Akira's true parentage (Rewrite)

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.