Chapter 1
“We find the defendant, Harry James Potter, guilty of all charges. He is hereby expelled from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and his wand is to be snapped.” As Fudge said these words he couldn’t help but smile. Beside him, the woman in pink - Umbridge, they said - smirked happily before plucking Harry’s wand from the evidence tray beside her.
There was an audible crack as Umbridge broke it in two.
Harry stood silently, shocked by the situation. He was expelled. He would never return to Hogwarts; he could never return. What was he going to do? Slowly, he began to turn to leave, his footsteps unsteady. This only made Umbridge’s triumphant smirk grow.
Beside him, Dumbledore sighed. This farce was due to him forcing through a trial for Sirius; the Minister had obviously taken it as a personal attack due to his lost prestige. “It is convenient for you that so many members of the Wizengamot are not here, isn’t it, Minister Fudge? I think you will find that this is not the success you think it is. I do hope you enjoy your revenge.” He turned and said to Harry, “Come, Harry. I’ll take you home.”
“It is a legal quorum,” Fudge stated defensively as he watched them leave. He was already making plans to send an announcement to the Prophet.
All Harry could do was slowly walk out of the courtroom. Dumbledore watched the boy worriedly. “Harry, don’t worry. I will take care of things.”
“How, sir?” Harry asked. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
As they left through the doors, Harry felt a hand on his shoulder, “I have a few ideas. Trust me. This might turn out to be a good thing in the end.”
“How could this be a good thing?!” Harry’s voice rose slightly, before he shook his head, “Sorry.”
“It’s all right. You’ve had a trying time of it.” Dumbledore sighed again as he watched the boy, then pulled something from his pocket. Strangely enough, it was a boot lace. He murmured, “Portus,” as his wand touched the string. “Hold the string, Harry. I shouldn’t do this so cavalierly but I think it best if we leave as soon as possible.”
When Harry took hold of the string, he and Dumbledore disappeared with a soft pop.
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Harry sat hunched over on his bed, listening to the occasional raised voice from the people downstairs. They were probably discussing what to do about him. He wasn’t sure that he cared, not anymore. He had expected the year to be difficult.
Ever since he’d returned to the magical world, he had way too much experience with that sort of thing after all.
He had dealt with Voldemort trying to kill him in his first year, had fought a basilisk with Dumbledore in his second year, had driven away a horde of dementors in his third year, and participated in the bloody Triwizard Tournament in his fourth year. The Tournament was the worst as Ron and Hermione were the only people who really supported him among his fellow students.
But he hadn’t expected all of this. His wand was snapped and he could no longer use magic. At one time that wouldn’t have bothered him other than having to return to the Dursleys at any rate. But now? He’d started to enjoy learning about magic. It was interesting.
Harry wished he could speak to Hermione and Ron, but Hermione was on vacation and Ron never answered mail quickly. They weren’t expected to arrive at Grimmauld Place for a few more weeks.
Harry sighed before rubbing his head and firming his resolve. Moping wouldn’t solve anything! He slowly rose to his feet, moving towards the door and then opened it only to take a step back in surprise. Dumbledore stood there, his hand raised as if to knock.
“Oh! Sir!”
“Hello, Harry,” Dumbledore said with a smile, “I was coming to speak to you. We were discussing what to do downstairs.”
“Yeah,” Harry said as he moved back into his bedroom, “I heard a bit of the yelling.”
“Yes, people are most upset at the unfairness of the situation,” the man said serenely. “I thought I’d come upstairs to talk to you.”
“What about?” Harry asked curiously, “My wand’s snapped. I can’t get a new one and I’m expelled.”
“I have always found it interesting how insular we wizards can be, even ones new to our world such as yourself and Miss Granger,” Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling slightly. “Your wand is indeed snapped and you are expelled from Hogwarts.” Settling down on a nearby chair, Dumbledore continued, “However, this isn’t the end of the world.”
“What do you mean? Should I take my A-Levels then?” Harry asked. He was trying to be positive.
“Oh, if you wish, certainly,” Dumbledore said before shrugging, “All education is good and a muggle education can be useful. But that’s not your only option. Your first option is, yes, to stay at Grimmauld Place with your godfather. You would focus on the Muggle education until I manage to get this travesty overturned.”
“Well, what else could I do?” asked Harry.
“I was actually going to suggest something to you. As I said, we wizards can be insular. I doubt Fudge even considered that he had no power outside of Britain. Even if you had been as reckless as Fudge tried to depict you, you didn’t commit a capital crime. You have to remember that the magical world isn’t as structured as the muggle world. Other nations would allow you to visit and you would once again be able to have a wand; you simply would be unable to own one within Britain. In this case it’d be even easier as you were, to use the vernacular of my students, buggered by the system.”
“I don’t want to hear you say that again, sir,” Harry said with a shudder, before asking, “So you’re saying I could go to America or France or something and get a wand?” Harry asked.
“Yes. And learn magic as well, either through tutors or by enrolling at Ilvermorny or Beauxbatons,” Dumbledore continued, “I think you should take your time to explore the world, however.” The aged wizard rubbed his brow, sighing, “I made a grave error with you, Harry. I truly thought your Aunt and Uncle would care for you. When you came to Hogwarts so thin and quiet, It was then that I knew my mistake.”
“It’s all right sir,” Harry began as he leaned forward, looking at Dumbledore.
“No it’s not, Harry. I was responsible for you and I made a terrible decision. That’s why you live with Sirius and only return to Privet Drive briefly over the summer to refresh the blood protections.” Leaning back, Dumbledore continued, “You’ve really never had a chance to be free. To do as you wish. Thus, how about visiting various places around the world and learning as you travel? You’d have a tutor with you to teach you basic subjects such as Charms and Transfiguration and I’d call in favors with various people I knew so you can learn more esoteric subjects. You would be able to visit Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, the Cagliostro Institute as well as other schools. Nicholas and Perenelle have wanted to meet you for quite some time. It wouldn’t be as structured an environment for learning, but I think that it’d suit you better anyway.”
“I wouldn’t want to be a bother,” Harry said after a moment, though from the way he’d perked up it was obvious he was interested.
“Oh, it’s no bother,” Dumbledore assured him. He chuckled, “Honestly, many of my friends would love to have you visit and not simply due to being the Boy-Who-Lived, either. I’ve spoken a great deal about what you’ve accomplished and they want to meet you. Nicholas was thrilled when I spoke to him about your Patronus. One at thirteen is unheard of and yours was quite powerful. I didn’t learn the spell until I was sixteen.”
“What about Voldemort?” asked Harry.
“I would continue my tasks here in Britain. Regardless of many peoples’ fears, Voldemort is a purely British problem. If, of course, a rather major one. That’s why the ICW doesn’t interfere. Well, that and the Minister has always refused to ask for aid. So you would be safe out of the country as long as you didn’t do anything too extravagant to bring attention to yourself.”
“All right. Who would go with me? Sirius?” As he spoke, Harry moved to his desk, looking through the stack of books, considering.
“He could if you wished, but he would be of more use here. His family has a seat on the Wizengamot. I was thinking of sending Miss Tonks. She was an exceptional student and could double as your bodyguard.”
“Oh, I like Tonks!” Harry said with a smile. “She helped me during the Tournament.”
“Yes, I approved her presence on the grounds,” Dumbledore said with some amusement. “I take it that you approve?”
“I think it’s a great idea! I think I’ll visit France first,” Harry decided. “I speak French, though I’m not entirely fluent. Sirius has been teaching me. Says that any Black should know French.”
“I’ll send a message to Madam Maxime. You could stay at Beauxbatons for a time and use their library?” Dumbledore suggested.
“As long as I’m allowed to leave when I want, sure,” Harry said after a moment. “Sirius told me about the French Dueling League. I’d like to participate.”
Dumbledore chuckled, “Far too much exercise for this old man, but if you enjoy it then that’s good. You’ll need to work hard. You have a lot of power and have expanded your spell repertoire immensely in the past two years but you still need further work on your finesse.”
“I’ll remember that. When do I leave?” Harry wondered. “I kind of want to go as soon as possible; I don’t want to face everyone’s pity.”
“I think tomorrow will be best. I’ve already spoken to Nymphadora. She said she’d be glad to have a free vacation if you were agreeable and I’m sure I can convince Amelia to give her a leave of absence.” Dumbledore’s voice was amused. “I need to speak to the goblins this evening anyway. The Ministry might try to seize your vaults because your wand is snapped; you’re legally considered a squib. While that’s not actually legal they might get away with it. I’ll have the goblins move your vaults overseas. Probably to France or Italy as their Ministries would not be willing to accommodate Fudge.”
Harry snorted, “I’m not surprised. Fudge is probably salivating already.” He ran his fingers through his hair as he looked down at a book on his desk and then nodded, “All right. I’ll pack. Can you have Tonks pick me up a new trunk tonight? I think one that has more space would be useful if I’m traveling. I know the twins have this old trunk they got from a used shop in Diagon, it has three compartments, each expanded.”
“Ah, the joys of expanded spaces,” Dumbledore said with amusement. “I’m afraid that beyond very simple models, expanded trunks are produced on a commission basis so you won’t be able to simply buy one. However, I know Alastor has a great many of them. I think he’d be willing to let you have one. Though I warn he’ll probably leave a few extra bits and bobs for your protection.” He lifted a finger artfully, “At the very least a foe-glass and a secrecy sensor.”
Harry laughed, “Honestly, I could probably use them, so I won’t complain. All right sir, I’ll get to packing then.”
“And I,” Dumbledore said, “Shall speak to Alastor then make my way to Gringotts. The goblins have ways to move vault contents quickly; the soonest that Fudge can attempt anything is tomorrow, so best to get things started.”
“All right, sir. Good evening.”
“Evening, Harry.”
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Later that evening, Harry heard sounds outside his door. The door opened quickly and Harry saw Moody standing in the doorway. “Dumbledore told me you needed a trunk for your little trip, lad. I figured I’d give you this one as I don’t want to use it again. Don’t worry, I made sure it was nice and clean.” He set a tiny trunk down and tapped it with his wand and it expanded to full size. “That bastard Crouch kept me in the last compartment,” he explained.
“Wow!” Harry stared at the trunk and counted the locks, “Seven compartments, sir?”
“Yes,” Moody agreed. “The first five compartments are space-expanded to be three times larger. The sixth compartment is the same size as the others and has a set of stasis and preservation charms; it’ll keep potions stable a lot longer and will keep food cool and fresh as well, a lot like a muggle refrigerator. The last compartment is a large room that’s shielded against magic and has other protections from damage. The trunk also comes with a built-in shrinking charm. Just touch the faceplate with your wand to shrink or restore it. I already wiped it, so the first time it’ll attune the trunk to you.”
All Harry could do is repeat, “Wow.” Then, he continued, “You sure you want to just give me this? I can pay for it; it has to be worth a fair amount...”
“Lad, this isn’t the only trunk I have. I collect the things to store important items like food, potions and enchanted objects and the like; you can never be too cautious. I do the enchanting myself; that’s the only way to truly trust the things. And as I said, after being held in the bugger...” Moody trailed off, and shrugged. “You need one, I have one available. Take it.”
“All right, sir. Thank you,” Harry said as he looked at it. “I think I’ll store my books in the first compartment, clothes in the second...it looks big enough to store my broom and other stuff in the third...” He grinned, “This might actually be kind of fun.”
Moody laughed, “All right, lad. Dumbledore left a while back to talk to Gringotts. You finish up and rest. Dumbledore said he’s going to make you a portkey to take to France tomorrow.”
“Is that legal?”
“Not for you or me. But Dumbledore? He has an ICW-wide license for creating portkeys,” Moody answered.
“Huh,” was Harry’s monosyllabic response before he added, “That makes sense. Night, sir.”
“Night, lad.”
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The next morning, Harry came downstairs earlier than usual. Pausing near the dining room entryway, he nodded as he saw Tonks and Dumbledore sitting at the table. He was surprised to see Mrs Weasley; she moved towards him, “Harry, dear, I came as soon as I heard. I can’t believe what that man did to you. Are you all right?” She hugged him and Harry allowed it for a moment before pulling away.
“I’m fine,” Harry told the woman with a smile, before saying to Dumbledore and Tonks, “Ready to go whenever. I’m all packed,” he said as he patted his pocket. “That trunk that Professor Moody gave me is really cool.”
“I’m a little jealous,” Tonks said to him, “Mad-Eye does good work. I had to visit his place once and saw a whole stack of the things. The man is crazy about being prepared. I picked my trunk up on commission from Truckle’s Trunks when I graduated Hogwarts. It’s only a three-compartment model, though.” She grinned as she changed the subject, “So, I’m supposed to be your teacher. It’s going to be fun channeling Mad-Eye.”
Even as Harry faked a shudder in response, Dumbledore watched with amusement. “Harry, this is for you; I picked it up from your vault when I handled matters at Gringotts last night,” he said as he handed Harry a small mokeskin pouch. “There are one thousand galleons and five thousand Euros within, so keep it safe. When that runs out, you may pick up more at any Gringotts. I’ve already authorized you for international withdrawals. I’m trusting you to not overspend, though do enjoy yourself. That should last you a while.”
Harry couldn’t help but blink, “Wow.” He glanced around, “Where’s Sirius?”
Tonks snorted, “He should be down soon. He was a bit sad about you leaving today and drank a bit too much last night, he’s probably hung over.”
“I hope he comes down before we leave,” Harry said, offering a smile to Mrs Weasley as she set down a plate with eggs on toast, kippers, and bacon. “Thanks, Mrs Weasley. Is Ron around?”
“I’m afraid not. Bill paid for a week at a quidditch camp for him. He won’t return until this weekend,” Mrs Weasley explained.
As if in response to Harry’s words, footsteps could be heard on the stairs and soon, Sirius came into the dining room; rather, it was more of a weary stagger. “Hey, all. Hey, Harry,” the man muttered. “I need a hangover potion.” He headed to a cabinet to the side and rummaged through it. “Ah. I knew I had one,” the man said as he downed the potion, making a face. “Gah. Always tastes like shite.”
Harry watched this with amusement, “Got a little too into things last night?”
“Well yeah,” Sirius admitted. “You’re leaving today, I’m going to miss you. I swear, I’m going to get that bastard Fudge, somehow.”
“You aren’t locked up in here,” Harry points out, “I know Dumbledore needs you for some things but you can always visit me. So it’s not so bad, right?”
“You have a point there,” Sirius agreed, perking up. “You’re heading to France first, right?”
“He is,” Dumbledore said. “I figured he could visit Beauxbatons and explore their library before he makes a decision on where to go next. He agreed.”
“Plus, I wanted to try to compete in the French Dueling League. Professor Dumbledore says I need a lot of work on my spell finesse especially, but, well, I do have an auror to teach me,” he teased Tonks.
Tonks shrugged, “Like I said, it’ll be fun. I’ll get to channel Mad-Eye.” She suddenly boomed, copying the man’s voice, “CONSTANT VIGILANCE!”
Then she sent a Tickling Charm towards Harry.
Nearly falling on his arse as he avoided the spell, Harry complained, “Oi!”
“See?” came Tonks’ smug response.
Sirius couldn’t help but grin, “I can see that this will be fun for you both.”
“For Tonks, anyway,” Harry said with a put-upon sigh, though his lips were curved into a smile nevertheless as he pushed himself to his feet. “Joking aside,” He said to Tonks, “I want you to push me as hard as you can. For the Dueling League, but more importantly in case it’s needed. I know you all don’t want me to fight Voldemort but he does seem to target me a lot; it’s best to be prepared.”
“This,” Tonks said again, “will be fun.”
“Yes, yes,” Dumbledore said with a chuckle, “All right, here you two are.” He handed each a small silk bracelet. “This is an emergency portkey. You just have to channel a little magic into it to activate it. It will bring you here. Please use it if necessary, Harry, Nymphadora. Now both of you grab this.” The old man offered Harry and Tonks a boot lace. Once they both grabbed hold of the string, he added, “Just say ‘Off to France’ when you are ready. It’s a single-use portkey so you can throw that out when you get there.”
“Where will it take us?” Harry wondered as he put on his bracelet.
“You’re leaving too soon,” complained Sirius as he moved and gave Harry a big hug. Then tried to pull Tonks into the hug as well, only to get pushed away with a teasing glare.
“Best to leave before Fudge tries something else,” Harry said. “Besides, I don’t know if I can face folks. I don’t want their pity, you know?” He returned Sirius’ hug briefly before pulling away, stepping back, his other hand still clasping the string.
“The arrival point at La Rue Magique,” Dumbledore said easily. “The French Ministry is there as well as the usual shops, bank, and so on. It’s a fair bit larger than Diagon Alley. You can register your presence at the Ministry then pick up a new wand. I suggest going to Durand’s. Antoine Durand is a very good wand maker; she’s very professional.”
“They really won’t mind that I am buying a wand when mine was snapped?” Harry asked rather hesitantly.
“Your wand rights were only revoked in Britain,” Dumbledore said easily. “They won’t care, Harry.”
Nudging Harry, Tonks asked, “Shall we?”
“I’ll send Hedwig when we get settled in,” Harry said. “I’ll miss you, Sirius.” Taking a deep breath, he stated, “Off to France.”
With a pop, Harry and Tonks disappeared.