Treason 2/2
Lord Arcturus Black believed that politics was something that should be left to the young. Since they would be able to make more changes in society. Of course, his opinion was not at all popular. But twenty-seven years ago, Lord Arcturus Black had withdrawn from the Wizenmagot and given his seat and voting rights to his thirty-year-old son. Orion Black had played his part admirably and had begun to prepare Sirius to take the seat before he left.
Now the one being educated for the position was Regulus
However, this time, and for the first time in nearly thirty years, Lord Arcturus Black was entering the Wizenmagot's chambers in the purple robe he hadn't worn in decades. His son and his grandson were behind him like two companions. And Arcturus knew that he had done the right thing by taking them as he saw Sirius and James together with Charlus. Fleamont stood to one side and he looked murderous
Not many knew it, but the real heir to the Potter family had been Fleamont, the older twin. But Fleamont turned out to be sterile, so the title went to Charlus. But the Potter family magic responded more to Fleamont than to Charlus, making Charlus only Lord Potter in title.
And unlike Charlus, Fleamont didn't believe the nonsense that came out of Albus Dumbledore's mouth.
Arcturus had advised the father of the twins to give the title to Fleamont anyway. Fleamont was more fit to lead a noble family than Charlus. But the man had ignored his advice and made Charlus Lord Potter. And now they had reached the situation that Arcturus had been dreading for years.
Charlus was a Pureblood Lord, but he had raised his hand against his own flesh and blood, a child devoted to the old ways and a beloved and educated lady. Charlus was going to lose leadership of the Potter family, at the very least.
Minister for Magic Bagnold entered followed by Tom Riddle. A half and half who came from a very old family and who, unlike other half and half, respected the old ways. The boy had earned the respect of most of the Lords just for that.
-We start this emergency session with a motion of censure against Lord Charlus Potter initiated by Lord Arcturus Black. I would like Lord Black to explain the reasons why he believes it is worth taking Lord Potter out of the Wizenmagot
Arcturus stood up smoothing his robes.
-My companions of the Wizenmagot. I haven't been to these salons in decades, but I'm afraid something so serious has happened that I've had to come out of retirement. I have seen with my own eyes a cruel crime committed by Charlus Potter against his own flesh and blood. Like all those present, I have been educated in the ancient customs and traditions. It is true that in recent years we have had a more liberal generation, which ignores the old ways that have governed our world for millennia. But we all know the dangers of not complying with some of those customs. And yet, Charlus Potter treacherously cut off Harriet Potter's hair because she had cast a stinging curse on a man who tried to touch her hair.
The room was filled with shouts and insults towards Charlus Potter. James and Sirius were trying to hold their faces straight, but the best reaction was Fleamont Potter's. The man turned very slowly to look at his brother and only whispered, but his words echoed throughout the room like the echo of a cannon.
-What did you do to Harriet? - It was a mere whisper, as if the words did not dare to come out in a higher voice. – Brother, what did you do to your own daughter?
The minister of magic cast a sound spell at the ceiling drawing the attention of the entire chamber.
-Order, please, order. I know we just heard something completely outrageous, but we won't lose our ways because of that. – Then he turned to look at Arcturus. -- Do you have any proof of your accusations?
-Yes, Minister. My son and grandson were there when she came to our house to seek shelter. They are willing to give up the memories of her and have them seen for the test. Also the Malfoy heir was present and he has allowed the memories to be seen as well. --– Abraxas nodded his head as Lucius stood proudly next to him.
- And not the memories of the lady? That, of course, if Harriet Potter is still alive, which I highly doubt if the accusations are true. – Tom Riddle looked at Albus Dumbledore with a soft smile. He knew very well that this would be quite a blow to his reformist ideas. They might even toughen some laws, because what Charlus Potter had done was considered attempted murder.
- Young Harriet survived. We called Mother Magic to trial to fix the injustice committed against that poor girl. Mother Magic returned her hair to its original state, healing the wounds caused to her magical core. But she is still quite weak, she still can't get out of bed or away from the care of our elf nurse.
-Understand. Secondary heir Regulus Black, I will send some flowers to your fiancée wishing her speedy recovery. I hope it is not a problem or an offense
-It will not be an offense, Lord Riddle. On the contrary, we would be delighted if you decided to visit us after Harriet's recovery. --– Regulus smiled. This man was powerful, very powerful in the most traditional and dark faction of the government. The faction the Blacks belonged to. A friendship with him would only bring long-term benefits.
-We cannot know if what they say is true. --- Dumbledore stood up. --I don't doubt that a healer could find the remains of the damage on the lady in question, but we don't know if it was Charlus Potter who did the damage or not.
-That's easy to know. – Everyone turned to look at Lord Bones. His family had always been associated with the forces of law and order, either as lawyers or as agents in the service of the Ministry. – A trial was requested from Mother Magic, a trial to fix an injustice that was answered and Lady Harriet recovered what was cruelly taken from her. That means that the person who cruelly attacked Lady Harriet must have received a punishment commensurate with the crime committed. Which would have greatly reduced the attacker's magical ability, if not the ability to use magic was taken away. A simple Lumos will suffice, Lord Potter.
All eyes turned to Charlus and Arcturus watched him. It was true. If Mother Magic had come to do justice, the aggressor would receive a punishment according to her crime. So Charlus Potter was now a squib. How ironic, how funny
-Unfortunately my healer informed me that I recently caught a strain of dragonpox. As you well know, the mere use of magic can trigger an outbreak that would kill me. --- Arcturus cursed silently. He knew it was true because Orion had informed him of it. Harriet had told Regulus in tears.
-There are other ways. – Lord Ogden was the one who spoke, which surprised Arcturus, since he was a staunch follower of Albus Dumbledore. – We can review his memory or….
-Enough. - Everyone looked at Fleamont Potter who straightened up and stood next to his brother, who was holding on to his cane despite being seated. – I call the family magic of the oldest and noblest house of the Potters. Charlus Potter has been charged with a felony, if he is guilty I challenge his claim to be the head of the family.
The Potters' magic filled the room as James looked pale and Sirius looked like he was about to scream. A hippogriff with red and purple feathers appeared before them. The being of magic shrieked at Charlus and clawed at him before turning to Fleamont and bowing low. Everyone present could see it. Charlus Potter was no longer Lord Potter, now the title of Lord fell to his brother.
-- I think that's all the proof we need that my brother is guilty. - Fleamont Potter looked at his brother. – If it's not too much trouble, I would like to personally take care of my brother's punishment. We already know that he is now a squib, but this is a crime against the flesh and blood of our family.
Charlus exploded at that moment
-It was just hair! I don't know what all the drama is about, it was just hair! Many young witches have short hair!
All the members looked at each other.
-It is true that a witch can cut her hair, but with certain precautions. – Lady Lovegood said with her soft talk. – It must be when she is very young, so that her body accepts it or it must be done very slowly so that the core of the witch is not injured. Cutting hair suddenly and without warning is the same as breaking a witch's magical core. It is a fatal wound. It is true that more and more young people have chosen to cut their hair, but if you notice, most of these witches suffer great drops in their power levels and quickly return to growing their hair and to the tradition of brushing. It's not just hair, it's a direct connection to the magical core of a witch and the magic of her family. It is protection and love, even to this day I can feel my father's magic in the gray strands of my hair, reminding me that he loves me even after he is dead. I also feel the magic of my late husband, like a protective layer on my shoulders. Forcibly taking that away from a witch who has lovingly and painstakingly cared for her hair is the same as leaving her completely naked in the middle of Diagon and letting any wizard from three to a quarter do what they want with her.
Hearing those crude words from one of the more moderate members of the Wizenmagot was shocking. After all, Lady Lovegood was leading the neutral faction right now. Her words were not without weight.
-Word after word of the things our mother taught us, Charlus. If it is not too much trouble, I will now dictate my brother's punishment. If it is believed that it is not according to his crime, I will accept any suggestion.
The Wizenmagot let him proceed.
- Charlie, brother. I banish you from the Potter Manor in which you have been residing to this day. Your essential belongings will be sent to the turret in Wales. There will be only one house elf at your service and you will not be allowed to leave the family grounds. Any letter you send or receive will be checked first by me. Your purchases and expenses will go through me first, you no longer have access to the family vaults. And every day you will endlessly copy the pages of the books of propriety and education that we read in our youth to learn about the ways of the Purebloods and our place in wizarding society. Until the day you die, I hope then you understand the crime you have committed
The Wizenmagot presented his approval and Charlus was taken out by an elf Potter. Then Fleamont turned to look at James and Sirius.
-James Fleamont Potter, I strip you of the title of Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. Until you prove yourself worthy of that title, you will lose all rights as Heir, including access to the Heir Vault and access to all estates. I give you the cabin in Godrics Hollow to live with your fiancée. And I would like to talk to her and tell her about of our traditions. I have heard that she is a very intelligent witch, I hope that she understands the reasons for our ways.
The old man looked older and tired as he turned to look at Sirius.
-Sirius Orion Black. You are a ward of House Potter and I will not remove you from our protection as a gesture of kindness to your house of origin who have taken in a daughter of our own to protect her. I can't do anything to you since you don't live under our roof anymore and earn your own money. But I would like you to reflect on what your actions have caused this family. About how trying to touch my niece's hair led to her own father almost murdering her and for her to be exiled from our family. Please think about it very carefully.
The Wizenmagot emergency session ended on a sour note for everyone.
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Harriet was lying on the bed as she felt her body burn as if she were sick and had a very high fever. Her throat felt dry and an elf placed a cup of cold water against her lips. Harriet took small sips as she leaned back against the black silk pillows embroidered with the Black family crest.
-More flowers and gifts have arrived for the lady. Dobby is having a busy time sorting them all out. – Said the elf as she cleaned Harriet's arm with a warm and damp cloth.
-Poor Dobby.