The Change made by Preparation

Narcissia Potter sat in her office at the newly reopened Blackmore Manor in Cardiff. The manor was fairly small with only three stories and two wings. It boasted ten bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, Dining Hall, Ballroom and other rooms suitable for a magical household. The manor now served as her home, gifted to her by Harry via Lord Kent. She knew that Andromeda and her husband was gifted with the Noir Cavern Manor in Essex. Their daughter Nymphadora, was given the former Black Townhouse at 12 Grimmauld Place in London, so that she could get to training easily at the Auror’s Training School.

It had been three months since Hogwarts had resumed teaching and so all family business was being handled by Lord Kent. Before he had left for Hogwarts, Narcissia, Theodore Potter-Tonks, David and Harry, had spoken in great detail about Narcissia’s plan for destroying the Malfoy family. When most of the details were ironed out, the plan was revised by the Potter Family Solicitor, Jarvis Moore. It was decided that the backlash that may be faced by such a political move, was negligible compared to the amount of good it would do to their political campaign if and when the Dark Lord returned.

And with that decision made, both Narcissia and Ted began to write her tell-all-book on the Malfoy Family. Ted, a muggle-born wizard who wrote muggle fantasy books. After Hogwarts and his elopement to Andromeda, he was black-listed by the Black family, and found it impossible to work in the Magical community. This forced him to take his family to mundane London, where he studied extensively (and used many confounding spells for the mundane to ignore his lack of school records) in order to gain his qualification as a writer.

The tell all book was finished. The great number of secrets that Narcissia was privilege to was enough to write several book, but some of the most damning was kept back as blackmail material to keep Lucius in line for the next few weeks. All that was left to do was final editing and it would be complete. They had also decided that the book would be released when all the minors would be either out of the country, or behind their family wards, just in case of retaliation. The release date was the second week into the summer holidays, as this is when the Hogwarts crew would travel to Switzerland to do their examinations at the Magical Institute, and then some remote place with Gringotts, to spend the following four weeks as aides to their workers. This meant that any retaliation would be aimed at adults who could defend themselves.

Narcissia sat in her office, with an almost evil smirk on her face. Lucius Malfoy will rue the day he casted a curse at a daughter of the House of Black turned Potter. The first phase of their plan was to be executed tomorrow morning with the help of the Daily Prophet. In the last three months, the new Potter Family had spent the time reacquainting themselves with the Family Magics, and ensuring that all their Family holdings were safe and private, and keeping the change in family status from the Wizarding community. Come tomorrow, the Wizarding world would be privy to the change in the Potter Family Dynamics.

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At Hogwarts

The past three months had been both easy and difficult for Harry, Neville and Luna. The Hogwarts curriculum had increased in difficulty and volume and the same could be said for the Magical Institute. The first years were all sure that if the Prewitt-Weasley twins had not taken them under their wings, they would have been overwhelmed. Between each twin it was ensured that spells were mastered and dueling practices was done to relieve tension. The twin would attend the Switzerland Magical Institute full time in the summer and therefore had the time to help the trio with their tasks (they learnt what Hogwarts had to teach long ago).

The twins were also Pranksters. When they found out that Harry was the Maurderer’s heir, they started to prank him and Neville and Luna. It started mildly until The trio had had enough. They began to retaliate. This started a bi-monthly prank war between the groups. This also helped to expand the magical arsenal and keep their senses sharp.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Harry laid in bed the night before the big announcement. He couldn’t wait to see the look on Dumbledore’s face when the new Potter Family was introduced. He could only imagine the wrench that the news would put in whatever plans Dumbledore had for him. With an almost vindictive smile on his face, Harry went to sleep dreaming of the many amusing outcome of tomorrow’s reveal.

*The next morning*

The five friends were among the first of the students present in the Great Hall after their dueling session that morning. The only other person’s present in the Hall were the Professors who oversaw breakfast and a few Hufflepuffs. The group sat at the Gryffindor table on pins and needles in anticipation of the morning’s event. They were joined by Hermoine not long after. She had decided that attempting more than Hogwarts curriculum at this time was foolish and so she stuck to the library during the trio’s practice sessions.

The first set of owls flooded the Great Hall with screeching. The group, which was later joined by Cedric, had their eyes fastened on the Head Table, particularly, Headmaster Dumbledore. When the Headmaster’s copy of the profit arrived, he paid the bird and took a sip of his tea. It was a bad idea. His astonishment at the headlines caused some malfunctioning in his ancient body. Tea that was aimed at his stomach, decided to take another route through the headmaster’s nostrils, being expelled with great force, splattering all over the table. This caused the headmaster to become the center of attention of the entire Hall.

Madam Pomfrey reacted quickly, using her wand to ease the headmasters discomfort. Not that it was noticed. Dumbledore’s eyes remained glued on the headlines while his mouth was agape in his surprise. It took a sharp jab from Professor Snape for the headmaster to regain his composure. Without much thought, he turned to say something to his Deputy and then without so much as an explanation to the students, rose and left the great hall.

“Students! Please return to your meals,” were the words of explanation from Professor McGonagall. At that all students turned to their own copies of the Prophet to see the reason for the Headmaster’s loss of composure.

The New and Improved House of Potter?
Ian Hinds, Reporter

Yesterday, in a rare sit down interview with the steward of House Potter, Lord Kent,It was revealed
that over the Samhain (Halloween) Celebration, the Potter Family received some new additions
and had exercised its rights to the former House of Black.

Yes, you read correctly. The House of Black is no more. It has now become a
part of the house of Potter. Due to ancient magics invoked by the Heir Potter, the magic and
members of House Black have been taken by the House of Potter. This is the second time in seven
centuries that House Potter has undergone this ritual, the first time being with House
Peverelle.

Lord Kent would like to welcome to the House Potter, on behalf of its Heir Apparent, its new members.
Narcissia Potter (formerly Black-Malfoy), Andromeda Potter-Tonks (formerly Tonks), Theodore Potter-Tonks
(formerly Tonks) and Nymphadora Potter-Tonks (formerly Tonks). It is to be noted that the Malfoy Family
Has no ties to the Potter Family and that the Lastranges has been handed over to the House Longbottom.

This reporter will be keeping a close eye on this new development and will keep you posted.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Headmaster’s Office, Hogwarts

Furious was not a word that could describe how Albus Dumbledore was feeling. As he left the Great Hall, several curses were on the tip of his tongue, all aimed at the Potter Heir.

How could his plans fall apart so quickly? Just when he thought things would start going his way, the brat and his guardian threw a wrench in his plans. First by interfering with the way his school operated, and now with his future income from the Potter Vaults.

His return to his office was marked by a powerful magical discharge that destroyed the useless tracking devices that were supposed to ‘monitor’ the Longbottom and Potter Heirs. They were now useless because the boys now wore their Heir rings which would prevent him from removing blood from them without their permission willingly given. As sore as he was to admit it, Dumbledore was no match for Family Magics.

Though being a part of Wizarding society for over seven centuries, the Dumbledore Family never produced powerful wizards who could gather the magic saturating their lands and that of their ancestors, and mold it into a family-based magic. The first produced who could possibly attempt such a task was Aberforth Dumbledore and Ariana Dumbledore, Albus’ siblings. However, after their falling out, and the death of their younger sister, Aberforth lost all will to associate with what was left of his family, Albus.

In the aftermath of his sister’s death, Albus had tried to harness her magic in order to attempt creating Family Magic belonging to the Dumbledores. Though he had good intentions to secure the future of his family, he also wanted the boost in magic that it would give to him. Unfortunately, or fortunately (based on who you ask), his attempt was thwarted by Aberforth’s cremation of Ariana’s body.

The rift caused by this led to Aberforth disowning himself and Albus on a path to seek power and wealth by other means.

+++++++++++++++++++

“Come in Minerva,” said Dumbledore in his most mentoring voice. The door opened, admitting the Scottish woman into the room. “Did you relay my message to young Harry?”

“Yes Albus, I asked him to meet you here after breakfast. He however said that his education came first and he would be pleased to meet with you at the end of the school day. His argument was sound and so I allowed him to proceed to his lessons,” explained McGonagall.

The brief spike of anger that flashed in Dumbledore’s eyes was smothered so quickly that the Scotswoman didn’t see it.

“Ahhh yes. Old age causes one to easily forget the thirst to acquire new knowledge. Please could you escort him here before supper tonight Minerva. It is important that I speak to young Harry about his new family as I believe he is making a grave mistake.”

There was the expected change in Minerva’s face when she realized the Headmaster’s motive. Such a talk was definitely needed as Harry had no idea who the Blacks were and what they were capable of. She resolved to protect Harry from those who wish him harm. Even if said persons were his own family.

With a wave of his hand, Dumbledore dismissed his deputy so that he could continue to build an entirely new plan around the new circumstances he would face. His only indication that he was alone was the soft closing of his office doors.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Minerva McGonagall was a reasonably powerful witch of Scottish descent. Her mother was cut off from the Donald Clan when she became pregnant with Minerva by a young Muggle. She grew up with dreams of becoming a notable witch and that everyone would know her for her accomplishments and not the circumstances of her birth.

Upon entering Hogwarts (sponsored by her mother’s family) she was immediately taken with the then Transfiguration Master, the powerful Albus Dumbledore. Her talent in the subject led her to become one of Albus’ favored along with Alastor Moody (muggleborn).
They both of the went through Hogwarts under Dumbledore’s guidance in Gryffindor House.

Upon graduating, both joined the Auror Corps. Both worked together for almost a decade, climbing the ranks of the Corps. During this time, they also fought in the war against Grindelwald, many times against the man himself, gaining valuable combat experience.

While Alastor remained in the Corps, Minerva returned to Hogwarts as an apprentice to Dumbledore in Transfiguration. When he ascended to the post of headmaster after the war, Minerva was made the Transfiguration Mistress (after gaining a Mastery in the subject), Head of Gryffindor (despite not being senior staff), and after a decade, his Deputy in all things (despite more qualified individuals being present).

The first war against Tom Riddle was a reminder to keep her skills in dueling sharp. She had often had to duel the man in the stead of the absent Dumbledore, barely keeping him at bay until reinforcement arrived.

Minerva made a name for herself. Just as she had hoped. To many of the older population, she was a guardian and Dumbledore’s closest confident, and to each new generation of witches, she was the mark to attain.

That changed when Andromeda Tonks was hired as Potions Mistress of Hogwarts. Never before had Minerva been challenged. Madam Tonks, as her student called her, was the consummate Pureblooded witch, who was gentle but stern, exacting but lenient, and in more recent times, powerful yet impartial. And to make it all wore (or better, depending on who is asked), she was beautiful.

McGonagall had seen, in the past few months a shift in what is to be strived for. All the houses appreciated Madam Potter-Tonks and the woman demanded the same respect that Minerva worked many decades to achieve.

Minerva was not happy with that.

She would expose Andromeda for the imposter she is. Even if she had to tear the Black family apart to do so.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Andromeda observed Haddricus speaking to old McGonagall at the end of breakfast and deduced that Dumbledore requested the young Heir’s presence. She immediately went to her office and informed Lord Kent of Dumbledore’s plans via the floo.

Andromeda knew that she was not welcomed by the Headmaster and his deputy at Hogwarts. It was her connection to David that kept her in place at the school. In that order, she decided to ensure that the children under her tutelage had other role models to follow. And that decision led to a power struggle between herself and Madam McGonagall.

This did not startle Andromeda. She had survived the first wizarding war after all. Her sister Bellatrix was one of the most feared death eaters, but even Bellatrix stayed away from Andromeda’s family.

Their first encounter was in the peak of the first war. The Tonk’s residence was warded pretty scantily so Bellatrix decided to eliminate a stain on Black family pride. She chose to ignore the fact that though she was a powerhouse duelist in the Death eater ranks, her sister Andromeda was always superior. She deduced that her loss of Black Magics had led to a decrease in power and skill for her older sister.

She found out that she was wrong the hard way.

Though Andromeda was magically inferior, her skill was even more efficient than before. She also ensured that her husband was her equal in dueling after almost two years of training (Ted was more powerful). When Bellatrix and her four death-eater friends ripped the wards apart, they were surprised at what greeted them.

Of the four that attacked the Tonks residence, Bellatrix was the only survivor. She refused to speak about what happened, but warned the others against attacking her disowned sister.

At present, a more powerful Andromeda (thanks to her return to the Black turned Potter Family), had little to fear in the form of Minerva McGonagall and therefore ignored the passive aggressive attitude meted towards her. The stance made her even more popular amongst the Slytherins.

Now she had family to protect for the power-plays of childish old men, and Dumbledore and his lackey will rue the day the tried to influence the new Potter Family.

*********************

Before dinner Harry was being escorted to the Headmaster’s office by Professor McGonagall. Before he left the Gryffindor common room, he signaled to Neville to contact Andromeda and David so that Dumbledore would be caught in whatever plot he was up to.

As they stepped off the Grand Staircase unto the third floor, where the Headmaster’s office was located, the two were greeted by Andromeda who acted as though she was surprised to see them.

“Hello there Harry.” She turned to Professor McGonagall, “Minerva.” The lack of further acknowledgement and difference cause McGonagall to bristle. “What brings you to this area of the school. I hope you are not trying to skip meals.”

Before he could answer, McGonagall interrupted, “what are you doing here Andromeda, you are to be heading to the Great Hall to monitor dinner. As it is, Mr. Potter’s presence has been requested by the headmaster.” McGonagall was almost smug. The beginnings of a smile slid off her face when Andromeda replied.

“Well I was in my way to see the Headmaster about a slight change in my curriculum. My shift is being covered by Pomona at the moment. I hope you don’t mind me tagging along in that case.” Without waiting for a reply she set off towards the guardian of the Headmasters office.

*******************************

Albus was just going over the speech he would give to Harry when his floo activated. He turned to see the face of a man he wished was never born. Lord Kent was staring at him with almost knowing eyes.

“Albus,” the man almost glared at the lack of respect “May I come through? I have some changes to discuss with you regarding the budget you submitted to the board for the upcoming school year.”

Albus was in a bit of a bind. He could not refuse the school board entrance to the school, but he had Harry on his way here. If both were to be here at the same time, David would want to know why Harry was present. This would prevent Albus from speaking freely to his student.

“Of course David, come through,” he replied through clenched teeth. As David stepped out of the fireplace, Albus was alerted that someone (Harry and McGonagall) were on the stairs to his office. There was a sharp knock on the door.

“Come in Minerva.”

“Ah, hello David, I was not expecting you here,” said McGonagall.

“David, how are you doing,” Andromeda stepped through the door, around Minerva to give David a hug.

“Uncle David, what are you doing here,” Harry also stepped around Minerva exposing himself to the rest of the adults.

“Harry?” questioned David, “I was not expecting to see you here. I hope you are not in any trouble.” Though the question was asked to Harry, it was directed towards the Headmaster.

“Not that I know of Uncle David,” came Harry’s reply before the Headmaster could reply.

“Well, let us here why the Headmaster has you here first so that you can go and enjoy dinner with your friends.” David directed the women and Harry towards the Headmaster’s desk, conjuring enough chairs so that they could sit. Minerva refused and went to stand on the opposite side of the desk behind Dumbledore.

What followed was the most bullshitting Dumbledore had ever had to produce in one setting.

*********************

Upon leaving the Headmaster’s office, a grin broke out on Harry’s face as he remembered the flustered look on Dumbledore’s face when he was set upon by both David and Andromeda.

After being grilled on his reason for summoning Harry to his office, Dumbledore was forced by Andromeda to pay her tutor a further 10G each for their time helping to get the students up to the level they should be at and strong-armed by David to increase the amount of money dedicated to strengthen the castle wards. By the time they were through, Dumbledore looked exhausted and McGonagall looked as though she had swallowed a whole jug of lemon juice.

If this evening was any indication of the rest of the term, Harry would not be seeing the Headmaster outside of meals or wandering the Halls.

**************************

Switzerland Institute of Magic

After the Easter break, which Cayden spent back in England with his family and friends, he and Susan returned to school where most courses were in revision mode for the end of year examinations. At current ranking, the friends were in serious contention for third place among their group.

As it were both had different strengths and where one was less proficient, the other helped to ensure proficiency.

Though Susan and Cayden were popular at the institute, they had few friends. The preferred to keep to themselves, going as far as to be roommates (a privilege grated due to Cayden’s status as a bearer). This isolation helped to protect them from the more exuberant boys who sought to woo them. Most were discouraged by a few well-placed hexes, which served as a warning for the others.

One highlight to school life in Switzerland was the constant flow of letters between Harry, Neville, Luna, Susan and Cayden. The letters were massive, and were usually carried by one of their flying familiars. It ensured that the missives were well protected and untampered.

++++++++++++++++++

“Cayden,” Susan called as she entered the room, “The examinations list has been posted in the common area. I was able to copy it before it went up though.”

Cayden entered the small sitting area to look at the List that Susan had in her possession.

ORDER OF EXAMINATION (YEAR 5)
Charms - June 1
Defensive and Offensive Magic - June2
Magical History – June 3
Mundane History – June 3
Occlumency – June 4
Wandless Magic – June 4
Herbology – June 5
Potions and Alchemy - June 5
Transfiguration – June 8
Dueling Lv1-3 – June 9&10
Arithmancy – June 11
Ancient Runes – June 11
Magical Creatures – June 12
Elemental Magic Lv1-3 – June 15
Introduction to Dark Arts – 17

“Well that’s a full two weeks of exams,” said Cayden with a sigh following, “Why don’t they kill us now. I’m going to be so sore and exhausted after those two weeks they’ll have to ship me back home on a stretcher.”

“Don’t be so dramatic, it looks full but we will have even more time to plan what electives we will add next year. We can attend even more preliminary courses. It will be worth it,” commented Susan. For that she received a stink eye from her friend.

“I miss Harry and the others. Even though we write, it’s not enough,” whined Cayden, “At least we’ll all be together this summer.”

“That sounds great. A summer of fun and adventure. Should be great!”

“Well there’s nothing to do but start studying. If we put it off any longer we will be out of the top 5 and in the top 10. Not gonna happen on my watch.”

With that they began their own preparations for their exams. It was a long six weeks before June.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The week of June 1 came much too early for the student in year 5 at the Magical Institute. The exam pressure was now on. The number of students visiting the Hospital School on the campus increased dramatically. It was only their daily mediation that kept Cayden and Susan out of the Hospital.

As the weeks progressed and the exams passed the entire school began to relax. Both Susan and Cayden were confident that they did very well on the exams and had secured places in the top five of their year group. The only result they were sure of were their Outstanding in dueling as they had both defeated a level four dueling dummy, after level three prove too basic for them. This ranked them as the number one and two duelists in their year.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The weeks following exams were full of lectures on new courses offered to year six students. They were allowed to add at most four subjects to their current workload. At the end of the lectures Cayden and Susan decided to add three more courses, Introduction to Healing, Magical Theory and Magical Languages. They also decided that in two years they would be join the classes for Ligilimency when they were eligible.

The rest of the time was spent visiting wizarding and mundane sites all over Switzerland on day trips, and immersing themselves in Switzerland’s culture.

************************

As Neville reviewed for the exams that were to come during the first two weeks of summer, he reflected on the past year. The Headmaster was basically neutered for the year. All plans he had for his or Harry’s life was pulled to a dramatic stop.

He was happy that the past year was relatively peaceful. The exams at Hogwarts were pathetically easy, with a few exceptions. And the exams from the institute seemed manageable.

He sat and wondered what next year would be like.

**************************

Cho Chang was a conceited girl. She had every right to be. Her parents were wealthy and held a diplomatic station here in the British Isle, and she was considered to be an exotic beauty.

She wondered around on the seventh floor looking for something she thought she had lost there previously. On her fifth trip along the corridor, she noticed a door that she had never seen before. Without much thought, she entered the room. It was full of junk. As she wondered around, something caught her eye. A beautiful tiara that seemed to call to her. She thought it would be perfect to wear when she attended the Ministry Ball this summer. She quickly retrieved it from the bust it was resting on and wrapped it up in her robes.

Upon return to her dormitory, she stored the tiara in a secret compartment along with her other jewelry.

She smiled to herself. She will be the most beautiful girl at the ball. Cedric Diggory will finally notice her.

*****************************

The first week of July marked the return of the first year back to their various family manors. Harry, Neville and Luna were soon portkeyed to the Institute to complete their examinations. The highlight of the first week of summer was the release of Narcissia’s book.

The first move of the upcoming war was made, and its impact was devastating.