July 2002
July 1st, 2002
The summer holidays have officially started and many students began their summer vacation. But there were many, who are going to attend summer school, because they failed one or two classes or they want to re-learn some things that they had missed due to the lacking curriculum in Hogwarts. Bill was one of these students since he is attending summer school, so that he can learn the core classes in the muggle subjects, but also, he wants to relearn DADA and Transfiguration since there were no tutoring sessions in those classes and the class material was not up to par with the ICW curriculum. Bill and his father told him that he may have attended the class in school, but the curriculum was lacking and missing many things. The instructors were prepared for such a situation and started to teach Bill everything, what he should have learned in DADA, which was good. They cursed Dumbledore for this, but they were glad that many students didn’t accept the mediocrity of the school. They were also surprised that the boy was learning muggle core classes. For Bill, this summer will be busy.
For the Wizengamot members, it was also annoying since the July meeting will take place on July 8th since Dumbledore had rescheduled the meeting, but they also understood it since the staff and the headmaster had to clean up the school and lock it down until the teachers had to return two weeks before the school year is going to start. Narcissa was planning to visit the Kurusus in the week of Akira’s birthday. Narcissa wanted also to invite mainly the Longbottoms and the Bones’s since Neville and Susan are Akira’s godsiblings. She had sent a letter to Toisho and Aika about the idea and they answered that it would be a good idea that Akira’s godbrother and godsister should come there and spend some time with them. They will mention it to Lady Longbottom and Amelia. Draco was also invited. Narcissa already informed her husband and he accepted it. Lucius wanted to ask her about the trip in Japan for Akira’s birthday, but it seems like that his wife had arranged everything. The only thing that is annoying is the school board meeting on July 29th, but they are sure that they would finish it up quickly and leave before they would return for the Wizengamot meeting in August 5th.
Severus was annoyed and relieved at the same time. Annoyed since he had to clean up the potion classrooms, the labs and the common room or better to say, the house elves are the ones cleaning it up, but he had to inspect every detail. Severus was relieved that there are no students to annoy him. Elanor and his entourage were a good example that have whined about the unfairness regarding his expectations in the potion class, but he managed to shut them up. Thank Merlin, the fool is graduating this year, but he can’t apply as an auror due to his missing potion grade.
Headmaster’s office, July 4th, 2002
Albus was sitting in his office with his followers. They were planning to push forward a law that the monitoring of the veelas is a requirement and that every veela in Britain had to wear a tracker. Arthur was shocked about the insanity of their plans. Monitoring veelas is dangerous and deadly. Only a fool would anger a veela.
Phineas was shaking his head. The man had lost his mind. Veelas are dangerous. They would not allow anyone to track them without burning them to a crisp. There was also a treaty between the British Wizengamot and the Veela Nation in Britain in 1617, where it was stated that it is forbidden to track or monitor a veela without getting killed. The veelas here would have the right to kill anyone, who dares to monitor or try to track them, and they can get away with it since the treaty is giving them the immunity. Furthermore, it is also signed in blood, which makes it binding. They are going to fail horribly with this nomination.
Albus was sure that the blood purists and the creature haters like Deloris Umbridge would support this notion. He had to win this time, no matter what.
Arthur was glad that no one asked about Molly and if someone did ask about his wife, he set up the excuse that his youngest two needed a lot of attention due to the lung infection Ron had before Yule. Everyone accepted the excuse easily. Arthur had to admit that those fools were wearing blinders.
Bones Manor, July 6th, 2002
Everyone was disgusted, when Arthur was finished with explaining Dumbledore’s nomination. Corban was terrified about this motion, because monitoring or even tracking a veela is a death sentence since the veelas would have the right to kill them on sight. They are not going to use their fireballs, but they are going to call upon the contract between the Wizengamot and the Veela Nation up to question, which would kill hundreds of witches and wizards. Augustus shook his head and said: “Are these lemon drops that he is consuming rotting his brain? Because I believe that the man had lost his mind. Barty will never agree with this nomination since it is a suicide mission for his aurors.”
Amelia huffed: “That nomination needs to fail. I want to live longer and not die under the hands of an angry veela.” Everyone grimaced at the idea.
Arthur shuddered. “I am grateful that Lady Delacour is not here. She would have burned Albus and his followers into crisps for even suggesting such an idea.” Most shuddered in fear. The Delacour matriarch would have liked to say about this nomination.
“We will show the Wizengamot the contract from 1617, in order to make sure that the members are aware of the consequences by allowing this law to pass”, Narcissa said with determination.
Everyone agreed on that matter. Lucius asked Corban: “Do we need a distraction or will Barty present his nomination on Monday?”
Corban answered: “We don’t need a distraction this time. Barty told me that he is going to nominate his proposal in this Wizengamot meeting.”
“Good”, Narcissa answered curtly knowing that this would distract Dumbledore and his fools greatly. “Is there something else?”
Arthur was the one, who spoke up: “Well, there is Adam Fenwick. He is furious regarding Anton’s choice of choosing Jaques over his sister and wants to make both pay for the insult against Sarah.”
Muriel scoffed: “This is only bark, but no bite for now. We need to be careful around the lad in a few years since I know that Dumbledore’s fools are planning long term.” Everyone nodded in understanding and knew that Dumbledore and his sheep are planning on longer time period.
When that was finished, Narcissa turned her attention to Amelia and her great-aunt, Callidora. “Amelia, Great Aunt Callidora, Lucius and I were planning to travel to Japan at the end of July and the beginning of August for Akira’s birthday. We are asking you, if Susan and Neville could join us.”
Amelia and Callidora had a thoughtful look. Amelia was the first to answer. “For Susan and me, it would be difficult since we are invited to John’s birthday event. It would be a setback, if Susan and I don’t join John’s birthday celebration.” Narcissa nodded in understanding, but Amelia argued: “But maybe we could use the time zones to our advantage. There is a potion that is also working for toddlers to adapt to the different time zones in our world. The potion is lasting for a week.” That could work since the timely difference between Britain and Japan is nine hours. Amelia and Susan could stay for dinner. But after dinner, they would have to leave and return back to the UK. And if they arrive in Britain, it would be lunch time.
Narcissa looked at Callidora. The prim and proper Lady of the House Longbottom said: “Augusta and Neville were invited to John’s birthday event too. Like Amelia, both could take the potion and come for dinner. They also had to return at the same time.”
Narcissa nodded in understanding and came to an agreement with both women. Susan, Amelia, Augusta and Neville could stay until it is dinner time in Japan on Akira’s and John’s birthday. But then, they have to return back to Britain, in order to attend the birthday event in Britain. For the travel to Japan, they will arrange the international portkeys for Monday 29th. The board meeting will always take place during the mornings until lunch and in the afternoon, they will leave Britain.
Wizengamot, July 8th, 2002
When the Wizengamot started, one of the light fools announced his nomination to make it a requirement that the veelas in Britain had to be monitored and they are required to wear a tracker. Bartemius Crouch Sr. was ready to snap, when he heard that nomination. This motion could kill aurors, if it passes. Before he could make a protest, Amelia quickly stopped him and she whispered into his ear: “Bartemius, I know that you want to stop this nomination, but make your nomination first and make the protest later. It would not be advisable to be offensive against one of Dumbledore’s followers for now.” Barty didn’t like it, but he had to admit that Amelia was right. He knew that Dumbledore was very manipulative and knew, how to turn the public against certain people. He doesn’t want that.
When the nomination was finished, Albus asked, if there were any other nominations. Bartemius was the one to raise his wand. “Lord Crouch?”
Bartemius stood up with grace and started: “Dear members of the Wizengamot, I am nominating some changes in the Wizengamot trials due to the recent trial against Aurelius Yaxley in May. I am proposing that during the Wizengamot trials against adults, the minors should testify separately from the proceedings and that the recordings are shown to the court. I don’t want a similar repeat like the trial in May.” Many agreed on this motion, but there were some protests from the light section. Dumbledore closed his eyes trying to calm himself down. His followers are making things even more difficult. He needed some time to calm those idiots down.
Bartemius was glad that Dumbledore and his clowns have retreated for the time being. Now he can make a protest against the first nomination and Dumbledore would never know.
Aurelia took over and saw that Bartemius had raised his wand. “Lord Crouch?”
Bartemius took a deep breath and started: “Chief Witch Acton, I have a formal protest to make against Lord Fenwick’s nomination regarding the monitoring and the tracking of the veelas here in Britain. According to the treaty between the Wizengamot and the Veela Nation from 1617, it is stated that we are forbidden from tracking and monitoring the veelas here or we are going to pay it with our lives. And in case, we are breaking the terms of the contract, then, the veelas would call upon Lady Magic to judge the contract. If we are found guilty, then, hundreds of witches and wizards will die due to the judgement. Do any of you want that?” Many shook their heads and when everyone received a copy of the treaty, they were shocked to see that the terms made it clear that it is actually illegal to track or even monitor a veela here in Britain. The darker purebloods were angered by this and were angry at their ancestors, who have signed this contract.
When everyone apart from Dumbledore and his fools were finished reading the contract, Aurelia got the attention of the Wizengamot back to her. “Is there another nomination apart from Lord Dumbledore and Lord Crouch or another protest?”
Amelia Bones was the one, who rose her wand. “Lady Bones?”, Aurelia asked. Amelia rose from her seat.
“Dear members of the Wizengamot, due to these revelations, I am nominating to put the current law regarding the monitoring and the tracking of veelas into question. We have learnt from that treaty that monitoring and tracking a veela could be a death sentence and we can’t risk that. Like with the centaurs, we are also required to uphold the treaty and try our best to avoid the punishment from Lady Magic’s judgement”, Amelia said. Many agreed, even the darker purebloods begrudgingly agreed since they don’t want to suffer the wrath of their Lady.
When Dumbledore was finished to calm his followers down and had retaken his podium, Albus asked Aurelia, if there were any other nominations.
Aurelia answered: “Chief Warlock, there was another nomination from Lady Bones. She is nominating to put the current law regarding the tracking and the monitoring of veelas into question and that the law is in need of a re-evaluation.” Albus didn’t understand, why Amelia is against his nomination. She should know the dangers that the veelas were posing to wizards and witches. Aurelia continued: “Furthermore, you forgot to mention that there was a treaty between the Wizengamot and the Veela Nation that was signed in 1617. In that treaty, the Wizengamot agreed that the veelas are not going to be monitored or tracked and we nearly violated these terms with your nomination.” Albus remained silent knowing that his plan is in jeopardy, but he will not give up.
When the votes came, the first nomination failed epically since a majority even the darker purebloods voted against it, which angered Dumbledore and his followers. The second nomination had a unanimous vote and the counter-nomination had a landslide vote, which made sure that the current law regarding the monitoring and tracking of veelas is put on ice. Albus was furious. This can’t be happening. He needed to speak with his followers about this setback. Deloris Umbridge, who was replacing Fudge as proxy since the man is not interested to participate in the Wizengamot as department head of magical accidents, fumed in rage, but she had to accept the lost vote.
Hogwarts
Albus was sitting behind his desk thinking about the failed vote. He was furious. How could the Wizengamot fall for the trick with that treaty, but unfortunately, Albus had believed that the treaty is no longer valid since it is nearly 400 years old. Albus never thought that even though the treaty is old that it is still valid.
Arthur was hiding his glee that the nomination had failed. This was good. Looking at Dumbledore’s expression, the fool didn’t realise that some people are going to vote against his nomination. Looking around, there were many angry expressions. Especially, from the younger generation like James and Lily.
James said his rather loud opinion: “Albus, what has happened? Why did everyone vote against your nomination?”
Arthur answered: “Maybe the problem is lying with the treaty.”
James snapped: “The treaty is not valid. It is nearly 400 years old and has lost its validity due to time.”
Arthur shook his head. He couldn’t believe that James is so stupid. Treaties could be valid for eternities. Unlike in the muggle world, magical treaties can be enforced and remain valid until there are some changes to the treaty. “James, magical treaties never lose their validity since they are magically enforceable. Unlike in the muggle world, treaties here are valid for eternities until there are some changes to them.”
Dedalus agreed before James could start an argument. “He is right, James. Magical treaties are valid even today. And since we have planned to violate a clause of a magical treaty, the affected party, the veelas, could have called upon Lady Magic to judge it. From there on, things would have gotten worse for us.” Arthur was thankful that Dedalus intervened before there were some suspicions towards him.
The others had to begrudgingly agree with Dedalus and Arthur. Even Albus had to admit that this would have been a lost battle.
James just huffed. He was annoyed that the others were not agreeing with him, but he can’t argue. Many are still angry about the debacle in December.
Phineas was hiding a grin. These fools had failed and he hoped that things would continue like this. Watching Dumbledore’s angry face is highly entertaining.
Jugson Estate, July 13th, 2002
Isabella was pacing the living room in the Jugson estate waiting for her brother, who has been working as an auror. Eric Jugson was also a loyal follower of Voldemort and unlike Corban, the man had been using his position as an auror to give their Lord information on the DMLE and their next moves. Isabella wanted to know, who the undercover auror is that had brought Aurelius down and was responsible for ruining all of their plans. She blamed that particular person for all the mess, he or she had caused.
Turning around, Isabella heard the floo chime and her brother stepped out. The woman huffed: “Thank Merlin, you are here. Any news about this undercover auror that was responsible for the downfall of Aurelius?”
Eric shook his head. Isabella seethed. “You idiot. You know that that auror could be also our downfall. What if she remembers me and reports it to the ministry that I was Aurelius’ accomplice? Do you want me going to jail?”
The man huffed: “We wouldn’t be in this trouble, if you and Aurelius hadn’t planned this stupidity. If you two had left Corban to live his disgraceful life as a disinherited heir of a noble house married with that line thief, then, Aurelius wouldn’t have ended up in jail stripped of his title. You could have married Aurelius instead of Corban, but no, you wanted your revenge and now look, what your stupidity had led to. Gerald is dead and Corban is the new Lord Yaxley. Everything is ruined, when father received a letter from Corban to freeze the current alliance with our house.” Isabella wanted to scream in fury. Where the hell should she know that there was an undercover auror overhearing them?
“Then, you need to work harder, Eric. We can’t allow Aurelius’ actions to be linked back to us since we would be ruined.” Both siblings froze, when they heard their father’s voice. It was Lord Manfred Jugson, who had said that with a sever voice.
Eric answered with a sigh: “I know, father, but finding an undercover auror is hard since their file is sealed and only the head of the DMLE and the responsible head auror have the ability to reveal the undercover auror.”
Isabella was annoyed. “Then, find out, who the responsible head auror is. I know that Crouch only knows, but the man doesn’t have the file, and we all know that the man would never tell anyone, who the undercover auror is that brought Aurelius down.”
Eric huffed: “That is also not easy. I need to review the case file of Aurelius, in order to find out, who had been leading the investigation. And since the case is high-ranked, I am very sure that one of the head aurors had been leading the case. With that, I would be able to find out, who the head auror is. From there on, it would be easy to get information about the undercover auror.”
Manfred sighed and rubbed his eyes in annoyance. He loved his daughter, but sometimes the girl is too rash and bold, if she is vindictive. He asked his son: “Eric, do you think that the Greengrass brat knows something?”
“I doubt it, father. Greengrass was maybe caught, but the boy wouldn’t know it either. There is no point in questioning Greengrass. I also viewed his file after Potter threw a fit that the DMLE refused to punish the brat ‘appropriately’. Looking over the file, I noticed that most of the evidence against Greengrass came from an undercover auror, but if it is the same auror, who had brought Aurelius down, is questionable. It could be another hidden auror, who had nothing to do with Aurelius’ downfall, but we can only theorise. The case was led by Bones and as head auror, she surely has an undercover auror in Knockturn Alley since Greengrass had lived in this place before he was arrested”, Eric explained.
Manfred was thinking. He needed to protect his family until the Dark Lord returned. His oldest son, Ulrich Jugson, was sentenced to the goblin mines and his child was suffering pure hell. He wished, he could help him, but the costs for the damages that were caused in the war were too high to pay and it would have bankrupted his family. “Eric, try to review the case of Aurelius. It is only important to know, who was the responsible head auror for the case.” Eric nodded and will arrange to review the case file of Aurelius Yaxley. He hoped that no one would suspect anything.
DMLE, July 20th, 2002
Eric was reviewing the case file of Aurelius Yaxley. He managed to get access to a copy of the file with the help of a contact that was loyal to their cause. The main evidence was coming from the fact that the man was caught in the act. Eric shook his head by the foolishness of Aurelius and Isabella. The undercover auror had only played a supporting role, but she was there, when Isabella and Aurelius were talking since it was mentioned that there was a female accomplice that had helped Aurelius. He didn’t need to think hard that it must be Isabella. Looking through the file, Eric was startled that Amelia was the head auror, who had been leading the investigation. With that, Eric came to the conclusion that the undercover auror that was responsible for the arrest of Greengrass was also the one, who was responsible for bringing down Aurelius.
The only thing that he had to do was to look through Amelia’s office. Head aurors had the privilege for an office.
But he had to be careful, because the last thing, he needed was to be caught by the other aurors. Some are loyal like him to the Dark Lord, but the others are not. Some are followers of Dumbledore and most are followers of neither side, which makes them more dangerous than Dumbledore’s sheep.
Closing the file, Eric needed a plan to look through Amelia’s office without the woman being there, which is an impossibility since the head auror is always closing her office even during lunch breaks. He needed the file about the undercover auror.
He quickly left the DMLE after taking the copy with him. Unfortunately, he was seen by one of the aurors, but he ignored the man, which was going to be a mistake that would be life-threatening.
Jugson Estate
Eric quickly made his way to the informal meeting room, in order to discuss with his sister and his father about his findings. Isabella had returned from a luncheon with her friends and his father had a business meeting with one of their business partners.
Manfred was hopeful that his son has found something. “Eric, did you find something out about the undercover auror?”
Eric quickly sat down and took a cup of tea that one of their elves had served. “Well, I found out that Bones had been leading both investigations and the undercover auror must have been the same person.”
Isabella was startled. “So, the undercover auror in Greengrass’ case is the same one that was responsible for the downfall of Aurelius.”
“In a way, yes, since Bones was responsible for both cases”, Eric concluded.
Manfred was thoughtful. He hated Amelia Bones since the women was fair and would never take any bribes. She also is a perfect candidate of being the head of the DMLE. There is also her position in the Wizengamot as the Lady of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. “Eric, you need to find a way to get inside Bones’ office without anyone seeing you.”
“That is impossible since Bones is locking her office even if she goes during her lunch breaks”, Eric explained.
Isabella growled: “Then, find a way in without that goody-two-shoes noticing that someone was in her office.”
Eric glowered back: “Bella, this isn’t easy. This is not one of those incompetent aurors like Dumbledore’s fools apart from Moody that you could easily trick.”
“ENOUGH!”, Manfred thundered at both of his children before the argument could escalate. Both children froze in their places and stopped arguing. “Isabella, don’t panic, we will find a way to get the information, but you need to give your brother some credit. Amelia Bones is not a fool and she isn’t an idiot. We need to be careful, how we proceed.” Isabella nodded knowing that her father was right.
Eric was glad that his father understood the situation. There was no way to trick someone dangerous like Amelia Bones. Even though the woman was a Hufflepuff, she was vicious.
Potter Manor, July 23rd, 2002
There was another order meeting and it was about the updated history class. Andromeda had also joined the meeting since she is teaching that class. Albus was sure that since they have Andromeda, it would be easier to get, what they want. Arthur had been ready to tell the others about their plans to dumb down the history class, but waited until the meeting came to an end.
Andromeda was the first one to speak during the order meeting and wanted to change the section about the beginnings of Magical Britain. It was about the Pendragons, Merlin and Morgana Le Fay-Pendragon. Andromeda wanted it changed since she didn’t want the students to know that Uther Pendragon was a magic-hating muggle ruler and tyrant that was killing witches and wizards due to the death of his wife, even though he was to blame since he allowed a priestess of the Olde Religion, Nimue, to conduct a dangerous ritual that would allow Ygraine Pendragon to become pregnant. The ritual was known as “A Life For A Life”, which was known that to bring a new life, there was a human sacrifice needed. Uther didn’t care, who died, but he didn’t expect that his wife would be the one that would die to give birth to his son. And that was the start of his hatred against all kind of magic users and magical creatures.
His son, Arthur, continued on with his policy after his death, even though Merlin and Morgana were trying to steer him away from that path, but were barely successful. There was also the fact that Merlin as an acknowledged Light Lord and Morgana as an acknowledged Dark Lady were working together to bring back the balance in the magical world. Additionally, Merlin wasn’t portrayed as an old man in most of Dumbledore’s approved history books, but as a young lad in his twenties. The ban went on until Arthur found out the truth about his conception from the Lady of the Lake. From there on, he abolished the law to ban magic since he blamed his father for his mother’s death and made it known, what his father had done. The entire kingdom was in an uproar and supported the decision. At the end, Arthur became an acknowledged Grey Lord, when it was found out that he had magic, which was blocked by Nimue and his uncle. He always advocated with his half-sister and his best friend to create a balance between light and dark magic users.
Albus didn’t need that since the students would be corrupted even though the way it is taught, it leans more to neutrality.
Arthur wasn’t surprised that Albus wanted this part of history to be changed, but sadly, it would not work and it would fail during the board meeting, if they try to convince the other board members that the section was dangerous and would corrupt students. The Weasley patriarch gave the portraits, Charlus and Dorea, a wink and returned back playing the blind light fool.
Charlus and Dorea were not happy to listen to these fools, how evil and dangerous it is to learn about the beginnings of Magical Britain, but they had to and their mood worsened, when their son is believing in this trash. They should have created a marriage contract between James and Lily, but no, they believed that those two would handle their family without a contract. Thankfully, their eldest grandson is safe and they are sure that he will not come into harm.
Dorea also didn’t like Sirius and Remus. Those two were in her and Charlus’ home since her son was friends with them and additionally, Sirius was abused by his mother. She took him in since the rest of her birth family didn’t seem to care. She wished, she didn’t take him in and had sent him to his grandparents instead. Arcturus and Melania would have been able to deal with the problem appropriately with Walburga, who was the main abuser, and they would have straightened him out.
So many opportunities have been missed, because they were so blind and happy to have a child after many stillbirths and miscarriages. They made too many mistakes with their son and the results are disastrous since it would have led to the death of magic in the UK, if Lady Magic didn’t intervene. Lady Magic was able to interfere in this period since Voldemort had attacked an underage parselmouth and broke one of her major rules. This allowed her to intervene for three days in the magical world of Britain. She was the one, who caused the car that the Kurusus had rented to break in Private Drive, so that they can save Akira from his fate of being in an abusive home and becoming a puppet of Dumbledore. She also nudged Petunia Dursley to sign away her and her husband’s rights over the boy to the Kurusu couple. And through her direct interventions, she was able to help Narcissa to destroy the four horcruxes and gain more people, who are eager to get rid of Dumbledore and Voldemort. She had even the playing field and now both the Light and the Dark Lord are in a disadvantage, whereas the Grey Lord has the advantage over them. For now, Lady Magic cannot interfere since the three-day period is over and she can’t return to the mortal world, in order to make further changes. She knew that if the Potters and Lupin continue with their path, then, John will suffer for their actions and there, Lady Magic wouldn’t be able to interfere. She knew, what will happen, but she can’t stop it from now on.
Nott Manor, July 26th, 2002
“Are those lemon drops responsible for rotting his brain, because seriously, claiming that the cooperation between Morgana, Merlin and Arthur Pendragon is dangerous information, then, I have to say that the man is losing it”, Callidora said primly, when Arthur was finished with his explanation about the order meeting. The woman couldn’t believe, how stupid Dumbledore could be.
Arthur said: “Be happy that you were not there listening to Albus. It is already bad enough to listen to their dronings.”
“They are even droning on a topic in the order meetings?”, Augustus asked.
Arthur nodded. “Yes, listening to them is painful, but let’s move on.”
Everyone agreed and they were discussing, how to distract Dumbledore and his followers. Narcissa had her focus on the homeroom classes that they had managed to pass on the last meeting. “I believe that we should focus on the homeroom classes for now. For this meeting, I am planning to nominate that the core classes should have one hour additionally for the theory part. It would ease down the workload during the practical portion of the core classes. The same can be done to the electives Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures.” Everyone agreed. They are going to nominate that during the board meeting. Augustinus can tell that these small changes are going to bite Dumbledore in the butt in the end.
“And we can make the proposal to nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for History of Magic in the primary school?”, Augustinus questioned.
Narcissa nodded. “Yes.”
“Good. That old fool will never notice that he is slowly losing control over our governing body and the school board.” Augustinus had a sinister smile that reminded everyone, why Grindelwald and his forces feared that man back then.
With that the meeting came to an end and everyone apart from the Notts were making their way home.
School board meeting, July 29th, 2002
The meeting had started and one of Dumbledore’s followers made their first nomination. Albus smiled at Griselda. “Esteemed members of this board, it had come to my attention that in the ICW curriculum in History of Magic, the students would be taught some false information regarding King Arthur, Morgana Le-Fay and Merlin himself. In these so-called history book, the children in Hogwarts would be shown that King Arthur, Merlin and Morgana had worked together, in order to maintain a balance in Camelot, but in reality, Arthur Pendragon and Merlin, who was an elderly wizard and not a young man, have worked together to make the kingdom prosper. Furthermore, the history about Uther Pendragon is wrong. The man wasn’t a magic-hating muggle tyrant and he didn’t commit genocide, because of his wife’s death that was caused through a ritual. Another aspect is Morgana Le-Fay. She was the half-sister of Arthur Pendragon and she didn’t help Arthur and Merlin, but the woman was a dark witch, who had opposed Merlin and Arthur and was Merlin’s arch-nemesis…” The woman continued on to natter about all the ‘wrong’ information that needed to be rectified. Those in the Grey Alliance were looking at the woman like she had two heads, but they were patient.
When the nomination was finished, Dumbledore was pleased until he saw Narcissa had her wand risen to the air. “Lady Malfoy, you have a nomination?”
Narcissa nodded and stood up. “Yes, Headmaster Dumbledore, and my nomination is regarding the core classes Transfiguration, DADA, Potions, Charms and Herbology and the electives Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. I am proposing that during the next school year, the practical classes should have one additional hour for the theory portion.”
Albus didn’t know, how to react to this nomination. He found the idea good, but his followers were already in an argument. The younger followers didn’t like the nomination, but the older followers had the same opinion like him.
Narcissa smirked, when Aurelia took over after Albus put up a privacy barrier. “Any other nominations?” Callidora rose her wand. “Lady Longbottom?”
The elderly woman stood up and made her protest. “Lady Acton, esteemed members of this board. I have my doubts regarding Lady Marchbanks’ nomination about the history of King Arthur, Merlin and Lady Morgana Le-Fay. According to the journals that were left by King Arthur, Merlin and Lady Morgana Le-Fay and are in the archives in the ICW, all three of them worked together to bring the kingdom to prosper. The only main nemeses were Morgana’s maternal half-sister, Morgause Le-Fay, and her right-hand man, Modred. There were even sections in Morgana’s diary that even she was afraid of her half-sister and that is saying something.” Everyone shuddered terrified. If Morgana Le-Fay feared her half-sister, what will they say about the woman. Callidora continued: “Furthermore, Lady Marchbank’s sources are also lacking since the books were coming from the muggle world and not from our world and I need to remind everyone that muggles thought of Camelot and the history of Arthur Pendragon a myth. We are not going to teach our students the muggles’ view about our history and tell them the real history. It is actually harmful for our society, if we don’t learn the true history behind an event.” Many nodded in agreement with Callidora and the Grey Alliance was sure that they had swayed many against Marchbank’s nomination. Even the blood purists would vote against that motion.
With that finished, the prim and proper woman sat down and waited for the next nomination that came from Narcissa. Aurelia called out: “Lady Malfoy?”
Narcissa rose from her seat and started: “Lords, Ladies, my nomination is to propose the ICW primary school curriculum for History of Magic.” With that short sentence, she sat down and Aurelia put the nomination in the docket.
When Albus and his followers were finished, the old man retook his seat as Head Governor and asked: “Aurelia, my dear, were there any other nominations?”
Aurelia nodded. “Yes, Headmaster. Lady Malfoy nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for History of Magic.”
Albus’ smile became brittle. He wished, he had something against the ICW curriculums for the primary school, but sadly, he doesn’t have anything. Albus shook his head and started with the voting.
The first nomination from Griselda failed. Albus and she were outraged. The second nomination passed unanimously. The third nomination had a landslide vote from the neutrals and majority of the dark and light sections.
Albus was furious about the lost vote, when he left the chambers. Why is nothing working according to his plan?
Hogwarts
Albus and his followers were not happy about the lost vote. This meeting was supposed to be the start of regaining some control that they had lost, because of the potion class. Albus promised his followers that they had to fix the history class first before they could return their focus to the potion class again. He was furious that the first six months were failures. And thanks to these fools on the board, there was another class that had been changed against his will. He needs to find something that would work for him, but what?
“Albus?”, James asked.
Albus sighed. “I’m sorry, my boy, I was lost in my thoughts.”
“What are we going to do, Albus? Why does nothing work?” Griselda wondered. She was furious that her nomination has failed, but she has another section of the history curriculum that can be changed and it is about the history of Hogwarts. Griselda will tell Albus about this in the next pre-meeting.
Albus took a deep breath. “I don’t know, Griselda, my dear, but we need to work harder on restricting the current history curriculum.” Many nodded.
Dedalus was glad that the nomination failed, but he had to pretend that he wasn’t and said: “How about we change the topic and discuss the next Wizengamot meeting on August 5th?”
Albus answered with a twinkle in his eyes: “A very good idea, Dedalus.” Albus liked the change of topic. It would distract him a bit about the lost vote during the school board meeting, but it is still lingering. “My next nomination would be to ban veelas from marrying at all. Currently, we have a ban that veelas are forbidden from marrying witches and wizards, but it is time to extend that ban.” Arthur completely forgot that there was still the ban that prohibited veelas and wixen from marrying each other. He hoped that this ban would be abolished before Bill comes of age.
Phineas was so glad that the old fool’s control over the school is cut and slowly, he is going to lose even more control.
Ministry of Magic, International Floo Terminal
Lucius and Narcissa had packed everything for their vacation in Japan. They will not return until August 3rd. The day after their return, the pre-meeting will take place to counter Dumbledore’s insanity.
Their son, Draco, is safely tucked in his stroller and they were ready to leave. They hoped that they wouldn’t have any trouble with the Japanese Ministry of Magic due to the bad relations between Britain and Japan, but she doesn’t believe it. Furthermore, she knew through the paperwork of being the magical guardian of Akira that the Kurusus are living in Inaba and there the Black Family is owning a flat that has the size of a house. It had five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a formal and informal meeting and dining room and a small library.
Quickly, they took the portkey that would portkey them to the International Floo Terminal in Japan. The clerk, who had arranged the portkey for them, warned them that the Japanese Ministry will ask some uncomfortable questions, but Narcissa waved him away. She is prepared for everything.
Japan
Lucius and Narcissa arrived at the International Floo Terminal in Japan and they were quickly intercepted by one of the workers in the ministry. The woman was surprised that there were citizens from Britain coming, but it doesn’t matter. There was still a job to be done.
“Lord and Lady Malfoy, welcome to Japan.” The woman smiled at them and their son.
Narcissa and Lucius gave the woman an acknowledging nod and turned their attention to her. The woman was startled that the Malfoys at least acknowledged her. Normally, the Brits are ignorant and rude, but it seems like she is meeting some pleasant characters from that country.
“Thank you, Ms. Naoki. I hope our time in Japan is going to be exciting.” Narcissa knew her name due to the paperwork that they had gone through, in order to get the approval of the portkey.
The woman froze, when the Malfoy matriarch mentioned her surname. Well, the Malfoys were more attentive than she had thought. She led them to her desk and said in a formal voice: “Lord and Lady Malfoy, I am not going to sugarcoat this. So, I am getting straight to the point. I am going to ask you some questions that are going to be uncomfortable due to the bad relations between our two ministries.” Narcissa nodded and cursed Dumbledore and his fools for this mess, but it doesn’t matter. They will get their due soon. “I hope that you are not going to take it as an insult, but due to the incompetence of your ministry during Grindelwald’s rule of terror and the civil war in Britain from 1990 to 2001, there is a slight distrust in Japan towards British tourists from the magical world.” Narcissa and Lucius looked at each other and grimaced. Both turned their attention to the woman. “We understand, Ms. Naoki, and we wish, our relations were better, but we have a certain old fool and his cheerleaders that are standing in our way.” The woman repressed her laugh. She knew, who Lady Malfoy was referring to and she was glad that those two are not blind followers of that man.
Ms. Naoki asked them: “Lord Malfoy, due to your past affiliation with the Dark Lord Voldemort, we want to make sure that you didn’t come here to continue with that man’s campaign and crusade against muggleborns and other wixen and magical beings that have impure blood here in Japan. We are not going to tolerate that.”
Lucius quickly took out his inheritance test out of his briefcase and showed it to the woman. He answered shortly: “My affiliation with that man is long gone after what he had done to me.”
Naoki went over the inheritance test. She was shocked, horrified and disgusted, what had been done to Lord Malfoy. Well, this proves that Lord Malfoy isn’t here for political reasons, but he is here to spend his vacation with his family. “Alright. Can I make a copy?”
Lucius nodded and the woman copied the inheritance test. The ministry worker asked: “Then, can you tell us the reason why you are here?”
Narcissa was the one to answer: “Ms. Naoki, we are here, because I am the magical guardian of one of your underage citizens. We came here to celebrate his second birthday in two days.”
The woman smiled fondly and asked: “Okay. Do you want to disclose the boy’s name or will this information remain anonymously?” Narcissa smiled at the woman and knew that she didn’t need to deceive anyone here in Japan since nothing will get back to Dumbledore from here since no one seemed to like the old fool here. She nodded at the question and started her explanation about Akira, but she edited the truth a little.
“Akira Kurusu. He lives with his parents here in Inaba. Nearly nine months ago, Akira was abandoned by his biological parents to magic-hating muggle relatives. He was dosed with loyalty, compulsion, submission and mild love potions and he had his gifts and half of his magic blocked. Thankfully, he was purged from all that filth and through his biological aunt, his adopted parents gained custody over him, when those relatives signed away their rights. Later on, I was contacted by a good Samaritan to become the boy’s magical guardian and through the goblins, I have managed that.” When Narcissa was finished with her explanation, the clerk had sent a note to the Child Service Department, in order to verify the facts.
After a while, the file appeared on her desk via the interdepartmental memo. Looking over the file of Akira Kurusu, everything matched, what the woman had said. “Very well, Lady Malfoy. Where are you going to stay for the time being?”
Narcissa answered: “The Black Family has a flat here in Inaba and we are going to stay there during our vacation.”
The woman’s eyes rose in shock. The Black Family. Out of all the British Families, the Blacks have always been welcomed here in Japan. And due to their properties in their countries, the family has a long-standing invitation. She asked with a stutter: “How are you related to the Black Family?”
Narcissa sighed deeply. She completely forgot that her paternal family has a long-standing invitation here and that they can come and go however they want. Furthermore, they had many allies here in Japan. Narcissa answered: “My maiden name is Black and currently, I am the Regent of the House Black since my great uncle retired for the time being.”
Naoki grimaced. When she had gone through the paperwork, she was sure that she had heard about Narcissa Malfoy, but she couldn’t put her finger where until now. She had read the newspaper article about some events in Britain like the disownment of Sirius Black and Bellatrix Lestrange or the inauguration of Narcissa Malfoy as the new Regent of the House Black. The woman quickly apologised for the questions, she had asked them, and officially, welcomed them here in Japan but both accepted it and ordered a portkey to Inaba, which was quickly arranged.
Before the Malfoys had to go, Narcissa quickly informed her: “Ms. Naoki, there is something else that I want to tell you. Beside me, my husband and my son, Akira will also be visited by his godbrother and godsister. His godbrother is Neville Longbottom and he will come here with his grandmother, Augusta Longbottom. The boy’s mother, Alice Longbottom, is Akira’s godmother, but she is currently compromised and isn’t able to meet her godson properly. His godsister is Susan Bones and she will be here with her aunt, Amelia Bones, who is actually the other godmother of Akira. But Susan is still referred as Akira’s godsibling.” The woman nodded in understanding and will warn her co-workers about the visiting Brits. She said: “Lady Malfoy, I apologise again for not knowing, who you are, and I am thanking you for the information. Furthermore, I will inform you that you and your family have a long-standing invitation here in Japan. You can come and go as you please since the Black Family is owning some properties here.” Narcissa nodded in gratitude and took the portkey that had appeared via the interdepartmental memo.
With that, Narcissa left the department and went to the portkey area of the ministry. She took out her portkey to the flat in Inaba and portkeyed her husband and son to their home.
Later that evening, Augusta and Amelia came here with Neville and Susan and had it easier than the Malfoys due to the information that the members of the department received. Both families had made arrangement to remain in a hotel for the time being. Amelia and Augusta also arranged portkeys to return home on the evening of July 31st since they had another birthday to attend.
Kurusu residence, July 31st, 2002
Today was Akira’s second birthday and the Kurusus had invited Narcissa and Lucius with their son, Draco. But much to their surprise, the Malfoys weren’t the only family that had come to Akira’s birthday. They also met Akira’s godmother, Amelia Bones, who had brought her niece, who was the same age like Akira. Then, they were introduced to Augusta Longbottom, who had brought Neville, Akira’s godbrother, whose birthday was the day before. It was a complicated web of relation, when Augusta revealed to the Kurusus that she was Alice’s mother-in-law. The Kurusus just stared, when Augusta said that her own mother-in-law couldn’t come due to her increasing age. Both looked at Narcissa, who just smiled at their expressions. She revealed that witches and wizards can live to the age of 150 years normally. Augusta is still a middle-aged witch even though she is reaching her seventies.
The Kurusus in return introduced Aika’s cousin and her husband, the Amamiyas. They have a son, who is already five years old and will soon start to attend the primary school in Mahoutokoro, when he turns six. Normally, the school would be attended at the age of seven, but through the school reforms in 1998, Mahoutokoro starts earlier. They have adopted the school model in the muggle world.
“Aika, I am so happy for you and your husband”, Ayame said happily.
Aika and Toisho just smiled happily that their wish to become parents have been fulfilled. “Thank you, Ayame. I am so happy and I still can’t believe that a simple trip in the UK would give us a chance to become parents.” Narcissa smiled happily. She liked Ayame and Kosuko Amamiya and their son is well-behaved and polite. The Kurusus were also good parents to Akira since he is well-cared for and looked fine.
Whereas the adults were talking about the Kurusus’ luck of becoming parents, Ren was busy playing with his pseudo-cousin. He was happy for his ‘aunt’ and ‘uncle’ Aika and Toisho, but somehow, he had a weird feeling that Akira is going to be in a lot of trouble in the future. He doesn’t know, what the feeling was, but he knew that he had to make sure that his adopted cousin is well taken care of.
When it was time for dinner, Amelia and Augusta told the Kurusus that after dinner, they had to return to Britain, because of Akira’s biological twin and parents. They explained the reason behind their leaving and both parents accepted it knowing, what kind of people, James and Lily, are.
When the cake was served, Akira had managed to blow out his candles. Aika started to cut the cake and gave everyone a piece. She was feeding Akira some cake until the boy was ready to sleep. Taking her son to the nursery, she laid him down.
When the party started to dwindle, Amelia and Augusta left the house making their way to the ministry with the children. Thankfully, the potion that Amelia and Augusta had taken and given to Neville and Susan was working very well and they were ready for the second birthday dinner and cake. Arriving at the ministry, both women got a portkey for their return to Britain.
Potter Manor
After Augusta, Amelia, Neville and Susan arrived back in Britain, they adapted to the time zone easily with the help of the potion. When it was evening, both women made their way to the Potters with the infants. They have waited to the last minute. Both didn’t want to go, but they had to out of appearance’s sake. They were invited in by one of the house elves and waited for James or Lily to escort them to the formal dining room. When Lily came, she quickly sent the elf away and led both women and the children to the formal dining room.
“Amelia, Mrs. Longbottom, you have come on the right time. Let’s take the children first to the playroom. John would love to meet his godbrother and his godsister”, Lily gushed. Augusta withheld a sneer of contempt. She wouldn’t have bothered to come knowing what those bastards had done to Akira. Amelia was ready to snap and curse. She will never forgive them, what those imbeciles had done to her godson. He was practically family and those fools had harmed him in an unforgivable way. If she had her way, she would have arrested James, Lily, Sirius and Remus right away, but she can’t. They had to play the long game.
After the children were dropped off at the playroom, Lily led them to the formal dining room. Both hoped to meet someone, they could stand. When they saw Arthur, both women took their seats, where he was. Augusta sat to his left, Amelia to his right. Amelia whispered: “How have you managed to come here without Molly?”
Arthur hid his grin. “Well, I told them that Molly was ill, which is also the truth since she caught a nasty flu.”
“Had you had a hand in this?”, Augusta asked amused.
Arthur just thinned his lips, but answered: “Maybe.”
Both women chuckled. Give it to Arthur, who is an expert in creating plausible deniability. “I have taken all of my children with me. Even Bill managed to get a free slot from his studying. But there are some good news, Bill had decided to take his exams for the Magical Theory class earlier and passed it with an O like the other subjects.”
“Congratulation!” Both women were impressed by Bill.
Arthur explained: “Furthermore, he is planning to take his exams in the muggle subjects during the Yule holidays. He had plans to take English, Math, Latin, French, Geography, Muggle History and Science during the Yule holidays.”
Both women nodded and chattered quietly about Akira’s birthday and how he is doing with his parents. Arthur was glad that the boy was doing fine away from those monsters that are daring to call themselves parents.
When it was time for the birthday dinner, the kids were led to the formal dining room. Amelia took Susan and Augusta took Neville on their laps and fed them. Arthur had a hard time with feeding Ron and Ginny and making sure that the older boys were eating their food properly. The youngest two didn’t seem to like to eat the vegetables. John had the same expression regarding the vegetables. There was some chattering. Arthur, Augusta and Amelia pretended to be happy and were talking with the others about, what they were doing leaving their personal lives out of the conversations since they didn’t trust those fools. The only person, who was pleasant to talk to was Dedalus Diggle, the Abbotts, the Lovegoods and the other light families, who were not blindly devoted to Dumbledore.
After dinner and cake, the Abbotts left annoyed the party with Amelia Bones and her niece earlier. The whole evening was a nightmare, they had to listen to their rants, how the Greengrasses were secretly death eaters and that they were making a big mistake by marrying their son off to Jaques Greengrass. Anton had it worse since Jaques wasn’t there with him and he had to listen to their condescending tone regarding his betrothal with his love of his life. Anton had been ready to curse James and Sirius Potter, who were ranting that being gay is wrong and in order to become a real man, he should be with a proper witch like Fenwick. Lily Potter was trying to tell him that his behaviour towards Sarah is disgraceful and he should apologise for cheating on her. Thankfully, his parents interfered and told them off. In his opinion, the Potters were delusional.
They all left in a rage earlier. Amelia used that as an excuse to return back home. She was also angry at the Potters’ delusions. Albus was furious that the Abbotts and the Bones’s left earlier. James, Lily and Sirius had alienated them and they left. He quickly demanded from the Potters and Remus to speak with them in the informal meeting room beside the formal dining room.
When all five were in the meeting room, Albus demanded: “Would you care to explain to me, what that was about?”
James said in an angry voice: “We tried to fix Anton and made him realise that being with Greengrass is a mistake, but the boy doesn’t seem to listen.”
“Furthermore, he is gay and it is wrong. He should be with a nice witch like Sarah. They would make a perfect, light couple”, Lily huffed.
Before Albus could say anything, he was interrupted by Sirius. “Additionally, he is breaking Sarah’s heart and he should learn that actions have consequences.”
“Enough!”, Albus silenced them. He had gotten sick of their tantrums. Those three are really getting on his nerves. James, Lily and Sirius were silently seething, whereas Remus remained silent for the whole time. Albus started: “James, Lily, Sirius, I know that Anton is making a big mistake, but your confrontation is making things even worse. They have left earlier since your rants have been insulting and I don’t think that they would come next year. You need to keep your opinions to yourselves. Angering potential allies is something that we should avoid at all cost. Especially, now, where we had suffered failure after failure during the Wizengamot and school board meetings.” All three seethed and had to begrudgingly agree with the headmaster. Things hadn’t been going their way lately and alienating potential allies would cause even more problems.
After Albus gave them a clear warning to behave, all five returned back to the formal dining room and the evening continued without a fuss.