborn wizard or witch.

Brutus glowered in rage since he forgot to include some information about the squib. He will have to go to Gringotts, in order to find more information about his soulmate. “I want you to just find him. I will get some information about my soulmate and I will bring it to you. I am going to deal with him personally. So, leave the rest to me.”

The private investigator raised his eyebrow in surprise. Heir Avery’s soulmate is a squib. The man knew that this wouldn’t bode well, but he had to do his job regardless of his feelings.

When the PI agreed to do the assignment, Brutus left the office and made his way back to Gringotts.

Gringotts

Brutus made his way into Gringotts, in order to get more information about his soulmate. The young man was still furious that Lady Magic had chosen a weak squib as his soulmate, but he will have a nasty surprise for Anthony, if he finds him. Entering the bank, he went to the next open teller and made his demand: “I need information about my soulmate, Anthony Gardner.”

The goblin withheld a growl at the disrespect of the rude wizard, but managed to remain calm. “First state your name, wizard.”

Brutus gritted out: “Brutus Avery.”

The goblin nodded still annoyed. “Well, Mr. Avery. Can I have your inheritance test that you have made, in order to verify your claim of having a soulmate? If you have lost the inheritance test, then, there wouldn’t be any problems of making a new one, which would cost you 30 Galleons.”

Brutus growled, but regardless he took out the inheritance test. He doesn’t have the desire to waste his money on another inheritance test.

The goblin checked the test and verified the parchment, in order to be sure that the test wasn’t fake. The teller loved to stall the rude wizard for another twenty minutes.

Brutus’ patience was wearing thin. The man was furious, how long the stupid goblin was taking to verify the inheritance test. That disgusting creature should already be finished with checking up his inheritance test, but he knew that these creatures loved to stall witches and wizards that are rude and disrespectful to them. In his opinion, these filthy creatures do not deserve any respect and should be eradicated. They shouldn’t handle the money of their community since he is sure that they were untrustworthy, how they were handling the accounts. Brutus was sure that they were stealing money from upstanding citizens like him and his friends and allies, but he also can’t say that out loud since it would lead to a goblin war.

“Very well, the inheritance test is valid, Mr. Avery. I will try to get some information regarding your soulmate. I need you to pour your magic in this crystal, so that we can find out, where he lives. It isn’t accurate as a tracking charm, but you will find out, in which city your soulmate is living.” The goblin handed over a blue crystal and Brutus started to pour his magic into the crystal.

The crystal had a bright light and words started to form until it was finished: ‘Anthony Gardner, Shrewsbury, Shoplatch’

The goblin snarled: “Mr Avery, your soulmate is living in Shrewsbury, Shoplatch. From there on, you are on your own on finding your soulmate.”

Brutus just glared at the goblin, but it was a start. He requested a piece of parchment and wrote the whereabouts of his soulmate down.

Without a word, he left the bank. The goblin huffed at the rudeness and disrespect from wizards and witches, but there is no goblin alive that liked Dumbledore’s and Voldemort’s followers. Even the leaders themselves have terrible manners and the goblins knew both men’s real feelings in regards to magical beings and creatures. They hoped that the Grey Lord would bring order and balance back in their world.

Knockturn Alley/Shrewsbury, July 16th, 2003

Brian Turner was sitting behind his desk looking through the maps of Shrewsbury, a small city in West Midland. He took a closer look at Shoplatch street, in order to see, where Anthony Gardner was living. Brutus had sent him the information, where the lad was living at, and he started to look at the place. He had heard that Shrewsbury was a beautiful and small city in England, but beside the point, he had to find some information about his client’s soulmate.

At first, he needed to get some information on the boy. The first place would be the Birmingham Register Office since the boy’s birth was registered in Birimingham. With some magic, he would be able to gain access to Anthony’s records and from there, things would be easy to track the boy down.

He rose from his seat and left the office. Outside, he apparated to the Brimingham Register Office. Brian had managed to avoid the muggles and their cameras and made his way in.

There he used some magic on the staff and asked for information about Anthony Gardner. Brian used the excuse of being a lost relative that had found out about his connections with the Gardner Family. The employees were compelled to do as they were told and started to look through the cabinets. Unknown to him, there were some magic detectors in the institution, who have alerted the use of magic in an institution in the muggle world, but until the ministry employees came, Brian would be long gone from the scene. The PI knew about the detectors and he had an entire hour to get information about Anthony Gardner. Brian was a former auror, who supported the dark, but he was not a supporter of Voldemort. At first, he supported the ministry, but after his family was murdered by order members and he was denied justice by the ministry, Brian turned to the dark lord for help, which was a mistake since the man was terrible and he regretted the choice he had made. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get out without getting killed and so, he was forced to remain with the death eaters. But there, he had received help from a few death eaters, who were not that loyal to Voldemort. Unbeknownst to Brian, he received help from Severus, Augustus, Thorfinn and Evan, who were there for him and were the ones, who tortured and killed the responsible order members that have caused the death of his family. Later, he found out that the spies Augustus Rookwood, Thorfinn Rowle, Severus Snape and Evan Rosier were the ones, who helped him with his revenge and he was grateful for that. He was pleased that the families of those monsters that have killed off his family were denied justice and had to watch in a powerless fury as the killers were given immunity and were honoured for their actions during the war. It was satisfying to see that they suffered the same fate like him, but they had it worse since the public had hailed the four as heroes and their children received nothing for their actions during the war.

But Brian returned back his focus to the present. The staff gave him information about the Gardners and gave him the address of the family. With that, Brian left the office quickly before the ministry employees arrived. He was on time, when he had seen the employees of the ministry making their way to the registration office, in order to check up, what was going on.

He apparated back to his office and made plans to pay the muggle neighbourhood a visit, where the Gardners were living. Brian would ask around, but he will use magic on the muggles, in order to appear unsuspecting. The last thing, he needed was getting any suspicions from the muggles and having the muggle aurors on his trail. For that, he had to wait until he is safe to investigate further in the muggle world.

Shrewsbury, Shoplatch, July 18th, 2003

Brian Turner was walking through Shrewsbury trying to find the address of the Gardners. He found the house, but it seems like that the family wasn’t there. Well, it was summer and he is sure that the family is on vacation. Fortunately for him, there was an older woman in her sixties tending her garden. Brian approached the woman and slipped out his wand using some compulsion magic on her, in order to get some answers from the woman without getting any suspicions. He doesn’t want to harm her. “Excuse me, Ma’am.” When the woman turned her attention to him, Brian spelled some light compulsion on her.

“Yes, my dear, what can I do for you?”, the woman asked cheerfully.

Brian sighed and said: “I would like to know about the residents that are living beside you.”

“Ah, the Gardners. A nice and friendly family. They are now on vacation, but I have known them for years”, the woman said with a proud smile.

“What do you know about them?”, Brian asked.

“Well, there is Walter Gardner. I have known him since he was a little boy and had seen the lad grow up becoming a man. He is a very good father to his children and a very good husband to his wife considering the fact that his own family was terrible to him. Walter’s parents and grandparents were terrible neighbours. Those imbeciles have verbally and physically abused him, when he started to attend school demanding perfection. The poor boy had even starved himself to death, in order to get perfect grades and when he had slipped and got a B or even a C on a test, he had gotten yelled and even beaten by either his parents or his grandparents. They forbade him to eat. I have sneaked him something to eat, when all four went out for the day leaving Walter alone and hungry. My late husband had never liked the Gardners apart from Walter, whom he had pitied. We did our best to help the poor boy and we have managed it.” The woman let out a watery sigh.

Brian had to admit that it must be terrible that the father of the family suffered so much during his childhood and teenagerhood. Turning his attention back, he asked: “And what about the wife?”

“Valerie Gardner is a kind woman, who is working as a teacher and has been doing volunteer work for the church. And there are the children. Anthony, the eldest, Victoria, the middle child, and Peter, the youngest of the family. They are very well polite and hard-working children. They write good grades and are very helpful in the community. Like last year, they helped me to fix up my garden, when I broke my hip and wasn’t able to move for months.” With that, the woman was finished and went back to her home. Brian had memorised everything, what he needed.

He remained there for some time until the woman returned from her house with a picture of the family, where she herself was included. Brian made sure to keep an eye on the neighbours, so that there weren’t any suspicions from them. He put some wards around himself and the woman, so that the neighbours weren’t paying any attention to them. He also had plans to memory charm the woman, so that she doesn’t remember the encounter. The woman showed Brian the picture and she showed him the family naming the members. Brian had to admit that Anthony was quite beautiful. He had dark blond hair, blue eyes and full lips. The boy had an oval face and a small and skinny frame, but he looked healthy and well-cared for. Brian rose his eyes in shock, when he noticed the traits of a male bearer. How is that possible? The boy is a squib. He needed to find some information before he is going to make a judgement, if it is possible for male squibs to become male bearers.

When the woman was distracted for the time being with tending to her garden, Brian quickly made a copy of the picture and put the copy in his pocket. He quickly got the attention of the woman and said: “Thanks, Mrs. Baker. Here I am giving you the picture back.”

The woman smiled and took the picture back home. When she turned her back, Brian pointed his wand on the woman and casted the memory charms on her and a light compulsion that would dissolve fast, in order to erase any traces that he was here.

Brian quickly left the street and made his way back home.

Knockturn Alley, July 20th, 2003

Brian was sitting in his office tensely. He doesn’t know why, but since he had gotten the assignment from Brutus Avery, Brian had a bad feeling, when Brutus came to him to assign him for this task. He needed to speak with Severus since the man doesn’t have any classes until September and Brian can trust him. Maybe he could help him. The private investigator went to the floo and made a floo-call to Severus. It didn’t last a minute and Severus was on the other end of the floo. “Brian, what can I do for you?” Severus had known Brian, when the man had joined Voldemort due to the death of his family that was done by some order members, who believed that the Turner Family were death eaters. Brian wanted revenge. But he realised his mistake, when he had seen, what the death eaters were doing. Thankfully, he, Augustus, Thorfinn and Evan stepped in and helped him with his problems. The four paid the responsible order members a visit and tortured and killed them in one row. The families of the order members had wanted justice, but they got nothing at the end, which had infuriated them.

“Severus, I need to speak with you. It is urgent. Can you come through?” Brian was desperate. Thankfully, he casted the secrecy wards, so, he was able to relay the information to Severus. If Brutus had casted them, then, he would be stuck.

“Okay. I am coming.” Severus flooed in Brian’s office and stepped out of the floo. The potion master sneered at the state of the office. “Have you ever considered to clean up this place?”

“Well, yes, but I got distracted with work, so, I had pushed it back on a later date.” The man was scratching the back of his head and gave Severus a goofy grin.

Severus just huffed, but sat down on the seat that was vacant. “Okay, what did you want to talk about, Brian, and please make it short. There are some potions that I have to brew for the hospital wing and then, I can go home and start my vacation.” Severus was less than pleased that Albus was planning to close down the school so late. He had so many plans for this summer, but he had to delay them. He can bet that Marlene was not going to be happy about this delay and she would have had some choice words for him and Albus.

The man nodded in understanding and began. “Over a week ago, I have received an assignment from Brutus Avery. He wants to find his soulmate, but from his expression, I can read that the man despises his soulmate.”

Severus raised his eyebrows. “Why? Why would he hate his soulmate?” Soulmates were a gift in the magical world and this gift should be cherished and revered. Despising his other half is an insult to Lady Magic and trying to break a soulmate couple up is the worst heresy. So, why would Avery hate his soulmate.

“Because his soulmate is a squib”, Brian answered.

Severus raised his eyebrow in shock. A squib. Now, he understands Brutus’ bad reaction regarding his soulmate. The Avery Family were strong believers in Voldemort and his ideology and like the other death eaters, the Averys hate squibs, muggles, squibborns and the muggle-raised. Severus can imagine that Brutus would have been furious that his soulmate is a squib. But he was also getting a bad feeling and somehow, his gut is telling him that something terrible is going to happen, if Brutus and his soulmate remain soulmates.

“I understand, Brian. I know Brutus. He would never accept a squib as his soulmate. What I can suggest is to keep an eye on him and report anything noteworthy to Amelia or Corban since I am sure that both will take you serious unlike the other aurors.” Severus sighed. There is nothing much that he can do and say, but if Avery is going to harm his soulmate, then, Brian should step in and help the unlucky lad.

Brian nodded and felt a bit better and he had made plans to keep an eye on Brutus. Both talked a little while until Severus had to return back to Hogwarts. Severus hoped that with everything done, he can go home and start his holidays.

Hogshead Pub, July 21st, 2003

Brian was on his way through Hogsmeade to the Hogshead. He had a meeting with Brutus Avery in the pub since he is sure that there would be privacy. The Hogshead was more welcoming to a darker clientele than the Three Broomstick since there was at least some privacy and they wouldn’t receive odd looks from the patrons in the restaurant. The Three Broomsticks were also too popular and there were too many people. Especially, on a Hogsmeade weekend, when students are coming in the village. Before he left, Brian had sent a note to Severus about his meeting with Brutus and the man said that he would be there to oversee the meeting. Reaching the Hogshead, he entered the pub. There, he greeted Abe and made his way to Avery, who was already sitting and waiting for him. Brian ordered a mug of beer.

Sitting down, Brian noticed Severus sitting on one of the tables drinking a glass of fire whiskey. The said man tensed up and prepared himself to use his skills as a spy. Severus had told Marlene about Brian Turner, the man’s assignment and the meeting that is taking place in the Hogshead. Marlene thankfully understood the situation and told him that they can wait with their vacation, because this was more important. The woman was worried that something bad was going to happen and considering, what had happened with the Yaxley, Jugson and Selwyn Families, it is better to be safe than sorry. He shared the feeling and hoped that he would receive more information about the soulmate since Brian was not able to tell him, who the squib was. Today, he will get the details and from there, he was going to make plans to protect Brutus’ soulmate from the man himself. Severus also explained the situation to Aberforth, who allowed him to spy on the Avery Heir in the Hogshead.

“Heir Avery, I have some information regarding your soulmate.” Brian tried to remain calm.

“Good, where does he live and can you give me the address?”

“He is living in Shrewsbury with his family. From what I have gathered, he is 17 and is still attending school in the muggle world. Here is also the address.” The private investigator gave Brutus the note with the address. “But they are on vacation for now and they would return in August.”

Brutus grumbled. This was a setback.

“Here is also a picture of the family.” Brian gave the Avery Heir the family picture. “The boy with the dark blond hair and blue eyes is Anthony Gardner.”

Brutus took the picture and had a closer look at his soulmate. There was a feeling that he tried to suppress to find him and make him his. The boy looked downright perfect and he would make a perfect husband. No. He will not succumb to his desires and Brutus was not going to lay down with a filthy squib. He was planning to deal with that brat, but it was going to be difficult since soulmates can’t kill each other. He needed a plan to find a way to remove the soul bond with that filth.

Brian had seen the lusty looks from Brutus Avery and knew that there was one part that would stop the man from killing his soulmate, but he is sure that the boy was going to suffer under Avery’s hands and Brian is also sure that Brutus was going to find a way to get around the soul bond.

Severus had to restrain a shiver, when he had seen the looks Brutus was throwing at the picture. The potion master was sure that Brutus wasn’t going to be soft on the boy, if he manages to get his hands on him.

Brutus thanked Brian for his success and paid him handsomely. Brian had made another copy of the picture, in order to show it to Severus.

With that, the Avery Heir left and Severus waited until he is sure that Brutus was gone. Aberforth gave him a nod that it was safe.

“Severus. Thank Merlin, you are here. Your presence made me feel safe. I feel dirty and I believe that I will take a long, hot bath after this”, Brian said in an attempt to be funny, but the situation is anything, but funny.

“I would be on the same boat, if I were in your shoes. Can I see the picture, in order to see, who Anthony Gardner is.” Severus had a tight smile.

Brian nodded and showed him the picture. With his index finger, he pointed to the said person. Severus had to admit that the boy was quite beautiful and he had noticed the traces of a male bearer. Brian asked: “Severus, is it possible that a squib could be a male bearer?”

Before Severus could answer this question, Aberforth did the deed. The man was there to clean up the table, where Severus sat. “Yes, it is possible, Mr. Turner.”

Both men rose their eyes in shock. Male squibs can also become male bearers and are also able to give birth to children. Dear Merlin. This will cause some problems in the muggle world, if even one of them falls pregnant. Severus will inform Amelia about this. The ministry needs to do something about this situation. Aberforth gave both men a smile and started to explain: “Even though, squibs can’t use active magic, they are able to use passive magic and have magical blood in their veins. And the gift of being a male bearer is categorised as passive magic.” Brian and Severus looked at Aberforth like he had grown a second head. This is mind blowing. Severus will mention it to the next meeting with the Grey Alliance regarding the Wizengamot meeting in August.

With that, Aberforth cleaned the table and both men prepared to leave the pub in shock. Aberforth wanted to laugh at the men’s expressions. He was taught this during his time in school. Since his brother took over Hogwarts, a lot of knowledge has gone missing.

Prince Manor

Severus arrived home numb with shock regarding the revelation about the squibs. Marlene was going to greet her fiancée until she noticed his expression on his face. She was amused by his current demeanour. “Severus, what has happened that you have this look on your face?”

Severus managed to find the right words to describe, what had happened. He sat down on the couch. “I have met up with Brian, an old acquaintance during my time as a spy and private investigator. He had a meeting with Brutus Avery regarding Avery’s soulmate.”

Marlene nodded in understanding. “Alright. I know that his soulmate is a squib and that that is worrying since I know that the Averys would not accept a squib in their family, let alone to continue the legacy of their lineage.”

“Yes, but I didn’t tell you about the gender and the name of the squib”, Severus said in a clipped tone.

Marlene raised her eyebrow. “Severus, are you telling me that the squib is not a female, but a male.”

Severus nodded in confirmation. Marlene sank down on the couch beside her fiancée. “Dear Merlin. But that would mean that Avery’s soulmate must be a male bearer. Is it even possible for male squibs to be natural carriers?”

“Yes, it is. Brian asked me the same question, even though I didn’t have the answer. But Abe confirmed it and explained that the gift of being a male bearer is passive magic not active magic”, Severus answered in a panic.

Marlene raised her eyes in shock. That piece of information is mind-blowing. This also could cause problems in the muggle world. Since she is sure that the muggles in the know and the queen would demand answers, if some of the male squibs got pregnant. Answers that could be uncomfortable to explain. She changed the topic. “Abe? Who is Abe?”

“He is the owner of the Hogshead. His real name is Aberforth Dumbledore.” Severus liked the idea of changing the topic.

Marlene was surprised by this information. “Is he somehow related to our dear headmaster?”

“Yes, he is. Abe is Albus’ younger brother. He is not a bad guy since he doesn’t like Albus and there is a clear rift between them. I don’t know, what caused this rift between those two. I would have to speak with him one day regarding his dislike against his brother”, Severus responded. Marlene pursed her lips. Well, she never knew that Dumbledore has a younger brother.

“Let’s pack our things and go on a vacation, Severus. Our minds would blow up with what we had learned.” Marlene stood up and went to their room. Severus agreed and followed her. Maybe a vacation would clear his mind. He had a meeting with the Grey Alliance on Saturday, when he and Marlene are going to return back to Britain.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, July 23rd, 2003

Albus was sitting behind his desk with his followers scattered around the office making plans for the on-coming school board meeting on Monday. They needed to work on some restrictions on the Herbology curriculum before they could move onto the potion curriculum and standards. But Albus doesn’t know, where to start. “Does anyone have an idea with what we should start?” Many were clueless until Elphias was the one, who began to present his motion. “We could start with removing the crossover with the potion class. It would be confusing for the students, if they are learning potions and herbology at the same time.”

“A wonderful idea, Elphias, my friend.” Albus’ eyes were twinkling.

Arthur wanted to roll his eyes. Too confusing for the children. What a pathetic excuse in his opinion. This crossover between the potion and herbology classes would make things easier for the students. Nearly every plant in the herbology class is used for potions as potion ingredients. Seriously, these fools were acting like they knew, what is good for their world. They don’t seem to realise that they are harming their world with their bigoted way. But it is entertaining to watch them throw temper tantrums, if things don’t go their way at all.

Sirius had a downcast look. In over a week, his pups are going to celebrate their third birthday and he is still clueless, where Harry could be. He secretly tried to use tracking rituals. Even the darker ones were not spared, in order to find his lost godson. He can’t explain to James, Lily and Remus, why he is using these rituals. His evil family made sure that he can’t say and write anything down.

When everyone agreed on Doge’s motion, James and Lily drew the order’s attention to them. James made sure to be dramatic like he had been during school. “We have great news, Ladies and Gentleman. Next week on July 31st, our sweet prongslet will become three and is growing to become a master prankster like me. You are all invited at the birthday party.” Lily and Remus rolled their eyes at James’ statement. The others wanted to roll their eyes at that statement. Master prankster. Seriously, James had been caught and got in trouble more times, then, it was worth it. A master prankster would have never got caught. To them, James was more of a fool than a master prankster.

Many chattered about their saviour’s birthday and Albus had a quiet discussion with James and Lily. The man wanted to talk about the other members of the light fraction, who they wanted to invite. Lily answered: “We have decided to invite Amelia and the Abbotts again. I am not going to give up on finding a way to make Anton see reason and get together with Sarah. We also made sure that Greengrass wasn’t invited. I don’t want him anywhere near our son and I don’t care about their betrothal.” James nodded in agreement and Sirius and Remus were giving her supportive looks. Albus sighed. This could be problematic.

“Furthermore, we have decided to cut ties with Augusta and Callidora Longbottom as well as Marlene and Dorcas. It pains me that we can’t find a way to get Neville away from those two evil snakes. I still can’t believe that both women were Slytherins. Well, Callidora was a Black, so, it was expected, but I never thought that Augusta was a Greengrass before she married Howard Longbottom”, James complained. All three bobbled their heads in agreement.

“And Marlene and Dorcas? Why don’t you want to invite them?”, Albus asked surprised about the fact that the two women were not invited to John’s birthday. They were Lily’s friends after all.

James growled. “Those two had made their allegiances clear after they had allowed Lily to be insulted with the M-word and that they have sided with Snivellus. Did you know that Snape had called Lily the M-word in front of her friends and got away with it. No one had called him out and defended Lily against that disgusting slur. Not even Marlene and Dorcas, who had witnessed it, did anything to protect Lily against Snape’s vile insult. No, they sided with Snape and agreed with him.”

Albus was stunned. What did Marlene and Dorcas do? Why would they do this? Lily was insulted by that slur and they did nothing. Don’t they realise that this was making the reputation of the Gryffindor House bad? He didn’t understand it. Maybe Albus should have some words with Marlene and Dorcas about this sort of behaviour, in order to find the reason, why they broke off with Lily.

The rest of the day, the order spent talking about the school board and the birthday party next week. Everyone was chattering apart from Sirius, who was still thinking, how to find Harry and save him from Narcissa’s clutches. There must be a way.

Prince Island, July 26th, 2003

Severus had invited the Grey Alliance to come to the Prince private island, in order to discuss the order meeting that had taken place three days ago. His maternal family has been owning the island for centuries. But before the meeting could start, he needed to talk with Marlene about the alliance. He is sure that she wouldn’t have a problem with the alliance, but he doesn’t want to hide things from her. Severus had requested from Narcissa the inheritance test from Akira, in order to present his proof. He had explained his friend that he wanted to include Marlene in the alliance. Severus used the contact mirrors, in order to talk with Narcissa about Marlene’s inclusion. The Malfoy matriarch agreed to include Marlene. It would also help them to gain some grounds in the light fraction.

Marlene was sitting in the living room confused. Severus wanted to talk with her about something important.

Severus turned his attention to Marlene. “Marlene, is it alright that we put privacy and secrecy wards in the living room? This information that I am going to relay to you is dangerous and it is also involving some things that you are not going to like.”

Marlene sighed, but she nodded regardless since Sev was serious. Severus activated the said wards. “Well, first, I want you to show this and then, you can have a clearer picture, what I want to tell you.” Severus gave his wife the inheritance test.

Marlene took the piece of parchment and looked through the paper. Her face darkened, when she was finished. “That bitch! Those miserable bastards! How dare they do this to an innocent child. Where is the boy, Severus? We need to save him.”

“He is safe, Marlene. The potions, spells, leeches, which is also including the horcrux, and the blocks were removed. He is also taken care of by muggles that are living outside of Europe. According to Narcissa, who is also the magical guardian of Hadrian, the muggles are caring and they are going to protect him.” Severus assured his angry fiancée, who was mollified by this information, but Marlene was still unhappy.

“I still can’t believe that James, Lily, Sirius and Remus would do this to an innocent child. I mean, I had known them since we were in our first year, but that they are like this, I… I… I don’t know what to say.” Marlene was horrified, what James and Lily had done to their child. “They need to pay for this, Severus.”

“They will, Marlene, they will pay for what they had done. There is also the fact that Albus was aware of this.” With that, Marlene would lose her entire trust to the headmaster.

“WHAT?! Albus had known about this! Severus, please tell me you are joking?!”, Marlene looked at her fiancée in panic.

Severus nodded. “The compulsion spells are bearing Albus Dumbledore’s magical signature. The goblins checked it and confirmed it.”

“That old bastard. He needs to be stopped, Severus.” Marlene couldn’t believe, what her old headmaster had done.

“It is on the works, Marlene. There is an alliance that is working against Dumbledore and Riddle.” Severus smiled at Marlene’s shocked look.

“Really?”, Marlene questioned.

Severus nodded reassuringly. “Yes, I am going to introduce this alliance to you today.”

“You are affiliated with them?”, Marlene asked her fiancée astonished.

“Yes, it was dubbed as the Grey Alliance since it is a mix of dark and light witches and wizards that are working together to stop those two fools. Furthermore, Narcissa is the magical guardian of the Grey Lord, who should restore the balance in our society. That was how the Grey Alliance was created.”

Marlene raised her eyebrow. “A Grey Lord? Wait a minute. Hadrian is the Grey Lord. But he is a toddler. He is too young to lead us.”

“I know, but Narcissa is going to take care of that until the boy is of age. Let’s wait for the others. You would be surprised, who is in that alliance.” Severus smirked.

Marlene stared at her fiancée. Well, it is time to meet the other members of the Grey Alliance. She will help them bring Dumbledore and Voldemort down.

Before the meeting could start, Marlene was introduced to the members of the Grey Alliance. The woman was surprised that many notable figures from the dark and light fractions were allied with the Grey Alliance. It had surprised her that from the dark fraction the Lestrange, Nott, Rosier, Rookwood, Rowle, Malfoy, Black and Yaxley families were aligned with the Grey Alliance. From the light section, she was stunned that the Weasley, Prewett, Abbott, Longbottom and Lovegood families were there. From the neutrals, there were the Greengrass, Bones and Davis families, who were members of the Grey Alliance. Marlene was stunned that those families want to make their world a safer place.

Another thing that shocked her was the revelation that muggleborns were actually squibborns since two muggles are incapable of having a magical child. The current Lady Nott is also the current Lady Blackwood, which was mind-blowing. Clara Yaxley is also Lady Evandrus, which didn’t surprise her since Corban Yaxley had claimed the seat during the Yule session in 2001.

The next thing that shocked and infuriated her was Narcissa explaining, how the alliance was created. She was enraged that her old headmaster had known, how to defeat Voldemort and how he had never bothered to tell anyone about the horcruxes. So many people died, because of that monster and his insane followers. “Severus, I need a minute to let out some steam”, Marlene growled. Severus quickly sent her to the dueling room, where Marlene unleashed her anger on the dueling dummies. After she was finished tearing the dummies apart, she returned back calm and collected. “That was good.”

“Well, what do you think, Marlene?” Severus gave his fiancée a smile.

Marlene took a deep breath. “Well, I am in. Those two monsters need to be stopped. I will talk with my father about this and I can assure you all that the McKinnon Family would help you in this endeavour. My father was always wary of Dumbledore and his followers and it got worse, when the death eaters attacked the McKinnon estate and killed many members of my family. I am sure that our family would have gone extinct, if Severus, Augustus, Evan and Thorfinn didn’t interfere. With that information, I would be able to turn him away from Dumbledore and his so-called ‘Greater Good’.” Many nodded in understanding and the meeting was ready to start.

The meeting began with Arthur, who explained the order meeting on Wednesday. Marlene wasn’t surprised that Dumbledore wants to dumb down the Herbology class. She remembered that the class had an update during the meeting in June.

When Arthur was finished, Marlene stared at the man like he had two heads. “Are you serious, Arthur? He wants to ban the crossover between the Herbology and Potion class since it is making things harder for the students. That is a flimsy excuse. This crossover would make things easier for the students to understand that the plants could also be used as potion ingredients.”

“That is the argument they are going to use”, Arthur said with a grimace.

Everyone sighed like they were in actual pain. “Well, we can argue that it would actually make things easier for the students to study for both classes, if they are taught about the importance of the plants in the potion class”, Marlene suggested. Everyone agreed on that.

“But we need a distraction for that. Does anyone have an idea?”, Narcissa asked.

Severus had an idea since he had a better insight of the school. “I have an idea, what you can change. It’s about the owls that are bringing the news and the mail to the students and staff during meal times. I am sick and tired, what kind of mess the owls are leaving behind in the great hall and I think that it is about time that this issue is addressed.”

“What is your suggestion, Severus?”, Narcissa asked curiously.

“I think that the mail should be delivered to the house elves first and the house elves should forward the mail to the students. And before you ask, the elves could forward the letters to the students magically without being seen by the students. I mean, they can also make refills without being summoned in the great hall”, Severus explained. Many found the idea good.

Augustus asked: “And what about the newspapers and the magazines?”

“For what are the newspaper stands, Augustus? They are not decorations. They have a meaning to our lives.” Severus gave his friend an unimpressed, but an amused look. Augustus just laughed.

Everyone chuckled, but they agreed on the motion.

“And we can nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Politics. This is going to be an annoyance to the old fool”, Lucius suggested. Many agreed on the proposal for the school board meeting.

The rest of the day, some of the adults watched the children play on the beach and in the sea, whereas the parents changed themselves in their swim suits and joined their children in the sea. Jaques and Anton were also there and had taken care of the children until the meeting was over. Both boys were glad that today was Saturday and they had the time to take care of the children. After the parents took over, they went to their assigned rooms, in order to rest since they were too tired. Anton and Jaques were responsible that the smaller ones do not drown in the sea. Both boys took off their trunks and went to their bed nude not bothering to put any clothes on. Anton also made sure that the door was closed, so that no one could enter their room without their approval. They didn’t want the children to see them like this and what they really wanted to avoid was the other adults entering their room especially Adrianna Zabini, who would not let it go, if she caught them like this. Anton and Jaques wrapped each other in their arms and fell asleep without covering themselves under the blanket since it was hot.

School board, July 28th, 2003

Albus arrived at the school board meeting a few minutes late. He always did this, in order to remind the board, how important he was. Sitting down on the podium, Albus prepared himself for the meeting. This time, Griselda would make the motion to remove the crossover between the potion and herbology class. They needed to make some headway in the school.

Albus opened the school board meeting and they began to talk about the last session. The Grey Alliance was happy that they had managed to update four classes to the ICW standards. This was a success for them. When it was time to make the nominations, Griselda was the first to rise her wand. Albus turned the attention of the board onto the Marchbanks matriarch. “Griselda, my dear.”

The woman stood up and began to make her nomination to remove the crossover between the herbology and potion class. She reasoned with the fact that it is making things harder and that the material would become more complicated to handle for the students. Narcissa and the other members of the Grey Alliance wanted to roll their eyes, when Marchbanks gave her reason why the crossover should be removed. They will make sure that this motion will fail. When the woman was finished, many discussed the nomination.

It was time to strike, when Dumbledore asked, if there were any other nominations. Lucius Malfoy rose his wand. Albus had a frown on his face. “Lord Malfoy?”

Lucius rose from his seat. There were some hostile looks from James and the other blind fools, but the patriarch of the Malfoy Family ignored the looks. “There is a complaint that was made by a staff member and I want to go over it. It is about the delivery of the mail and the news by owls and I am nominating that from now on, the mail should be sent first to the house elves in Hogwarts and from there on, the elves can forward the mail to the students without popping into the great hall.” Before Lucius could continue, Albus made a protest. “Lord Malfoy, that isn’t possible. The house elves should work in the kitchens and not be bothered with the students’ mail.”

“I don’t want to be contrary, headmaster, but the house elves can do that better without leaving a mess in the great hall. Like with the refills, they also can forward the mail without anyone noticing. I will give the order to the Hogwarts house elves that they are responsible for sending the mail to the students”, Pandora answered. She found the idea to be good. There wouldn’t be a mess in the great hall with that idea.

Albus was ready to growl. He can’t do anything since Pandora has more power over the house elves in Hogwarts than him. “And what about the news? You can’t ban newspapers and magazines from the school without risking a lawsuit.”

“Headmaster, do you know, what a newspaper stand is?”, Lucius asked. Albus sighed. He knew, what that was. This was going to be problematic. Lucius continued: “I am also proposing that Hogwarts gets a newspaper stand, where the students could read the news.”

Many chattered regarding the motion, but in the light section, there were protests from Dumbledore’s followers that this change was not necessary and the parents would be denied their rights to write to their children. The Grey Alliance and the other members of the board were confused by their reasoning. Albus was trying everything to calm his followers down. The man was furious about his followers’ behaviour.

With Dumbledore distracted, they could move on with their plans for this board meeting. Aurelia Acton took over as head governor and asked: “Are there any other nominations?”

Narcissa rose her wand. It is time for the protest. “Lady Malfoy?” Aurelia turned her attention to the Malfoy matriarch. Narcissa rose from her seat and began: “I have a protest to make, Head Governor.” Aurelia nodded in understanding and gave her the go-ahead. “I have serious questions about Lady Marchbank’s nomination. Her reasoning is nonsensical, because the crossover between the potion and herbology classes would make things easier. The idea that this would make things more complicated is complete nonsense and the students would learn both classes with ease.”

“I have to agree. Nearly every plant in Herbology is used for potions. It would make things easier for the students, if they learn the connection between the potion and herbology class”, Lady Meadow put in.

Many chattered and have to admit that Lady Marchbank’s motion has no sense. Narcissa was glad that the board members were swayed away from that stupid nomination.

The chattering ended, when Aurelia demanded: “Let’s move on. Is there another nomination?”

This time, Amelia rose her wand. “Lady Bones?”

The female head auror rose from her seat and announced: “For the primary school, I am nominating the ICW primary school curriculum for Government and Politics. The students need to know, how our government is structured and they also need to learn, how our society is operating. Many muggle-raised, who are entering our world for the first time, are believing that the wizarding world is like the muggle world and no one corrects them in that regard. This is the root, why many muggle-raised are discriminated in our society. They should learn, what the differences are in the wizarding world.” Aurelia nodded and put it on the docket. Many agreed on the nomination and they had to admit that Amelia is right. The muggle-raised are facing discrimination with their lack of knowledge about their society, the ministry, the Wizengamot and the school board. Government and Politics should help the muggle-raised to understand their society better.

For the time being, the members waited for Dumbledore and his fools. When they were finished, Albus sighed in relief that he had managed to convince his followers to vote for the nomination. After he retook the podium, Albus asked his vice: “Aurelia, were there any other nominations?”

“Yes, headmaster, there was a motion from Lady Bones. She nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for Government and Politics.” Aurelia smirked at the expression on Dumbledore’s face.

Albus froze. Amelia can’t be serious to nominate this elective. He tried to protest against the proposal with the support of his followers. He tried to convince the board that the class material was too dangerous and too complicated for the students to understand. Furthermore, the muggle-raised would be discriminated against, which was a weak excuse to the other members of the board. Narcissa noticed that many were not convinced about Dumbledore’s protest.

After Dumbledore was finished with his protest, he moved over to the voting. The first motion from Griselda Marchbank was a failure, which infuriated the head of the DoE and the headmaster. The second proposal had a great majority and the last nomination had a majority vote, which angered Albus to no end.

With the voting done, the board meeting came to an end.

Bones Manor

Amelia arrived back home from the board meeting. She was exhausted and tired, but on the other side, Amelia was glad that they were successful with the primary school and Hogwarts. For now, she needed to sit down before she was going to take care of her orphaned niece, who has turned three a few months ago. She also had a meeting with Severus, who had wanted to speak with her urgently. Amelia knew that Severus was not going to waste her time with frivolous things. The man is going directly to the point.

Susan was playing with her dolls. She knew that her aunty was tired, so, she didn’t want to disturb her. When it was time for dinner, Susan went to her aunt and wanted something to eat. Amelia sighed, but she was also hungry. Some dinner would do her good. She summoned her cook elf and ordered to make dinner for her and her niece. The elf bowed and popped away to prepare the meal.

Susan was drawing for the time being until both heard the floo flare. Amelia called another house elf to bring the visitor from the floo room here. Little Susan saw a man dressed in dark blue nearly black robes and clothes entering the living room. “Hello, Amelia. There is something important that I wanted to speak with you.” The man smiled down at her, but returned his attention to her aunt. “Would it be alright to send Susan up to her room. I don’t want her to listen to this conversation?”

Amelia nodded and quickly called another elf to send Susan to her room, where she would continue to play. After making sure Susan was in her room, Amelia asked: “What can I do for you, Severus?”

“Over a week ago, one of my contacts from the death eaters came to me with some alerting news. But first, I want to ask you. Do you know Brian Turner?”, Severus questioned the head auror.

“Yes, he worked for the DMLE until his family was killed by some fanatic order members. He had quit after the tragedy and after he was denied justice, but from there on, I don’t know, what he had been up to. There were some rumours that he joined the death eaters, in order to get retribution. I hope that they are not true”, Amelia said remembering her former co-worker.

“Unfortunately, he had joined the dark lord and the death eaters after he was denied justice, but he regretted it later and sought out help. So, Augustus, Thorfinn, Evan and I came to him and we had helped him to go through the mess that he had caused. And before you ask, Bartemius was also involved in this”, Severus explained. He also explained, who was involved in the massacre of the Turner Family. Amelia nodded sadly. She wished that she had done something for Brian, but the war had distracted her too much.

“What had happened to those monsters?”, Amelia asked with a growl.

“You don’t have to worry about them. Augustus, Thorfinn, Evan and I paid a visit to those fools and had them massacred in the same way the Turners were killed. It was music to my ears to listen to them beg for mercy, but we didn’t give them any. They suffered for the mess they had caused. Their families had demanded justice, but they never got it since I got a full pardon and an Order of Merlin First Class. Their faces were priceless.” Severus remembered the scene too well. The families of the order members were screaming and crying for justice, whereas Bartemius remained heartless and cold and refused to give them, what they wanted. They then went to Dumbledore crying their fools’ heads off, but the man was unable to help them, which made those fools cry even more.

Amelia knew that scene and it gave her satisfaction. The Order of Phoenix deserved nothing less. “Continue, Severus.”

“Well, Brian started to work as a private investigator in Knockturn Alley. He is not regulated by the ministry, but he had the license to work due to his position as an auror”, Severus explained. Amelia nodded in understanding. Former aurors can also work as PIs and they had the license for that. Furthermore, they also can open their own detective agencies. Other PIs are required to work in the ministry and it had to be regulated through the DMLE. They also can’t open upon their own agencies.

Severus continued: “Brian received an assignment from Brutus Avery, who wanted to find his soulmate. He had a bad feeling regarding this task and the man informed me about the current state of his investigation. I have the same feeling that something bad is going to happen, Amelia.”

“What is the problem with Avery’s soulmate?”, Amelia asked confused.

Severus took a deep breath and answered: “His soulmate is a squib, Amelia. You know that the Averys are strong believers of blood supremacy.”

Amelia now understood the situation. The Averys would never accept a squib in their family. Let alone allow a squib to continue the family line and the legacy. “Well, this sounds to be bad.”

Severus gave her the information about Brutus’ soulmate. He also included the picture, where he showed her, who Anthony Gardner is. Amelia had to admit that the boy was quite beautiful, but she was sure that there was more to the boy. Severus said: “He is also a male bearer.”

“What?!” Amelia stared at the man like he had two heads. Severus explained that the gift of becoming a male bearer is passive magic and not active magic. Amelia stared at the potion master open-mouthed. She managed to collect herself and said: “We need to bring this up in front of the Wizengamot.”

“I know, Amelia, but we have to wait until Brutus is dealt with. We can’t risk this information getting out. It would put the Gardner boy in danger and we don’t know, how Avery will react to this piece of information”, Severus said. His tone held a warning.

Amelia sighed. The risks are too big, but the fact that male squibs could also become natural carriers is also endangering the statue of secrecy. If one of the male bearers fell pregnant in the muggle world, then, there would be questions. Questions that are difficult to answer. She can imagine the headache that the muggle government was going to be. “Alright, but after this, we are going to make it public knowledge.”

“Fine. You will not regret it, Amelia.” With that Severus left Bones Manor and returned back to Prince Manor.

Amelia was lost in thought for a time being until her cook elf appeared in front of her to inform her that dinner was ready. The woman made her way to the dining room and ordered the elf to bring Susan there, so that she can eat too. Amelia will keep this information in the back of her mind, but she will wait for the right time to inform the Wizengamot.

Kurusu House, July 31st, 2003

Today is Akira’s third birthday and there were more guests than last year. Narcissa and Lucius with their son, Draco, weren’t the only ones to come. The list of guests was long since there were Amelia and her niece, Susan, the Abbotts, Jaques and Anton with little Hannah and Daphne, Pandora, Xenophilius and their daughter, Luna, Augusta with her grandson, Neville, the Davis Family with Roger and Tracy, the Notts, Darren Rosier and his nephew, Orion, and the Yaxleys with their children. The only ones, who couldn’t come, were the Greengrasses since Astoria had some health issues and Callidora, who had gotten sick. Felix couldn’t come too due to the studying and tutoring that he had to do during the summer holidays. But there were also those, who had to return back to Britain to be there for John’s birthday event. This includes Amelia and her niece, the Abbotts, who would return with Hannah and the Lovegoods. James and Lily invited Neville and requested that he stayed with them until tomorrow. At first, Augusta wanted to refuse, but Callidora convinced her that they would layer Neville with protections making sure that none of the spells and potions would work on Neville. Callidora also told Augusta that they would make an inheritance test, in order to make sure that there is nothing on Neville, which assured the woman. Apart from that, the protections would record every spell and potion. It could be useful on a later date.

When the birthday cake was served and the candles were blown out, Akira received many gifts.

Narcissa was speaking with Augusta. “Augusta, are you sure that it is a good idea to leave Neville with James and Lily? I have showed you, what they had done to Akira.”

“I know, Narcissa, but Callidora thought that he should be there since the Potters would make a big deal regarding Neville not coming to John’s birthday party. Furthermore, those imbeciles are my grandson’s godparents and they would make a big deal in the press, if Neville doesn’t attend the birthday event. The last thing, Callidora and I want, is to be in the centre of the public attention”, Augusta explained.

Narcissa sighed and understood the situation. She turned her attention to the others. “Anton, what about you? Are you going to attend the birthday event?”

The Abbott Heir turned his attention to the Malfoy matriarch. “No, Lady Malfoy. I refuse to attend John’s birthday party without my betrothed. The Potters came to my parents personally and invited us all to the birthday event. I told them that I was going to bring Jaques with me, but both said that he is not invited. So, I rejected their invitation, which made them angry. They were insistent that I should come, but I told them that without my betrothed, I won’t come. My parents supported my decision and said that I will only come with my betrothed. I swear that both were ready for a rant, but had managed to restrain themselves. They gave me the invitation regardless and said that if I decided to come, I would be welcome.” Anton sighed.

Narcissa chuckled. “I bet that Sarah Fenwick would have been there too and they would have tried everything to get you and her together. Dumbledore and his followers are stubborn and would never accept a no, if they set their goals on something.”

Anton rolled his eyes, but she was right. This wouldn’t have been funny. He turned his attention back to his betrothed. No one will separate them.

Potter Manor

Before the party could start, there was an order meeting regarding the Wizengamot meeting in August. They were planning to make the same headway with the veelas to ban elves from marrying anyone. There was a law that prohibits elves from marrying witches and wizards, but they want to expand the law. Many agreed on that motion and Albus was glad that they had managed to finish the meeting earlier.

James and Lily were excited. They made many plans for the birthday party. First things first, they are going to try everything to convince Anton to break off the betrothal with Greengrass. James, Lily, Sirius and Remus will not give up on this. Sarah deserves to be the next Lady Abbott.

Sirius had other worries. Today is John’s and Harry’s third birthday and he wished that he was able to find Harry and save him from those muggles and Narcissa. But the problem is, he doesn’t know, where he is. Sirius had used every tracking spell and ritual, but nothing worked since he is too far away. Hiring someone to find him wouldn’t help either since he doesn’t know, where he is. The only clue, he has about Harry’s whereabouts, is the fact that he is living outside Europe. He needed to find Harry, but he doesn’t know, where he is. Why did fate turn against him so badly?

Remus was worried about Sirius. Since he was disowned, his friend was broken and he had noticed that Sirius looked depressed, when his cubs’ birthday was coming nearer and nearer. It was the same thing like last year. Sirius had been ready to cry, but he doesn’t know, what is causing these feelings.

When evening arrived, the guests started to arrive. James and Lily were looking through the crowd. They noticed that the Abbotts and Amelia did come with Susan and Hannah. Neville did come too with his grandmother, who had come to drop Neville off with his godparents. She wished that there was a way to avoid this, but James and Lily would make a drama regarding her refusal. Augusta left her grandson in the care of those monsters, but she told the Potters that she would come to get Neville back home after lunch tomorrow. James and Lily were annoyed, but legally, they can’t do anything. Augusta and Callidora are Neville’s legal and magical guardians and they can’t change that.

Neville was uncomfortable and wanted his grandmother to remain here. James and Lily tried to calm him down and told him that she would come tomorrow after lunch, but Neville was inconsolable and had started to cry for his grandmother. At the end, they were forced to allow Augusta to remain at the party. They didn’t like it all, but they couldn’t appear bad in front of the guests, if they denied Neville his grandmother. The elderly woman hid a smirk. Her grandson does know, how to help her. Taking Neville in her arms, the boy calmed down. Since the attack on Frank and Alice, Neville had had some issues. Augusta and Callidora first went to Gringotts and found many blocks on Neville’s magic that had nearly rendered him to a squib and some potions and spells. The blocks were coming mostly from Algie and Enid. Both women were infuriated about the blocks and Callidora had punished Enid Longbottom severely for her actions. The woman in question was furious that she was banished from Longbottom Manor and that she was forbidden from getting near Neville. The spells and potions were coming from the Potters and Lupin forcing Neville to be loyal and submissive to the light, John, Harry, Ron and Ginny. Callidora and Augusta had been ready to kill. They were going to make those fools regret for what they had done. The inheritance test was saved up, when the time was right to have the Potters and Lupin charged.

Neville was sensitive and always cried, when he was in danger. To Augusta, it was clear that the Potters and Lupin were a danger to him. Callidora also arranged a mind healer for Neville to get through the trauma of watching his parents being tortured by the former Lestrange trio and the former Crouch Heir.

James and Lily were annoyed by Neville’s behaviour. They needed to get custody of their godson since they are sure that Augusta and Callidora were mistreating Neville, but they have no proof against the dowager and the Lady of the House Longbottom. And they don’t want to suffer a backlash, if they are proved wrong.

But they noticed that someone was missing. It was Anton Abbott. Lily went to Lady Abbott and asked: “Amélie, is Anton coming? We invited him to come.”

“No, he will not be able to come here since he is in Japan with his fiancée.” Amélie gave the woman a sweet smile.

Lily was annoyed. Why would Anton not come? Sarah is here and they made sure that they could spend some time together. Lily also prepared a mild love and lust potion for Anton that is focused on Sarah. Surely, the betrothal would break, if Anton slept with Sarah and got her pregnant. In her mind, it was the only way to stop Anton from doing something foolish. But now, the plan was destroyed. Why is Anton so difficult?

Amélie had seen the look on Lily’s face and she didn’t need to be a mind reader that they had planned something. Thank Merlin, the plan wouldn’t work since Anton isn’t here. Her sweet boy is in Japan and she is sure that he and Jaques were having their fun. Those two are like rabbit in heat, if they get it on.

Lily informed her husband about Anton’s absence and this annoyed James. They needed to find a way to break this disgusting betrothal, but how are they going to do this, if the boy isn’t here.

The rest of the party went without trouble. Augusta felt some compulsion spells on Neville, but the protections managed to dissolve the spells. Augusta wanted to murder those freaks, but she had to restrain herself. But Neville wasn’t the only one, who was hit with compulsions. Arthur also had to deal with the spells on him and his children apart from Ron and Ginny. The man also put some protections on his children, in order to make sure that the compulsions do not take root on his children.

When the party was coming to an end, the guests started to leave. Arthur and Augusta left the manor with the children first using the excuse that it was bedtime for their children. Both were furious about the compulsion spells and the audacity of those fools. They will talk about this during the meeting on Saturday.

Chapter Text

Weasley Cottage, August 2nd, 2003

The Grey Alliance had another meeting and Arthur was talking about the order meeting on July 31st. Many were frustrated about Dumbledore and his followers. Like last year with the veelas, the man wants a complete marriage ban against the elves. “Seriously, does that man want us to lose the house elves to the elves and or make us magicless?”, Augustus complained.

“I don’t know, but he despises magical creatures and beings. It is no wonder, he and his clowns are supporting the Anti-Creature-Party. Didn’t you notice that the party is in the light fraction?”, Arthur questioned.

Many couldn’t deny it. Most members of that party are in the light fraction and they also noticed that the most vocal member, Dolores Umbridge, was sitting at the border between the light and neutral fractions. “Great, another headache that we have to deal.”

Narcissa was rubbing her temples and suggested: “We need a distraction, in order to make sure that Dumbledore doesn’t butt in and ruin everything.”

“I have an idea.” Everyone turned to Arthur Weasley. “We could nominate to allow the WWN to transmit the muggle radio shows, so that we receive news from the muggle world. It would help us to learn, what is happening in the muggle world and if this was going to affect our world. I mean, we have missed many things that has been happening in the muggle world.”

“Like what, Arthur?”, Lucius asked.

“Well, after the Global Wizarding War, there was a Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. If those two countries had gone to war, this planet would have become uninhabitable in no time. Or have you ever heard of the Korean War, the Vietnam War or the civil war in Yugoslavia? Additionally, there is also the fact that France and Britain had lost their colonies. Did you know about that either?”, Arthur asked the other members.

Many were stunned. They hadn’t known anything, what was going in the muggle world at that time. They never thought that these changes had been happening in the non-magical world for the past decades. Adrianna said: “Well, the nomination sounds to be good and it would be prudent that you are aware of what was going on in the muggle world. It seems like that you have been left in the unknown for a long time.”

Narcissa sighed. Arthur was right. Those events in the muggle world couldn’t be ignored any longer. Many agreed on the motion that they can’t be ignorant of what was going in the muggle world. They moved over to the next phase of their plan.

“Well, we can make our protest against Dumbledore’s planned nomination by pointing out that the proposal was violating the agreement. None of the members are brave enough to lose their house elves, let alone their magic”, Thorfinn added. Many smirked. No one was foolish enough to break the agreement. Lady Magic’s judgement is something that everyone wants to avoid.

Cyrus said: “And we can nominate to put the current marriage ban between wixens and elves under question.” Everyone nodded and decided that it would be perfect.

Before the meeting could conclude, Severus had wanted to make an announcement. “There is something that I wanted to discuss with you.”

“What is it, Severus?”, Narcissa asked concerned.

Severus took a deep breath and began to explain: “Last month, Brian Turner came to me with some concerning news. Brutus Avery had hired him to find his soulmate.”

“Okay, what is so bad about this?”, Adrianna asked in a curious tone.

Severus sighed. “Brutus hates his soulmate since the person is a squib and you know, what the Averys think about squibs.” Most had a grave look. This wasn’t going to end well. “Furthermore, the squib is a male bearer.”

“WHAT!?”, everyone apart from Amelia and Marlene exclaimed. Squibs can become male bearers. This is bad. This is beyond bad. There are many problems with that since the muggles wouldn’t know, how to handle male bearers. Many were chattering about this revelation and were discussing, what they were going to do.

“Silence.” Everyone was quiet. Severus continued: “I know that this is mind-blowing, but it is the truth. The gift of being a natural carrier is passive magic not active magic. But we have more pressing matters to deal with. Brutus wants to get rid of his soulmate and that can’t be allowed.” Many agreed on that. Soulmates are a gift and that gift should be cherished and protected. They will stop Avery with his plans against his other half.

Adrianna asked: “Who is the unlucky person that is going to be soul-bonded with Avery?”

“His name is Anthony Gardner”, Severus answered.

Lucius had a thoughtful expression and questioned: “Is he somehow descending from the Ancient and Noble House of Gardner? I know that the family has gone extinct 200 years ago, but the seat is still in the Wizengamot and had been inactive since then, which is indicating that there are still some family members that are alive.”

“Maybe, but we don’t have any proof, Lucius”, Severus explained.

Many had theories about Anthony Gardner and his family, but for now, they could only rumour about the family. They needed some facts. Severus provided them information, where the boy and his family lived and showed them the picture of the Gardner Family. Many had to admit that the boy was petite, delicate and had an androgynous appearance. He had the features of a male bearer.

They will keep a close eye on the Gardners and Brutus Avery.

“Is there something else that we have to go over?”, Narcissa asked.

Adrianna rose her eyebrows since she forgot to ask Arthur and Augusta about the birthday event in Potter Manor and questioned: “Arthur, Augusta, how was John Potter’s birthday party?”

Both grumbled and Arthur was the one, who explained since Augusta didn’t have the words, what to say about the Potters: “It was a nightmare. Those monsters have tried to use compulsion spells on me, my children apart from Ron and Ginny and Neville. And according to Dorea, Lily had prepared some lust and mild love potions for Anton, in order to force him to get together with Sarah Fenwick. Zachary, Amélie, you should be glad that Anton didn’t come to that event.”

Many were furious especially the Abbotts. Amelia was ready to go to Potter Manor and have the residents apart from John arrested, but she had to wait for some time. They couldn’t believe, how low the Potters would sink. Narcissa rubbed her eyes. “Let’s end this meeting. I need something to drink.” Many agreed and the meeting was finished. Everyone went home.

Wizengamot, August 4th, 2003

The members of the Grey Alliance were hiding their victorious smirks. This meeting was successful even though it was frustrating at the beginning, when one of the idiots from the Anti-Creature-Party motioned to ban elves from marrying anyone. The reasoning was beyond idiotic and many questioned the man’s intelligence. Narcissa made plans to find some dirt on these members and have them permanently removed. The party entails a few head departments and most are senior members at the ministry with a single vote. It is time to clean the ministry from these idiots.

Thankfully, Arthur presented the motion that the WWN should also transmit radio shows from the muggle world, in order to be up to date, what was going on in the non-magical world. When some challenged him why they should listen to the muggle news, Arthur asked, if anyone had heard of the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the civil war in Yugoslavia. He boldly stated that they were ignorant about what was going on in the muggle world and that the Cold War could have made this planet uninhabitable, if the conflict got hot. Many were horrified, when Arthur explained about the weaponry of the US and the Soviet Union. Both countries with their nuclear weapons could have destroyed the entire planet. Maybe the idea does seem to be good that the WWN should have transmitted the news from the muggle world.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go smoothly since Dumbledore’s older followers protested against the nomination, which made things harder for Dumbledore. The man had to calm his followers down. With Dumbledore distracted, Aurelia took over and questioned, if there were any other nominations.

This time, Tarquinius made the protest regarding the marriage ban against the elves by pointing out that this law would break the agreement between the elves and wixens. He showed them the clause in the agreement and told the members that they should read the agreement fully. Tarquinius knew that his statement would be ignored by some members, but at least, the majority should be aware of the contents of the agreement.

With the protest out of the way, Cyrus Greengrass rose his wand and nominated to put the current marriage ban between wixen and elves under question since in case of a soulmate, they can’t stop a soul bond. This was added to the docket.

When Dumbledore was finished, he asked first, if there were any other nominations. Aurelia only informed him about Cyrus’ motion to put the current marriage ban between wixen and elves under question. Narcissa had noticed the resigned look on Dumbledore’s face, but he continued with the voting. The first motion from the Anti-Creature-Party failed horribly, which infuriated Dumbledore and his followers. The members of the ACP were livid about the failed motion, but they couldn’t do anything regarding this failed nomination. The second nomination had a great majority, which was good. The last proposal from Cyrus passed with a landslide vote, which angered many, who hated creatures and beings. This included Voldemort’s followers, Dumbledore and the old fool’s followers.

With the last vote finished, the meeting came to an end. Narcissa watched Dumbledore leaving the Wizengamot quicker than she had expected for a man in his advanced age.

Albus was completely furious, why are his nominations failing. He had worked so hard on the complete marriage ban and every time, there is a bloody distraction that is making things complicated for him. Arthur’s motion had caused a conflict amongst his followers and Albus had been ready to kill them. These conflicts are counter-productive since they are causing problems in the light fractions.

It had taken him an entire hour to calm his followers down and when he was finished, Aurelia informed him about Greengrass’ motion to put the current marriage ban between wixens and elves under question. Albus sighed, but he was confident that his proposal would pass with a majority, but that wasn’t the case.

Albus was ready to throw killing curses, when the first motion failed horribly and the proposal from Greengrass passed with a landslide vote. Why does nothing work? He had never had to deal with issues like these in the past, but now he was enduring failures after failures. Albus needed to find a way to get control over the Wizengamot.

Lord Markus McKinnon was making his way home after the meeting confused. His daughter, Marlene, wanted to talk with him about some important information that she had got from her fiancée. He trusted his daughter and her fiancée. He remembered how Severus Snape had saved his family from extinction and Markus had trusted the man and his friends, who had helped him to save them, from there on. It also changed his world view about the magical society and Dumbledore, whom he had trusted less and less after the attack on the McKinnon estate.

Even now, he doesn’t trust his old headmaster. There was something off about the man, but Marlene will make some revelations about the old coot that would turn him away completely from Dumbledore and his sheep for once and for all.

McKinnon Estate

Markus McKinnon arrived back home and saw Marlene and Severus waiting for him. The McKinnon lord smiled. “Marlene, Severus, what a surprise? You wanted to speak with me?” Both nodded and Markus sat down on his armchair in the living room. “Well, what did you want to talk about that was so important?”

“It is about Dumbledore, Voldemort and their sycophants”, Marlene answered in a clipped tone. “But before we can explain everything to you, dad, look over this inheritance test. You will understand the situation better, if you went through it.” Marlene handed her father Akira’s inheritance test that Severus had copied.

Markus went over the parchment and was shocked about the contents. What the hell? Why would the Potters do this to their own child or godchild in Sirius’ and Remus’ case? “What is the meaning of this? How dare those… those… fools do this to an innocent child?” Markus was absolutely furious. He knew the Potters a bit and their blind allegiance to Albus, but he never thought that they would do this to their own child.

Marlene knew that her father was furious, but there was another bomb that she had to drop. “Dad, Dumbledore is aware of this. He casted the compulsion spells. The goblins managed to trace the magical signature to our dear headmaster.” Marlene handed over another parchment. Markus looked through the paper and was enraged. Marlene and Severus waited until the McKinnon Lord has calmed down, but both were assured that Markus was never going to side with Dumbledore and his fools.

After some time, Markus was calm enough and turned his attention to Marlene and Severus. “Okay, are there any other surprises?”

“Yes, Voldemort created horcruxes”, Marlene said.

“What? What are horcruxes?” Markus was confused. Severus and Marlene explained the horcruxes and the man became horrified, what Voldemort had done to his own soul. Severus also explained that Dumbledore is aware of them, but didn’t reveal it in front of anyone. Markus was ready to go to Hogwarts and kill Dumbledore slowly and painfully. He had known that Voldemort had created horcruxes and had made it impossible to have him killed. Severus also told him that Riddle is still alive in spirit form due to the horcruxes that are anchoring the man to this world.

“But I have good news, there are six horcruxes and four of them are destroyed”, Severus revealed. Marlene didn’t know that since he forgot to mention it.

Both Marlene and Markus sighed in relief, but there was still some worry regarding the other two horcruxes. Marlene asked: “How were they destroyed and why didn’t tell me?”

“I have forgotten to mention it to you since you were too furious to listen and there was also the meeting of the Grey Alliance”, Severus answered and he began to explain about the destruction of the horcruxes after Marlene accepted his reasoning. “Narcissa had found out about them. The first horcrux was a human horcrux and if you had noticed at the inheritance test, Akira was one of Riddle’s horcruxes. I can assure that that soul piece was removed from Akira and later, it was destroyed. The second horcrux was Riddle’s diary. Narcissa sent it to Gringotts to have it destroyed. The third horcrux that was eliminated was Salazar Slytherin’s locket. Narcissa had ordered Kreacher to send it to Gringotts, so that it can be purged and destroyed and the last soul piece was Helga Hufflepuff’s cup that was in Bellatrix NoName’s dowery vault that was taken back by Lord Black. The goblins had gotten their hands on it and had it purged and destroyed.”

“Okay, what about the other two?”, Marlene questioned her fiancée.

“The other two horcruxes are currently inaccessible due to some circumstances. The one horcrux is the Gaunt ring that is in the shack. We have to wait until Akira claims the Gaunt Heirship”, Severus explained. Both understood the problem. “The other horcrux is in Hogwarts and Dumbledore is keeping an eye on it. It is still too risky to get it since Minerva and Albus are acting like prison wardens, when I am in school.” Markus and Marlene sighed. Great. This was the last thing, they needed. A horcrux in Dumbledore’s vicinity.

Markus asked: “Severus, you said something about a meeting. What is the Grey Alliance?”

Severus and Marlene gave each other a smirk and explained Markus the foundation of the Grey Alliance and who are the members. The man was stunned that a Grey Lord was born and that an alliance against Dumbledore and Voldemort was founded. After they were finished with their explanation, Markus needed some time to think, but it didn’t take long. “I am in, Severus. When is the next meeting, so that I can be introduced to the other members of this alliance. After these revelations, I refuse to sully myself with Dumbledore and his sick bastards.”

Severus smirked and told him, when and where the next meeting is taking place. The man was pleased that he had managed to sway another family away from Dumbledore and his followers.

Shrewsbury/Knockturn Alley, August 7th, 2003

Brian was again in Shrewsbury, in order to collect information about Anthony and his family. He wanted to know, when the Gardners were going to return from their vacation, in order to be prepared to protect Anthony from Brutus. He is sure that Brutus was going to keep an eye on his soulmate and made some headways to get his hands on him. The problem was that he couldn’t ask the neighbour again since he would have to memory charm her again, which is counter-productive for the woman’s health. It was always advised that memory charms shouldn’t be used too often. So, he was trying to find Anthony’s classmates. Brian hoped to find some teenagers in the neighbourhood that are the same age as the boy.

Making his way to a playground, he noticed a group of teenagers. Brian casted an eavesdropping charm and overheard their conversation. Listening closely, Anthony’s name was mentioned and Brian was listening intensely on the conversation.

One of them asked: “When is Anthony returning home from Portugal? I mean, the Gardners have been gone for a month now. Are they planning to return someday.”

The girl answered: “Tom, you know that Anthony’s aunt is living in Portugal and the Gardners are spending their time there for a month. You need to have patience. If you had a relative that is living on a beach house abroad, you would never leave your relative.”

“Franny, don’t be mean, but you are right. I mean a beach house. Seems to be cool. Apart from that, Anthony had called me a few days ago that they were planning to leave on Sunday morning. So, they would return here on Sunday evening”, another girl commented.

“Thank the god. He is coming back”, the boy, Tom, said in a hopeful tone. “I wouldn’t be surrounded by girls.”

“Hey”, both girls exclaimed and punched him on his arms.

“Ow, okay, okay, chill. I didn’t mean it that way, but without Anthony, it is so boring.” The boy was rubbing his arms.

Both girls glared at him slightly. “You only miss him, because you love to tease him.”

“Yes, it is the truth, but he also knows, how to tease back”, Tom said with a grin.

For Brian, this was enough. He quickly left the teenagers and went to a corner, where he apparated back to his office. He made sure that he wasn’t seen by anyone or anything.

There he quickly wrote a short note to Severus about the date, when the Gardners are going to return back. He quickly sent the note off and leaned back rubbing his eyes. It was a mistake to do this assignment, but to be honest, what would the other private investigators do. They would have been more interested in the money than the life of an innocent. Brian had to make sure that the boy wasn’t harmed in any shape or form.

Severus received the note and quickly wrote a letter to Amelia, in order to have an appointment with her. He needed to speak with her about this matter and if there was a way to put aurors around the neighbourhood to protect the boy from Brutus.

He knew the Heir of the Avery Family and the man is brutal with his victims. During his time as a death eater, Severus had seen, what the man was capable of and knew that the man loves to torture his victims first and then, make them suffer until they were begging for mercy.

No one deserved that.

Shrewsbury, August 9th, 2003

Brutus was making his way through the Shoplatch Street in Shrewsbury. The place was nice and the neighbourhood had its perfection. So, that was the place his soulmate was living in. He can tell that his soulmate had it nicely, but he had to find the address and see, if Anthony Gardner is there. Brutus had plans to take him from his parents and find a way to break this soul bond. Thankfully, he is not bonded with his soulmate. So, there is a way to get rid of the soul bond without getting killed, but that would lead to the issue that he wouldn’t be able to continue the legacy of his lineage, which is bad. Brutus knew that there is a ritual to remove a soul bond and transfer it to another witch or wizard, but the materials for that are forbidden within good reason since it would kill the other soulmate. He will gather these materials. Brutus had some contacts in the black markets, but the case of Aurelius Yaxley had bothered many dealers, so, it would be too difficult to get the materials.

When he arrived at the address, he inspected the house carefully. Brutus had to admit that the house was beautiful and decently made. Well, at least, the brat is not poor, which is a good point. Brutus also made sure to look around the neighbourhood and make sure that there weren’t any curious stares, but since that blood traitor Weasley had managed to pass a law that forced wizards and witches to wear muggle clothes, when they were venturing the non-magical world, the muggles weren’t rumouring about strange people that are wearing robes. So, he was safe since Brutus was wearing a formal suit, which is a bit uncomfortable due to the summer heat. He had put some cooling charms on his clothes, so that he wasn’t sweating hard.

Brutus noticed that the curtains of the house were closed and it seems like that no one was there.

He was interrupted in his thoughts, when he heard a voice from an elderly woman. “Excuse me, Sir. What are you doing?” Brutus saw an elderly muggle woman in her sixties making her way to him. She must be a neighbour of the family. So, she could give him some information.

Brutus withheld a growl and gave the woman a forced smile. “I was looking at the house. It is decently made and I am curious about the design. That’s all.”

“Alright.” The woman smiled accepting his reasoning. “But the house is not for sale. The residents are currently on vacation and they are planning on returning tomorrow. I think that they will return during dinner time.”

Brutus had a slight smile on his face. The woman gave him the information that he needed. He was furious at his private investigator for not informing him that the Gardners were on vacation. Brutus would have paid the man a visit and made him suffer, but the man should count himself lucky that the neighbour of the Gardner Family had saved his ass.

“Thank you, Miss. I will take my leave now. Have a nice day”, Brutus said in a charming voice.

When the woman was retreating in her home, he slipped his wand in his hand and pointed it at the woman. “Obliviate.” Brutus quickly removed their encounter from the woman’s mind and left the place. He doesn’t have the time to kill her since he had more important things to do than getting rid of an old muggle woman.

Brutus quickly apparated back home. He will have to wait for the time being.

DMLE, August 11th, 2003

Severus flooed to Amelia’s office directly from his home office. He was less than pleased that Amelia had taken so long to make an appointment, but he couldn’t really fault her since she sure had had many appointments during the last week. Stepping out of the fireplace, Severus advanced on Amelia’s desk and had taken a seat, when she indicated to sit down. She had her attention on the potion master.

“Amelia, I will be quick”, Severus promised her. Amelia nodded knowing that Severus would make it to the point. “Brian informed me that the Gardner Family have returned yesterday evening from their vacation. Furthermore, he had found Brutus’ magical signature around the area, which indicates that he was there.” Brian went to the neighbourhood again yesterday and saw the car driving into the garage. Today, he had seen the Gardner Family outside the house. The private investigator had seen all the family members including Anthony Gardner, who had gone out with his friends.

Amelia was paying Severus close attention. Well, the game can begin.

Severus asked: “Is there are a way to assign aurors to observe the house? Or even assign your undercover aurors.”

Amelia sighed. She wished that it was this easy, but it was not. “Unfortunately, no since I need to have a good reason to send aurors or even undercover aurors in a muggle neighbourhood. Bartemius needs to make a request from the muggle police president, who is the equivalent of the head of the DMLE in the non-magical world, to have aurors or undercover aurors observing the neighbourhood. This would be difficult since it was always denied even during the war. But the muggle aurors are demanding concrete evidence that Anthony’s life is in real danger due to a wizard, which we don’t have since Brutus isn’t doing anything illegal.”

Severus wanted to groan. He forgot that piece of information. Muggles could be difficult, if you are making a request due to their bureaucracy. But he had an idea. “How about, if we hire a private investigator, Amelia? Brian is a former auror and he could keep a watch on the Gardner Family legally without involving the police in this matter. He would be able to deal with Avery, if Brutus becomes dangerously unpredictable. For what reason did he have auror training, when he joined the auror core.”

Amelia pursed her lips. This plan sounded to be good and they wouldn’t need the approval of the muggle police. “A good idea. I will make an appointment with Brian and hire him to keep a watch on the Gardners, but don’t tell Bartemius anything about this or my life would be over.”

Severus huffed: “Bartemius can’t rip your head off, if he finds out since we are moving in a grey area of the law.” Amelia nodded in agreement. It was a grey zone, where she was moving, but it could get her into trouble regardless.

Severus chuckled. Amelia only agreed, so that Bartemius doesn’t rip her into pieces. But his plan could work.

DMLE, August 13th, 2003

Amelia Bones was sitting behind her desk staring at the man in front of her. The man before her was a former auror, who is working as a private investigator now. Amelia was meeting the man for the first time and in her opinion, she wasn’t that impressed with him, but at least, he regretted his actions during the war, when he turned to Voldemort for revenge. But she also couldn’t blame him entirely for this. The DMLE failed him and allowed those monsters to get away with murdering an innocent family. She had arranged this meeting, in order to assign him the task to keep an eye on Anthony Gardner and his family. She doesn’t want Brutus to do any harm to the boy or his family and Amelia wasn’t a fool that the man was going to be a friendly man like he had been pretending after the end of the war. She knew, how cruel and conniving Brutus could be from Severus.

“Brian, I am assigning you to keep an eye on Anthony Gardner and his family. You have done your assignment for Brutus to find his soulmate. Now, your new assignment would be to keep an eye on the man, in order to make sure that the boy and his family do not suffer, am I clear?” Amelia rose her eyebrow at the man.

Brian nodded and said: “Yes, Madam Bones. I will build up a tent in the house left to the Gardners since the place is abandoned. I have researched the house and found out that a widow had lived there until she died a few years ago. The house was left abandoned.”

“And don’t forget to put up wards around the building, so that no one notices you. The last thing, we need are rumours that the place is haunted.” Amelia tried not to roll her eyes.

Brian was scratching the back of his head and grinned. “Of course. I will not forget that. Apart from that, I don’t want Brutus to suspect that I am now working against him. The last thing, I need, is that he finds out, what I am doing. He would kill me on the spot. The man is capable of everything.”

Amelia nodded gravely. With that, their deal was finished and Amelia promised Brian that she would pay him well. And maybe she would convince the idiot to renovate his office in Knockturn. The place is a disaster zone. This was the reason why she invited Brian to her office since she hasn’t had the desire to spend even a minute in that war zone that her former colleague calls office. Another reason is that Dumbledore’s followers would have reported her activities in Knockturn Alley to Dumbledore and the man would have used that against her. This would have been the last thing she needed. Brian flooed back to his office in Knockturn since leaving her office would cause some questions why a crook from Knockturn Alley was in her office. Amelia wouldn’t like to answer those questions.

After Brian had left, Amelia quickly wrote a letter to Severus informing her that Brian is going to keep an eye on Anthony and his family. She quickly sent the letter and enjoyed a calm evening.

Severus received the message and understood that Amelia had made her move against Brutus Avery. The potion master had a feeling that another family that is loyal to Riddle would suffer a downfall.

All of this is happening, because Lady Magic made a big mistake with Brutus Avery. She had gifted him a soulmate, but then, she realised that this was a mistake. Now, she had to fix this mess. Sometimes, she should have been carefully with the soulmate gift, because in some cases, the soul bond doesn’t work very well.

Shrewsbury, August 15th, 2003

Brian was making his way to the old house beside the Gardner and used the unlocking charm, in order to enter the abandoned house that was left to decay. The private investigator quickly closed and locked the door. He inspected the building from the inside and made notes, where he would have a good view on the Gardners. He entered the attic of the house and made sure to get a good overview. Brian quickly got the tent out. Building it up, he prepared the sitting room, the bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen. His elf will get him food and necessities that he needs. When everything was prepared, Brian quickly apparated out through the window and put up wards around the house. He started to cast muggle-repelling wards, he made sure to add some disillusionment and notice-me-not charms, in order to make sure that no one pays him any mind.

Brian quickly entered the building and began his assignment. He was glad that he was finished since he saw Brutus Avery apparating into the alley from a corner. He saw the man keeping a close watch on the Gardner house. Brian was glad that Brutus didn’t see him. He wouldn’t like to meet him here.

Now, he had to interfere, if Brutus is planning to attack the Gardners.

Brutus had managed to get away from home and kept a close watch on the family. Seeing Anthony, Brutus felt something stir inside his body. It was the soul bond that started to warm him up and Brian had felt the comfort, but he had tried to supress it and fight off his desire that is demanding to bond with his soulmate. He can’t love that filth. There is no way that he is loving a squib. Well, the boy was skinny, had dark blond hair and blue eyes and looked downright perfect for him. Brutus quickly managed to snap himself out of his thoughts. Why is this happening to him? Why did Lady Magic curse him with a squib as a soulmate?

The boy was driving him insane and he was going to make him suffer for that. Brutus had to find a way to snatch him away, but attacking him in front of witnesses was a bad idea.

The ministry would tear him and his family apart with an attack in the muggle world. Brutus had to find a way to get the boy alone without attacking anyone. He quickly looked at the abandoned building since he felt that someone was watching him, but he saw no one and the man returned back at watching his soulmate.

Brutus quickly disappeared, when he noticed Gardner looking at his direction. He will come on another day.

Anthony was talking with his friends about his vacation in Portugal until the boy noticed someone watching him and his friends. Looking up, he saw a shadow disappearing. Something was going on, but he wasn’t sure, what. Anthony had felt something stir inside him, but he ignored the feeling and returned his attention back to his close friends, who were talking, what they were going to do for the rest of the summer holidays before school starts.

Anthony also kept an eye on the empty house that was left abandoned after Mrs. Hunt had died a few years ago. He had sworn that there was someone in the building, but Anthony wasn’t able to prove it and something strange was going on here, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Brian sighed in relief, when Brutus and Anthony were not paying him any mind. The man noticed that they were suspecting something and Brian quickly hid himself inside the building. He also had put up a disillusionment charm on himself. The man also made plans to put up stronger wards that would make sure that no one magical would notice him since Anthony was a squib and Brutus was a wizard. He should have also added some wards that would hide him from magicals, but he had been on a hurry. Thankfully, he had time to fix this.

Tokyo, Niijima Residence, August 17th, 2003

In Tokyo, a man and a woman were sitting on a couch discussing about the schooling of their eldest daughter, Sae Niijima. For their younger daughter, Makoto Niijima, they have enough time to wait since she is five. The man had silver hair and blueish grey eyes, whereas the woman had reddish-brown hair and blood red eyes. The woman wants to send Sae to Hogwarts instead of Mahoutokoro School of Magic due to the woman’s past. The reason is that the father of the Niijima matriarch, the maternal grandfather of the girls, had some dealings with the Antisocial Force. A conspiracy group that is planning to take over the Japanese Ministry of Magic. The woman in question had fled her home after he was killed by the group. The man had tried to get out of the conspiracy, but the man had paid with his life for his attempt. His daughter fled the wizarding world and settled to live in the non-magical world keeping herself hidden. “Daisuke, I know that you want to send Sae in Mahoutokoro, but we have a big problem. The current headmaster is working for Shido and Owada and the last thing, I need is that those two monsters are recognising Sae as my daughter. You know, what the consequences are.”

“I know, Reika, but Hogwarts is also not a solution with Dumbledore being headmaster. You know as I do that the man had ruined the school with his bigoted ways. Furthermore, there are also the problems with the blood purists and their leader that was defeated in 2001. The UK is nothing better than Japan”, the man argued.

“Daisuke, I am neither blind nor deaf. I have read and heard, how the old fool had destroyed Hogwarts, but I have heard that the school is revamping since four core classes were updated to the ICW standards. The teachers are also using the ICW curriculum, but this is just the beginning. Daisuke, the ICW had its own department of education and Sae can learn everything that Hogwarts is lacking from there. Any missing classes can be taught there either by attending summer school or by tutors. Furthermore, the tutors of Hogwarts are using the ICW curriculum to bring up the students to the ICW standards”, Reika Niijima explained to her husband.

The man had to admit that in this case, Sae could learn the offered subjects in Hogwarts fully. And the classes that are not offered could be taught through the summer schools in the ICW or through self-study. This could work.

“Alright, I accept the idea, but we need to be carefully regarding Dumbledore and his followers as well as the blood supremacists. I don’t want to risk our daughter to those people”, Daisuke said with a warning.

Reika nodded and prepared her eldest daughter for Hogwarts. She was sure that Dumbledore and his followers as well as the blood purists wouldn’t pay Sae any mind and her daughter wouldn’t be in any danger in Hogwarts since the Antisocial Force doesn’t have any control over the school in the UK and they hate Dumbledore, which is good in her books.

She knew that Daisuke wants their daughter to be safe and even if she has to attend another school, then, so be it.

Sae Niijima was in her room playing with her little sister, Makoto. She had turned five in April and soon her sister would attend primary school. She knew that her parents were discussing about her schooling since she is eleven and Sae would be required to attend a magical school.

Hogwarts sounded to be nice, but the education was lacking. Thankfully, her parents were planning to help her in this endeavour.

She wished, she could attend Mahoutokoro, but the school isn’t safe due to the headmaster and his political allies.

Hogwarts was safer since she knew that the headmaster wouldn’t pay her any mind unlike Kobayakawa, who would recognise her immediately. Dumbledore at least isn’t aware of the on-goings in Japan. So, she would be safe. Sae hoped that her sister would be safe too, when she starts school without having to worry about any danger.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, August 18th, 2003

Albus was having a calm afternoon going over some ICW paperwork. He was content with the peace in his office. The only time, he had to worry, is the order meeting on Wednesday for the school board meeting on next Monday. Albus had to work very hard to cut back on the standards and the curriculum of the Herbology class. He doesn’t know, what to do, but he hoped that the order meeting on Wednesday would give him some insight.

But the peace didn’t last long. “ALBUS, ALBUS!” Albus sighed deeply and went over to the fireplace. He had noticed that it was Enid Longbottom. What does the woman want now? He had told her to get closer to Augusta and try to get her and Neville away from Callidora. He doesn’t know, how she had progressed, but he hoped that she had managed something in that regard. He can’t lose control over Neville and the Longbottom Family. The boy is too important for his plans, but with Augusta and Callidora involved, things were going to be difficult.

When Enid stepped out of the fireplace, Albus asked her in a kind voice: “Is something wrong, Enid, my dear? What has happened? Have you made some progress in getting Augusta to listen to you?”

“I need your help, Albus. Augusta and Callidora had kicked me out of Longbottom Manor. I am no longer welcome there. They have found out about the blocks, spells and potions in that brat’s system and had them removed after the attack on Frank and Alice. At first, I didn’t know about those imbeciles finding out, what Algie, you and I had done to Neville. I tried to cast some blocks on that brat’s magic since I had seen that the brat was able to summon toys without problems, but it didn’t work since he had protections and both women had caught me in the act. They yelled at me and kicked me out saying that I am no longer welcome in Longbottom Manor and that I should be grateful that they were not going to disown me from the family. What am I supposed to do?”, Enid practically whined.

Albus froze. That can’t be happening. Those two biddies are ruining his plans again. He wished that Callidora had just died, but no, Gellert allowed her to live and now, he is dealing with the outcome of Gellert’s mercy. Albus was ready to go to Longbottom Manor and kill those two imbecilic women, but he can’t do that since he would end up in Azkaban or executed. He can’t do much against those two battle-axes.

He asked: “Have you access to the other Longbottom properties?”

The woman nodded. Albus questioned: “Why don’t you move in in one of the available properties? I will try to find a way to get Augusta to listen to me and from there on, I can work on a way to make sure that she is trusting me, but it will take some time.”

Enid nodded and left the office. She would move in a small cabin that belonged to her family for generations. It was somewhere in Spain.

Albus sighed in relief, when Enid was gone, but the man was furious with the results. He doesn’t know, how to gain some ground to get control over Augusta and Neville. With these revelations, things are harder. He is sure that Neville would be protected from any spells and potions.

He needed to think of a new approach.

Potter Manor, August 21st, 2003

There was another order meeting regarding the school board meeting on Monday. James had prepared himself for the meeting and hoped that they would have some success in this meeting to remove some things from the new curriculum in Herbology. He doesn’t understand why Professor Sprout had chosen to update her class. Doesn’t she understand that she had made it harder for his sons to pass the class? But he can only guess that it is Snape’s venom spreading through the staff. Snivellus was always good at manipulating and lying and with that, he had destroyed many lives like Lily’s.

They have to work hard to cut down the curriculum, but it was going to be complicated.

When the others arrived and Albus came a few minutes late due to some paperwork for the ICW, the meeting could start appropriately. “Well, my dears, we need to work on the curriculum for Herbology. Do you have any idea on what we could work on?”

“I have an idea, headmaster. We could work on removing the term project, where the students had to plant and tend a small Herbology garden in their school years. This project is making up a quarter of the grade and it is also affecting half of the practical portion of the OWL and NEWT tests”, Elphias Doge said.

Albus had to admit that his old friend had a point. They needed to remove the term project. This part could cause problems for his pawns and Albus can’t have them fail that class.

There were some discussions and the order agreed to have the term project removed. But the meeting didn’t come to an end with this.

“I have some distressing news, my dears”, Albus said before the meeting could end.

“What is it, headmaster?”, James questioned.

Albus answered: “Enid Longbottom had visited me a few days ago. She had been kicked out of Longbottom Manor. Callidora and Augusta had found out about the blocks, she had casted on Neville’s magic and had the boy purged. The purge also removed the potions and spells on Neville, which is making the situation worse for us. They have threatened to disown her from the Longbottom Family, if she is doing it again against Neville, but they banned her from ever getting near Neville.”

Everyone apart from Arthur and Dedalus was furious. How could this be happening? James had had it with those old biddies. He ranted: “We need to get Neville away from Augusta and Callidora. They are turning our godson dark and evil. Albus, there must be a way to remove Neville from those two dark witches. This could be a valid reason, what they had done to Enid.”

Arthur couldn’t believe, how stupid James was, if they went to court with this, Augusta and Callidora would win without problems. Enid has no one else to blame than herself.

“James, that will never work. It would go in the opposite direction and you would lose the case in front of the custody hearing by trying to defend Enid. What Enid had done was criminal and no judge will be swayed to your favour. They would praise Augusta and Callidora for protecting Neville from Enid”, Dedalus explained.

James wanted to combust in fury, but Albus quickly interfered. “Dedalus is right, James, and things could get worse, if an inheritance test is presented. I have the suspicion that they are also aware of the spells and potions in Neville and they could ruin your life, James.”

James was furious. This was unfair. Why are they denying their rights? Why is nothing working? Apart from that, they are famous, no one would dare to go against them. “We are famous. No one would go against us.”

“James, fame is fickle, if you are involved in anything criminal and it gets in the news, then, the fame is gone within a minute. The public would demand John to be removed from your custody. John is famous, not you. You are only famous due to your son’s fame. Nothing else”, Dedalus explained.

James pouted. He had to admit that this would have backfired on him and his wife, but they needed to save Neville from Augusta and Callidora.

Lily quickly changed the topic. “Albus, we need to do something regarding Anton and his disgraceful behaviour towards Sarah and the Fenwicks.”

Albus sighed wishing that this meeting would end soon. “Lily, I know, but the problem is that we can’t really do anything about this. We can’t just interfere in these matters without consequences. Cyrus Greengrass and Zachary Abbott would go over dead corpses, if we tried anything against Anton and Jaques.”

Lily was furious, but James was calming his wife. She muttered: “There must be a way to convince Anton that what he was doing is wrong.” Many wished the same, but it doesn’t seem to work to get Anton to see reason.

Albus turned his attention to his followers and dismissed them. He hoped that on Monday, they would be successful.

Weasley Cottage, August 23rd, 2003

The Grey Alliance had their meeting to find a way to stop Dumbledore’s proposal. When Arthur explained that Albus wanted to cut the term project from the curriculum. Many rolled their eyes at that. “Seriously, is his task to dumb down the students with his bigoted ways?”, Marlene asked. She came here since her father couldn’t come. Markus McKinnon had gotten a flu.

“In a way, yes. Dumbledore wants to dumb down the students, so that he can have control over them after they have graduated. Additionally, he used that tactic to get his favoured students in higher-level positions in the ministry instead of trying to work hard to earn these positions. And the fools are in this way indebted to him”, Severus explained. Phineas Black’s portrait was in the dungeons and Severus had put a gease on the portrait, in order to overhear Dumbledore and his tactics and also his plans.

“How do you know that, Severus?”, Narcissa asked curiously.

Severus just grinned. “I had put a gease on Phineas Black’s portrait in the dungeons of Hogwarts. So, I was able to hear, what he was doing and how he was proceeding.”

Many huffed at that. This could help them. “Now, back to business. We need a distraction for that. The protest would be easy, but Dumbledore and his followers are going to be problematic.”

“We could hire a Charms tutor. Filius has many duties as Charms professor, dueling instructor and head of house. This is a lot of work. Especially for Filius. He wants to tutor the students, when he had the time, but Filius is only free on the weekends for the tutoring”, Severus explained.

This idea sounded to be nice. Narcissa finalised: “And we could nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Comparative Religion. The students would learn in that class all the different muggle and magical religions in a neutral way, where they aren’t pushed to a certain direction.” Many smiled. Dumbledore was going to be furious about the motion.

“Is there anything else noteworthy?”, Narcissa asked.

“There is something else that I want to tell to Augusta and Callidora”, Arthur said.

Augusta and Callidora had their attention on Arthur. “The order knows that you have kicked Enid Longbottom out of Longbottom Manor. Many are furious about your actions against the woman and I have heard from James that he is threatening to use that, in order to get custody of Neville. Thankfully, Dedalus discouraged him since it would have the opposite effect, if he defends a woman that is guilty of child abuse and child endangerment.”

“Don’t worry about that. We have been dealing with these threats for over a year. James Potter is only bark, but there is no bite”, Augusta said dismissively. “But we are prepared for the worst, Arthur. We are not fools. But what about Brutus Avery and his soulmate. Are there any news?”

Amelia was the one to answer this question: “I have assigned Brian to keep an eye on the boy and his family since he is a former auror and as a PI, he didn’t need the approval of Bartemius and the muggle police president, who is the equivalent of the head of the DMLE in our world. I can’t send aurors there without their approval.” Many nodded in understanding. Maybe through this, Anthony and in extension his family can be kept safe.

The meeting came to an end after they finished their discussion regarding Avery and his soulmate.

School board, August 25th, 2003

The board meeting came to an end and Narcissa and Lucius were preparing themselves to make their way out of the chamber. This meeting was successful and it was dramatic. Both wanted to burst down laughing at Dumbledore’s and his followers’ faces especially James’. The Potter Regent was furious at the outcome of the meeting and his rants really had made him unpopular. Narcissa noticed that due to James’ and Lily’s attitude many members of the Wizengamot were distancing themselves from the Potters. They were slowly ruining their own popularity and their son’s fame was cooling down due to their offensive tantrums and rants.

At this meeting, James Potter nominated to remove the term project in Herbology. His reasoning was nonsensical and many including her and Lucius thought that the man had gone mad.

When he was finished with his rant, Augustinus motioned to hire a tutor for the Charms class, so that Filius Flitwick has some remedy for the tutoring session. He had reasoned that due to Professor Flitwick’s duties as Charms Professor, Head of House and Dueling Instructor, the man has barely any time left for the tutoring sessions for his students.

There were some discussions and many agreed that Professor Flitwick should get some help with the tutoring sessions, but there were some protests from Dumbledore’s followers that there wasn’t enough money for that. Unfortunately, Pandora disagreed and things devolved into an argument.

The old fool became annoyed and distracted with his followers’ tantrums and had wanted to have a quiet discussion with his followers under privacy and secrecy wards.

When Dumbledore and his cheerleaders were distracted, they moved over to their plan to protest against James’ nomination. It was easy since the idiot didn’t give very good arguments for his proposal. Darren argued that the students should learn, how to tend a Herbology garden. In that way, the students would learn the practical portion of the Herbology class even better. With that done, they moved over to the motion to nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Comparative Religion, which caused an even larger argument later. Callidora Longbottom explained them that the class is teaching different muggle and magical religions without pushing the students in a certain direction.

When Dumbledore was finished with calming his followers down and had been told about Callidora’s nomination, the man protested against the Comparative Religion class and his followers had lost their minds regarding the nominated class, but many were not convinced with their rants since Callidora explained the class in detail, what the students are taught and many liked the idea. Dumbledore didn’t manage to convince the board after their own protest.

The voting showed it. The first motion failed and James had tossed a fit, when his nomination failed. Thankfully, Dumbledore managed to calm him down and moved over to the next proposal, which got a great majority. Only some of Dumbledore’s fools voted against it. The last nomination passed with a majority vote, which angered Dumbledore and his sheep even more. The meeting had a happy ending for the Grey Alliance. Somehow, Dumbledore is having bad luck since the defeat of Riddle.

Albus was ready to incinerate the entire school board for the mess that they had caused for his plans. When James made his nomination to remove the term project in the Herbology curriculum, he had thought that the board would vote for this, but things derailed out of control, when Augustinus Lestrange nominated to hire a tutor for the Charms class due to the duties that Filius had as Charms professor, dueling instructor and head of house. This was causing him some problems since he wanted to keep the students dumbed down as much as possible. Some of his followers protested against the motion due to lack of funds, but Pandora argued that there is enough money to hire a Charms tutor, which set his followers off.

He had been distracted since Albus had to calm his followers down. It had taken a lot of time to put the fires down.

When he was finished with calming his followers down, he was informed that Callidora Longbottom nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for the Comparative Religion class. Albus hadn’t wanted that class to be taught to the children and had made his protest. At first, he thought that he had managed to convince the board, but the vote infuriated him.

His wanted nomination failed horribly. James had thrown a temper tantrum. It had taken some time to calm the man down and he continued with the next motion. Augustinus’ proposal passed with a clear majority and then came Callidora’s nomination, which had a landslide vote. This was a nightmare. Why is nothing working according to his plan? He needs to find a new approach for the Herbology class.

James was completely furious that the board had voted against his nomination. Why are they like this? What did happen that many had turned against him and the headmaster? They were trying to save their world and protect the students from the dark influence in the wizarding world, but they were allowing it to happen.

Maybe it was about time to use his son’s fame to get his way with the next board and Wizengamot meeting. This disrespect can’t continue like this.

He quickly left the Wizengamot chambers and made his way home.

Potter Manor

James was in a fool mood, when he arrived back home from the governors meeting. He went to the liquor cabinet and got a bottle of fire whiskey. Lily had a disapproving look on her face, when her husband had started to drink. “James, what has happened again? How was the school board meeting?”

James pouted. “The meeting didn’t end well, Lily. My nomination failed and they passed a comparative religion class during the meeting. It is another dark class, where the students are taught about the magical religions and swayed to the dark.”

“James, the comparative religion class is also teaching muggle religions”, Lily said confusedly.

“I know, Lily, but it is an inconvenient class, where students would think that the magical religions are better than the muggle ones”, James argued.

Lily sighed. Her husband is right. This class would cause problems for their cause. “Don’t panic, James. There would be a way to fix this.”

Sirius had watched the conversation and sighed. Narcissa is the cause of this. He was sure of that. Sirius needed to find his pup and save him from Narcissa’s clutches, but he doesn’t know, where he should start to look for.

Remus had seen James’ reaction and shook his head. Something was going on in the school board and the Wizengamot. He was sure of that. Remus had always had a feeling that something big and bad was going to happen to his pack, but he wasn’t sure, what. His wolf doesn’t respond to him since Halloween and the full moons are getting worse and worse since. Remus had been in pain after every full moon, but it seems like that the pain is getting worse and worse. Moony had seen his actions against Harry as a betrayal and is making his life hellish during the transformations. He wished that there was a way to get rid of the curse that Greyback had inflicted on him. Moony was furious, what his pathetic human counterpart had done and if he had his way, he would have ripped him to shreds. Why did he have to be stuck with this disgusting piece of shit? The only way to free himself from that bastard is death and he would rather take that than being stuck with that pathetic human.

The day went on like usual. No one was happy about the outcome of the school board meeting.

Whereas the adults were finishing up their drinks, John, Ron and Ginny were playing quietly with each other in their rooms. Those three become close friends.

Shrewsbury/Avery Manor, August 28th, 2003

Brutus had been keeping a close watch on his soulmate and noticed many things about Anthony Gardner. The boy was petite and delicate and had an androgynous appearance making him look feminine. Brutus had the suspicion that Anthony was a male bearer, but that couldn’t be right.

He needed to check up the library to see, if male squibs could also have the chance of becoming male bearers. Brutus hoped that he was wrong and the boy hadn’t received this gift since this would cause problems for their society.

The Avery Heir was planning now to return back to Avery Manor to check some things up in the family library.

Anthony was feeling uneasy and was distracted, because he swore that he had seen a man, who was wearing a formal suit watching him, his friends and his families. It was creepy, but somehow, he felt comfort and warmth and Anthony has no idea, where this is coming from.

“Earth on Anthony. Are you there?” Anthony didn’t notice the call of his friend, Tom. He was lost in thought.

“Yes, I am here, Tom. Did you notice the man that has been following us?”, Anthony asked.

Tom looked at him confused and was concerned regarding his best friend. “No, I didn’t. Are you alright? Maybe you got a heatstroke.”

“Could be possible.” Anthony shook his head. The last thing, he needed was his friends worrying about him. He had been having a feeling that he was watched, but he doesn’t know from where.

“Then, I have an idea, in order to cool off a little. Let’s go swimming. School will start after this week and I want to finish my summer on a good term”, Tom said with a grin. The girls rolled their eyes, but agreed on the idea. All four teenagers made their way home to get their swimming trunks.

Returning back home, Brutus went directly to the library and started to look through the books about male bearers.

Unfortunately, he had spent hours looking through them, but he found nothing at the end, if squibs could also receive the gift of becoming male bearers.

Maybe he should ask the goblins regarding this. They knew more about the magical world than him much to his annoyance. He quickly wrote a letter for an appointment with his account manager, in order to get some information about male bearers.

Gringotts, August 30th, 2003

Brutus was making his way to Gringotts. He had an appointment with the Avery account manager. The man wants some answers regarding his soulmate. Entering the bank, he went to a teller and demanded to speak with his account manager since he had an appointment with him. The goblin withheld a growl. He hated rude humans like that one, but the teller was planning to stall the imbecile.

After half an hour, Brutus was ready to kill. Those creatures are terrible and disrespectful demons towards upstanding wizards like him, but he had no desire to cause a goblin war.

When they arrived at the account managers office, the teller knocked on the door and when they were allowed in, Brutus was left with the Avery account manager alone. “Heir Avery, you wanted to talk with me.”

“Yes, I want to find more information about male bearers. Is it possible for male squibs to receive the gift of being natural carriers?”, Brutus questioned the goblin directly. He is not a fan of pleasantries and goes directly to the point.

The goblin sighed and answered: “Yes since the gift of being a male bearer is passive magic and not active magic. This revelation came out in the 19th century, when a wizard had a soulmate in the form of a male squib in France. It was the Malfoi Family, the French counterpart of the Malfoy Family. Their magic levels had started to decrease in an alerting way due to the inbreeding and slow decrease of magic. In order to intercede the levels, the heir was gifted with a soulmate in the form of a squib. The match was approved by the family since soulmates were sacred and the said squib fell pregnant after they were married. He gave birth to a powerful magical child and with that the Malfoi Family managed to save themselves from magical extinction.” The word magical extinction is only used, when the magic of the family is no longer there to sustain the next generation and only squibs remain. The account manager knew that this happened with the Gardner Family. They were once a wizarding family before the last member became a squib and the magic was gone, but it is possible to revive this family with the help of either a magical being, another squib or a wixen. A little push is necessary to revive the Gardner line. He had the suspicion that Anthony Gardner is descending from that family obviously, but he had no proof since he needed his blood to test it. Looking at the man’s reaction, the account manager remained tense. Something bad is going to happen.

Brutus was sceptic about these revelations, but the goblin was accurate with his answers. There was no way that his family grew weaker. He doesn’t need a filthy squib to continue the family line. He needs to deal with that issue, but it wouldn’t hurt to have some fun with the brat.

“Thanks for the information. I have some business to attend.” With that, Brutus left the account manager’s office leaving the goblin with a bad feeling in his gut.

Brutus had to rework his plans with this latest disruption, but he is sure that he will find a way to fix this. These revelations have helped him to find a new approach regarding his soulmate.

The account manager had a feeling that something incredibly bad is going to happen, but he wasn’t sure, what.

Chapter Text

Shrewsbury, September 1st, 2003

Jaques and Anton were with their family in the headmaster’s office. Today is Jaques’ and Anton’s first day at school, where they would do their GCSEs. Zachary, Amelie, Cyrus and Danielle were dressed in formal muggle clothes and Jaques was dressed in the school uniform, whereas Anton was dressed normally in his formal suit. That was confusing. The headmaster was going over the documents. They were thankful that he was a squib, who was aware of the magical world and Dumbledore’s screw-ups with Hogwarts. So, they could speak with the man openly.

Laying down the documents, the headmaster turned his attention to the boys. He started with Anton. “Mr. Abbott. You have passed the exams for your twelfth grade of your non-magical education. The only thing, that you have to do is take the GCSE exams. You only need to fill this formular, which subjects you are choosing for your GCSEs. The examination will take place in November this year. You are not required to attend school.”

“I understand.” Anton and the others were startled by this.

“From what I have read, you had an internship in the Department of Mysteries. What I can give you is information about the A-levels in our school, but they are not a requirement. They are taking place after the GCSEs and you have to attend two years, in order to finish them. You are choosing minimally three and maximally five subjects from your GCSE exams and are continuing to study them in these two years. Are you interested in furthering your education, Mr. Abbott?”

Anton was thoughtful regarding this. The Department of Mysteries wrote to him at the end of August that they would take maybe longer with their evaluation. It would take them three years until they are finished. “Yes, I am interested. The Department of Mysteries wrote to me that the evaluation would take maybe three years. So, I have time.”

The headmaster smiled. “Good. I will make sure that some are aware of your situation, Mr. Abbott, and we will set up the excuse that your former school was lacking in their education. With that, we will be able to make sure that there are not any uncomfortable questions.”

Everyone agreed.

“The same goes to you too, Mr. Greengrass.” The headmaster turned his attention to Jaques. “We will use the same excuse like with Mr. Abbott, but you will be required to attend school for your 12th grade. Unlike him, you will get the formulars at the end of February or at the beginning of March, where you will choose, which subjects you want for your GCSEs.”

Jaques nodded. The headmaster continued: “The staff that is aware of the magical world and I will keep your secrets quiet. We made a magical vow not to tell anyone about your abilities. So, you don’t have to worry about your secrets getting out.”

Everyone nodded and with that, everyone was leaving the office. Outside the office, Jaques was introduced to his homeroom teacher and the woman led him to her classroom, where he could introduce himself. The others exited the school and made their way to their homes. Anton had a lot of studying to do for his GCSEs in two months.

Jaques was introducing himself to his new class mates. The majority greeted him with a smile, but some were checking him up like he was fresh meat in the market. He withheld a sigh. This was going to be a long school year.

He is sure that many will try to get into his pants. Unfortunately, he can’t tell them that he was betrothed and he also can’t tell them that he was a male bearer since Jaques would expose the secret.

Another issue is that in this school, Brutus Avery’s soulmate is attending. Anton and he had suggested that they attend the same school like Anthony Gardner, in order to keep a watch on him, his friends and his family. Maybe he would be able to befriend Anthony and get close to him, so that he can protect him better, but Anthony is a year ahead of him. So, it will be more difficult for him to save him in case Brutus acts up against him.

Cyrus, Danielle, Zachary and Amelie are leaving the school with worried expressions. Jaques is attending the same school like Anthony Gardner. At first, they were against the idea of risking Anton and Jaques, but both boys volunteered to protect Anthony from Brutus and Jaques is good at dueling. He could keep Avery at bay, if a fight breaks out or Avery is going to do something dangerous and unpredictable.

They hoped that the boys’ plan would work, but they still worry.

Platform 9 ¾

A new school year was going to start and Bill was boarding the Hogwarts Express. His trunk was shrunken and it was in his pocket. The Weasley Heir had found an empty compartment and from the compartment window, Bill waved goodbye to his father and brothers, who waved back. His brothers followed suit and waved to him excitedly especially the twins, who rose both arms. For his third year, Bill had planned to take Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures as electives. He also planned to self-study Magical Theory, Magical Law and Politics. Bill had planned to take his exams during the Yule holidays. He will manage it and he had the needed books for those classes.

Bill was lost in thought. His father had told him, what his mother had done to him and his siblings and he hated her for that. He was furious, what she had planned to do to him and his younger brothers apart from Ron and Ginny. Bill no longer acknowledged Molly as his mother. Her actions against him were reason enough. Bill sat in his compartment lost in thought.

Sae Niijima was excited, when she had seen the Hogwarts Express pulling into the station. The train was stunning and beautiful. Before she boarded the train, her mother said: “Sae, I want to talk with you before you board the train.” The silver-haired girl nodded and had her attention on her mother, Reika went down on one knee and looked in her daughter’s eye. “Sae, Hogwarts is a bit different. You need to be carefully around the blood purists. Their leader, Voldemort, has been defeated, but in the school, there are still his followers and those, who believe in his mantra. Most of them are in Slytherin, but they are also spread in the other houses. The other group that you have to avoid is Dumbledore and his followers. A majority of them are in Gryffindor and some are in Hufflepuff. You need to be carefully around them.”

“I will be carefully, mum”, Sae said in determined tone.

Reika smiled at her daughter. She was proud of Sae and her determination. “Good and I hope that you will meet your soulmate here.” The girl had a hopeful look. Sae had done an inheritance test during the summer holidays and she found out that she had a soulmate. It was none other than Felix Rosier and she was sure that he was attending Hogwarts since her mother told her that the Rosiers are a British Family, who had originally settled from France. Her mother had researched the family and had found out that the younger brother of Lord Rosier, Evan Rosier, was a spy during the civil war in Britain. Furthermore, the Rosiers are not loyal to Voldemort and his followers. This was good.

Sae nodded and her cheeks were a bit rosy, when her mother had mentioned her soulmate.

With that, the young girl boarded the train and she was looking for an empty compartment. Unfortunately, the compartments were full and she had no intention of sitting in a cramped compartment until she found a compartment with a red-haired boy, who was sitting alone. At least something. Sae entered the compartment interrupting the redhead in his thoughts and sat down opposite him. She waved to her parents and her sister, who waved back until the train started to move. She is already missing them.

For some time, it was silent until Bill started. “Hello, my name is William Weasley or as many are calling me Bill and you are?”

Sae knew, who the boy was and was a bit apprehensive since the Weasleys are supporters of Dumbledore. “My name is Sae Niijima. This is my first year. Can you tell me a bit more about Hogwarts? I know that there are four houses, but I want to know, how we are sorted.”

Bill nodded in understanding and explained: “There are four houses. Gryffindor, for the brave and bold. Hufflepuff for the loyal and hard-working. Ravenclaw, for the witty and studious. And Slytherin, for the cunning and ambitious. But in recent years, there was a lot of stigmas against the four houses. The Slytherins are considered as dark and evil by those, who are blindly following the headmaster, and the blood purists think that Slytherin is only taking purebloods and that anyone with lesser blood would not have the right to be sorted into Slytherin, which is not true since Professor Snape, who is a halfblood, and Professor Sinistra, who is a squibborn, are Slytherins. The Hufflepuffs are seen as useless and many Slytherins and Gryffindors are viewing Hufflepuff in a bad way since many think that Hufflepuff is taking all those, who are not good enough for the other houses. The Ravenclaws are seen as bookworms by the other houses and the Gryffindors are seen as the best house by Dumbledore’s followers, whereas the Slytherins think that the lion house is full of dunderheads and idiots, which is sadly the truth, if you compare the grades and the behaviour reports.”

Sae was surprised by Bill Weasley’s response. She had expected a bigoted answer that Gryffindor was the best house and Slytherin was the worst. She also noticed that the boy doesn’t have a high opinion on the benevolent headmaster. She started to dig a little deeper. “You don’t seem to have a high opinion of the headmaster.”

“Unfortunately, my father discovered some things about the headmaster that he didn’t like and he distanced himself from him. I can’t tell you anything since it is a family secret”, Bill explained.

Sae will not ask any further questions since she was going too deep. She would be in a lot of trouble, if she interfered in family matters. “How am I going to be sorted?” Sae changed the topic.

“Well, you will see, when you arrive. I will not spoil the surprise.” Bill grinned at the girl.

Sae huffed. Great. Another secret. At least, she will find out the sorting method, when she arrives at Hogwarts. Both were talking about Hogwarts and Sae realised that Bill had a loathing against the headmaster. This was odd. She thought that the Weasleys were big supporters of the headmaster, but she will keep it to herself. Maybe he will tell her, where the loathing was coming from.

“What year are you, Bill?”, Sae asked.

“I am in my third year”, Bill answered.

Sae questioned: “So, for this year, you have electives. What did you choose?”

“Well, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures.” Bill wasn’t sure, if he should tell her about the classes that he had planned to self-study.

Sae asked: “How many electives are offered in Hogwarts?”

“Five. The three that I have told you and there is also Muggle Studies and Divination.” Bill was not happy to tell her that.

Sae raised her eyebrow. “Seriously, there is no Magical Theory, no Magical Law, no Politics, no Alchemy, no Warding and Spell Weaving and Crafting that are offered in fifth year.”

“The headmaster has cancelled all these classes for non-sensical reasons and two electives that are offered are completely useless. Muggle Studies is taught by a pureblood witch that never was in the non-magical world and Divination has been taken over by a hack, who predicts the death of a student every year”, Bill answered displeased. “This is the reason why, I chose Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures.”

“Wow, Dumbledore is really dumbing down a generation”, Sae said in wonder.

Bill smirked. “You also don’t seem to have a high opinion of the headmaster.”

“No, I am from Japan and my parents warned me away from Dumbledore, his sycophants and the blood supremacists. Apart from that, Japan doesn’t hold a high opinion of the UK due to the Global Wizarding War”, Sae said with a smirk forming on her lips.

Bill was smiling. Maybe he could trust her with the classes that he is self-studying. So, he said: “Well, we had an incompetent minister, who didn’t take the threat of Grindelwald seriously. But back to the point, I was a bit disingenuous, Sae. I am also self-studying Magical Theory, Magical Law and Government and Politics.”

Sae was shocked, but managed to hide a grin. “I see.” She will tell her parents about the Weasley Family and their distance regarding Dumbledore and his followers.

The train ride passed quietly. Sae had noticed that Bill wasn’t mentioning his mother. He also evaded her question, when she asked him about the Weasley matriarch. There must be a terrible secret regarding Bill’s mother, but she will not dig deeper into that territory too.

Hogwarts

When the train reached Hogsmeade, Bill and Sae dressed themselves in their uniforms. They are here. Boarding out of the train, Bill showed her the way to the other first years, who are going to the school by boat. Sae was not pleased that she was going to have a boat ride, in order to get to Hogwarts, but she had to live with it. It was only this year. Next year, she would be using the carriage. The boats didn’t look any better, but they were in a fine condition. She sat down on one of the boats with three other first years and the boat started its trip to the school.

When they got to the side entrance, they were led inside, where they met a stern-looking, older woman. She introduced herself as Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration mistress of Hogwarts, the deputy-headmistress and the head of the Gryffindor house. Sae was a bit stunned that the woman held so many responsibilities, but she really can’t argue regarding this. The woman introduced the four houses and made a little speech about the on-goings in Hogwarts. Sae had received a warning from her parents that McGonagall is blindly following the headmaster on everything.

Minerva led the students into the great hall. She was less than pleased since the children and youths from the brothels are going to attend the school. She wished that there was a way to revoke their invitation, but the ministry forced Hogwarts to take them in and they hadn’t had a choice since the public would have demanded it.

Preparing the stool and the hat, Minerva took out the parchment. It was slightly longer than last year. She started to call the names of the children and even some youths to be sorted.

Bill had noticed that the sorting was going to take longer since there were more children and youths. His dad told him that most of them came from the brothels that were dissolved during April. Bill was clapping with the other Gryffindors since he had to keep up appearances.

“Niijima, Sae!”, Minerva announced a little bit startled. She was surprised that a girl from Japan was attending Hogwarts.

Albus was surprised about a Japanese girl attending his school, but he could use it to his favour to convince some children from the other countries to attend his school.

Bill paid close attention to his friend, who went to the stool.

Sae was less than pleased, when she saw the old, ratty hat and she was even more displeased, after she had made her way to the stool and sat down, after she was called. The hat was placed on her head. Is that hat even clean? Suddenly, she heard a voice in her mind that had startled her. “Ah, what a devious mind you have, my dear. And I am clean on the way. I look old and worn, but there are cleaning charms on me. But let’s go on with your sorting. Where should I place you? You are clever and very studious, but you are also very cunning, ambitious and resourceful. You would do well in either Ravenclaw or Slytherin, but which of these houses would do you good.”

“What is the best house for me?”

“Difficult, very difficult. You have a thirst for knowledge, which is making you more suitable for Ravenclaw than Slytherin. I think that I found the perfect house for you.”

“RAVENCLAW!”

Sae’s school uniform turned blue and she was wearing the emblem of the Ravenclaw house on her left chest. The girl made her way to the blue table, where many clapped politely for her sorting. She sat down with the other first years and the girl started to talk with some students in her year.

Bill was clapping politely for Sae and he was happy that she was sorted there. Professor Flitwick is a good head of house unlike McGonagall.

The sorting continued for some time since there were more students that came from the brothels that were dissolved in April this year and the headmaster made his usual welcome speech for the first years, but he was missing his usual twinkle. After giving the warnings that entering the Forbidden Forest was forbidden, the feast could begin.

Albus was hiding his fury, when he saw the children and youths from the brothels here in his precious school. Even though many went into Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Some went into Slytherin and a minority went into Gryffindor and Albus could only imagine the displeasure that Minerva would express regarding those children and youths infiltrating her den. But he hadn’t had a choice. The ministry would have made him out to be the bad guy, if he refused and that wouldn’t do since it would have made things more difficult for him and his followers during the Wizengamot and the school board meetings.

The feast continued on until the students were finished and Dumbledore dismissed them to their dormitories.

Sae was climbing up the stairs to the Ravenclaw tower and entered the Ravenclaw common room. She had to solve a riddle, if she wants to enter the common room, which is not making her happy, but Sae can handle that.

The common room was beautifully decorated in blue colours. There were shelves full of books around the common room and the window is showing them a beautiful view of the Black Lake.

Her head of house was Filius Flitwick, who was also teaching Charms in Hogwarts, and he made a short speech about the house and the rules in the school and in Ravenclaw.

With that, they were led to their dormitories, where Sae prepared herself to sleep. She was homesick, but Sae had to remain strong. Apart from that, she was going to send a letter to her parents and her little sister tomorrow morning before breakfast. Sae quickly prepared the letter and put it in an envelope. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Albus was sitting behind his desk listening Minerva’s displeasure about the children and youths from the brothels. “I can’t believe that some of these ‘children’ are infiltrating my house. Albus, we need to do something.”

“There is nothing, we can do, Minerva. The public would tear us apart, if we tried anything against them. And it would have made things harder for us in the Wizengamot and the school board.” Albus sighed. He understood her anger, but the public has a different opinion.

Minerva had to admit that Albus was right. Things would have been harder, if they had refused, but still, it is an annoyance.

Changing the topic, she asked about the Japanese girl that is starting her first year: “What about that Niijima girl that is attending Hogwarts, Albus. Could we use it in our favour?”

“Maybe, but we have to be carefully. If we make a bad impression in front of the girl, then, our standing in the international community would decrease slightly. If we make a good impression, then, there is the chance that more children and youths from the other countries would attend Hogwarts”, Albus said. He could use that to his advantage, but he had to be carefully since a bad impression would have long lasting consequences. Minerva nodded and both made plans to find a way to make a good impression towards the girl. Since she is in Ravenclaw, it made things more difficult, but they could work with the current predicament.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, September 4th, 2003

Another order meeting was taking place in the school. Albus had made plans to ban elves from getting work anywhere, where they would be in a prolonged contact with witches and wizards due to their magic and their features that could be distracting. He excluded the house elves from this ban since it would ban them from working for witches and wizards. Albus needed their servitude. His followers agreed on that. They knew that the elves with their large ears would distract the witches and wizards from their work.

When that was done, his followers began to complain about the children and youths from the brothels that were starting school. Things evolved into a rant that these children and youths shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the students. They should be closely watched and any rule-breaking should be punished hard.

Phineas rolled his eyes. If he had lived longer and had been headmaster, these fools would have learnt, what a hard punishment is. They wouldn’t be behaving like spoilt rotten brats now. How were those abominations even created?

The other headmasters and headmistresses were disgusted with Dumbledore and those, who were following the old coot. He was the worst headmaster and the worst disgrace to Hogwarts. They really hoped that one day, he will pay for his monstrosity. For more than 50 years, they were watching the old fool and his followers. How long do they have to wait until those bastards were punished severely for their actions?

“But I have good news, my dears”, Albus turned the attention back to some news that his followers are going to like. “We have a new student from Japan that has chosen to attend Hogwarts instead of Mahoutokoro. She is in Ravenclaw, but it could help us a little to raise our reputation.”

Many were happy, but some complained that she had come in a very inconvenient time since those ‘children’ from the brothels had started to attend the school at the same time.

Sae had gotten a letter from her parents and both were pleased with her sorting, but they were concerned about her friendship with Bill Weasley due to his family’s dealings with Dumbledore and his followers. Sae wrote back that Bill and his family disliked the headmaster. There were some things that his father had found out about the headmaster and he didn’t like it one bit, which caused a distance between the Weasley Family and Dumbledore and his followers. She also explained that the dislike remained a secret in the Weasley Family and Bill didn’t want to expose that part since he felt uncomfortable like he was in danger. So, she didn’t ask further questions.

Both of her parents were surprised by this and changed their tune that she should remain close with Bill Weasley. Maybe, she would find out the reason why the Weasley Family had started to distance themselves from Dumbledore even though, the family were big supporters of the old fool in the past.

Sae had a calm lunch before she would continue with her classes. She was also studying the Magical Theory class and she also is attending the tutoring sessions, where they are taught the ICW curriculum and are up to par with the rest of the world. She was glad that the teachers are trying to do their best for the education of the next generation.

Bill on the other side was exhausted due to the class work, the self-studying and the tutoring sessions that he is attending. He had been stretched a little bit too thin, but he will manage it. Bill was very determined not to fail.

Weasley Cottage, September 6th, 2003

The Grey Alliance was having another meeting regarding Dumbledore’s nomination on Monday. Arthur explained the other members about Dumbledore’s motion regarding the elves. Markus McKinnon was introduced to the other members at the alliance and had to admit that the people here are more accepting than the other members of the light fraction. The man had gone through the agreement between the elves and wixen and was stunned that Albus and his followers are fools to risk either their magic or the house elves, who would no longer serve the witches and wizards, if they break a clause in the agreement.

“Dumbledore is an idiot. He is hellbent on making us suffer at the end. Is his goal that we lose our magic or the connection to our house elves”, Markus complained. He never realised, how stupid and foolish Dumbledore could be.

Everyone just shrugged and had sheepish expressions on their faces. The man huffed. This says everything.

“Before we could stop this nomination, we need something to distract the old fool”, Narcissa explained. She knew that Lord McKinnon could be a hothead like his daughter. Markus looked at Marlene, who gave him a nod and explained: “We need always a distraction, in order to make sure that Dumbledore or his followers are not interfering. His sympathisers are easily going to be convinced, but his followers are problematic.” Markus nodded in understanding.

Adrianna was the one, who presented the idea. “I have an idea, what we could nominate. What you are missing is a department of finances. I know that you have a budgeting department, but they are dealing with the budgets in the ministry and pay-checks. The department of finances is dealing with the financial status of the wizarding world. In Italy, the department is working closely with Gringotts and are making sure that the taxes are regulated. They also issue support for families that have a low income and are making sure that they have money for the care of any children, they have.”

“This idea sounds to be good. It would help our society even more.” Narcissa found the idea to be good. Many agreed and this would distract Dumbledore greatly.

“Then, we can make the protest against Dumbledore’s motion”, Marlene explained to her father, who understood, how they were working. “And then, we are putting the current employment restrictions against the elves under question. With that, father, we are freezing the law. In that way, we would be able to rework the law in five years and get rid of it easier.”

Markus knew that freezing laws would make it easier to abolish them. He agreed with the Grey Alliance full-heartedly. His daughter and her fiancée explained that they had to go slowly, in order to make sure that the changes were getting bigger and bigger in the future.

Markus had seen that the Grey Alliance could help their world better than Dumbledore and his idiots.

“Are there any news from Hogwarts? I hope that the children and youths from the brothels are doing well at their first year in school?”, Adrianna asked.

Severus said assuredly: “They are doing fine. The first week is over and the students have adjusted well.”

That was good to hear. Many discussed the children and youths. Arthur raised his hand. Everyone’s attention was on Arthur. “Bill has befriended a new student from Japan.”

“Yes, I have seen that there is a girl from Japan that is currently attending Hogwarts instead of Mahoutokoro, which is odd”, Severus said.

“Bill became friends with her. She is not a fan of Dumbledore like the rest of Japan”, Arthur explained. Everyone chuckled at the pun, but he is right. No one in Japan liked Dumbledore or the UK apart from some exceptions due to the inactions of the British Ministry of Magic regarding Grindelwald and his followers.

With that, the meeting came to an end.

Wizengamot, September 8th, 2003

The Wizengamot meeting should have started a few minutes ago, but Dumbledore was late like usual. Narcissa was talking with her husband. “That man should be taught to not be late for anything. Has he behaved like this in school? This disrespect.”

“The staff of Phineas Black was strict and were not tolerating any misbehaviour back then. Dumbledore hated the strict rules and orders in Hogwarts. Any bullying wasn’t tolerated and the rivalries were harmless back then since they were talking about, who will win the house cup or who will win the quidditch cup. There were no biases or prejudices towards the four houses. Now, it is a nightmare that is going to be hard to fix”, Lucius explained. He had talked with Phineas about Hogwarts during his time.

“I understand. Hogwarts has become a breeding ground of prejudice and discrimination. It had an effect on our society today. Look at James Potter for example. The man is still behaving like a toddler, a child has more maturity, and is throwing temper tantrums, if things are not going his way. Furthermore, he believes in Dumbledore’s stupid mantra that dark is evil and light is good.” Narcissa shook her head at Potter’s stupidity. She knew that Akira would be raised differently and wouldn’t be manipulated and abused by those monsters.

Lucius agreed. Before they could continue to discuss the matter further, Albus Dumbledore finally arrived at the Wizengamot. The man had magenta robes that were sparkling lemons. Narcissa really questioned about Dumbledore’s horrible fashion choices. Is he colour-blind?

The Wizengamot started and one of the fools from the Anti-Creature-Party motioned to ban elves from working in any field, where they would have pro-longed contact with witches and wizards. Narcissa really questioned herself, how they have managed to graduate from Hogwarts. They were beyond idiots. Don’t they realise that this law would also ban house elves from working for them too since they are a sub-species of the elves.

When the fool was finished, Narcissa swore that a majority looked at the man like he was a fool. Do they even need a protest?

“Are there any other nominations?”, Albus asked with a twinkle in his eyes.

Narcissa rose her wand. Albus was sighing deeply. He wished that someone else had risen his wand. “Lady Malfoy?”

Narcissa rose from her seat and proposed: “Lords, Ladies, I am motioning to open up a new department.” Many were muttering at that. Two new departments in one year. This was incredible. “This department deals with the finances of our society and economy as well as regulates the income and the expenditures of the ministry. This department is also helping low-income families to get some financial support for the care of the kids, in order to relieve some financial pressures.” Narcissa continued to explain the department in details. She also mentioned, how the department should work and how it should be regulated.

Many liked the proposal of a new department, but there were some protests from Dumbledore’s followers. Many of these idiots argued that the department is a waste of money and time, but the majority of the Wizengamot were ready to disagree. Seeing this, Dumbledore quickly put up some privacy and silencing wards around him and his followers, where he could calm his pawns down.

With Dumbledore distracted, Aurelia took over. She asked: “Are there any other nominations?”

Lucius rose his wand. “Lord Malfoy?”, Aurelia asked.

The Malfoy patriarch rose from his seat. “Lords, Ladies, I have a protest to make regarding the motion that was made against the elves. This proposal is also banning the house elves from working with us and that can’t be allowed. We would lose the house elves due to this law.” There were many agreements. Lucius had to admit that the majority of the members were not fools. There were some angry chatterings and they gave the nominee of the motion disdainful looks, which angered the idiot.

“Are there any other nominations or protests?”, Aurelia asked after she managed to regain silence in the courtroom.

Amelia rose her wand. Aurelia had her attention to the head of the house Bones. “Lady Bones?”

The female head auror rose from her seat and announced: “Chief Witch Acton, I am nominating to put the current working restrictions against the elves under question. They are breaking multiple clauses of the agreement between the wixens and the elves and that can’t be allowed. So, these laws needed to be frozen, in order to make sure that we don’t risk losing our house elves or our magic in the worst-case scenario.” There were multiple agreements with that.

At that time, Dumbledore was finished calming his followers down. He retook his podium and asked Aurelia: “Were there any other nominations, Aurelia, my dear?”

“Yes, Chief Warlock. Lady Bones motioned to put the current working restrictions against the elves under question”, Aurelia answered hiding her disdain towards the old man.

Albus closed his eyes. This can’t be happening. Aurelia continued: “Her reasoning is that the current restrictions are breaking multiple clauses in the agreement between the elves and the wixens.” Albus was ready to curse Amelia to the next millennium. She is destroying his plans for this world. He moved over to the voting before his followers could embarrass him. The first motion failed epically. Only those from the Anti-Creature-Party and Dumbledore’s radical followers as well as a reluctant Dumbledore, who realised that the nomination would have also included the house elves, voted for it. This angered those, who supported the motion. Narcissa’s and Amelia’s nominations had a great majority. This infuriated Albus and his followers to no end. The members of the Anti-Creature-Party were enraged about the passed nomination from Lady Bones. Dolores needed to find some blackmail material against Amelia Bones, but there was barely anything that would damage the woman’s pristine reputation. But she was going to work harder to get something useful against Amelia.

Before Dumbledore’s followers could go on a rant, the Wizengamot meeting came to an end. Albus sent them home since he needed some time to think about the outcome of the meeting.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office

Albus was sitting behind his desk and was seething in fury. The entire meeting had gone in the wrong direction. That idiot didn’t even make a proper nomination, when he had nominated it. He didn’t want the elves to work in the ministry and any other places, where they would get paid. This should stop these creatures from rising to power. The motion that the elves should be banned from working in any occupation that would have put them in pro-longed contact with humans would have also included the house elves. Many pureblood families would have lost their house elves and that wouldn’t do. Not even the darker purebloods were willing to vote for that. He should have expected that those idiots would have screwed it up big time.

Then, there was the nomination from Narcissa Malfoy that would cause problems for him in the future. He needed to gain control over that department before things would go out of control. Albus couldn’t believe that things were going in the wrong direction.

The last motion from Amelia was a blow and it did cause him a lot of damage to his plans. Why is nothing going according to his plans? The darkness in their world needed to be cleansed and all those horrible dark creatures had to be stamped out from their society, so that it can prosper for the Greater Good, but there are still fools that are standing in his way and are ruining his plans.

Minerva made her way into the office. She was worried since Albus skipped dinner. Entering the office, Minerva saw Albus lost in thoughts. “Albus, is everything alright? How was the Wizengamot meeting?”

“The meeting ended badly for us, Minerva. The nomination that was presented against the elves was bad. The ban would have included the house elves, who would have been forbidden to work for us”, Albus explained. Minerva sighed. Great. What idiot had nominated that? “Furthermore, the working restrictions of the elves were put under question and now they are frozen. This agreement is making things really difficult for us.” Albus wished that there was a way around the agreement, but it was signed in blood and it was binding. So, there was no way around the agreement.

“This is going to be complicated, but we need to find a way to restrict those elves from doing too much damage to our society”, Minerva huffed.

“I know, Minerva, but it is easier said than done. We have an entire month to think of a new approach against the elves. For now, there is the school board meeting in three weeks and I didn’t find anything to restrict the curriculum in Herbology”, Albus said with a sigh.

Minerva thinned her lips. “I don’t understand why Pomona would want to change her class’ curriculum? What had caused this?”

“Severus is the reason. James is right about one point. After Severus had started to teach here, many teachers are following his example, which is bad for our plans, Minerva”, Albus answered. He needed his staff to distrust Severus, but it doesn’t seem to work. The man was popular among the other staff members apart from his followers, who are blindly loyal to him.

Minerva flared her nostrils. This is the last thing they needed. “We need to find a way to stop Severus’ influence among the students and the staff. He is causing problems for us.”

“I know, Minerva, but what should we do? He is not breaking his contract he had signed with the board. Furthermore, we don’t have any control over him and he is the only potion master beside Horace that is available in the UK”, Albus explained. This was something that he hated. He was slowly losing control over his staff. The only ones that are loyal to him beside Minerva were Poppy, Irma, Andromeda, Argus and Hagrid. The rest of the staff was unpredictable, but he had kept control over them. Now, he is not in control anymore, which is causing problems to his plans.

The rest of the evening Minerva and Albus were discussing, what to do, but they found no solution for now.

Phineas and the other former headmasters and mistresses were smirking. Things are changing. They can feel it.

Shrewsbury, September 11th, 2003

Brutus had been watching his soulmate come home from school. He had spent his time studying the boy’s routine from going home to school, in order to find a point, where he is alone. The time, Anthony is alone is when he is separating himself from his friends and is going home. There was a gap of a few minutes that he could use, in order to snatch the boy away, but there was one problem. The neighbour is watching out of the window, when she is preparing dinner and at the same time, Anthony was coming back home.

The only way would be to lock her up in her house and make sure that the woman doesn’t interfere, but that would bring a lot of attention from the neighbours, if there were any altercations.

Then, Brutus had an idea. A portkey. Anthony is a squib and squibs are able to use portkeys and floos, which would make things easier, if he slips a portkey in his bag.

Brutus also had a feeling that he was watched, but he still wasn’t sure, who is watching him. He has a suspicion that the old manor-like house beside the Gardners has an inhabitant, but Brutus didn’t have the time to focus on that.

Brian had been watching Anthony and Brutus carefully, so that there weren’t any suspicions that they had been watched. There would be questions and Brutus would kill him, if he sees him as a hindrance to his soulmate.

Then, there was a feeling that he should put up anti-portkey wards around the area, but that would be too noticeable. Brian can’t also put up anti-apparation wards since it would expose him immediately.

When he had seen Brutus leaving the area surely apparating home and Anthony going inside the house, Brian was left thinking, what he was supposed to do to protect the boy without risking his current position.

Anthony was uneasy. He had a feeling that he was watched. He was sure that there was someone in Mrs. Hunt’s estate and Anthony didn’t believe in ghosts.

Then, he had noticed that a person was watching him and his friends and this time, Anthony was really sure, because the boy had seen a silhouette that had been following him and his friends. He was sure that it must be a man, but doesn’t have any proof since his friends can’t see the person that is following them.

Anthony hoped that this was a sick joke and the person would stop with this. He wanted to tell his parents that someone was stalking him and his friends, but he isn’t sure, if they could do anything for him. Going to the police will not help either. They would not listen to him without any evidence and they would say that he is just imagining things and that they have more important matters to do. Anthony hoped that this was going to stop since he had a feeling that he was in danger.

But there are also good news. He had made a new friend in school. His name is Jaques Greengrass. He is a year below them even though he is a year older than him and his friends. The teachers said that his former school was lacking in education and he had to relearn some things that he had missed due to the bad education. Many accepted the reasoning and Jaques was doing well for his GCSEs. Anthony was planning to introduce his new friend to his parents. But there was something odd about Jaques. There was some kind of energy surrounding him that is making him feel secure. There must be more to Jaques, but he doesn’t know, what.

Avery Manor, September 13th, 2003

Brutus was crafting a portkey that would make sure that Anthony would be sent in a flat in Scotland that belongs to his family. His father never paid any mind to the property and gifted it to him, when he was finished with Hogwarts. The property had only his wards, so, Anthony’s presence could be hidden from his family. He also managed to find a ritual that would transfer the soul bond. He only needed to find the ingredients and a way to get to Seraphina Yaxley to help him. He and Seraphina were friends in school and he had made plans to marry her after they graduated, but their betrothal had been postponed due to the problems with that blood traitor, Corban Yaxley. He had waited for the time being until the Yaxleys were ready to discuss the betrothal again, but he waited too long and when Aurelius was convicted and Gerald had died, Corban rejected his suit since he froze and dissolved the Avery-Yaxley alliance after he became Lord Yaxley and was planning to arrange a betrothal for his sister with Zephyr Travers to strengthen the alliance with the Travers Family. Brutus knew that the Travers were not followers of the Dark Lord, but they are in the dark fraction traditionally. Seraphina didn’t like the marriage since she hated the Travers and their disloyalty to the Dark Lord, but Corban thought that it was a fine match for his sister. He wished that there was a way to stop the betrothal and he knew, how to help her.

“Brutus!” Brutus was startled by his mother calling his name.

“Yes, mother”, the Avery Heir called back. He quickly hid the portkey in his drawer of his desk that he had locked.

The Avery matriarch entered her son’s room. “Are you alright? You are acting odd in these past two months.” Josephina Avery noticed her son’s absence in these past two months and she had a feeling that something was going on. She had talked with her husband, but he had dismissed her and told her that as long as he is focused on his duties as the heir and his work in the ministry, there shouldn’t be any worries. Josephina just huffed at Justinian. She was more perceptive than him. Something is going on and she was sure of that.

Brutus sighed knowing that he had put a distance towards his family these past two months. He knew that his mother is more perceptive than his father. Brutus answered: “I am alright. I had been busy with my position in the ministry and my duties as Heir Avery these past months.”

Josephina wasn’t convinced with her son’s reasoning, but she doesn’t want to dig deeper. “Alright, but if you have any problems, you can come to me.”

“I know, mother, but don’t panic. Everything is alright”, Brutus lied. Josephina knew that it was a lie, but she will not go deeper at that. “Well. I came here to inform you that it is time for dinner. So, come to the dining room. Your father would be displeased, if you are late.” Brutus nodded knowing that his father hated lateness. After his mother had left him alone, Brutus let out a breath. He is not alright. He has a squib as a soulmate and there doesn’t seem to be a way to get around him. If this gets out, Brutus would be the laughing stock of the pureblood circles. His family would be shamed and disgraced by the other members of the dark order and his father would either kill him or disown. Brutus needed to avoid this at all cost.

Everything would be ready in October, but he needed to find a way to get his hands on Anthony. Brutus made his way to the informal dining room, in order to make sure that he isn’t late for dinner.

Shrewsbury, September 15th, 2003

Brutus was waiting outside the Shrewsbury School for Anthony. His soulmate is currently attending this school and he had to admit that according to the students and the staff, it was a fine institution. When he heard the bell inside of the school rang, Brutus quickly hid himself in the shadows. Looking at the mass of students, Brutus used his soul bond to track down Anthony. He grinned, when he was successful, but his victorious grin fell, when he saw that the boy was talking with Jaques Greengrass out of all people. Brutus quickly hid himself in the shadows making sure that Greengrass doesn’t notice him and he cursed his bad luck. What in Merlin’s name was Greengrass doing here? Why is he attending this school? What the hell was going on?

He can’t be caught by Greengrass since there were going to be uncomfortable questions, if he is seen by the boy. It would risk his parents finding out about his activities in the muggle world and what he is doing during his free time. The last thing, he needed that his folks find out about his soul bond with Anthony. His mother wouldn’t care, but his father would react badly to that and he could kick him out and remove him from the line of succession. He has no intention of losing his birth right to his younger sister due to his soulmate. That was another point why, he wants to get rid of Anthony. But Greengrass being here made things even harder for him. Brutus was furious that the situation got worse.

The Avery Heir quickly left the school and made his way home, in order to rework his plans. Greengrass had caused many problems in his plans.

Jaques hid a smirk, when he noticed Brutus leaving the school. The man had seen him and he is sure that he had made things harder for Brutus.

“Jaques! Earth on Jaques!” The said boy was startled by Anthony calling his name.

“Yes, Anthony, what is it? I was lost in thought”, he asked and rubbed his neck.

Anthony rolled his eyes at his new friend. “I wanted to invite you at my home on Friday. My parents are planning to go out for the night and my siblings are going to have a sleepover with their friends. I am allowed to invite you all to my home, but Tom, you are staying out of the kitchen. Mom remembers about the chaos that you have caused last year, when we allowed you in front of the stove.” Tom harrumphed remembering the incident last year and the girls and Jaques chuckled at that.

“Okay. I will come.” Jaques wouldn’t have had a choice since Anthony and his friends would be alone and Brutus would have it easy to deal with them. If he is there, Jaques was sure that Brutus couldn’t act.

Brian watched out of the window and saw Anthony Gardner coming home from school with his friends. Then, he saw someone that nearly made his eyes pop out. It was Jaques Greengrass. What the hell is he doing here? Seeing the school uniform that the Greengrass lad was wearing, Brian was sure that the boy was attending the same school like Anthony. He quickly took out pen and paper and wrote a message to Amelia, in order to inform her about Greengrass and his friendship with Anthony Gardner.

He quickly sent the message to the woman.

Amelia received the message and was pissed, when she was finished reading the note. She was sure that Jaques attending the same school like Anthony and becoming friends with the said boy was Cyrus’ doing. The man will drive her up the wall with his meddling, but she can’t be too angry. Brutus wouldn’t act against Anthony as long as Jaques was there. She is sure that Brutus had to rework his plans, but Amelia will confront Cyrus regarding this development. It is a bad idea to endanger Jaques after he was found over a year ago.

Ministry, September 17th, 2003

Amelia was making her way to the barrister department. She has a long conversation with Cyrus Greengrass about sending his nephew to the same school like Anthony Gardner, who is in danger due to his soul bond with Brutus Avery. Does the man want to lose his nephew after finding him over a year ago? The man should know that Brutus is dangerous and unpredictable.

Seeing the Greengrass lord talking with one of his colleagues, Amelia stormed over. “Lord Greengrass, a word please.”

“Lady Bones, what can I do for you?”, Cyrus asked in a jovial tone.

Amelia gave the man a cold-calculating look. “I need to speak with you privately, Cyrus. There are some things that I would like to know.”

Cyrus sighed and led Amelia to his office. “Amelia, you are demanding answers.”

“Cyrus, how did you end up in Slytherin? You are as obvious as a purple elephant in the room. Brian had told me that Jaques is attending the same school like Anthony Gardner. You know that you are endangering your nephew with this stunt of yours. Brutus Avery is unpredictable and dangerous and you are allowing Jaques to be in his near vicinity”, Amelia nearly hissed.

Cyrus knew that Amelia would be the first to know. The woman is as smart as a snake. How she didn’t end up in Ravenclaw or in Slytherin is beyond him? Nothing against the Hufflepuffs. “I know, Amelia, but Jaques could handle Avery with ease. Brutus will not act against my nephew without any repercussions. I have put some jewellery that would alert me of Jaques being harmed and it would trigger a portkey, if he is severely injured or Brutus would cast a killing curse on Jaques, where my nephew would be whisked away before the curse could hit him into safety.”

Amelia was stunned. There are portkeys that would trigger, if a witch or wizard is casting a killing curse on someone or if someone was severely injured. “Explain me about these portkeys, Cyrus.”

“They were created in China two years ago and are used worldwide in the law enforcement apart from here. The killing curse is leaving residues, if it is cast and these residues are spreading across the entire area, if it is released from the wand. The residues are triggering the portkey and bringing the victim away from the danger into safety. Even though the killing curse is causing instant death, the curse itself is moving slower than the other curses to its victim.” Amelia understood this information. It was why the death eaters rarely used the killing curse. The problem with that particular curse was that it is one of the slowest curses in the magical world, when it is cast, and many with quick reflexes are able to take shelter before it can hit them.

This portkey sounds to be genuine. But back to the topic. “Alright, but this is not my funeral, if Jaques comes to harm. I believe that Danielle, Zachary, Amelie and Anton would like to have a word with you, if something happens to Jaques.” She smirked at the wince that came from Cyrus. The man would suffer a horrible death, if something did happen to his nephew and it was his fault.

“I know, Amelia, but Jaques volunteered to keep an eye on Anthony and he knows the risks. Danielle, Zachary, Amelia, Anton and I were against the idea, but Jaques was insistent on that and the cottage was also in the near of Shrewsbury, where Anton was living. My nephew isn’t a fool, Amelia. He knows, how to keep himself safe”, Cyrus answered.

Amelia was still disgruntled. “I hope that you are right, Cyrus, but I am still reiterating my statement that Jaques shouldn’t take these risks easily.”

“I will take your warning into consideration and warn Jaques, Amelia, but I have a good feeling that with Jaques there Anthony would be safer.” With that, the conversation came to an end and both returned back to work with uneasy feelings.

Shrewsbury, September 19th, 2003

Jaques was making his way to the residence of the Gardners. The weather was comfortable, but it was still a little fresh. He was wearing a pair of simple jeans, a sweater, sneakers and tennis socks. Jaques had also a bag with him. It had some necessities that he would need for the night. Knocking on the door, Jaques heard movements behind the door. He waited patiently until Anthony opened the door. “Jaques, welcome. Come in.” Jaques entered the comfortably warm home. He took off his sneakers and went into the living room.

“Hey Jaques. How are you doing?”, Tom asked from the couch. The girls greeted him.

“We wanted to watch some horror movies”, Tom said in an awed voice.

Franny answered in a sarcastic tone: “Yes, we all can watch and laugh, how Tom screams like a girl, when things get too intense.”

“Not funny. It was not my fault that last time, I poured juice onto your pants, Franny”, Tom said with a pout.

“Tell that to my pants, you idiot. It had taken me and my mum to wash the stain out for two hours. Mum nearly murdered me for the stain”, Franny huffed. Anthony and Sally were chuckling. Jaques was grinning. “Be carefully, Jaques. If you are sitting beside him, you could get juice or food on your clothes.”

Before Jaques could respond, an older woman and man came downstairs calling for Anthony. “Anthony, we are going out. Victoria and Peter are on a sleepover. You are responsible to keep our house in-tact. So, don’t blow up the house, okay?”

“Alright. I will also make sure that Tom stays out of the kitchen”, Anthony answered. Tom just pouted and looked at the ceiling.

The woman gave her son and his friend a stern look. “I hope so. I don’t want to repeat the mess from last year.” Before the couple could leave, they noticed a beautiful, blonde boy with ice-blue eyes.

“Eh, mom, dad, this is Jaques Greengrass. He has started his 12th grade and is doing his GCSEs this year in our school. His former school was lacking in educational standards according to the teachers and that was the reason why he is attending our school now”, Anthony explained.

“A pleasure meeting you, Jaques. Unfortunately, we can’t stay longer and talk with you since we are in a hurry.” Valerie smiled at the boy. She turned her attention to her husband. “Walter, don’t forget the keys.”

“Yes, Valerie. They are in my pockets. It is nice meeting you, Jaques. I wish we could talk longer, but we need to leave.” Walter smiled at the boy before he put his jacket on.

Both couples quickly prepared themselves for the evening and made their way out. They made sure to leave some ground rules that left Anthony rolling his eyes.

“Let’s continue with the evening”, Tom announced happily. He sat on the couch in the middle.

Jaques sat beside him and made sure to keep his distance. He doesn’t want to get a stain on his clothes. Anthony sat on the other side of the couch doing the same. The teens were watching the remake of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and later, they watched the film Freddie vs. Jason. Jaques had to admit that the muggles knew, how to make scary movies.

Suddenly, Tom was so startled enough at one of the scenes that Jaques got juice on his sweater and pants. “Argh, Tom.” Jaques complained. He was wet nearly everywhere. He wished that he had brought some clothes, if he had known about Tom and his habit of pouring juice on someone, if he gets startled.

“Sorry”, Tom whined.

“If I had known, I would have sat on the floor.” Jaques glared at the scaredy cat. He stood up and made his way to the bathroom. There, he took off his sweater and his jeans, in order to remove the stain.

He closed the bathroom door, and took out his wand. He casted a cleaning spell to remove the stain on his clothes, but he put a glamour of a dried stain, so that he doesn’t arouse any suspicions. He heard a knock on the bathroom door.

“Hey Jaques. I brought you some clothes. Can I come in?” He heard Anthony’s voice.

Jaques opened the door and said: “Yes.” He will take up on the offer even though, he removed the stain from his clothes, many would ask questions why he is wearing stained clothes, if he is offered to wear dried clothes. Jaques didn’t need any questions, how he removed such a large stain from his clothes and why he should wear his ‘stained’ clothes.

Anthony went in and tried to hide his blush, when he had seen Jaques half-naked, but failed. Jaques smirked at Anthony. He quickly redressed himself. Anthony said: “You can leave your stained clothes here, Jaques. Mom would be able to remove the stain.”

“There is no need for that. I have brought my bag with me. I will take my clothes home”, Jaques answered.

“Alright.” With that, Anton left and Jaques was left alone. Jaques slipped his wand out again, shrank his clothes and put them into his bag, but he forgot to close the door.

Anthony was suspicious regarding Jaques. The stain on his clothes was radiating some sort of energy, but he didn’t know what and Anthony wasn’t brave enough to ask Jaques. He didn’t want to receive odd looks like it had happened in the primary school, where he had seen the same energy on some weirdly dressed people back then. As he grew older, Anthony tried to ignore it, but it was hard since it was radiating in different colours. What is going on? Jaques was the same. There was some kind of energy surrounding him and Anthony knew that there was something special about Jaques, but he wasn’t sure what. Returning back to the bathroom as quietly as possible to see Jaques, what he was doing, he saw the other boy take out a stick. With a wave of it, his clothes suddenly shrank, so that they can be put in the bag. Anthony took a few steps away. What the hell? What is going on?

Jaques suddenly looked up and noticed Anthony. He cursed himself and his luck. Thankfully, the boy didn’t run since he was too immobilised to take a step. Making his way to Anthony, Jaques whispered in a calming manner: “Let’s talk somewhere private. No one should know about this.” Anthony nodded quietly and led Jaques to his room. “W… What w-w-was that? What are you?”, the boy stuttered, after Anthony closed the door behind him.

Jaques sighed. He went with the truth since he was seen. “Anthony, I am a wizard. That what you have seen was magic.”

“B-But how is that possible?”, he asked incredulous.

“Anthony, there is a whole society of witches and wizards, but we have kept it secret due to the witch hunts in the past”, Jaques said reassuringly.

“Oh. This also explains the energy”, Anthony muttered.

Jaques didn’t hear him and questioned: “Did you say something, Anthony?”

“This explains the energy that is radiating around you. It is comforting and warm. When I was little, I noticed that some people are radiating the same energy like you. Some felt comforting and nice, whereas others felt like danger. Can you explain it to me?”, Anthony said a bit louder, but quietly enough that his friends in the living room didn’t hear him.

Jaques rose his eyes in shock. Anthony must be an empath or he has mage sight. “I believe that you could be an empath or you have mage sight, if you are able to see magic around a witch or wizard. Both could be a possibility. I don’t know for sure, Anthony. For that, you need to do an inheritance test and currently, I don’t have the potion and the heritage parchment for that.”

Anthony nodded in understanding still shocked about these revelations. “How about, if we do this test on Sunday? You can explain me everything about the magical world and we can find more out about those abilities.”

“A good idea. I could invite you to come to visit me and my betrothed”, Jaques answered.

“Betrothed! You are engaged already!” Anthony stared at Jaques in shock. He is maybe a year older than him, but Anthony never thought about being engaged in such a young age.

Jaques nodded. “Yes, I will introduce my fiancée to you on Sunday. We will use a portkey since we don’t want any attention and you can’t be a muggle.”

“A muggle?”, Anthony asked.

“We call non-magicals muggles, but what you have told me about your abilities, you can’t be a muggle. I am tending to believe that you are a squib. Squibs are passive magic-users unlike wizards and witches, who can use active magic. You can’t actively use magic, but passively. This would include to draw and empower runes, use arithmancy, brewing lower-level potions and tending the less dangerous plants in our world. There are also some magical abilities, Anthony, but only an inheritance test can tell that”, Jaques explained.

“Oh.” Anthony was surprised by this and prepared to leave the room.

“Something else before we go back to the living room, you need to keep this quiet. Since you are a squib, you are exempt from the Statue of Secrecy, but you can’t tell your best friends about this or you will get in trouble with the law”, Jaques warned.

Anthony nodded and questioned: “Is it due to the Statue of Secrecy that you have mentioned?”

“Yes, the statue doesn’t allow witches and wizards to reveal themselves in front of muggles. Since you are squib, you are allowed to know”, Jaques answered.

Anthony nodded in understanding remembering the history lessons about the witch hunts and both made their way to the living room. Both mustered up to act like nothing happened. “Finally, you are here. What did you take so long?”, Tom complained.

“Well, I needed to dry my clothes that were still wet due to the juice that you have poured on me”, Jaques snarked.

Anthony grinned. Jaques knew, how to make a very good excuse. Tom looked downtrodden. He muttered another sorry. The rest of the evening was spent watching the movie. Anthony was still stunned about Jaques and where he came from, but he kept quiet.

When it was two in the morning, everyone went to sleep. Jaques quickly sent a message via patronus to Anton that he will come today at noon.

Abbott Cottage, September 21st, 2003

Anthony was at home thinking about the Friday night with his friends. The revelation that his new friend, Jaques, was a wizard was still shocking. He never thought that he would meet a real-life wizard. Anthony promised Jaques that he would keep his secret quiet. Now, he was waiting for his friend to come. When he saw his school mate going up the front yard through the window, Anthony opened the door. “Hey, Jaques. Come in.”

Jaques smiled and went in. “Anthony, we will be going to my betrothed’s home. I am living there. The only way to get there is through this.” Jaques took out a portkey.

“What is that?”, he asked at the key-like object. He remembered that it was mentioned during their conversation on Friday, but he forgot to ask.

“This is a portkey. It is a magical transportation device that witches and wizards are using to get from one destination to another. Since you and your family are squibs, you are able to use portkeys and you can use the floo. I will show you that later”, Jaques explained.

Anthony perked. “My family. They are also squibs?”

“They must be. Squibs have magical blood in their veins. If you are a squib, then, at least one of your parents or even both have to be squibs too and if that is the case, then, your siblings are in the same boat. So, it is through the family.” Jaques smiled at the shocked boy.

“Okay. Can we tell this my family?”, Anthony asked.

“Maybe later. Now, hold on tight, Anthony. This trip will be a rollercoaster”, Jaques said.

Both boys took hold of the portkey and disappeared. Anthony felt like he was tossed around until they landed at a beautifully, decorated cottage. The boy managed to land on his feet safely with the help of Jaques. “Okay, that was more awesome than the ride with the rollercoaster.” Jaques chuckled. He led Anthony, whose legs were still shaking with each step.

Jaques was leading Anthony to Anton’s and his home. The boy was still a little disoriented by the portkey travel, but he looked fine.

Entering the house, they made their way to the living room. It was decently made. “Jaques!” He heard a male voice calling out his friend’s name. He saw a tall, blond-haired guy with brown-eyes making his way to Jaques in a fast pace. The other teen had him in a hug and gave Jaques a deep kiss. Anthony blushed hard. He had always known that he was gay. He buried his face in embarrassment.

When Jaques was released, he said: “Anton, we have a guest. This is Anthony. We are going in the same school and he is now aware of our society, so, we can speak with him openly.”

Anton nodded and greeted the beet-red boy. “Anthony, this is my betrothed, Anton Abbott.”

Anthony was stunned. “You are betrothed to him.”

“Yes, our society is more open than the muggle world.” Anton explained.

“Wow. Well, I can trust you that I am also gay. Only my family and my friends knew. I am not that open with my secret”, Anthony said in a small voice.

Anton and Jaques gave him a sympathetic look. The muggle world was still prejudiced and not accepting of those, who have a different sexuality, but the magical world is open. Unfortunately, there are still very few, who are homophobic. Most of them are muggle-raised, who don’t want to adapt to their society.

“Can we do this inheritance test that you have explained to me on Friday?”, Anthony asked changing the topic.

“Yes, I prepared the potion and the parchment.” Jaques made his way to his potion room. There, he soaked the parchment into the potion. He took the dagger with him.

Anthony tensed at the dagger. For what reason did Jaques need that big dagger? “Jaques!”, Anthony squeaked.

“Don’t panic. Nothing will happen to you.” He laid the parchment down on the table. “Come here, Anthony.” Anthony looked at Anton and Jaques fearfully. Both just gave him a reassuring nod and Anthony made his way with insecure steps to Jaques. Jaques held the dagger out. “Take this dagger and cut yourself on your finger. You need to let seven drops of blood onto the parchment, in order to get information.” Anthony let out a shuddering breath. He took the dagger and with shivering hands, he cut his left index finger. Anthony was surprised that there was no pain, when he made the cut. He looked at Jaques confused. “Why doesn’t it hurt?”

After seven drops of blood was added, Jaques sealed the wound. Anton explained: “The dagger is enchanted. It cuts, but it doesn’t harm the nerves.” Anthony nodded in understanding.

They talked a little until Jaques announced that the inheritance test is finished. Looking at the test, everyone was shocked.

Name: Anthony Patrick Gardner

Father: Walter Gardner (Alive)

Mother: Valerie Gardner neé Smith (Alive)

Siblings: Victoria Gardner (Alive), Peter Gardner (Alive)

Godfathers: None

Godmothers: None

Heir/Lordship:

None (Descendant from the Ancient and Noble House of Gardner)

Abilities: Mage Sight, Natural Carrier

Spells/Potions: None

Blocks/Leeches: None

Soul Mate: Brutus Avery (Alive)

“Well, this is shocking. A squib with Mage Sight. Now, I understand why you can see the energy that is radiating from witches and wizards”, Jaques explained.

“Oh.” Anthony understands the section with the mage sight. He always was able to see the different colours that were radiating around some people. “But what does natural carrier mean?”

“Natural carriers are males that are able to carry children. They are able to get pregnant like women, but they have a hard time impregnating a woman. Your seed must be weak since your body is designed to carry a child. It is the same thing with me, Anthony. I am also a male bearer”, Jaques explained.

Anthony found this mind-blowing. He can only get pregnant. “Wow. This explains the cramps that I have from time to time.” Jaques winced at that. He remembered the cramps all too well. They are uncomfortable and are a side effect of being a male bearer. “Yes”, Jaques answered.

“There is also this section with the soulmate. I have a soulmate. That’s cool.” Anthony looked excited, but Anton and Jaques didn’t share in the excitement. “What is it? Is something wrong about my soulmate?”

Jaques and Anton sighed. Jaques was the one to explain since he had known the Averys better. “Anthony, do not put your hopes up regarding your soulmate. Brutus Avery and his family are blood supremacists. I told you that there are good and bad witches and wizards and unfortunately, Brutus and his family belong to the bad fraction. The magical society was in a war against Voldemort and his followers. They were terrorists in your term and they had killed countless of people. The Averys served that monster and were strong believers in blood supremacy. They despise muggles, squibs, squibborns and magical beings and creatures.”

“So, he would never accept me since I am a squib.” Anthony looked down sadly. Both nodded in sympathy. Tears were forming in his eyes. He was so happy, when he found out that he has a soulmate, but now, he received the hard truth that his soulmate would never accept him due to his prejudices against non-magicals, squibs like him, squibborns and magical beings and creatures. “What am I going to do?”

This time, Anton answered his question. “I have worked in the Department of Mysteries, a top-secret department, where we study different forms of magic. I am trying to find out, how to get you out of this soul bond without getting you killed. Anthony, you deserve better and I am honest with that.” Anthony nodded. For the time being, he cried. It was unfair that he has a soulmate that hates him.

Both comforted Anthony as best as they could and told him that they would find a way to help him. They were sure that there was a way around this.

Lady Magic looked sadly at the boy that she had bestowed with the soulmate gift, in order to revive the Gardner line, but there was a way to help Anthony. The only way that she can help him, is that Anthony calls her up and requests a magical judgement regarding his soul bond. With that, she would able to move the soul bond to someone, who was worthier, without killing anyone. She had seen Brutus Avery and the man was not worthy of having a soulmate. But she was assured that this would come through Lady Fate and Destiny, but the path was going to be long and painful for Anthony. Regardless, it would work in the end.

Jaques and Anthony left the cottage after dinner and returned back to the Gardner residence through portkey. Jaques made sure that no one saw them. Not even Brian had noticed the portkey use. Anthony will not tell anyone about this. After Jaques left, Anthony remained home thinking. Thankfully, he was alone for the day. His life has gotten complicated and even dangerous. He had a soulmate, who would rather kill him than be with him together and his school mate is a wizard. His life had taken a rollercoaster.

He wasn’t sure, what to do, but he hoped that Anton would find a way around this. Anthony also felt that the soul bond with Brutus Avery felt wrong and it felt like ice. There was someone that would love and cherish him, but he doesn’t know who.

Brutus felt the sadness coming from his soulmate and quickly checked the bond. He was furious. His soulmate is aware of their soul bond and is not happy. How is that possible? And how dare that boy doubt this bond? He will teach that brat a lesson. It’s time to act. Tomorrow, he will get Anthony into his grasp and make him suffer for all the mess, he is causing to him.

That boy will pay regardless, if he was his soulmate or not.

Shrewsbury, September 22nd, 2003

Brutus Avery had enough. Today is the day, he was going to have that brat in his clutches and he will make him pay. Brutus had gathered the needed ritual materials to move the soul bond over to Seraphina. According to the book, the ritual only works during Samhain at midnight. Seeing Anthony going home, he waited some time until he had seen his opening. Thankfully, Greengrass wasn’t there to stop him and he would lock the neighbour up in her own house.

Brutus attacked Anthony with a stunning spell and the boy fell on the ground unconscious. He quickly casted the locking charm on the neighbour’s door hindering the old woman from leaving her house. He heard the rattle on the door, but it seems like that the door wouldn’t budge. It seems like the woman had seen the attack and was trying to leave the house, in order to help Anthony, but it would be fruitless.

Chuckling darkly, he grabbed the boy’s body, but was stopped, when a stunning spell was thrown at him from the abandoned building. He casted a shield charm and an explosion charm at the building making a big distraction. There was someone, but he doesn’t have the time to check. He quickly apparated away with Anthony before another spell could hit him.

It was evening and Anthony was making his way home from school. The entire day felt off and he wasn’t able to focus in his class. Since the day, he found out that he had a soulmate and that this soulmate hates him, he had only felt sadness and desperation. Anthony had noticed the worried looks from his parents and friends including Jaques, but he had managed to tell them that everything is alright. Jaques knew immediately that he was trying to act that he was alright and he did his best to comfort him, which made him feel better.

But his thoughts were interrupted, when he noticed a man coming his way waving a stick and a red lightning hit him in the chest. He fell on the ground unconscious.

Elisa Baker was watching the scene in horror from her kitchen window. She quickly made her way out of the kitchen and wanted to go out to help Anthony. Unfortunately, the door was locked and she couldn’t open it. She tried to use the key, but nothing worked. What was going on. She quickly went to the phone to call the police until she heard an explosion. Elisa quickly dialled the number for the emergency.

“999, which service do you need?”

Elisa quickly answered: “The police, please. I am reporting an attack on a minor and I have heard an explosion beside my house.”

“Ma’am, please stay calm. From where are you calling?”

“Shrewsbury, Shoplatch, please you need to hurry. The son of my neighbours was attacked and I can’t leave my own house. I think the lock is broken since I wasn’t able to use the key to get out”, Elisa answered. Tears gathered in her eyes.

“Alright, ma’am, the police are on its way. You need to remain calm.”

Elisa quickly went to the kitchen. She quickly shut down the stove, in order to make sure that the house doesn’t catch fire. She went to the backyard and from there the pensioner made her way to the front yard, but it was too late. Anthony was gone.

Brian was furious. He tried to stop Brutus from advancing on Anthony, but he failed. The man was unpredictable with his attack and Brutus had damaged the building making it difficult to stop him.

He quickly went out and checked up the area. He saw the elderly woman clearly crying. She witnessed the attack. “Is everything alright, ma’am? I have heard an explosion and saw a dark figure attacking a boy.”

“Oh, dear god. Anthony was kidnapped. The poor boy was attacked. I have called the police”, the woman said.

“Mrs. Baker, what has happened? Walter and I heard an explosion? What is going on? Where is Anthony?” Brian saw the Gardners coming out of their house. They were startled by the explosion and went out to check.

“Valerie, Walter, Anthony has been kidnapped. I saw a dark figure attacking him. The boy fell unconscious. I tried to get out of the house as fast as possible, but the door was locked. My lock seems to be broken since the key couldn’t even open the door. I have called the police”, the woman sobbed.

“No, NO. Not my son. Where is my baby? Where did that figure take him? Please tell me, this is a sick joke”, Valerie shrieked. Walter held in her arms. The man looked terrified.

“It is the truth, Mrs. Gardner”, Brian answered. “I have seen it happen, but I was too far away to stop it.” Brian decided to wait until the police arrived to give up his statement, but he quickly slipped away to the abandoned building to send a message to Amelia that Brutus had made a strike and kidnapped Anthony.

The woman received the message and was startled. She quickly sent a message back that he comes to the DMLE after he did his statement in front of the police. Brian understood the message and returned to the group. They heard the sirens from the police cars.

When the muggle aurors finally arrived, they started to question everyone. One of the officers asked: “Very well, what has happened?”

“My son was kidnapped. You need to find him please”, Valerie answered with a sob. Walter continued for his wife: “We have heard an explosion and Mrs. Baker came out from the backyard since the lock of her door seemed to be broken. She witnessed my son being attacked.” Brian knew that Brutus used a locking charm to keep the woman locked in her house.

They questioned the woman, if she had seen something, but the pensioner answered that she couldn’t see the attacker, but she was able to watch, how Anthony fell unconscious on the ground and a dark figure approaching him as well as how she tried to get out of her own house.

“Did any of you see, how the person looked like?” Everyone shook their heads even Brian since he couldn’t reveal Avery since it would lead to questions that would lead to the involvement of the magical world and he wouldn’t like to answer them. “We will do our best to find your son. Let’s start the search”, the police officer said and ordered the last part. He gave Brian a suspicious look, but focused on the matter at hand. The officer ordered back-up that should help them with their search. Walter led his distraught wife back to the house. He had to tell the children, what had happened to their brother. She would do her statement tomorrow since she needed to calm down. Everyone apart from Valerie and the younger children made their statement and the police started the search of finding Anthony. Brian quickly made his way to the DMLE.

DMLE

Brian flooed into Amelia’s office and waited for her to come. After a while, Amelia arrived with Corban and Bartemius. “Amelia, what is going on?”, the head of the DMLE demanded.

“Bartemius, I will explain everything now. This is Brian Turner. He is a former auror and now a private investigator. I hired him to investigate an issue in the muggle world”, Amelia explained. Bartemius had his attention on Brian and gave him a nod as a greeting. “During the summer holidays, Brian was assigned to find Brutus Avery’s soulmate.”

“What is so bad about this, Amelia? I mean, if Heir Avery has a soulmate, then, you shouldn’t interfere. You know that this is the worst kind of heresy against Lady Magic”, Bartemius said with a warning.

“I know, Barty, but his soulmate is a squib. This is, where I am worried about. You know as well as I do, what the Averys’ opinions are about squibs, squibborns, muggles and magical beings and creatures”. Amelia explained.

Now, Bartemius got worried. He knew that the Averys would never accept a squib to continue the family line. “Okay, this is worrying.”

“And things are worse, my new undercover aurors reported to me that Brutus had bought ritual materials that are banned for very good reasons in the black market. From what I have managed to gather these materials are needed for a ritual to transfer a soul bond from one individual to another. This is highly illegal and the use of something like that on a soulmate regardless, if it is a squib or a muggle, is criminal. Brian, tell me, what has happened today?”, Amelia asked turning everyone’s attention to the PI in the office. Bartemius was really worried. In this case, the DMLE needs to get active.

“Brutus has made a strike. He attacked Anthony and stunned him. He had kidnapped him. Furthermore, he locked the neighbour up in her house, in order to hinder her from helping the boy. I tried to stop Brutus with a stunning spell, but the man threw up a shield and casted an explosion charm on the building, where I have hidden myself. I am sorry, Amelia, that I have failed”, Brian answered looking down.

“It’s alright, Brian. It is now our turn. We have until Samhain to save the boy from Brutus. Soulmates can’t kill each other, which is an advantage, but Brutus can hurt him. The ritual only works during Samhain and we have enough time to save Anthony.” She looked at Bartemius, who sighed deeply.

“Very well, but I need to file a request to my muggle counterpart and the minister of justice. That will take some time due to the bureaucracy in the muggle world. Amelia, Corban, you are assigned for this case, if I get the approval. Then, you will work with the muggle aurors in Shrewsbury”, Bartemius explained. Unlike with the brothels, Bartemius can’t just send Corban and Amelia into the muggle world to investigate since the crime was reported to the muggle aurors first and not the DMLE. So, the muggle police are in charge of the investigation. The DMLE can only interfere, if Bartemius is filing a request to the head of the law enforcement in the muggle world and the minister of justice. Unlike last time, Selwyn’s crimes were reported to the DMLE and the law enforcement in the muggle world was left unaware of the situation until they discovered one of the brothels in the muggle world. There, Bartemius didn’t need to file a request to his muggle counterpart and the minister of justice since he oversaw the investigation and the muggles only received his order to close the street down, where the brothel was. Bartemius had to justify the closing, but the muggles had to follow his orders since the DMLE was in charge of the investigation. Now, it is the opposite and he had to do a request that had to be justified, which would be easy since a wizard kidnapped a squib that was living in the muggle world.

“There is also the fact that Anthony is a male bearer. There is also the risk of pregnancy”, Amelia said.

Bartemius spluttered. The squib is a natural carrier. How is that possible? This could cause chaos in both worlds, if this gets out. Amelia smirked at Bartemius’ look and explained: “The gift of being a natural carrier is passive magic, Bartemius. That is the reason why Anthony is a male bearer.”

“Okay.” That explains everything. This needs to be handled, but he will deal with that on a later date. Bartemius was still working on the nomination for a better regulation of the departments in the ministry, in order to make sure that there is no repeat like it was done with Selwyn. The kidnapping has priority.

Avery’s Flat

Brutus levitated and laid the unconscious body of his soulmate on the bed that his elf had prepared. He had ordered the filthy creature to make sure that his soulmate has something to eat and that he was clean every day. For now, he watched his unresponsive soulmate and started to undress him. First, he took off the shoes and socks with a wave of his wand. Then, he moved over to his school jacket, his tie and his shirt. Looking at Anthony’s bare torso, Brutus was going over it with his hands. He felt the urge to go further, but he refused. He would do it, when he is awake. Finally, Brutus took off his trousers and his boxers. Looking at Anthony’s member, the Avery Heir did everything to restrain his lust. He doesn’t understand why his body is reacting like this. That brat is a squib and he will not lay down with him. He knew that it must be the soul bond. Brutus will remove that accursed bond, if that was the last thing.

Brutus ordered the elf to bring the clothes away and gave strict instructions that Anthony was undeserving of any clothing. That boy will remain nude.

First, he will watch Anthony, then, he will have some fun with that brat.

Anthony slowly woke up and quickly sat up straight. He looked around and saw that the room was a bit darker with a small desk at the left side of the room over the window. Left to him was a cupboard and in front of him, there was a fireplace. Beside the fireplace, there was another room with a bathtub, a toilet and a sink. On the right side, there was a door. He was sure that it was leading out of this room. Anthony quickly checked up the bathroom and saw that it was decently made, but he had to get out of here. Anthony had seen a young man attacking him and everything went dark. Now, he is here. He quickly advanced on the door and opened it. There was a long hallway, but he needed to get out of here.

Anthony was going down the hallway until he felt the air on his bare skin. Looking down at himself, Anthony noticed that he was completely naked. Where were his clothes? Anthony covered his member in shame and he looked around, if there was someone, but the hallway was empty. He sighed in relief and loosened up his hands. Anthony continued with his search for an exit. When he arrived at the main entrance of the house, Anthony quickly went to the large doors. He is sure that there is the exit, but the door was locked. Anthony tried to rattle on the door, but it was pointless.

Suddenly, he heard a pop behind him. Turning around, he saw a little creature with big ears standing in front of him. It was wearing rags. Anthony was stunned at what he saw. Before he could ask any questions, the creature spoke in a high-pitched voice: “I have to return you back to your room, squib. Master will be very angry.” The little creature grabbed his hand and with a pop, they were back in the room, where he woke up.

“I need to get out of here, please. I also need some clothes”, Anthony begged the little creature.

The elf wished she could help the human, but she couldn’t. She had to obey her master. “I’s is sorry, squib. Master isn’ allowing you to wear any clothes and you can’t leave the house. I have to return back to work.” The elf popped away before Anthony could respond.

Anthony was stunned. What sick bastard has kidnapped him, undressed him and didn’t allow him to wear any clothes? And why is that person not allowing him to leave the house? What is going on?

Anthony returned back to his bed and sat there cross-legged thinking, how to get out of here. He had a feeling that he was watched

Brutus smirked. From the contacting mirror, he watched his soulmate sitting and surely thinking of ways to get out, but he will never get out. In order to make some things exciting, he will add some mild lust potions for his soulmate. He wants to see a little more than Anthony’s nude body.

Headmaster’s office, Hogwarts, September 25th, 2003

Another meeting was taking place in Hogwarts and Albus was lost in thought, what he was going to do, in order to restrict the Herbology curriculum. He and his followers were left in the unknown about the disappearance of Anthony Gardner, which was good since it would allow Amelia and Corban to work in peace without any interference from the old fool and his sheep.

Albus looked through the curriculum and had an idea. In the term project, they are mentioning some of the darker plants that are used for darker potions as ingredients. He will use that to his advantage and argue about the fact that these plants are dangerous for the students. Maybe this would be a way to restrict the curriculum. Albus quickly informed his followers about his plans and many looked supportive of this. “I hope that this time, we would be successful with our nomination unlike last time”, Edward Podmore said with a disdainful look on his face that was pointed towards Potter.

James was ready to snap, but he said with a growl: “Then, how about, if you do the proposal, Podmore? Maybe you could do this better.”

Edward Podmore gritted his teeth. He never liked and never trusted the Potters due to their past affiliations. Charlus Potter was neutral, when he was Lord Potter, and the man supported the dark too sometimes, which made Edward distrustful regarding the Potter Family, but he wasn’t alone. The Fenwicks, the Vances, the Diggles, the Dearborns and his family didn’t trust the Potters and Lupin especially Sirius and Remus, who had a dark background. Sirius, even though he was disowned from his dark family, was a dark wizard regardless of how much he claimed that he was different than his no-good family. Remus was a dark and dangerous creature. Why should James associate with those sort, if he is claiming to be a good and light wizard. Edward will never understand why the Potters are supposed to be useful for the light since they had caused nothing, but damage to their image before the attack in Godric’s Hollow.

Albus quickly stopped an argument from happening. “My dears, please, there is no need for any arguments. We will manage that. You all need to be optimistic.

”Yes, headmaster.” With that, Albus dismissed his followers and had a quiet evening. He was optimistic that this time, they would be successful.

Weasley Cottage, September 27th, 2003

The Grey Alliance had another meeting regarding the order meeting on Thursday. Arthur presented the nomination from Dumbledore and his followers and many shook their heads regarding this foolishness. The darker plants were used for darker potions as potion ingredients and most of these potions were used for healing. “That man’s stupidity is painful to listen. Dumbledore is really hell-bent on dumbing down the students that are currently attending Hogwarts”, Severus moaned like he was in actual pain, but he wasn’t the only one.

“I am so glad that a majority will not accept the mediocrity of this school and are self-studying to be up to par with the international standards ”, Danielle said.

“We need a distraction, in order to stop that nomination”, Narcissa explained.

“I have an idea. Can we ban howlers from Hogwarts? I am tired of listening to those red envelopes occasionally. If the parents want to express their displeasure towards their children, they should write a normal letter not scream my, the rest of the staffs’ and the students’ ears off”, Severus said with a huff.

“A good idea. Howlers should have been banned a decade ago. I remember Aunt Walburga’s howler that was sent to Sirius, when he started his first year at Hogwarts and was sorted into Gryffindor and not Slytherin like many had expected. I swear that the scream of fury could be heard across the entire Hogwarts grounds.” Narcissa remembered the howler all too well. Her aunt had some good sets of lungs, when she had made her displeasure known.

Many, who were there during Sirius’ first year at Hogwarts, winced at the reminder. The woman’s voice was still hanging in their ears. Everyone agreed on the motion to ban howlers from Hogwarts.

With the distraction being ready, they moved over with their plans regarding the primary school. Narcissa announced: “Okay, we are now moving onto the muggle subjects. The first class that I want to introduce is English. The students should be taught reading and writing and later on, they should know, how to structure an essay and write an appropriate assignment.”

“The idea sounds to be good. I wished that that class was taught in Hogwarts. The students would have had it easier with writing essays and assignments. It would have lessened the workload for the teachers. Even now, the students are doing multiple mistakes in their assignments and are struggling with the structures”, Severus explained. He knew the issue all too well since he had to read and grade the assignments and the essays.

Many agreed on the motion since the subject would help the students with writing assignments and essays.

“Are there any news about Anthony and Brutus? Is Avery still stalking the poor boy?”, Adrianna asked in a worried voice.

“Yes, to the news, but no to the stalking. There are bad news in this endeavour. According to Jaques, Anthony had been kidnapped on Monday after he was returning home from school and I bet on my salary that it was Brutus, who has kidnapped him.”, Cyrus said angrily.

Amelia sighed before she answered: “I agree. Brian told me that Brutus has attacked the boy and disappeared with him. I don’t know where they are, but I am sure that Anthony is hidden in one of the properties belonging to the Avery Family. Bartemius had sent a request to the muggle police president and the minister of justice in the muggle world to allow us to investigate, but it does take some time due to the slow bureaucracy within the muggle government.”

Many were worried about the boy and hoped that the muggle world was fast with the request.

“There is something else”, Cyrus announced. Everyone had their attention on Cyrus. “Anthony knows everything. He knows about his soulmate and the basics of the magical world.”

“WHAT?! HOW?”, everyone exclaimed in shock.

Cyrus explained about the Friday night that Jaques had spent with Anthony and his friends and how he was caught doing magic by Anthony. He assured that only Anthony was the one, who had seen it. Jaques explained the boy a little about the magical world, but it was only the basics. Cyrus also explained that Anthony visited Anton and Jaques in their cottage and there, the boy made an inheritance test that would shake the wizarding world to their foundation. “Anthony is a squib descending from the Ancient and Noble House of Gardner.”

“You are joking, right?”, Adrianna asked in shock. Many were stunned about these revelations. They couldn’t utter a word. Cyrus nodded and provided the inheritance test. Everyone stared at the words in the paper.

This was a big discovery. In the muggle world, there could be squibs descending from ancient and/or noble families that are thought to be extinct. That would be beneficial for their world since it would bring new magics in their society through these families, but they had to work hard to track them. Finding a squib in the muggle world is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It is nearly impossible.

Amelia didn’t know, if she wanted to scream at Cyrus and his nephew or cry at this revelation. What was she supposed to do now? These revelations are mind-blowing. They needed a plan, how to work on this issue up, but the first priority is saving Anthony from Brutus’ clutches and then, she could think on these revelations.

The rest of the day was spent thinking. Many were trying to digest the information that they had received about squibs.

School board, September 29th, 2003

The board meeting came to an end and the Grey Alliance hid their smirks of victory. The meeting was successful and Narcissa was sure that it had long-lasting consequences. When Edward Podmore made his nomination to remove the darker plants from the new Herbology curriculum, in order to make sure that the students are safe from the darkness and aren’t corrupted. Many members of the Grey Alliance rolled their eyes at the childishness of Podmore, but they moved on with their motion to ban howlers from Hogwarts. Darren Rosier explained that it is disturbing the peace and the calmness at Hogwarts that was supposed to be upheld by the headmaster. Furthermore, it is doing a lot of damage to the children, who have suffered mental and emotional abuse or trauma.

When Darren was finished, there were some protests from the light-fraction that he was exaggerating regarding the peace and calmness in Hogwarts and that he was lying about the children’s discomfort. There is no mental or emotional abuse in their mind. It is only tough love nothing more. The majority was furious about their statements. Albus looked livid, how his followers were making themselves look bad in front of the board. He quickly put up silencing and privacy wards, in order to stop those fools from ruining their reputations. Albus quickly stepped back from the podium, in order to deal with his followers.

Narcissa wanted to throw a killing curse, when those fools claimed that there is no mental and emotional abuse and that it was all tough love. She couldn’t wait to teach those fools, what mental, emotional and physical abuse is. They will suffer hell for their disgusting comments.

When Dumbledore was distracted, Aurelia took over. The woman had a dark look on her face and Narcissa knew that the feeling is mutual. When she asked, if there were any other motions, Cyrus protested against Podmore’s nomination by explaining that the darker plants are a part of the curriculum and that the students should also be aware of the darker aspects of Herbology. He also explained that the plants are used mostly for healing potions. How could the plants be so dangerous, if they were only used for healing? That question nailed the distrust within the board members, but many will not vote for that proposal due to Lord Podmore’s disgusting comments about emotional and mental abuse. The majority agreed on the protest.

With the protest done, Amelia nominated the curriculum for English, where the students would learn, how to read and write. They would also learn, how to appropriately structure assignments and essays. Many liked the motion even the darker purebloods. Aurelia added the proposal into the docket.

They waited for the time being until Dumbledore and his idiots were finished. When they were done, Dumbledore retook the podium and questioned, if there were any other motions. Aurelia told him that Amelia made the motion to introduce the ICW primary school curriculum for English. Albus didn’t know, what excuse, he could use to stop the motion since the class is harmless and it is a muggle subject, so, it was difficult to find a good argument to dismiss the class.

Albus gave up finding a reason to stop the class from passing and continued with the voting. The first motion from Edward failed epically. Narcissa had seen the look of fury on Podmore’s and Dumbledore’s face and things didn’t get any better. The second motion passed with a great majority and the third proposal had a landslide vote, which infuriated the old fool and his followers.

Albus was absolutely furious, when the board meeting came to an end. He couldn’t believe, how stupid his followers were. The first nomination failed, because of the behaviour of his followers during the second motion. Albus couldn’t believe that those idiots couldn’t keep their mouths shut. They made themselves look bad in front of the other board members and had ruined Edward’s motion with their attitudes. Now, he is stuck. Albus needs to find a new approach to cut the curriculum, but it is getting harder and harder thanks to his followers.

He needed to think.

Avery Cottage

Brutus watched his soulmate pleasuring himself after he arrived back home from the school board meeting. He had given Anthony some mild lust potions in his dinner after he had showered and they started to work. The boy became hot and flushed. Anthony had cumed until his member was flaccid and he had used his fingers to fill the void inside him.

He watched with satisfaction and arousal, how is soulmate was dealing with the lust potions. Soon, he will join in in the fun.

Anthony didn’t understand why his body is responding like this. After he ate the dinner that was served by the tiny creature, Anthony felt hot and flushed. His cock stood erect and Anthony felt warmth inside his body. He started to masturbate, but it wasn’t enough since he felt a void inside his body that needed to be filled.

Anthony used his fingers, in order to fill the void, but it was not much. Thankfully, it was enough to fill the emptiness in his insides. It had taken hours until the feeling was gone. Anthony was sweaty and sticky every time he had cumed.

The boy fell on the bed passing out not noticing that Brutus has entered the room. The Avery Heir used cleaning charms on Anthony, in order to remove the cum and the sweat on the boy’s body. The elf removed the dirty sheets and replaced them with clean ones. After the elf left, Brutus looked at his soulmate for some time and caressed Anthony’s nude body with his hands. After some time, Brutus left quickly since his father wanted to talk with him about the Wizengamot meeting next Monday.

He will have some fun with his soulmate after the Wizengamot meeting, when he had more time. Then, on Samhain, he will move the soul bond and be done with the brat.

Chapter Text

Potter Manor, October 2nd, 2003

The order meeting was taking place this time in Potter Manor since the Potters had an announcement to make regarding the ministry ball on Halloween. It would be the anniversary of Voldemort’s defeat and the victory of the light against the dark even though, the light was suffering some losses now. Dumbledore was planning to ban the elves from receiving any medical treatment in the wizarding world since they had their own healers. This means that the elves will not receive any medical treatment from St. Mungos and from any human healer in the magical world.

After discussing the motion with his followers, everyone apart from Arthur and Dedalus agreed on the motion, but both men pretended to agree.

Arthur had to admit that Dumbledore was losing it, but why should he argue since he is a member in this cult. The man was suffering failures after failures for the past two years and it seems like that it was getting into his head. It was about time that someone puts a stop to the man’s machinations.

Charlus and Dorea were sighing deeply and asking themselves, where they went wrong with their son. Was it maybe through Sirius’ influence or had Lily something to do with this? Or did Dumbledore have his influence on their son during his time in school and became indoctrinated to become a Dumbledore fool? Dorea remembered that James started to withdraw from them during his fifth year. Maybe, this was the turning point, where James really became a lost cause.

“Charlus, Dorea, can we talk in the hall of the portraits?”, Fleamont Potter, Charlus’ father, asked.

“Yes, father”, Charlus answered and with Dorea, they went to their portrait in the portrait hall of the manor, where the portraits of their ancestors were placed.

Arriving at their portrait in the portrait hall, a discussion broke out between Fleamont, Euphemia, Charlus and Dorea. Fleamont said: “Charlus, in all my years, when I visited this hall as a child and later as a teen and met my ancestors, I haven’t met a Potter that could be such a disgrace like your son, James.”

“I know, father, but I do not know, what we have done wrong, when James was young. We were so glad that we have managed to have a child. You know, how much we have struggled to have at least a child. I admit that Dorea and I have given him everything and we didn’t set any boundaries. We did our fair share of damage to the boy. I can only theorise that Dumbledore had managed to influence James during his time in school”, Charlus answered.

“I understand, Charlus. You and Dorea had struggled to have a child. I acknowledge that. But when you have managed to have James, you both spoilt him outrageously. That was a mistake. The lad doesn’t seem to understand what is wrong and what is right. This would lead him to trouble”, Euphemia said not impressed by her grandson.

“I understand, Euphemia, but I have set my hopes on my oldest grandson, Akira”, Dorea answered.

“Akira? This is not a common name in the Potter Family?”, Fleamont questioned.

Charlus and Dorea explained what had happened to their eldest grandson. They covered the abandonment and went on, how Lily’s sister and her husband have signed away their rights to a muggle couple that was accompanied by Narcissa Malfoy and Narcissa’s assignment as Akira’s magical guardian. When they were finished, Fleamont and Euphemia were equals part furious and relieved.

“If I were alive, father, I would have disowned them both from the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I would have raised both boys and would have made sure that they understood, what it means to be a member of the House of Potter”, Charlus said in a determined voice.

Fleamont nodded and knew that his son would have done that. All four wished that James and Lily as well as Sirius, Remus and Dumbledore would get their well-deserved punishment.

Both Charlus and Dorea heard that the order meeting came to an end, but they were sure that Arthur Weasley would inform the Grey Alliance about today’s order meeting. Dorea explained Arthur Weasley’s role in this and Fleamont and Euphemia were impressed regarding Septimus’ and Cedrella’s oldest son. The boy had inherited both of his parents’ trait and is using them to his full advantage.

All four continued to discuss about Dumbledore and the order member in detail for the rest of the evening.

Weasley Cottage, October 4th, 2003

The Grey Alliance was meeting again and after Arthur explained the nomination that Dumbledore was planning, everyone groaned in pain. “Okay, that fashion disaster.” Everyone chuckled at that. “Is planning to make things harder for us by trying to make more bans against the elves. Hasn’t he read the agreement between the elves and the wixen?”, Markus asked.

“No, the man doesn’t read anything that he doesn’t like”, Severus said. “For example, my contract with the school board. He only read it, in order to find a way to gain control over me and when it was necessary. For now, he doesn’t want to read the agreement, but the old fool will read it at December.”

“He is right”, Phineas barked. Narcissa had ordered a portrait and keyed it with the portrait in Malfoy Manor, where Phineas can move from Malfoy Manor to the Weasley Cottage, when they had decided to use the cottage for the meetings. “That man will not read the agreement until it is necessary. The same thing happened with the treaty with the veelas. He only read the treaty during the Yule holidays last year and had given up his plans regarding the veelas.”

Everyone huffed at that. The man really was an idiot pretending to be a wise man.

“We need a distraction. Has anyone an idea?”, Augustinus asked.

“I have one distraction that could bring some big changes regarding Hogsmeade. We should allow Hogsmeade a little bit of self-governance and allow the town their own council, where they could make decisions regarding the construction of roads, improving the buildings in Hogsmeade, approving to open shops, law enforcement etc. This kind of politics. But planning expansions or tax regulations should be done by the ministry for example, because this belongs to the bigger politics”, Narcissa announced. This was a big change. Narcissa went into the detail about the tasks of the council and everyone found the idea good, but first, they needed the approval of the Wizengamot.

They will work on the details for the next Wizengamot meetings. A new project that would distract Dumbledore greatly.

“And at the end, we will nominate to put the current restrictions against the elves in the health care system in our world under question”, Augustinus announced in a raspy voice. Everyone agreed on that motion.

“Amelia, Corban, is there any progress regarding the kidnapping of Anthony Gardner?”, Adrianna asked in a worried tone. Many had worried expression. They really hoped that the boy was alright.

“Not really. We informed Bartemius about the case and he had quickly written a request to his muggle counterpart and the minister of justice requesting that the DMLE should take over the case since it was a wizard committing a crime in the muggle world that makes the wizarding world responsible for the case. We are still waiting for a response. The bureaucracy in the muggle world is really going very slow. Don’t they realise that a boy’s life is at risk and any minute is valuable for his life?”, Amelia explained and complained the last part. “Furthermore, Brian made his statement and provided his memories, but we need more evidence to arrest Brutus and we need to save the boy from his and his family’s clutches.” Many agreed.

“I am still not understanding, why Josephina married Justinian. The man is ice-cold and doesn’t care about anyone. Even his children are terrible apart from Arianna, who is like her mother. Furthermore, he is also a blood supremacist, who looks down on those from lesser blood and it seems like that his sons are following his suit. I know that Josephina is a strong traditionalist, but she is not a blood purist and her daughter is the same”, Tarquinius said thoughtfully.

Many agreed. Josephina Avery was a good and caring woman. No one understood why she married Justinian Avery. Even her family didn’t understand it. Narcissa remembered that Oreana Burke had complained about her cousin’s marriage to Avery and she only approved the marriage out of duty. The same can be said about Arianna. The girl is following her mother’s lead instead of her father’s.

But back to the topic, many were irritated about the slow bureaucracy in the muggle world, but unknown to them, it is not the bureaucracy that is responsible for this slow process. The reason is far darker and Lady Magic was sure that the Grey Alliance will uncover it and remove it.

Everyone hoped that the muggles would hurry up with approving the request. Their time is running out.

Wizengamot, October 6th, 2003

Another Wizengamot session came to an end and Narcissa had a smile, how the meeting had ended. Another success and another temper tantrum from Dumbledore’s followers. During the meeting one of the members of the Anti-Creature-Party nominated to ban elves from receiving medical treatment in their world. It had taken one ounce of strength not to curse the idiot that was presenting the nomination. Seriously, how could someone like that sit in the Wizengamot and make decision for their country. That needed to change.

When the fool was finished, it was time to make their distraction. Lucius was the one, who was chosen to make the nomination. He motioned to allow Hogsmeade self-governance and create a council in the village with a mayor that is answerable to the ministry. Lucius explained, what tasks and responsibilities the council would have. He also explained the perks of his motion that it would lessen the workload for the ministry and the ministry would be responsible for the bigger politics like space expansions and regulating taxes. Many were stunned about the nomination, but they were supportive. Unfortunately, there were protests from Dumbledore’s followers, who said that this was not necessary, but many liked the idea and the minister didn’t have a problem giving up the responsibility to someone else regarding the village. The smaller politics could be dealt with by the mayor and the council, but the bigger politics would remain the responsibility of the ministry.

Dumbledore’s followers were frothing their mouths until the old fool took over and tried to calm them down. Albus looked furious about his followers’ behaviour.

During the time, Dumbledore was distracted, Aurelia took over and asked, if there were any other nominations.

Callidora was the one, who rose her wand to make the protest. It went smooth since many were convinced that the ban would endanger their society again, because it was breaking another clause in the agreement and that they would lose their house elves to the elves or in the worst case their magic.

With that done, Cyrus rose his wand, when Aurelia questioned, if there were any other nominations. The Greengrass lord motioned to put the current restrictions against the elves in the health care system under question due to these revelations. After that, the members waited for Dumbledore and his followers to be finished with their discussion. When Dumbledore was finished calming down his followers, he retook his podium and questioned Aurelia, if there were any other nominations.

Aurelia answered that Cyrus proposed to put the current restrictions against the elves in the health care system under question. Dumbledore had sighed at that, but the man looked confident that the motion will fail. The man moved over to the voting and there things got really funny. The first motion failed. The idiot that nominated the ban threw a temper tantrum that they were endangering their society, if Lord Greengrass’ motion passed, but many ignored the fool, who then, started to whine like a petulant child, how the Wizengamot is ruining the society. It had taken some time to regain silence, when the idiot had calmed down. The second motion passed with a majority vote. This caused a temper tantrum in the light fraction that the vote must be manipulated, but the majority ignored Dumbledore’s followers and some openly disagreed with the idiots. The last motion had a landslide vote, which caused fury within the darker purebloods, Dumbledore’s followers, the members of the Anti-Creature Party and Dumbledore himself.

With the last vote done, the meeting came to an end.

Albus was enraged. How could everything fail again? He worked so hard on the nomination and this is the result. Why is nothing working?

The fools in the Anti-Creature-Party were idiots that couldn’t do anything right. He had to use compulsions on those idiots, so that the fools could do a proper nomination. Even Dolores Umbridge was a fool that couldn’t do anything right. The only reason, why she rose in the ministry is that she was cunning and had managed to blackmail her way up. But other than that, she was incapable of doing a proper motion.

He needed to think now on the school board meeting at the end of the month. The Herbology class is a tough nut to crack, but he will find something that he could work with.

From the corner of Narcissa’s eyes, she saw Brutus Avery following his father out of the Wizengamot. Narcissa was sure that the man was hiding Anthony and he was planning something big, but she doesn’t have any proof.

Brutus was patiently waiting. First, he will return with his father home and after his father is finished discussing about the results of the Wizengamot meeting, Brutus will spend some time with his family. He couldn’t wait to go to his flat and have some fun with his soulmate.

Avery Flat

Brutus had returned to his flat after some time with his family and went into Anthony’s room. Anthony was lost in thought trying to think of ways to get out. After he had showered and eaten his dinner, he thought that he was going to be alone for the rest of the evening, but Anthony was surprised to see a man in his twenties enter the room. “Who are you?”

Brutus had a demented smile on his face, which scared Anthony. “I am your soulmate. You should know that since you know that you have a soulmate and that it is me.” Anthony fidgeted slightly. This is his soulmate. Something feels off. He needs to get out of here.

He tried to retreat, but Brutus quickly took out his wand and casted an imperio. He smirked, when he saw the curse take root in the boy’s eyes. “On your hands and knees, Anthony.” The boy did as he was ordered, but he tried to fight off the curse. An inner voice was screaming that he should stop, but it was fruitless. He was not in control over his own body. Tears were streaming down his face.

Brutus undressed himself with a wave of his wand and hovered over the boy. He quickly casted contraceptive wards and lubricated his cock. He is not going to get his soulmate pregnant. Without any preparations, he entered Anthony. The boy screamed in pain and started to cry, when he felt Brutus’ hard member enter him. He felt some liquid dropping from his ass on the sheets and when he looked down, Anthony was horrified, when he saw blood dripping down on the sheets. He tried to scream that he should stop, but his will was gone. Brutus thrusted into him brutally until he came into the boy. When he was finished, he redressed himself and ordered his elf to clean up the mess. The elf did as it was ordered. She wanted to heal the poor boy, but she will do it, when her master was gone.

After she cleaned up, fury overtook Brutus, when he realised, what he had done. “You, worthless squib.” He dispelled the imperio. “Crucio!” Anthony sighed in relief that his mind was his own, but suddenly a red light hit him and he screamed in pain. Anthony begged the man to stop. He can’t take it anymore. The spell was lifted after a few second, but he was hit with another curse that felt like a whip. Anthony cried in pain and then, he was hit with spells that made his insides hurt. Anthony had begged him to stop, but Brutus didn’t stop until he passed out due to the pain.

Brutus gritted his teeth, when his soulmate passed out. What a weakling. He called his elf and ordered him to tend to his injury. Leaving the room, Brutus felt something cold in his chest forming. It felt like ice, but he ignored it.

Lady Magic was furious. She froze the soul bond between Anthony and Brutus after the man raped and tortured his soulmate. This was the final straw. Thankfully, she can do that from her universe. That man will feel a never-ending coldness. Brutus would freeze, but he would never find warmth and comfort. This happens, if you insult Lady Magic and try to get away with it. With a wave of her hand, Anthony would feel the warmth that he deserved. The boy deserved better than this.

The elf treated Anthony and gave him some potions to recover. She also gave him the potion that Severus Snape had created against the inflammations of the Cruciatius Curse, so that the boy didn’t suffer any after-effects of the curse. She wished to help the poor boy to get out, but she had her orders even though, she doesn’t like it. The elf knows that the squib was his master’s soulmate, but what her master had done is unforgivable. Someone needed to stop that monster. Maybe the boy’s mother or sister could help. Josephina and Arianna Avery would never accept this cruelty.

When the elf left, Anthony started to cry remembering everything what had been done to him. Why? Why did this have to happen? What did he do to deserve this? He was raped and tortured by his own soulmate. Anthony wanted to die, if that monster is going to remain his soulmate.

The boy continued to sob. Someone needed to get him out of here. But at least, he felt comforting warmth, where his soul bond was supposed to be. Anthony went to sleep after the creature gave him a potion that they called Dreamless Sleep potion. He hoped that it would really work.

Shrewsbury Police Department, October 9th, 2003

Amelia and Corban were making their way to the Shrewsbury Police Station. Both were dressed in muggle police uniforms and they were pissed, how long it had taken to get the approval from their muggle counterparts and the minister of justice. Now, they had to speak with the head of the police department in Shrewsbury and the head of the police would be there. In front of the building, an elderly man was standing waiting. Both went to him and showed him their badges. “Ah, you must be Amelia Bones and Corban Yaxley from the auror division in the DMLE.”

“Yes, let’s get to business, Mr…” Amelia lost track since they didn’t know the man’s name.

“My name is Sebastian Snape. I am the head of the Shrewsbury Police Department”, the man answered.

Both were stunned. Snape. Is he related to their dear Severus Snape? Looking at the traits of the man, they noticed some similarities between this man and Severus. Both made their way to the man’s office, in order to talk.

“Is everything alright? You seem to be surprised, when I have introduced myself”, Sebastian asked.

“Are you somehow related to Severus Snape?”, Corban questioned.

Sebastian rose his eyebrows in shock, when his nephew’s name came out of the man’s mouth. “You know my nephew?”

“Nephew!” Amelia and Corban are going to have a long conversation with Severus. He didn’t tell them that he had an uncle let alone that the said uncle is working as a muggle auror.

“You didn’t know? Well, my nephew is not that talkative about his family due to the losses, he had suffered during the war in your world, and I hadn’t had any contact with Severus until last year. He said that due to the war in your world, he couldn’t contact me without endangering me and my family. I understood it at first and so, there wasn’t any contact with him until last year. He called me at the beginning of last year and told me that the war was over. Severus had invited us to his home, in order to have some closure, and we enjoyed a small family gathering. He told us that we were his last relatives since his maternal grandfather was killed and his uncle and his cousin were disowned from the family due to their betrayal and the murder of Antonius Prince. I was still stunned that he was a lord of a noble house and that he was successful in your world. I was proud, what he had managed to do with his life. My brother would have been proud too. I am sure of it. He worked as a spy to stop a terrorist and was given an order for helping your world. Furthermore, he has a mastery and is engaged with a nice woman”, Sebastian explained.

“We know that, Mr. Snape. We were there for him, but I am surprised that he had still some relatives. We didn’t know about you and your family”, Amelia said in shock.

“He told me that there were still some terrorists that have bribed their way out. I think that is the reason why, he kept quiet”, Sebastian answered. Amelia and Corban understood it. There were some unhinged death eaters that are still running around free like the Carrow twins, who wanted retribution for Severus’ betrayal.

“Does his fiancée know about you?”, Corban asked.

Sebastian said: “Yes, he introduced her during the last summer holidays. She had kept quiet due to safety reasons. Severus didn’t want to endanger me, my wife and my children since he had made many enemies after the war.” Amelia and Corban could understand that. Severus had made many enemies in the magical world. Both fractions of Voldemort and Dumbledore wanted to see the man dead for his actions. They reached the office of Sebastian Snape and the man warned: “The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis is here. He is the equivalent of the head of the DMLE in your world. He wants to have some information regarding the kidnapping of Anthony Gardner before he will assign the case to you personally.”

Entering the office, they met an elderly man sitting behind Mr. Snape’s desk. “Mr. Stevens, the aurors from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement are here. I am going to get us something to drink. How about a cup of tea?” Everyone nodded.

“Thank you, Mr. Snape. Please take a seat, Ms. Bones, Mr. Yaxley. We have some things that we have to go over, but we will wait until Mr. Snape returns back with his errand”, John Stevens said with a smile. They waited for the head of the police station and when Sebastian had returned and taken his seat, the meeting started.

“Should we put some secrecy and silencing wards, in order to make sure that this conversation remains only among us?”, Corban asked. Everyone nodded and Corban and Amelia started to put up the wards.

“Ms. Bones, Mr. Yaxley, what do you know about the kidnapping of Anthony Gardner?”, the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis asked. “Do you have any information? According to the report from Mr. Crouch, a wizard is involved in the kidnapping of the boy, but he only wrote the report in generalities due to the Statue of Secrecy.”

“We have more information. A wizard, who had witnessed the crime and was attacked by the perpetrator, has made a statement in the DMLE, which is more accurate. He did a statement here in the muggle world, but had to keep some secrets due to the Statue of the Secrecy”, Amelia explained. Sebastian and John understood and allowed her to continue. “According to the witness, the attacker and kidnapper was Brutus Avery. He is the heir of the Avery Family and is working in the budgeting department in our ministry.”

Corban explained more: “I also know the Avery Family very well due to my past dealings with them. The family were supporters of the terrorist, Thomas Marvolo Riddle a.k.a. Lord Voldemort, before he was vanquished in 2001 and were a part of his order. They have managed to bribe their way out and had kept their heads down since then.”

“Weren’t Riddle and his followers blood supremacists? I mean, my nephew, who is also magical, Mr. Stevens, has told me that Riddle and his followers hated our kind, squibs, squibborns and magical beings and creatures. And Mr. Gardner is clearly non-magical since he never attended your school and had lived in our world”, Sebastian questioned.

“Yes, Mr. Snape, you are right and Mr. Gardner is a squib not a muggle”, Corban answered.

“But regardless, Mr. Yaxley, if Mr. Avery hated our kind, squibs, squibborns and magical beings and creatures, why would he target Mr. Gardner of all people in the neighbourhood?”, John asked confused.

“I can answer that question. Mr. Gardner is Mr. Avery’s soulmate. My colleague mentioned that Mr. Gardner is a squib. Anthony Gardner has some abilities from his magical ancestors. This includes mage sight and the gift of being a natural carrier”, Amelia explained.

Both men looked confused at the terms. John asked: “What is mage sight and what is a natural carrier?”

Corban explained: “Mage sight is a magical ability, where a person is able to see magic. Natural carriers are males that can give birth to children, but they are unable to impregnate women due to their weak seed. Mostly, magic-users are gifted with that ability and according to our experts, squibs are passive magic-users. They still can do some magic like empowering runes, using arithmancy, brewing lower-level potions etc. This means that they also can receive these gifts too.”

Both men’s eyes nearly popped out. Males are able to get pregnant. Well, the magical world has managed the impossible. “Alright, this is interesting”, John said. He had difficulties to form words about these revelations.

“We are also sure that Mr. Gardner is still alive, but we need to find him until Halloween. My undercover aurors reported to me that Brutus Avery has bought banned ritual materials that are known for moving a soul bond. The ritual itself could kill Anthony Gardner and it could only be casted on a Halloween night.” Amelia saw their faces go white at that.

“How are you sure that the boy was still alive?”, John questioned trying to withhold a stutter.

“Soulmates can’t kill each other. Brutus can harm him, but he can’t kill him”, Corban explained. Both men understood it and were relieved.

After a long discussion, John Stevens and Sebastian Snape decided to hand over the case to the DMLE since this was out of their hands. With that, the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis left the office leaving Amelia, Corban and Sebastian alone.

“Well, we have work to do, Mr. Snape. It was a pleasure to meet you and we will speak with Severus about you”, Amelia said with a smile.

Sebastian thanked both aurors and said: “Don’t be too angry with him that he had kept quiet about me. He wanted to protect me and my family from those, who wish harm on him. He has said that he will come to visit us during the Christmas break with his fiancée. I wanted to talk with him anyway about some issues that I have noticed during my tenure as head of the police station.”

Amelia and Corban nodded in understanding and left the office. It was time to find Anthony.

Gardner residence, October 11th, 2003

Amelia and Corban were making their way to the Gardners. They needed to get their statements regarding the kidnapping of Anthony and tell them some things about the magical world. They will also reveal the fact that their son has a soulmate. Before they could knock, Amelia and Corban made sure to look around, if there was anyone watching them. Seeing that the field was clear, they casted secrecy wards on the property, in order to make sure that their world isn’t exposed.

Amelia knocked on the door and a young girl opened the door. “Officers, what can I do for you? Have you found Anthony?” The girl had brown hair and blue eyes. She looked desperate and worried.

Amelia answered in a kind and sympathetic tone: “No, my dear. We are here to speak with your parents about some important matters. We have read your and your parents’ statement, but we want to give you some more information that they should know. Can we come in?”

“Okay. Mom! Dad! The police are here!”, the girl exclaimed.

Amelia and Corban went in and they saw the patriarch of the family coming his way from the kitchen. “Officers, are there any news about our son? Did you find him?”

“Unfortunately, the search is still going on, but we have some news for you that you should know. We are going to give you some information about the kidnapper and the reason behind Anthony’s kidnapping”, Corban answered.

“Okay, please take a seat. Do you want to drink something?”, Walter asked. These past two weeks were terrible for him and his family. His wife has locked herself up in Anthony’s room and had cried herself to sleep. The school had given her a week off after Anthony was kidnapped. After the week was over, she returned back to work, but his wife was not the same anymore. There was an underlying sadness in her. His daughter is in the same boat and Peter was asking about his brother. It was difficult to tell Peter that his brother was kidnapped by a bad man. His youngest son had started to withdraw more after that.

“A glass of water would be alright, Mr. Gardner”, Corban said.

Victoria went to the kitchen to prepare and serve the drinks. Amelia asked: “Can Mrs. Gardner come here? She deserves to know the truth too.” The man nodded. He went to Anthony’s room. Amelia and Corban heard voices and then, steps. Victoria came back from the kitchen with two glasses of water. She asked with pleading eyes. “Will you be able to find my brother?”

“We will do our best. We will return Anthony home. Don’t panic, sweatheart”, Amelia said. She had pity with the family. It must be hell for them that one of their own was kidnapped by a psychopath.

She was interrupted in her thoughts, when Walter came down with his wife. Valerie Gardner looked disheleved and they saw tear tracks on her cheeks. “You have some information about my son.”

“Yes, they have, Valerie. You need to let them speak first”, Walter said in a comforting voice. Valerie nodded.

When everyone was seated, Amelia and Corban began to explain: “Mr. Gardner, Mrs. Gardner, I am going directly to the point. We are coming from the Ministry of Magic. Corban and I are working as law enforcement officers in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.” When the word magic has fallen, the couple and the girl rose their eyes in shock. What the hell is the woman talking about? Amelia took out her wand out of her holster and casted a lumos. Both saw the light on the tip of her wand. The non-magicals in the room stared at the glowing stick. They must be dreaming, but the proof was shining in their room. Amelia casted a Nox and the light went off.

“Y-You have magic?”, Walter asked in shock. His wife was too numb to speak. Victoria stared at the officers in awe.

“Yes, the DMLE has gotten involved in this matter since the non-magical authorities can’t handle the case and had given it up to the law enforcement in the magical world. Your son, Anthony, was kidnapped by a wizard”, Amelia explained.

“So, our son was kidnapped by one of your kind. Do you know, who it is?”, Walter asked.

“Yes, we know. It is Brutus Avery. He is the heir of the Noble House of Avery and an employee in our ministry. His family were supporters of a terrorist leader named Thomas Marvolo Riddle a. k. a. Lord Voldemort. From my past dealings with the Averys, Brutus and his family apart from Lady Avery and Arianna Avery, Brutus’ younger sister, are firm believers in blood supremacy and purity. They hate muggles, squibs, squibborns and magical beings and creatures in general”, Corban explained.

“Can you explain us the terms, Mr…?”, Walter questioned.

“Corban Yaxley and beside me is Amelia Bones. Yes, I can explain those terms. Muggles are non-magicals, who don’t have one ounce of magic in their body. Squibs are passive-magic users. They can’t use magic actively like me and Amelia, but they can do some lower-level stuff and they have magical blood flowing in their veins. Squibborns are active magic-users born to two squibs and magical beings and creatures are vampires, werewolves, mermaids, veelas etc. Mythical creatures that you may have read in fairy tale books”, Corban explained.

“Okay. What does Anthony have to do with all of this?”, Walter questioned.

“Mr. Gardner, either you or your wife or even both must be squibs. Anthony is a squib with two magical abilities that he was born with. And I am betting on my salary that your children, Victoria Gardner and Peter Gardner, are squibs too, if Anthony is one. It is inheritable”, Amelia explained.

Walter was speechless. He only said an ‘oh’. Victoria was stunned and asked: “What magical abilities does Anthony have, Ms. Bones?”

Amelia smiled at the girl. She answered: “The first ability is mage sight. He can see magic that is radiating around a witch or wizard.”

“The energy. I remember something during Anthony’s childhood. When he was a child, he had said that he was seeing some kind of energy in certain people that were dressed funnily in robes”, Valerie said.

“Yes, this is the ability that I was talking about. He can see the magic around witches and wizards”, Amelia answered. Both parents were stunned that Anthony’s odd behaviour back then could be explained.

“What is the other ability?”, Victoria asked excited. She remembered, how Anthony had said that he was seeing some kind of energy around certain people. At first, she thought that her brother was just joking, but now, she is doubting it.

“The other ability is the gift of being a natural carrier”, Corban said.

“What is that?”, Walter asked.

“He is a male bearer. He can give birth, but he is unable to impregnate a woman”, Amelia explained.

Everyone looked stunned. Victoria had her mouth wide open. Walter and Valerie looked at the aurors like they had grown a second head. Their baby can give birth to children. Well, Anthony will carry their grandchildren instead of seeding them.

“Wow”, Victoria commented.

“There is another gift that Anthony had received. These were only the abilities that we have mentioned”, Corban said.

“And what is that gift?”. Walter asked.

“He has a soulmate”, Amelia answered. Walter and Valerie were stunned. Anthony has a soulmate. This is wonderful. Victoria envied her brother. He is a lucky bastard. But the aurors didn’t share their excitement. Walter asked, when he had seen their faces: “What is wrong? Why the long faces?”

Corban and Amelia shared a worried look and Corban said: “The kidnapper is Anthony’s soulmate.”

“WHAT?! NO! That bastard that had kidnapped my son is Anthony’s soulmate. The same man, who surely hates him for being a squib, is his soulmate”, Valerie shrieked. Walter tried to calm his wife. Victoria took everything back. Her brother is an unlucky individual.

“Yes, and according to my undercover aurors, Brutus Avery has been buying banned ritual materials. He is planning to use a ritual that would move the soul bond from one vessel to another. We are trying everything to stop him since the ritual would kill your son”, Amelia explained. Valerie and Victoria started to cry. Walter had tears in his eyes. Amelia continued: “The good news is that we are keeping a close watch on Avery and the ritual could only be conducted on Halloween. We could arrest him for buying these materials since they are illegal and make sure that he misses the day.” All three sighed in relief, but they were still worried. They have only this month to save their son. Thankfully, the police officers from the magical world are keeping a close watch on Avery and have plans to stop that bastard from killing Anthony.

“We need evidence, in order to make sure that the charges stick and for that reason, we need to examine Elisa Baker’s front door. We are sure that the door was spelled locked. According to Mrs. Baker’s statement, she couldn’t get out of her house, when Anthony was kidnapped. So, it means that Avery had casted a locking charm, in order to make sure that she doesn’t interfere”, Amelia explained. “When could we examine Mrs. Baker’s door without her presence there? Due to the Statue of Secrecy that is separating the magical and the non-magical world, we can’t use magic in front of non-magicals and this includes Mrs. Baker.”

“On Monday. She is always in the market buying everything, what she needs during the week. It would take her three hours until she is back home”, Valerie answered.

“Thanks.” Amelia quickly noted it down. “Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, Victoria, there are secrecy wards around your house that will stop you from mentioning magic. You cannot talk about this since the ministry would charge you for breaking the Statue of Secrecy. I believe that if you look at our country’s history, you would understand why we are keeping everything secret.” The couple and Victoria nodded in understanding knowing the history of the witch hunts. So, they would remain quiet.

After some last-minute-things, Amelia and Corban were leaving the house. They were more optimistic now and on Monday, they would have concrete evidence against Brutus. The Gardners have hope that their son was going to return home. Valerie went to her son’s room praying that he would return. Walter was left on the couch sitting and Victoria went to her room to sleep. It was exhausting.

Baker residence, October 13th, 2003

Amelia and Corban saw Elisa Baker leaving her house going to the market. The woman was dragging a shopping trolley behind her. They waited until the woman was in a safe distance, where she wouldn’t be able to see, what they were doing. First, they put some wards to make them invisible, so that no one notices them, what they were doing, and then, they moved over to the door to examine it.

Amelia examined the door and found some magical traces. She removed the traces and put them into a file. Amelia will examine it closer, in order to get a magical signature out of the door.

“I have removed the magic, Corban. Let’s go to Brian’s hiding place. Is Mrs. Baker returning?”, Amelia asked.

“No, Amelia, but Mr. Garder is coming.” They quickly gathered their things and dispelled the wards. They saw Walter coming out of the house. “Hello, again, officers. Did you manage to examine the door?”

“Yes”, both answered.

“Why would you need to examine the door? I mean, Avery casted a spell from a certain distance. So, there shouldn’t be any traces of him on the door”, Walter questioned confused.

Corban answered: “It’s the spell. Spells, curses and jinxes leave traces and these traces can help us to find a magical signature. The magical signature is the equivalent of a finger print in your world. Every witch and wizard have a different magical signature and with that, we would be able to identify Brutus Avery.”

Walter understood it. Well, Avery left traces even though he was far away. Amelia and Corban were making their way to the estate of the late Mrs. Hunt. “We need to check up the estate beside you. The explosion charm was casted on the building and we need to check-up the signature too.” Walter nodded.

Amelia and Corban quickly went in and extracted the magical traces of the broken window. Brian told her that the window shattered due to the charm. She found magical traces on the glass splitters and took some samples. They will extract the magical signature and compare it with the signature on the door.

With that, both aurors left the neighbourhood and returned back to the ministry.

DMLE

Amelia was extracting the magicals signature from the traces that they found on the door of Mrs. Baker and Corban was doing the same with the magical traces on the window. It had taken them some time to extract the magical signatures and they have compared them. They matched, which proved to them that Brutus had attacked Brian and locked up the neighbour. With Brian’s statement, it would be enough to arrange a warrant to get Brutus’ magical signature since he was clearly identified. Brian even offered his memories and Amelia and Corban were able to recognise Avery as the attacker. They also certified the memories that they can be used as evidence.

Now, they needed a warrant for the budgeting department, in order to get Avery’s file from the archives, where his magical signature is stored. If there is a match, which they are sure, then, they can arrest Avery for the assault and kidnapping of Anthony and the attack on Brian Turner.

They hoped that they would be able to save Anthony soon.

Lady Magic was glad that there are people, who will help Anthony, but they will receive help from a very unlikely source, which would make the arrest faster. She watched Josephina Avery growing more and more suspicious regarding her son and the woman was planning to see, what her son was hiding. She will find out, what her son had done to Anthony and due to her upbringing, Josephina will help the poor boy. The woman is a traditionalist and she was taught strictly that soulmates are sacred. What her son had done to Anthony would cause Josephina to open her eyes regarding her husband and her sons and with her daughter, she will turn her back on the Averys.

Avery Flat, October 15th, 2003

Josephina Avery entered her son’s flat during the time her son had gone to work. She had made an excuse to her husband telling him that she needed to get a book from her cottage. Her husband dismissed her knowing about her private library and went first to her cottage that she had received from her maternal family after her marriage. From there, she flooed to Brutus’ flat. There she was greeted by her son’s house elf. Josephina ordered the elf to not tell her son that she was here. Since she was Lady Avery, Josephina outranked her son. The only person that could override the order was her husband, but Justinian wouldn’t care, what she was doing.

“Elf, I have a feeling that my son is hiding something from me. If there is anything, then, tell me”, Josephina said.

The elf told her mistress that her master has a soulmate and that he kidnapped the boy here. Josephina was stunned at that. Her son has a soulmate. Since when did he have one? She asked the elf the question and the elf answered that he had known since the summer break.

“Why did he keep him hidden? What was the reason behind this?”, Josephina questioned.

“Mistress, his soulmate is a male squib that has the ability to give birth. There is another ability, but I wasn’t able to find out”, the elf answered.

The woman was stunned. Her son’s soulmate is a squib that is also a male bearer. Now, she understood why her son didn’t tell anyone in the family. Josephina wasn’t blind that Justinian and her sons hated muggles, squibs, muggleborns and magical beings and creatures. She asked: “Where is he? What has happened to him?”

“He’s hidden here. Master had done terrible things to him”, the elf answered with fear in her voice. She had to tend Anthony’s injuries every time her master is finished with him. The poor boy became depressive and had given up to get up let alone to live. Maybe her mistress would be able to help her. The elf led Josephina to the room, where Anthony was locked away.

When they entered the room, Josephina nearly suffered a heart attack. Anthony was lying on the bed still naked with many bruises and cuts adorning his body. The boy was barely conscious. Seeing the woman, the boy quickly retreated and let out a whimper. “Please, leave me alone. I don’t want this.” The sudden movement caused him pain. Everything hurt.

Josephina stared at the poor boy. She looked at the elf. “Is that my son’s soulmate?”, Josephina asked in a small voice. The elf nodded.

She tried to come closer, but the boy moved further away until his back hit the headboard of the bed. “I will not hurt you.” Josephina saw the fearful expression on the boy’s face. She asked the elf: “What did my son do to his soulmate?” The elf explained that he had used an imperio on Anthony and had raped him. Then, he tortured him and used many pain curses after that and he had continued to do it every time, he was free from his heir duties. She also told her mistress that she tended his injuries as best as she could.

Josephina was furious, what she was hearing. She taught all of her children that they should always protect and cherish their soulmates no matter what and her eldest son threw all of her teaching into her face. Brutus always listened to Justinian and his nonsense of blood purity. Josephina was furious about her son’s atrocious behaviour and she will not tolerate this monstrosity. She decided that Brutus was no longer her son. What he had done to his own soulmate is an insult to not only her, but also Lady Magic. In the other universe, Lady Magic smirked. Josephina Avery will turn the tables against her sons and husband. This is the turning point, where the Averys would suffer losses in their own family.

She ordered her son’s elf to get her clothes overriding Brutus’ order and went to the boy. “Come on, young man, we are getting you out of here. Get off the bed.” Anthony was stunned, but moved to the woman. He saw something comforting in her. Finally, there was help. With a lot of pain, Anthony stood up on his two feet. Every part of his body hurt. Josephina needed a professional healer to heal the boy fully. She will floo the boy to her cottage and from there, she will contact Oreana to help her. Josephina knew that squibs are able to use the floo unlike the rest of the wizarding society.

The elf brought her some clothes and they dressed the boy up. She started to help the boy to walk to the floo. Anthony was in pain, but he was walking with the woman to a fireplace. He was confused. Josephina quickly reached the fireplace. She told the boy, how to use the floo and what the black powder can do. “You need to say the destination loud and clear, understood? The destination is Burke cottage.” Anthony nodded still numb from the pain. The woman was here to save him. He took some of the powder and stepped into the fireplace. He said loud and clear: “Burke Cottage!” With that, Anthony flooed away to her cottage and Josephina followed him. Anthony was even more in pain, when they landed in a different room.

Burke cottage

Anthony collapsed, when they flooed into the cottage. When Josephina stepped from the fireplace, she quickly levitated the boy to the bedroom and ordered her elf to keep a watch on him. Josephina quickly made a floo-call to her cousin and head of house, Oreana Burke.

After some time, Oreana answered: “Josephina, what is it? What is happening? Is something wrong?” The woman was startled by her cousin’s call.

“Yes, Oreana, please come here. I need your help”, the woman said in a desperate voice.

“Okay, I am coming through”, Oreana said. The floo flared and Oreana stepped out. Josephina quickly told her to follow her to the bedroom. Oreana was confused about Josephina’s reaction until she arrived in one of the bedrooms. The woman was stunned, when she saw a boy lying on the bad. “Josephina, who is that?”

The Avery matriarch took a deep breath and explained everything, what she had learned from her son’s elf. She covered the boy’s status as her son’s soulmate, the rape and the torture that he suffered through and the state he was in. Oreana was furious, what Brutus had done to his own soulmate. She quickly checked the boy up. There were some injuries and the boy is in need of a professional healer. She knew, who could help them. “Josephina, I know, who could help us. I will seal this property, in order make sure that your sons and your husband could not enter without my permission. I will return back.”

The woman quickly flooed to Burke Manor and from there she floo-called Narcissa Malfoy. After a minute the floo call was answered: “Oreana, is everything alright?”

“Narcissa, this is an emergency. I need your help since you are healer. Bring your healer kit”, Oreana said.

“Okay, I am going to get my healer kit and then, I am coming through. Lucius will look after Draco”, Narcissa answered and quickly went to her own study in the manor. She quickly gathered her healer kit. Narcissa explained to her husband the floo-call from Oreana. Lucius told her that he will look after Draco for the time being.

She entered Burke Manor, but Oreana told her that they were going to floo to the Burke cottage much to Narcissa’s confusion. Both women flooed to Josephina’s cottage. Oreana led the woman to the bedroom, where Anthony was laying.

Entering the room, Narcissa tried to be as quiet as possible, when she saw a figure lying on the bed. She gasped in shock, when she saw, who the figure was. This was Anthony Gardner. Dear Merlin. He had been found. She quickly hovered over the boy and started to do a medical history scan. Looking through it, the woman’s face darkened. Anthony had been raped multiple times and then, he was tortured with the Cruciatius curse and some other various curses like the whipping spell, the Dolor curse and there were even bruises and some broken bones inflicted on the boy. She was ready to skin Brutus Avery for the hell he had inflicted to the poor boy and it takes her everything not to kill the imbecile for treating his soulmate in such a manner. She quickly took out the needed healing potions. The skelegrow would help fix the broken bones and the other potions would help the boy to treat the other injuries. She also used Severus’ new potion to stop any inflammations from the Cruciatius Curse.

When she was finished, Narcissa said: “He needs some rest, but we will move him to Malfoy Manor, when he wakes up. There he would be better protected. My husband will contact Amelia and Corban since they are leading an investigation regarding Anthony Gardner’s disappearance from the muggle world.” Narcissa explained the basics of the investigation that she knew. The other two women have tightened their lips. They were not happy about these revelations.

Narcissa decided to stay here and quickly sent a message to her husband that she is going to return home tomorrow since the emergency is taking longer. She also explained that Josephina found Anthony in Brutus’ flat and managed to get him out of there. Her husband answered in shock that when he wakes up and is ready, Lucius will call Amelia and Corban to speak with him.

Josephina prepared a bedroom for Narcissa beside Anthony, so that she has access to the boy, if there were any medical difficulties and the rest of the evening, the women talked about Brutus and his actions. Later, Oreana returned home and both Josephina and Narcissa went to sleep.

When Anthony woke up, he looked around, but he noticed that the room was different. Something was off. Unknown to him, Narcissa’s alarm went off that Anthony was awake. The woman hurried to the boy’s room, in order to see, how he was doing. Anthony was terrified, when he heard the door open. He prayed that it wasn’t Brutus, who came sometimes in the middle of the night to have some ‘fun’ with him. Fearfully, he looked at the door, but instead of the brute man entering the rooms, it was a blond, beautiful woman with silver eyes. She wore a long nightgown. Anthony relaxed slightly.

“Hello, Anthony”, the woman said. Anthony was confused. Where does the woman know his name? Before he could ask, the woman gave him a relieved smile. “I know your name through two friends of mine, who are working in the magical law enforcement. They are investigating your disappearance.” Narcissa gently rubbed his arm. “You are safe now.”

Anthony nodded. He had seen the woman’s energy radiating. It is comforting and motherly. “Why me?”

Narcissa couldn’t give him an answer, why Brutus Avery was chosen to be Anthony’s soulmate, but she can guess that Lady Magic wanted to bring the Gardner line back into the fold. “I believe that Lady Magic wants to revive the Gardner line that has gone extinct 200 years ago. From what I have read from the inheritance test that was shown to me by Lord and Lady Greengrass, you are a squib from the Ancient and Noble House of Gardner. Jaques and Anton had shown your test to their respectable families and during a meeting, Lord and Lady Greengrass as well as Lord and Lady Abbott had shown your test to us.”

“I see. Jaques and Anton had shown me”, Anthony answered. “Do you maybe know a way out of this painful soul bond?”

“Unfortunately, no, Anthony, but I am sure that there is a way to get you a second-chance soulmate. Second-chance soulmates are rare, but they are given, when the first soulmate has proven to be unworthy or has died before their other half was born”, Narcissa explained. Yes, that could work. Narcissa was going to ask Anton about second-chance soulmates. Anthony is the perfect candidate for that. Brutus is a cruel and vile monster that had harmed his soulmate and Anthony didn’t deserve someone, who would use and abuse him.

Lady Magic smiled. Lady Malfoy managed to find a solution. Soon enough, Anthony would be free from that monster.

Narcissa gave Anthony a dreamless sleep potion and told him that the day after tomorrow, they are going to move him into Malfoy Manor, where he was going to be safer. Anthony accepted it and laid down to sleep feeling comfortable for the first time.

Malfoy Manor/DMLE/Abbott Manor, October 17th, 2003

It had taken two days for Anthony to recover from his injuries. The boy was still terrified and had been shivering in fear, but he felt safe around Narcissa, Josephina and Oreana especially the Malfoy matriarch. Like it was done two days ago, Narcissa and Anthony flooed from the cottage to Malfoy Manor. There Narcissa led the boy to his room. Lucius had ordered the elves to prepare a guest room for Anthony, where he would sleep. The past two days, Anthony was introduced to Narcissa and the woman made sure that the boy was comfortable.

When Anthony was settled, Narcissa said: “Lucius, I am going to get Amelie. She is a mind healer and she can help Anthony to work through the hell, he had endured. You will go to the DMLE and inform Amelia and Corban that Anthony was found.” Lucius nodded and flooed to the ministry, whereas Narcissa went to Abbott Manor, in order to get Amelie. Her personal elf and Anthony will keep a close watch on Draco.

In Abbott Manor, Narcissa was greeted by an elf, when she stepped out of the fireplace, and it led her to the lord study, where Zachary was sitting. Entering the study, Zachary greeted the woman warmly: “Narcissa, what can I do for you?”

“I came here to speak with Amelie due to her expertise as a mind healer. Can she come here? I need her help with something”, Narcissa said with an excited voice.

“Okay, I will call her. She is taking care of our youngest daughter, Hannah. Trixie!” An elf popped in front of Narcissa and Zachary. “Can you bring Amelie here? It is urgent”, Zachary ordered. The elf nodded and bowed. She popped away to get her mistress.

After some time, Amelie was making her way into her husband’s study. “Zachary, you wanted to see me. Narcissa, what a surprise to meet you.”

“Narcissa is here needing your expertise as a mind healer. She will explain why I have called you here”, Zachary answered. Amelie had her attention to Narcissa. “What can I do for you, Narcissa?”

“I have good news regarding the disappearance of Anthony Gardner”, Narcissa announced. Now, both adults paid attention to the Malfoy matriarch. Amelie asked: “Did Amelia and Corban find the poor boy?”

“No, but we did. Lucius will deal with that. He went to the ministry to get Amelia and Corban. Anthony was saved by Lady Josephina Avery. She grew suspicious about her son’s odd behaviour and went to his flat to check. There, she found Anthony in a bad state. He was raped and tortured by Brutus.” Narcissa gave Amelie the health scan, she had made. Amelie went over the paper and her face reddened in outrage. If she had her way, she would have paid Brutus Avery a visit and made him suffer to the next millennium. Since she was a mind healer, Amelie would have showed the man new levels of mental torture that even Voldemort would flinch. Narcissa knew the rage too well, but she continued: “When Josephina found out that Anthony was her eldest son’s soulmate, she decided to help the boy. Lady Avery was furious that her son would harm his soulmate like this. Even though the Averys are blood purists, this doesn’t count on Josephina and her only daughter, Arianna Avery. Both are strong traditionalists and for them, soulmates are sacred no matter what.”

Amelie nodded. She was glad that Josephina made the right choice. Narcissa explained: “Josephina brought the boy to her cottage from her family. She was a Burke before she married Justinian. Then, Josephina called her head of house, Oreana, and she came to me for help since the boy had many issues. I came there and healed Anthony fully. I stayed at the cottage for the past two days, before Anthony and I flooed to Malfoy Manor, where he would be better protected. Now, I came here for a mind healer.”

“I will help. Zachary, take care of our children before I return back”, Amelie ordered before she went to the floo room with Narcissa. Zachary nodded and sighed. He will be in charge of their children for the time being.

In the same time, Lucius was making his way through the ministry to the DMLE. He requested there to speak with Amelia Bones and Corban Yaxley. Lucius was led to Amelia’s office, where he met both sitting and working on the case. He closed the door and managed to get both head aurors’ attention. “Lucius, I hope that you have a good reason in demanding our time”. Amelia said in a cold voice.

“Yes, I do. Anthony Gardner has been found”, Lucius announced. Both aurors stared at the man believing that they had misheard him. “You are kidding, right? Lucius, I don’t have time for jokes”, Amelia said in disbelief.

Lucius chuckled and explained the same thing, what Narcissa was explaining to Amelie. Both were stunned. “If you want proof, then, come with me to Malfoy Manor.”

Amelia quickly activated the floo in her office and all three flooed to Malfoy Manor.

Entering the manor, they met up with Amelie and Narcissa and all five made their way to Anthony’s room that was empty. Before Amelie, Amelia and Corban could yell at the Malfoys, an elf popped in front of them and informed them that Anthony was in the play room with Draco. All five made their way to the play room, where Anthony was taking care of Draco, who was playing with his toys. Draco seemed to like his new playmate.

Narcissa and Lucius sighed in relief. They would have gotten yelled at, if Anthony was gone. Amelia, Amelie and Corban were glad that Anthony was safe. Narcissa stepped forwards and called for his attention. “Anthony, we are back. This is Amelie. In your terms, she is a therapist. And these are Amelia and Corban. They are investigating your kidnapping and they are law enforcement officers.” Anthony nodded and approached them. He shook their hands.

Lucius led them through the manor to the sitting room, where Anthony can talk with Amelie, Amelia and Corban. Before they could start, Anthony asked, if Narcissa could stay here. Everyone nodded thinking that the boy grew close to the Malfoy matriarch and Narcissa remained for the talk that Anthony would have.

The next two hours, Anthony talked about his time with Brutus Avery and what he had endured. All four had to restrain themselves from going to Avery Manor and killing the man painfully and slowly. Narcissa would have liked to use Brutus as a test subject for the magics that she had learned as a Black. She is sure that the pain would have been the lesser problem. It had taken a lot of time and some breaks for the boy to make the statement since Anthony had started to cry about the cruelty, he had endured with Brutus. The next part was, how he was saved and Amelia and Corban are going to invite Josephina Avery and Oreana Burke as witnesses.

When they were finished, Anthony was led to his room, where he could take a nap. Amelia and Corban got the memories to certify them and with that, they had enough to convict Brutus. They also managed to have a match in their examination of Brutus’ magical signature and the magical signature that was found on the door and on the shattered glass.

The remaining adults met up with Lucius and discussed, what they were going to do next. “This is enough to arrest Brutus Avery, but we will wait for the time being. I want to see his reaction, when he finds out that his soulmate is gone. We will also need to have Lady Avery’s and Lady Burke’s statement and we need to get a search warrant for Brutus’ flat, which would be easy, but for now, we have to collect evidence and it will take some time, in order to get everything in place.” Narcissa understood the situation. Soon the tie is closing down on Avery and the man will be punished severely for his actions.

Amelia said: “We need to arrange the Gardners to come here, Narcissa, Lucius. They are aware of our world, so, we will bring them here, so that they can meet their son.” Both agreed.

“I will arrange the portkey”, Corban said. Narcissa warned Corban before he and Amelia are going back to the ministry: “But the parents need to do a test first, Corban, in order to see, if both parents are squibs. I am sure that Anthony’s siblings and father are squibs since Anthony himself is one and due to Walter carrying the name Gardner, I am sure that the man is one too. If Valerie Gardner is a muggle, then, you would need to get a special portkey from the goblins since the normal portkeys don’t work on muggles.” Corban nodded in understanding and made their way out.

Amelie told them that she was going to help Anthony personally to work through the mess that Brutus had caused.

Gardner residence, October 19th, 2003

The Gardners had their usual lunch, but the food tasted like ash. Since Anthony was kidnapped, there wasn’t any joy in their lives. Valerie Gardner was eating less, but she kept going. She still worked as a teacher, but the shine in her eyes was missing and the woman was barely smiling. The school therapist is talking with her, in order to help her to get through the events on September. Walter had taken some time off at work, when Anthony was kidnapped. He returned to work two weeks ago, but he was unhappy. Victoria was having a hard time at school and she was also seeing the school therapist to talk her worries with the psychologist, but she was maintaining her grades average. Unfortunately, Peter started to have lesser grades. The boy had taken it hard that his eldest brother was kidnapped and that he wasn’t there. Walter and Valerie did everything, in order to make sure that Peter was doing well in school and there was some improvement, but the boy was still sad and he was seeing a school therapist, who will keep a close watch on the boy and his marks.

The family was eating, when the doorbell rang. Walter took the napkin from his lap and went to the door. Opening the door, he saw a smiling Amelia Bones and Corban Yaxley. “Ms. Bones, Mr. Yaxley, come in. What can I do for you? Are there any news about Anthony?” The man was leading the aurors into the kitchen.

“Mr. Gardner, Mrs. Gardner, we have good and bad news regarding your son”, Amelia said.

The Gardners took a shuddering breath and allowed them to continue: “The good news are that Anthony had been found and brought into safety. Lady Josephina Avery, Brutus Avery’s mother, has found Anthony and brought him away from her son’s flat. First, he spent two nights in Lady Avery’s cottage that she had gotten from her maternal family and now, he is living in Malfoy Manor, where he is safe. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy are taking care of him. He is also seeing a mind healer. In your terms, it is a therapist, in order to work through the mess that he had endured under the hands of his kidnapper. Furthermore, Narcissa is a professional healer in our world and she had managed to take care of any injuries that Anthony had.”

“Now, we are coming to the bad news and I don’t want to speak about this in front of your children since there are things that are indescribable”, Amelia said swallowing a lump in her throat. She gave the man a look.

“Victoria, Peter, can you go to the living room for the time being, please?”, Walter asked.

“But dad, we want to know”, Victoria said defiantly.

“Sweety, we will tell you, after Ms. Bones and Mr. Yaxley have left. Would that suffice?”, Walter asked. He didn’t want to lose his patience. He needed to know, what has happened to his son that it was so bad that Ms. Bones and Mr. Yaxley couldn’t talk about this in front of his children. Walter could imagine, what had happened to her son, but he really hoped that his suspicions are wrong.

Victoria sighed and answered: “Alright. Let’s go Peter.” The said boy nodded. He was happy that Anthony was coming back home, but he wasn’t sure, if his brother was alright. The adults are hiding something. Victoria was also glad that her older brother was alright, but she wanted to know, what has happened to her brother that he had to see a therapist.

After the children went to the living room and the kitchen door was closed, Amelia took a deep breath. “Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, your son was tortured and raped. There were many injuries that Lady Narcissa Malfoy had found on Anthony, but they were fixed. That is the reason why, your son is seeing a mind healer.” Valerie sobbed, when she heard, what her son had suffered under the hands of that monster. Walter was doing everything to calm his wife down and promised her that everything is going to be alright.

“Okay, I see. Is there a way to dissolve this soul bond between my son and that monster?”, Walter asked in a desperate voice.

“I believe that there is a way to remove the soul bond from Brutus and move it to another wizard. A second-chance soulmate. It is rare, but it isn’t impossible. If one of the soulmate couples is proving to be unworthy of the soul bond through cheating or violence, then, there is a chance to call upon Lady Magic to judge the soul bond. It is also used, if one of the soulmate couples have died unexpectedly before the soulmate couple could bond. Anthony could use that to get another soulmate that would love and cherish him”, Corban explained thoughtfully. Both accepted the idea.

“We are here to do a test on both of you, in order to see, if you are both squibs, so that we can get you to Malfoy Manor without making a long trip”, Amelia explained.

Both agreed on the test and quickly made them. The results were surprising. Valerie was a simple muggle. So, she needed a special portkey to get her to Malfoy Manor. Walter Gardner was a squib with the added shocker that he was an empath. Amelia quickly explained Walter’s ability. Empaths are very perceptive regarding emotions and behaviours and were always able to predict a person’s intention. Valerie smiled. Her husband was always able to predict someone’s intention and was very perceptive. He always was able to catch their children, if they were lying.

Corban quickly wrote a message to Gringotts from his notebook that they were in need of a special portkey for muggles. It is the same portkey that Aika and Toisho Kurusu had used, in order to get into Gringotts without going through Diagon Alley only that this time the destination would be Malfoy Manor.

With that, both aurors left the house. Walter and Valerie quickly got to their children and returned back to the kitchen, where they finished their lunch. Both parents explained them the situation. Victoria and Peter were furious, what has happened to Anthony. What did their brother do that he deserved this? But they were glad that he was safe and soon, they would be able to see him after an entire month.

Malfoy Manor, October 20th, 2003

Corban went to Gringotts, in order to get the portkey for Valerie Gardner. The family was anxious to meet their son again. It was a month since they had seen their child or sibling. Arriving at the Gardner residence, Amelia and Corban knocked on the door and entered, when it was opened and they were allowed to go in. Going inside, Walter quickly closed the door and quickly called his family to the living room. Corban said to the remaining family: “Amelia and I have arranged a special portkey for you all. It will also work for you, Mrs. Gardner. I will give you all a warning. The transportation is like a rollercoaster in your terms. I have prepared some puking bags, if one of you gets ill.”

“Oh great”, Valerie muttered in worry. Maybe she should wait until her son arrives home and Brutus Avery is in prison, but Valerie was desperate seeing her son again, so, she will take the risk.

When everyone was ready and Walter had locked the door, they grabbed the portkey and the residence was empty.

The Gardners arrived at the portkey area of Malfoy Manor, there the Gardners met a silver-blond haired man with blue eyes and a blond-haired woman with silver eyes. “Lucius, Narcissa, allow me to introduce Walter and Valerie Gardner, Anthony’s parents, and Victoria and Peter Gardner, Anthony’s siblings”, Corban introduced the family.

“Hello, my dears, let’s go, Anthony is waiting for you”, Narcissa said. She was leading the Gardners to the living room. Walter, Valerie, Victoria and Peter were excited to meet their son/brother again. Behind the family, Amelia, Corban and Lucius were following the family to the living room. Many were excited about the reunion.

Entering the living room, they saw Anthony sitting on the couch. There was a young toddler playing with his toys in front of him. Looking up, Anthony saw his parents and siblings. He quickly stood up and ran to his parents. He was careful not to kick Draco. “Mom, Dad, Vicky, Peter.” He had his parents in a hug. Both parents took their son in a hug, whereas Victoria and Peter hugged him from behind.

“You are safe, Anthony. Thank the god. You are safe”, Valerie said with tears streaming down her face. Walter was glad that his son is here and that he was safe and happy. It had taken some time to release Anthony from the hug since they were afraid that they would lose him again.

Amelia cleared her throat before any questions could be asked. Everyone’s attention was on Amelia. “Miss Bones?”, Walter asked.

“Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, your son needs to remain here, where he would be protected from Brutus Avery. This manor has all kinds of wards and protections that would protect Anthony from the man. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy will maintain the security of their home and even seal the house, if Brutus tries to forcefully enter this place. I know that you want to return home with your son, but currently, it is too dangerous. Brutus will notice his absence and will be looking for him. The first destination would be your home. This manor is a safer option”, Amelia explained.

The Gardners understood the situation. They can’t remain in their house as long as Avery is walking around free. “What about school?”

“I have talked with your headmasters and they are aware of the magical world. Some of them are squibs like you. They have allowed to connect their floos with the floo network in their offices. You would be flooing from this manor to your schools in your school’s headmaster’s office. Mrs. Gardner, you will be using a special powder from Gringotts that was designed for muggles to use the floo”, Amelia explained taking out an urn with white powder. The goblins had managed to create floo powder that was used by muggle parents, who had magical children. She had talked with the headmasters today early in the morning and made the arrangements. Thankfully, they were cooperative.

The Gardners agreed on that. Anthony had to relearn everything, what he had missed this past month. He was sure that his teachers are going to arrange some tutoring for him. Victoria and Peter sighed. They are going to use the floo to go to school, but it doesn’t matter. Their brother was back and he was safe.

The rest of the day was spent discussing, what Amelia and Corban were planning to do with Avery. The Gardners felt uncomfortable that they would be staying with the Malfoys until November, but Lucius and Narcissa made sure that they don’t have to worry about anything since they volunteered to help them. After Brutus is arrested, they can return home safely.

Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, October 23rd, 2003

There was another order meeting in Hogwarts and Dumbledore and his followers were discussing, how to restrict the Herbology curriculum. They still didn’t find a solution until Griselda had an idea. “Albus, we could ban the charms that are taught during the Herbology class. The students would learn the charms during either the Charms or DADA classes. So, they are not necessary.”

“A wonderful idea, Griselda”, Albus said in a soft voice. He was glad that the woman had found a way to restrict the curriculum. He couldn’t believe that he had to deal with all these issues. Before that, he had always had control over the situation.

Albus asked: “Are there any news in the ministry?” He forgot to ask that since he had been busy with other things that are concerning his plans. Since Patrick Selwyn, he didn’t ask his followers that are working in the ministry, if there was something else happening in the ministry.

Many shook their heads. Even those, who had been paying close attention to the happenings in the ministry, when Amelia and Corban were investigating Patrick Selwyn and the brothels, have nothing to add. But Ted rose his hand since he had something to add since he received some information from one of his contacts from the muggle world. “Ted, are there any news in the ministry that you surely had noticed?”

“Not really, but there is something going on in the muggle world, Albus. One of my contacts told me that there was a major case going on about a kidnapping of a teenager in Shrewsbury and that the case was given over to the auror division since it was out of their hands. I have gathered some information, in order to see what was going on. I went over the information I was able to get legally and read through each file. I also managed to get some memories from my contacts. Going over them, I saw that Amelia and Corban, who were dressed in muggle police uniforms, were making their way to the Shrewsbury Police Department and I am sure that the reason behind their presence is about the kidnapped teenager in Shrewsbury, Albus. So, there is a new case going on in the ministry, but I don’t know, what they are doing”, Ted explained.

Albus sighed. His followers apart from Ted are failures. How could they not notice that there was a case going on in the DMLE and be blind like that? He needed that information.

Albus quickly ordered his followers to pay close attention to what Amelia and Corban were doing and dismissed them. He hoped that the school board meeting on Monday would be a success.

Weasley Cottage, October 25th, 2003

The Grey Alliance had another meeting in response to the order meeting two days ago. Arthur told them about the nomination and everyone was frustrated like usual. Dumbledore was planning to remove the charms and the spells from the Herbology curriculum. Doesn’t the man realise that the magic used in Herbology is important for the students’ safety? The plants in Herbology are either dangerous or venomous and they can cause many health problems. Everyone agreed that the protest would be easy, but they are in need of a distraction.

Marlene had an idea. She thought that the boats are in need of an update. “I have an idea. It is about the boats that are traditionally used for the transportation of the first years. They need an update. The boats should have a roof over the students’ head in case it is raining on September 1st and there should also be charms and spells on the boats, in order to make sure that the first years are safe from falling into the Black Lake or from drowning.”

“A good idea. I always found the boats to be unsafe, so, I think that it is a good idea to have some protections for the first years. We also need to take into consideration the risk, if one of the students aren’t able to swim. If a student dies due to drowning, then, the school is responsible for that”, Pandora said.

Many agreed on the distraction and no one would want to vote against the nomination due to the risks. With that, they were prepared for the board meeting.

They moved over to the primary school and there Narcissa announced to propose the ICW primary school curriculum for Math, where the students would be taught, how to calculate and are better prepared for Arithmancy since Arithmancy is a part of the subject. Now, they had everything to make some progress against Dumbledore and his followers.

When they were finished, Narcissa announced the good news regarding Anthony and his family. “I have good news. Anthony has been found. He is now safe and sound in our manor.”

“Who saved him?”, Adrianna asked.

“Lady Josephina Avery. She is furious, what her son had done to his own soulmate. I mean, Josephina was a strong traditionalist and she is a staunch believer that soulmates are sacred no matter what. The same can be counted to her daughter, Arianna. What her son had done to Anthony infuriated her and she no longer acknowledges Brutus as her son”, Narcissa said with a sigh.

Everyone was stunned. It must be hard for Josephina to see, what kind of monster Brutus has become. But the better question was, what did Brutus do to Anthony that Josephina had turned against her own son? They were dreading the answer.

“What did he do to Anthony?”, Adrianna questioned.

Narcissa handed everyone a copy of Anthony’s health scan. “This, Adrianna.”

Everyone looked at the health scan. Everyone was furious. They would like to pay Brutus a visit and make him suffer for what he had done to his own soulmate. Soulmates are sacred and raping and torturing your own soulmate is one of the worst heresies that you could commit against Lady Magic. They are sure that Lady Magic’s punishment would have had terrible consequences for Brutus and his family.

“I hope that Brutus is going to be punished for this”, Arthur said. His face was red like his hair.

“Oh, he will be punished, Arthur. Brutus will not get away with this.” Amelia had a dangerous look on her face. The woman would not allow that man to walk around free for what he had done to Anthony. Corban agreed. The man would have murdered Brutus for what he had done to Anthony, but Azkaban is a better way to make criminals like Brutus suffer.

They talked a little bit about Anthony and Brutus. Arthur warned them that Dumbledore and his order were aware of the kidnapping, but they don’t have any information let alone names. Narcissa asked: “How did he find out?”

Arthur answered: “Through Tonks. Andromeda and Ted have many contacts in the muggle world especially in the law enforcement and the courts. I am worried about them.” Many were also concerned about this.

“We need to find a way to get rid of these contacts. They are working indirectly for Dumbledore. I also bet that they are responsible for the slow approval of the request that Barty had made to the muggles and that they are not doing their jobs properly. I have found some cases in the muggle world that were not done properly or were just laid down within the files dismissed as cold cases. Even Anthony’s kidnapping was ready to be dismissed by the muggle aurors. The reason that was given was that Anthony had a big fight with his parents and ran away”, Corban explained. He had spent some time in the Shrewsbury Police Department and found many issues. Many were furious about the corruption in the muggle world. These contacts needed to go.

“Aye, he is right”, Phineas agreed in a grave voice. “I overheard Dumbledore and that disgrace Andromeda and her husband talking about their friends and allies in the muggle world. They were told back then to use their contacts within the muggle aurors and the muggle courts to make sure that Akira is not removed from the Dursleys and that any reports of child abuse should be covered as lies or exaggerations from the boy.” Everyone was furious. This needs to be handled. Those contacts needed to go. Severus had an idea, what can be done, but he will do it during Yule break.

“Severus.” Amelia started. Severus turned his attention to the head auror. “You didn’t tell us that you have an uncle in the muggle world, who is working as the head of the police department in Shrewsbury?” Everyone was surprised by this. They looked at the potion master, who had a sheepish look on his face.

“Oh, well. I see that you met, my uncle, Sebastian. Well, I manipulated the truth a little. It is true that I am the last Prince. I don’t have any relatives from my mother’s side that are neither dead nor disowned, but I am not the last Snape. I have my uncle Sebastian and his family as my last relatives. My uncle and his family had visited me from time to time, when I was attending school. My grandfather allowed it since my uncle and he made a deal after my mother was incarcerated and my father had died that I should live in Prince Manor due to safety reasons, but I should also have the right to know my paternal family. So, that was how I got to know them. I didn’t tell anyone since my uncle and his family would have been in grave danger due to my position in the war”, Severus explained. Everyone understood the situation. The death eaters or even the order members could have caused harm to Sebastian Snape and his family due to Severus’ action during the war.

After that the meeting came to an end.

School board, October 27th, 2003