Troll in the Dungeon!

It was 5 of 5:00 when the group returned to the Great Hall.

Present were Amelia Bones with three other Aurors, the Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge with his own two bodyguards, Lucius Malfoy, Arthur Weasley, the Headmaster, his four Heads of House, Percy Weasley, Harry Potter, Ron Weasely, and Hermione Granger (she looked nervous at being included and the Traveler sussed out with casual legilemancy that it was because her friendship with the two boys was less than 24 hours old).

As soon as Fudge saw Sirius walking in escorted by an Auror he cried out, "What is he doing here? He is supposed to be in Azkaban."

Amelia interrupted before anyone could talk. "Mr. Black is here because new evidence has come to light regards his possible guilt. We are going to investigate."

"If he was already convicted, this evidence should be put in front of the Wizengamot," Lucius Malfoy said with his oily tone.

Amelia immediately kaboshed that. "Well, if he were convicted that would be true. But considering he was placed in Azkaban without trial on the order of the Director of the DMLE, I have used my authority to have him retrieved, with the approval of the Chief Warlock."

Lucius had a pinched look as he acknowledged that. He didn't like it – but there wasn't anything he could do. Especially when he saw the Head of the Black Family also present. His whole objection to Sirius Black becoming free was the possibility of his son inheriting the Black Family as the remaining male from the family alive. He didn't need to annoy the man who could make it happen.

Albus looked around. "Well. I do believe we are all present. Amelia? Perhaps we should begin with the man that was apprehended earlier today?"

She nodded. From one of the table benches, somewhat out of view, she retrieved the cage holding the rat.

Cornelius asked, "What is this?"

"This is an illegal Animagus which was found to have been hiding in a Pureblood home for the last ten years. You will soon see the relevance."

Percy chocked out, "That's Scabbers!"

Amelia nodded. "Mr. Percy Weasley. Please describe how this animal came into your possession."

One of the Aurors took notes as the questioning took place. Once it was established that the rat was thought to be a family pet and that none of the Weasleys were aware that it was anything else, she allowed them to sit together off to the side with the other two first years.

The Traveler interrupted before Amelia forced the change on the rat. "Before you do that …."

Retrieving the cages from where he had placed them, be brought them out. "First, an incidental gift: Ron Weasley? Come here."

Ron looked at the people he was with, who shrugged and then walked over.

"To make up for the deception of this illegal Animagus, the Black family bought you this owl. You will have to name him."

Ron was wide eyed as he accepted the cage and quickly withdrew. He was looking at his new pet with awe.

"Hermione Granger?"

The girl was even more confused but she came over. "Hello. In my world Hermione Granger became friends when we helped her with the troll on Halloween, but that didn't happen and one of the strongest friendships in Hogwarts was born. It seems you became friends anyway with those two idiots even without the troll and that's good." There were small protests but most in the room were amused. "In her third year, she got a half-Kneazle named Crookshanks who first reacted badly to the rat. This is that half-Kneazle, or his alternate. I'd like to use him today to watch over the man so that if he changes back, he will be caught. Do you have any problem with that? You'll get him when the Aurors take the man away."

She shook her head with wide eyes. "Can I touch him?"

"Why don't you take him from the cage and ask him to watch the rat to make certain he doesn't escape?"

With glee, the girl quickly had the large feline in her arms – it was a true joy to watch. She walked over and said, "Crookshanks?" You could hear her joy even at saying the name. "Can you watch this rat to make certain he doesn't escape?"

Crookshanks jumped out of her arms and placed himself next to the cage, watching carefully. The rat in the cage started panicking a bit. Hermione withdrew but kept watching the cat with a bit of longing and happiness all at once.

"And finally, Amelia: This last Kneazle is a gift to the Auror department. You can use him to watch the cells in case there are any more unregistered animaguses. His name is Blue, because his black fur has a blue overtone."

Amelia accepted the cage and allowed the Kneazle out. "Okay. I guess you'll be watching the rat too. If he changes back to a rat and tries to run, nab him."

The large Kneazle left the cage, seemed to nod to the Director of the DMLE, and placed itself on the floor near where the chair was that would contain the man being questioned.

Amelia then stunned the rat before opening the cage and placing the rat on the floor. Professor McGonagall performed the charm to return an animagus to their human form.

The room was shocked (well, the new arrivals) when the form of Peter Pettigrew came into view. Amelia used her wand to push back the sleeve of the man and all could see the grayed-out Dark mark.

"I do believe, Potions Master Snape, that I shall require that Veritaserum I requested you bring," Amelia said to the Slytherin Head of House.

Severus Snape walked forward and gave a small bottle to one of the watching Aurors as well as a second which was the antidote.

Pettigrew was soon in the chair and renevervated. He did not look happy. "You are an unregistered Animagus who has been found to be living in a Pureblood home with small boys and a small girl. You will now be questioned with Veritaserum. Do you understand?" Amelia Bones asked.

"No! It's not needed! I'll tell you anything. I was just hiding so that Sirius Black didn't get me!" Pettigrew protested.

"Well, I deem it is necessary." She turned to Snape. "You attest as a Licensed Brewer that this is Veritaserum and its antidote, brewed by yourself?"

Severus Snape nodded and replied, "I do so attest."

"Very good. You may withdraw." Snape quickly moved back to the other Staff members.

Amelia Bones quickly killed any idea that Pettigrew was serving any other purpose than hiding the fact that he was the secret keeper and the murderer of the Muggles that Sirius was placed in Azkaban for. He had no remorse. The antidote was quickly provided.

She turned to the Minister. "I do believe we have sufficient cause to question Mr. Black and to place Mr. Pettigrew into custody?"

The Minister looked almost as green as his hat. "Yes. This travesty of justice is reprehensible. Take him away."

Two of the Aurors took Pettigrew and the Kneazle guard back to the Ministry. Hermione quickly retrieved Crookshanks and cuddled him as she watched the rest of the proceedings.

Sirius was quickly questioned and his innocence proven. The Minister, Director of the DMLE, and Chief Warlock signed his release and Sirius got to meet his godson.

The Traveler said, "Okay. We have a few more items to take care of. I know it's 30 minutes until dinner but this next bit is better done upstairs or elsewhere. As we don't have time to walk all the way up to the seventh floor, do this, and come all the way back, should we do it after dinner or would you people like to experience phoenix travel?"

The people in the room were taken aback. Dumbledore said, "Phoenix travel."

Harry grinned and nodded. "Can you call for an elf to take Hermione and Ron's pets to their rooms? It will be easier if they don't have to carry them around."

Dumbledore did so and the two reluctantly allowed the elf to take the pets to their dorms.

"Also, before we go, I want to recommend Miles Beltchley for an award for Special Services to the School for his part in protecting his fellow Slytherins when they encountered the troll. Also, Melinda Chambers, who was also hurt. Or at least, some form of reward for putting her body in the way of harm."

Dumbledore and the Heads of House quickly conferred, with Lucius Malfoy listening in as a member of the Board of Governors. They quickly came to an agreement – they didn't have much time.

Dumbledore called for his own phoenix, Fawkes, to take messages to the parents of the two students, inviting them to a presentation after dinner if they so wished to see their children rewarded. It was short notice, but he wanted to at least give them a chance to show up.

It was 5:37 and Harry said, "Okay. I need everyone touching someone else and my counterpart in front to grab my tailfeathers. I've never transported this many people – but I'll take the chance." He then transformed into a phoenix. Dumbledore, the most familiar with the avians, arranged everyone quickly and said, "Go!"

Harry concentrated and used much magic to take everyone where they needed to go: The Veil of Death.

Everyone who knew where they arrived to was shocked. Harry transformed back and called for Kreacher, who brought all the silk bags.

"Okay. First part: Harry. Come over here." Harry Potter walked forward. "First, I am going to remove the curse on your scar. Ready?"

Harry, who had felt pain this year in his scar, nodded quickly. "Yes!"

The Traveler performed the Finite spell and everyone watched as the small bit of Voldemort was expelled. Suddenly, the veil became more active and the residue was sucked into the large ring.

"What was that?" Amelia Bones demanded.

"One bit of Voldemort's soul that he accidentally left in Harry's scar when he was made without a body."

"How can you leave a part of your soul?" Pamona Sprout asked.

With a grim look the Traveler replied, "Very Dark magic. We're about to send most of the pieces of the Dark Lords soul straight to hell."

Kreacher came forward and presented the bag of items. "These are the items cursed to carry a part of his soul – called horcruxes. I know that right now Quirrell has the main conciousness stuck in him, but if Quirrell dies, Voldemort goes free again. Unless we get rid of his anchors. The moment we do, his insurance policy is gone and he will die the moment he leaves his host."

The people in the room were shocked when they listened to the traveler, except Dumbledore, who has suspected some foul rituals had been performed. He was very happy with the idea of the Dark wizard being gone.

Harry sighed. "I just wish he had charmed less important items. No matter what – do not interfere, even if you want to save the items. Horcruxes cannot be destroyed without destroying the vessel – or at least not in the time we have until Quirrell dies. Vodemort cannot be allowed to survive."

Even Lucius Malfoy agreed. He had long ago been disillusioned regarding the Dark Lord and had no desire to see him return.

Harry retrieved the Diary of Tom Marvolo Riddle. "His high school diary – the first horcrux." Harry threw this through the veil and it disappeared. The veil definitely reacted to that.

Harry pulled the next item. "The Locket of Salazar Slytherin. Unfortunately, it has been despoiled and a priceless artifact is about to be lost."

Suddenly, a figure appeared and the room was shocked to find a cowled Unspeakable. "Perhaps a better answer?"

"Oh?" Harry asked.

The figure pulled a rope from his pocket and handed it over. "Tie the items to this and I shall hold the rope when the items go into the veil. The soul pieces should be taken but perhaps the items can be pulled out. If the pull is too hard, I shall let it go, but we can at least try."

Harry considered that. "I've never tried that. But, hey – I'm always up for a new way to get rid of these things."

Harry quickly withdrew all the items and tied them together: Diadem, Locket, and Ring. "Here goes nothing." The Unspeakable put the rope around a stone column off to the side and held the end. Harry threw the group of items into the veil.

The veil definitely had some reaction – the cloth covering it was billowing and the room heard voices beyond. Suddenly, a screaming wraith flew from through the walls and into the veil. It suddenly stilled.

The Unspeakable pulled the items out. While the Diadem and the Locket were still on the rope, the Ring was gone.

Harry chuckled. "Not a surprise – I didn't think Death would give up a chance to retrieve the Resurrection Stone."

Dumbledore, who hadn't actually seen the stone, was shocked. "The ring had the Stone?"

Harry nodded. "And a curse that would have killed you. That's why I didn't let it anywhere near you. There will be no Master of Death." He turned and said, "Amelia? I believe you will find that Quirrell is dead in his cell, no longer possessed. While I would like to have you come back with us to see the Awards presented, you probably have to deal with that."

One of the Aurors with her said, "I'll take it, Madam Bones. Alive or dead, I'll deal with it. You go and see the ceremony."

Amelia gave her Auror a grateful look. "My Auror can handle the body until I return. I'd like to see the ceremony and talk to Susan." Harry nodded, and thanked the Auror too. It was only polite.

The Unspeakable said, "In exchange for saving them, we would like to study these items during the summer. Any objections?"

Harry looked to the Headmaster and the two Heads of House. They quickly agreed. The Unspeakable disillusioned himself and disappeared from view. Harry shook his head.

He changed back to his animagus form and soon was flaming everyone back to Hogwarts. They arrived just in time for dinner to start. The students were shocked at the sudden appearance of the group, especially with the Minister and the Director of the DMLE there as well.

Dumbledore invited their visitors to stay for dinner and witness the awards for the two students – all accepted. Minister Fudge sent one of his guards to retrieve a reporter from the Daily Prophet – he wanted to tell the world that Lord Thingy had been taken care of finally at the Ministry and no one objected. Amelia would announce the exoneration of Sirius Black as well.

Arthur Weasley actually sat down at the Gryffindor table with his sons and their friends, even as Sirius ate with Harry and the Weasleys with Hermione as well. Sirius would return to the Head Table for the announcements.

Dumbledore announced that all students were to remain for special announcements after the meal and the room was abuzz with what might be happening.

Thankfully, for Harry, Draco didn't interrupt their meal: His father had spoken to him and he was sitting at the Slytherin table, a bit sullenly.

At one point, Hermione Granger had dragged Ron to the Head Table and stood in front of one of the visitors. The man looked at the two students. "Mr. Black?" Hermione said.

Arcturus replied with some formality, "Ms. Granger? Mr. Weasley?"

Nervously Hermione gave the message she wanted. "We wanted to thank you for the gifts of our new pets. We did not expect them and we really appreciate it."

Ron added a strangled, "Thanks," of his own.

Arcturus looked at the two first years with some approval. Manners were a big deal in Pureblood society and the acknowledgement was unexpected. "You are welcome. It served the purpose of helping clear my Heir, but your acknowledgement is appreciated."

Hermione gave the man a small curtsey, forcing Ron to bow with quiet urging and the two withdrew. Arcturus chuckled. "I like that one," he said to Professor McGonagall, who was seated in the next chair.

"Ms. Granger, though a Muggleborn, is perhaps the most intelligent first year I have ever taught, and is very polite in class – if a bit enthusiastic. She's a joy to have in my House," Minerva answered with some pride.

Severus Snape was fighting with himself. With the final defeat of the Dark Lord, his use as a spy was over. And having heard the visiting Mr. Potter speak, he acknowledged to himself that some changes needed to be made. And so, while it somewhat galled him, he asked the visitor to speak to him privately in the small chamber behind the stage area.

When the two returned, the visiting Mr. Potter looked a bit surprised, though happy. Snape looked as emotionless as ever. The visitor spoke to the Headmaster, who glanced over to his Potions Professor. Professor Snape gave him a small nod, and the Headmaster agreed.

The Headmaster had also spoken to Amelia and to Sirius Black, with Arcturus listening. The Minister had also been in on the conversation and agreed.

During the meal, the Beltchley parents had arrived and had quickly found their son and sat down with him. Edwin Chambers had also arrived but sat at the Head Table. The reporter had also arrived with a photographer. The Traveler was thankful that it wasn't Rita Skeeter.

Finally, at 6:50, when the deserts were mostly consumed, the Headmaster nodded to the Deputy Headmistress who stood and, tapping her goblet, got the attention of the hall. When the voices had all stilled, the Headmaster had moved to the lectern at the side of the stage and he called out, "Good evening. Tonight marks quite a few important announcements. Some are of concern only to us here at Hogwarts, and some are of concern to the Wizarding World as a whole."

Dumbledore sipped his drink and put it back down. "While this first part is not the main reason we have gathered you here, it will – perhaps – be of the most immediate concern for you as students. Last night, a troll was allowed into the school by our former Defense Professor, Quirinus Quirrell. He was not acting on his own but on orders from another – which will be explained later by the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. This troll was threatening the Slytherin students on the way back to their dorms. I would like to apologize now to the Slytherins for having sent them to the Dungeons where Quirrell reported the troll to be. My only excuse is: I thought he was lying. Alas – I was wrong. The Seventh-year Slytherin prefect gathered some of the older students to repel the troll whilst sending the younger students back to the Great Hall. Unforunately, due to certain interference, the troll got the better of two prefects and was about to cause grievous harm to other students when help arrived unlooked for.

"Perhaps some of you are aware of the story of the Lone Traveler?" Dumbledore asked. There were murmurs of assent throughout the Hall. Dumbledore nodded. "Thankfully, the story is true. And he arrived just in time to prevent further damage or death. It was a surprise to find that the name of the Traveler is known to many. I give you a visitor from other worlds, known to many as the Lone Traveler: Harry Potter."

There was some applause but much sound of shock when Harry stood at the podium. Finally he got everyone's attention. "Yes. I'm a dimensional traveler. And while the legend of my arrivals mentions a certain amount of angst and all that, I've pretty much gotten over it. I've been to many worlds and many times and I've learned quite a lot. Your Potions Master apparently learned of a small talk I had with your two heroes, Mr. Bletchley and Ms. Chambers – and, yes, I call them heroes. I've run into a fair few of the type and I can categorically say they are members of that small subgroup, even if they are Slytherins." Harry said this with a grin.

There were small murmurs of amusement, especially from said table.

"And actually, that's why I am in front of you. Many of you non-Slytherins have a dim view of your Potions Master – and there is good reason for it. You see his bias for his own house and his dislike for others. This image was necessary up until today – for reasons that will become obvious if you think about them. He, however, as the Slytherins could attest, is not so lenient on them as you might think. He just happens to punish them out of view of the other Houses because he rightly feels that if no one else will champion them, he would never present an image of being other than their protector. He's an arse – but he's a good Head of House. Well, we've come to an agreement. He will tone down his behaviour toward the other houses if I teach you people something that will change your view of Slytherin. The general consensus is that Salazar Slytherin was a Dark wizard who championed a Pureblood agenda and that he was somehow against the other founders."

There were murmurs of agreement.

"Sorry to burst your bubble – but you are 100 percent wrong."

There were noises of disagreement.

"Yeah, I know. Hard to believe. Well, I have run into the man in a couple of different worlds and I think you would benefit from my memories of the man rather than what people have said about him."

Harry conjured a Pensieve and put two memories in the bowl. "This first one involved all the founders." (FALT Ch 10, Sanctity of Magical Blood)

"And now, friends, we must come to a system whereby we can select those whom may best be taught by each of us. By what means shall we choose?" Godric said.

Salazar looked upon his fellow wizard and witches and said, "Well, I shall take those who are clever and cunning like the snake. Such is my own character. While I have not the wit of Rowena, nor the sheer drive toward challenge like Godric, I do know how to finesse things toward the results I desire."

Rowena said, "As Salazar said, my interest is in those of great wit as this defines me as I am. Like pulls to like, and I would be the one to mentor and direct those who show this character."

Godric huffed. "Well, if I am to lead and mentor, I shall take those that show bravery, and chivalry and courage. My teachings might not be best for those who are of a retiring nature."

Helga looked at her fellow Masters and shook her head. "You three are ignoring the point of why we are doing this, why we have instituted this great edifice of learning. We know that uneducated Magicals are the greatest threat to those of the blood. Because they know no better, they perform acts which cause harm to themselves and harm to others. We must take them all. Certainly, should I choose, I would choose those who are loyal and those who are willing to spend their own effort and work to achieve greatness – but I need no child already molded to my own preference to teach. But I say unto you all now: Any child which can be taught magic I will take. You wish to take those who seem to exude those traits you find proper and acceptable? Fine. I shall not gainsay it. But any left – they will be mine. And I will ensure that they learn the traits that I find most important."

The three nodded in respect to their fellow Master. Helga Hufflepuff was not a witch to cross and her basic kindness and insistence upon her values were a large part of why the institution of Hogwarts came into being.

Godric said, "You are right. It is unfair to insist that a child comes to us already molded to achieve what we believe they should. It is our job to mould them for such purpose. But still, Rowena makes a good argument: Like draws itself to like. Perhaps we should not demand a child of just ten or eleven years already show those traits but there must be the spark. I could not honestly mentor a child if he did not have that drive toward courage and chivalry – no matter how buried."

Rowena asked, "But how shall we judge them? It would take a method of learning the innermost mind of a child to find those who might grow to exude the traits which would show which of us is best to teach each student."

Salazar shrugged. "I say an object it must be. If we enchanted a creature to decide, eventually it must die. And many might object to any creature judging them, no matter how pure. Even a unicorn might offend some."

Helga said, "Godric? You are the best among us in enchantment. What would you say?"

Godric, who had risen and was pacing, turned and contemplated the three who were now waiting upon him. He happened to glance and see the hat which he had taken to wearing. He grinned. "How about a hat? I have one suitable right there – it will be taxing, but I believe it could be done."

The others snorted. "Only you, Godric, would choose a hat. You began wearing it because you were so impressed by the tales of Merlin Ambrosius and wish to emulate him. It is not a hat which defines being magical," Helga said with amusement.

Godric's grin did not waver. "Why not? It is just as suitable a badge as any other."

Rowena rolled her eyes. "Let him choose the hat. He will natter and bother if he does not get his choice. And it has the quality of being easily put upon each new student."

Salazar, however, had a somber note. "We must be careful. At times we shall be hosting the children of Nobles, perhaps even Royal children. They might take offense at submitting themselves to an enchantment which reads their minds."

Godric nodded. "You have the right of it. I shall weave into the enchantments privacy – none shall be allowed to learn what the Hat learns, no matter their position. Only such a guarantee will prevent outrage at such a possible intrusion."

The others looked at each other and at Godric, each finally nodding in agreement.

It having been decided, Godric quickly moved to take up the hat and begin his work.

There were sounds of interest and excitement as the students considered the memory that they had just seen.

"As you can see, Hogwarts was not a product of three with the reluctance of the fourth. Each was as important as the next. To be honest – my favorite was Lady Hufflepuff. But Slytherin was no idiot. I shall show you all the memory I showed to the two Slytherins in the infirmary."

The Great Hall was shocked as they learned of Salazar's history, just as those who were the most close-minded were absolutely flummoxed to hear of his desire to protect all Magicals, not just the Pureblooded ones. He was far different than they had expected.

"And so you see, Salazar was no Pureblood bigot. He worried that allowing newly found Magicals might put too much attention on them their relatives, but he only cared about this because of security – not because he disliked them or was against them."

A voice cried out in protest. Unsurprisingly, it was from the Slytherin table. Draco Malfoy said loudly, "This must be a lie!"

Lucius Malfoy was pinching his nose with eyes closed at the sheer lack of decorum of his son. "Draco, be quiet," he said loudly enough for the room to hear.

Suddenly, the image on the ceiling went from a calm night to rolling clouds. The students looked up in surprise and fear for a moment, and then a voice was heard: "Show them!"

Dumbledore, who was as surprised as anyone else, looked toward their visitor, who seemed to be exuding resigned acceptance. "I assume you recognize the voice?"

The students looked to the Head Table and the visitor. "Yes, I do."

"Who was that?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"On one trip to another world, I happened to meet the Celtic Goddess of Magic – in that world, she decided to make an appearance in person. She had very particular views regarding magical children."

Dumbledore was taken aback. "Well, I surmise it would be best to listen to the Great Lady's words and do as she asks."

Harry nodded and concentrated after returning the two memories to his head. Soon another memory was showing. (Lone Traveler: Cockups and Snorcacks Chapter 8). "This Goddess of Magic, the Morrigan, and the God of Pranksters and Tricksters, Dwyn."

The Morrigan smiled at them and said, "Well, then. If there is nothing else, I believe it is time to go."

A voice spoke up. Many were surprised to see Hermione Granger standing. The Morrigan looked at the girl curiously. "Yes, child?"

"Your Divine Grace? I do not seek to be presumptuous but may I ask You a question as regards Your gift?" She had quickly heard from other students that "her gift" referred to Magic.

"Ask, child."

"You are the Goddess of Magic and all who wield it are beholden to You for Your gift to us. And we thank You for it." The Morrigan smiled and nodded regally. "My question if I may is: Do you have any opinion as regards any difference between those who have magic who come from parents with magic compared to those of us with magic who come from parents who do not, apparently, have Your gift?"

There were gasps in the hall. The Purebloods were shocked at the audacity of this girl. Those who didn't have an opinion were curious. And those who were muggleborn really wanted to know.

The Morrigan smiled. "No. Any who bears My gift descends from others who bore it before. At times My gift leaves due to poor breeding, damage to a pregnant mother, or a curse cast upon a family by Myself or another, Mortal or Divine. When the blood is sufficiently cleansed, My gift returns to the line. But it matters not. All who wield magic do so at My whim and under My aegis. My Blessings are for all who wield My gift well. Those who claim a right to magic beyond others and work to deny the gift to those I have Blessed I find repugnant. If they should fail to learn the errors of their ways, I often curse their line to lose My gift until they learn better. Any child who bears magic is one of My children. Even if they are also claimed by others." She said this last with amusement as she pointed to the Weasley twins.

Hermione gave a deep curtsy. "I thank you for your wisdom and forbearance, Great Lady."

The Morrigan added one more comment. "Harry, of House Potter."

Harry stood nervously. "Your Divine Grace?"

"Send quickly the remaining parts of that fool, Tom Riddle, who calls himself Lord Voldemort, to my son, Death. I would see him pay for his presumption and for the crimes against My children."

Harry bowed. "I and others work to ensure it will be done within the next two days. It will be as you demand, Great Lady." The Morrigan nodded, pleased.

Finally Dwyn spoke, "Amelia, of House Bones!"

The Director of the DMLE curtsied. "Your Divine Grace."

Dwyn raised his voice. "PADFOOT MY SON! Come forth!"

Out of a hidden area behind a tapestry, a large dog which appeared to be a Grim came out. He changed to Sirius Black. The Hall gasped.

"My son, Sirius of House Black is falsely accused! He is under My protection! My Cousin and I await Justice being properly applied and the true criminal held in judgment for the crimes committed against one of Mine."

Amelia curtsied and replied, "I shall do my best, Great Lord."

The room was shocked. The Traveler chuckled. "Yes, the girl who would confront a Goddess was an alternate of your very own Hermione Granger. There was a reason she was sorted into Gryffindor, even is she is the smartest witch in her class."

Arcturus, from the Staff Table, could be heard to say, "I really like that girl."

Hermione Granger, from her place at the Gryffindor table, blushed heavily as many in the Great Hall looked at her in amazement.

"You wonder why squibs occur? There is your answer. As the Goddess said, the Muggleborn are descended from squibs – so I would be careful, Mr. Malfoy, of acting against the stated words of the Goddess of Magic." The Traveler kind of enjoyed the very green look on Draco Malfoy's face.

"The remainder of that memory should prepare you for the next announcement. I give you, Amelia Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

Amelia came forward as the Traveler sat down. "As you just heard, new evidence came to light as regards the innocence of Sirius Orion Black. The man thought killed, Peter Pettigrew, was found hiding as a pet in a Pureblood home, unknown to the people who owned the house. He was caught and questioned under Veritaserum. He was found to have been a Death Eater and he framed Sirius Black for the murders he committed. He was also the true Secret Keeper for the Potters when they were attacked. As a result he is now in custody awaiting trial and Sirius Black," she pointed to the man who stood up and walked to the Staff Table, "is now free. In the course of the investigation, it was found he was never given a trial. The Wizengamot will meet after the trial of Pettigrew to decide on recompense for former Auror Black for his unjust incarceration under the previous Minister's watch."

Harry Potter stood and clapped loudly and soon the remainder of the hall joined in.

"Mr. Black, after a couple of months recovery, will be taking the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, which will be held until then by an Auror on loan from the DMLE."

The applause got even louder at that.

Amelia introduced the Minister.

Cornelius Fudge spoke. "As Madam Bones stated, we are correcting the errors of the previous administration. As you heard from that memory, You-Know-Who was not really fully defeated, even if Mr. Potter somehow caused him to lose his body when he attacked the Potters ten years ago last night. He was found to be possessing your Defense professor, and he was the one who let the troll into Hogwarts last night.

"Many have accused the Headmaster of being barmy because he insisted the man wasn't totally gone – and I admit I myself was skeptical. However, today I – as well as Madam Bones, a few Aurors, Unspeakables from the Department of Mysteries, the Headmaster and the four Heads of House here at Hogwarts, as well as Mr. Potter, Director Weasley, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Black, and Harry Potter's two friends, Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger, witnessed the final destruction of the Dark wizard who called himself 'Voldemort'," the Minister – to his credit – barely stumbled over the name. "And so I announce to you and to the entire Magical community: VOLDEMORT IS PERMANENTLY DESTROYED!"

There was a massive surge of applause and the Great Hall celebrated the final defeat of the worst Dark wizard in modern history.

Finally, Dumbledore took the podium and the room gradually came to order. "Yes. A momentous day. But there is one more small order of business to take care of before we begin our three-day celebration – there will be no classes Monday but there will be a Celebratory feast on Monday at 5:00, after which classes will resume as normal – but as I said, one more order of business. Miles Beltchley! Stand up!"

The Seventh-Year prefect stood as requested. "Since we will be removing the award falsely placed in trophy case for Tom Riddle, we need another to take its place. In recognition for your quick thinking and intelligent management of your charges, the Staff of Hogwarts and the Board of Governors, as represented by Mr. Lucius Malfoy, have agreed that you shall be presented with a Special Award for Services to Hogwarts. Hogwarts thanks you for your service."

There were loud rounds of applause from the hall, even from the Gryffindors. Beltchley was blushing as he acknowledged the applause and then sat down.

"And now, Melinda Chambers! Please stand!" The 6th Year Prefect stood nervously. "While we are not awarding things to all of those students who helped defend against the troll, although their names will be put on a parchment next to Mr. Beltchley's award, you also received injury in your defense of your fellow students. In acknowledgement of this, the Board of Governors has declared that you shall be given your final year at Hogwarts tuition free and we shall be purchasing all books and supplies you might need to complete your education."

There was another round of applause. But this was interrupted from an unexpected source. "She won't need them."

Everyone looked over to see who had spoken. Edwin Chambers was looking mutinous. "I am in negotiations for a Marriage to a family friend. She shall not be returning for her Seventh year – she has no need of such an award. But we'll certainly take the Galleons." Edwin was smirking as he said this.

The Traveler stood up in outrage. "I did not save her life for her to become some broodmare for some middle-aged pervert! She's quite happy in her relationship with Mr. Beltchley and I would object to her being forced to marry for your benefit and not hers!"

Edwin Chambers stood and sneered back, "I am her Head of House. I will not allow her to marry some poor, second son of some minor house. At least with my choice, she will be living at a standard I find acceptable."

Harry Potter, the local one, was also incensed. This idea of being forced to marry someone just made him angry. It was obvious that his dimensional alternate also didn't like this. Taking into account something he had been told, he stood up. "Mr. Miles Beltchley?"

Miles was started from the view of his girlfriend being forced to marry some old man and said, "Mr. Potter?"

With a resolute stand Harry said, "Apparently, I've been told that I am rich. Since I will be in school for a few years, I need someone to manage my Estate since my Godfather will be teaching here at Hogwarts and won't have time. How would you like a well-paying job taking care of the House of Potter and making sure the investments are making money?"

Sirius called out, "Well done, Pup!" even as several voices were heard in protest or amazement. Sirius then started talking to his Head of House furiously. Arcturus seemed interested in what was being said as he, too, watched.

Floored, Miles replied, "Er. Yes. I accept." His parents were amazed at their son receiving such an offer.

Harry turned to the man who had started this pugnaciously. "There. I do believe that takes care of your daughter living in a style which befits her!" The Slytherins were amazed that the Gryffindor Golden Boy had stood up for one of their own – well, two of their own. While many agreed with her father, most thought it a much better situation for Beltchley to take up Potter on his offer.

Edwin Chambers was having none of it. "She'll marry who I tell her too or I'll disown her!"

Sirius, after getting agreement from Arcturus, stood up. "Ms. Melinda Chambers. Since you will be of age this year, I, Sirius Black, Heir of the House of Black, with permission from my Head of House, offer you sanctuary should you find your current situation … untenable."

The room was shocked. Melinda, who was very upset with her father, tremulously said, "I'd like that."

Edwin Chambers snarled out. "Fine! I, Edwin Chambers, Head of House Chambers, Cast Out Melinda Chambers from my house! Never darken my door again!"

At that, Arcturus stood. "Ms. Melinda, formerly Melinda Chambers?"

"Yes, Mr. Black," the crying girl asked.

"What family is your mother from?"

"Burke, Mr. Black."

Arcturus' eyes lit up. "Are you related to Herbert Burke?"

"My mother's Grandfather, sir," she replied.

"Good! His wife, Belvina, came from my House, House Black. Since this fool seems to have no use for you, I, Arcturus Sirius Black, Head of House Black, claim Melinda as a daughter of House Black. You shall now be known as Melinda Black! Do you accept?"

Her tears starting to abate, she nodded. "I accept with all my heart."

"Good! Kreacher!" The house elf popped in. "This is Melinda Black, whom is now claimed as a daughter of House Black. You shall retrieve everything she personally owns from her former House, House Chambers, such as clothes or things that her mother's family gifted her. Take these items to the main residence of our House but don't interfere with the cursebreakers. Make certain you leave anything which belongs to House Chambers as we don't need that trash."

"Yes, Master." Kreacher popped out.

Arcturus turned to Edwin and said, "Well, considering we have no use for you anymore, fool, I would suggest you run off and lick your wounds in your hovel and consider what you have lost this day."

Considering that Arcturus, Sirius, Harry Potter, and the Head of Slytherin were now standing facing him, as was Miles Beltchley and his parents, Edwin gave one more venomous look at his former daughter and stalked out.

Harry Potter, Lone Traveler, felt the call. He stood up. "Well, it seems that saving Ms. Melinda Black is the reason I was sent to this world. Mr. Beltchley?" Miles looked at the man. "You best treat her well or my alternate, his Godfather, as well as my alternate's friends will do many unpleasant things to you. Do you understand?"

Miles nodded vigorously as he took Melinda's hand, who was now nervously smiling. "Yes, Sir!"

"Good!" Harry turned and walked away. The whole Great Hall saw him disappear into a ball of light, phoenix song drifting behind. It was full of hope and joyful expectation for the future.