Chapter 346
"It's almost…" Richard murmured before shaking his head and trying to laugh, "well, it's stupid really, but it felt almost like Whiskers was telling me he wasn't
mine, ours I mean."
"I'm not sure I understand." Amelia said. Richard looked at her worriedly. "It was like Whiskers was trying to tell methat
the family magic isn't ours but Harry's; it all belongs to him. We can just
borrow it because of the blood relationship of those wizards who createdthemagic in the first place." He sighed heavily and flapped his hand at her. "Ignore me. Maybe it's just…it should have been Edgar taking the vow; maybethat's why Whiskers didn't feel like mine."
Amelia placed an arm around her younger brother comfortingly. "Edgar wouldhave been proud of you, Richard; I know I am." Dullard called for order loudly yanking Amelia back to the present, but it wasthe Chief Warlock who finally regained silence enough to acknowledge theadditional alliance members formally. The Potter alliance sat down but Sirius remained standing.
"There is one other piece of business; the House of Potter has agreed that theHouse of Nott owes it a life debt for Harry James Potter, Head of the Houseof Potter, protecting the life of Theodore Sebastian Nott, Heir of the Houseof
Nott, during the events following the Quidditch World Cup." He shifted hisweight, his gaze running around the chamber as a rustle of whispers swept
over the public tier. Amelia noted that Benjamin Nott was carefully ignoring the glares fromother
pureblood Houses.
"While the majority of the Houses involved in the attack on the Potter alliancetent were covered by various oaths between them negating any life debt frombeing incurred, no such oath exists between the House of Potter and the
House of Nott." Sirius stated firmly. "It has therefore been agreed that
Theodore Sebastian Nott, Heir of the House of Nott, will begin service totheHouse of Potter for one year following his graduation fromHogwarts, anduntil such time, he will be considered within service to the House of Potter andunder its protection."
The whispers became a raucous babble as people began commenting
excitedly to their neighbours; Nott had just effectively allied his son to theLight. Dumbledore called for order. His blue twinkling eyes sought out Nott whoroseto his feet. "You can confirm this, Benjamin?"
"I can," Benjamin said evenly, "the Heir of Nott is now in service to the Houseof Potter to satisfy our honour in acknowledgement for the life debt incurredbetween us." Clever, clever Benjamin, Amelia mused with reluctant admiration. There wasno way he could have allied with the House of Potter or Black without fully
renouncing his position with Voldemort but this was better, allowing himtocontinue to profess his service to Riddle while his son remained protected.
"The service is so acknowledged by this Wizengamot." Dumbledore saidcheerfully in direct contrast to the grumpy faces on the likes of Wilkes andSelwyn. Sirius nodded sharply and sat down. The legislative session moved forward briskly. The allocation of the newbudget was discussed again and amendments approved. Amelia breathedasigh of relief as her request for additional aurors was rubber stamped. She
had the headache of recruitment and training to go but the extra bodies wasagood thing. It seemed like no time at all before the Muggle Affairs report wasbeing presented by Arthur. The red-headed patriarch of the Weasley House stood up and Amelia senseda new confidence about him. Being attacked at the World Cup had rousedhisinner Gryffindor, she realised.
"You've all seen the report so I will not repeat it verbatim," Arthur began, "rather I will focus on the main findings." He cast a look around the chamber. "Finding One: the muggles' technology is well advanced fromour records. Three technologies in particular are a threat to us. The first is this…" he wavedhis wand and a projected image filled the floor of the chamber. A small box with a lens appeared.
"Camera technology is something we share with the muggles but theirs hastaken a different route to our own." Arthur said. "This camera records eventsconstantly allowing them to be replayed in actual time at a later date. Manyof
these cameras are affixed to muggle streets especially in areas such as
shopping precincts, for example. Imagine if you will that a wizard performsmagic on a muggle in a muggle street at night. A team of our Aurors appear
out of nowhere to deal with the situation, obliviate the muggle but do not seeor understand the threat of the hidden camera and leave it. Unfortunately, theentire thing is caught on camera and replayed, so breaking the Statute of
Secrecy." Whispers filled the chamber.
"Here is our second threat."
It was a box with a thin board attached that had blocks with the alphabet
written on them like an old muggle typewriter. Amelia frowned as she recalledthe device from Arthur's report.
"This is a computer. It is linked via muggle communication technology toall
other computers with a simple command." Arthur continued. "Simultaneouscommunication with something they call the World Wide Web. Pictures maybe uploaded and viewed all across the world. Imagine that a picture of thenight I have just described is uploaded onto this device and shared? Not onlywould our world be revealed here in Britain but all across the globe. The
muggles believe this technology will only increase in popularity and improve."
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The projection changed to one of a long pointed device.
"This is a missile. It carries with it an explosive bomb known as a nuclear
weapon." Arthur explained solemnly. "It can be fired from land in one country, or from a muggle flying machine, targeting another country with specific
coordinates. On exploding, it will destroy all life in the impact zone." He
straightened. "The muggles have already used this on themselves duringtheir
last World War. They killed over a hundred thousand of their own kind." There was a stunned and appalled silence.
"We have no defence against this weapon or against many of the other
weapons they have developed or the other technologies that I have sharedwith you." Arthur said. "That must change. We must protect the Statute of
Secrecy and find a way to defend ourselves against the muggle technology." He dismissed the projection. "To that end, the Muggle Affairs Committeeisproposing a new Department of Muggle Affairs. It will have three main
objectives: firstly, to establish better relations with the muggle government toensure their scientific and technological knowledge is shared; that they workwith us in protecting our secret. Secondly, a Muggle Research Department will
be set-up jointly with the Department of Mysteries to document muggle
technology and find ways to counter it. And thirdly, a Muggle LawEnforcement Task Force is to be set-up in conjunction with the DMLE tofocuson dealing with all aspects of muggle and wizard policing issues includingthemisuse of muggle artefacts. The budget projections for the next year areinyour reports including start-up costs. I seek permission today to progressinthe set-up of the Department." Cornelius sprang to his feet. "The proposal has the support of the Ministry." Bertie rose from his chair. "And the Department of Mysteries." Amelia got up. "And the DMLE." Dumbledore nodded sagely. "Thank you. Shall we open the floor to opinionsbefore we take a vote?" Sirius immediately held up his wand and was instantly recognised.
"No matter what the detail of our political agendas may be, one thing is
consistent across this entire chamber; our want and need to protect our
children." Sirius began. "Whether we think of muggles as inferior or simply
different, we cannot deny that they have advanced in technology and we havefailed to keep pace with them. They pose a threat to the secret of our world, and if they discover us in the worst possible way, they have the ability todestroy us totally. We need a closer relationship with the muggles if we'reever
to catch up and understand their science and how we can counter it withour
magic; we need a closer relationship with them to ensure the safety our world, our children. We need this new Department." He paused to send another gaze sweeping around the chamber. Amelia's lips twitched as she watched him wordlessly captivate every singleperson there. Sirius sat down.
"Any further contributions to the debate?" Dumbledore asked. Nobody signalled to say anything. The lack of debate was a thunderous
acknowledgement of Sirius's political and personal power that he had
silenced the harshest critic before they'd had the chance to speak; that everycorner of the political spectrum bowed to his argument. Dumbledore's thin white eyebrows rose in surprise. "Then we shall vote."
The Department was soon officially given the seal of approval. Cornelius rose. "Thank you all. I appoint Arthur Weasley as the Head of thenew Department of Muggle Affairs and…"
"Objection!" Simon Wenlock stood up. He was a known member of the pureblood alliancebut his father had fled to the Continent rather than be Marked by Voldemort. He was not tagged as a Death Eater. Amelia wondered if he could be the
elusive suspect that was tormenting Harry. Wenlock's dark eyes scoured the chamber and settled derisively on Arthur. "We are all agreed that this new Department is of vital importance to our
security. Are we prepared to risk that by giving its leadership to a wizardwhois known for his love of muggles?" The chamber erupted. Most of the Houses on the Light side were up on its feet yelling at Wenlock, others in the pureblood alliance followed Wenlock into an exchange of
insults…Amelia noted Malfoy was carefully taking note of who was allowingtheir allegiances to be revealed in such a foolhardy move…
Sirius remained seated and unspoken; he was observing the drama withinterest but not taking part in it. He really had grown up, Amelia thought. Thestories of his time as a Hit Wizard often spoke of someone hot-headed andreckless. Eventually, Dumbledore had to create a small bang to regain order.
"Please!" Dumbledore said forcefully. "We are all adults here! I should not haveto step in as though I was standing in the Great Hall at Hogwarts and facedwith unruly children." The sharp words were a mark of how annoyed Dumbledore was; it took alot
to irritate him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 348
Cornelius stood up. "With the permission of the Chief Warlock, I believe I havethe right of reply to Lord Wenlock's objection?" Dumbledore nodded. Cornelius threw Wenlock a disgusted look. "It is the Minister's prerogativetoassign the Heads of Department. Arthur Weasley is one of the most
honourable men it has been my pleasure to work with. He has led the
Committee which produced the recommendation for the Department andhasthe most knowledge of the issues and concerns. He has also begun to buildrelationships with our muggle counterparts and is well liked by them. He hasremained steadfast despite being the target of hatred and violence. No-oneshould question his integrity!"
"You may trust him but I do not!" Wenlock argued back. "His insistence onloving muggles will doom us! If you show such poor judgement in your
appointments, perhaps it is time the Wizengamot should choose the Headsof
Department!" Griselda Marchbanks stormed to her feet again. "Pish and tosh nonsense!
Lord Wenlock, you are a moron of the highest order!" Dullard sprang up. "Lady Marchbanks!"
"I could declare a duel for your insult!" Wenlock snarled across the expanseof
the chamber.
"And I could declare one for your insult to my honour!" Arthur's quiet assertionarrested the rising chatter. Wenlock stared at Arthur along with most of the rest of the Wizengamot. Arthur glared right back at him, his shoulders straight, his chin up and a glint
in his suddenly steely blue eyes that would have had his family running for
cover. He rarely lost his temper but when he did…
"Do not mistake the fact that the seat I hold in this body is Ministerial tomean
that I do not know the traditions associated with my Ancient and Noble House, Wenlock!" Arthur stated forcefully. "You're right in that I do like muggles! I
have a lot of respect for their intelligence and creativity. Rightly so givenwhat
we have uncovered! And you're right that I would hope one day we couldliveina world where we don't have to hide and we could live peacefully together." Heheld up a hand as Wenlock went to interrupt. Amelia looked on in pleasure as Arthur continued.
"But that day is not today! That day may not happen in my lifetime! Right now, our concern is to build a foundation of trust and cooperation so that we maybe safe and secure! So that our children may be safe and secure!" He lookedin disgust at Wenlock. "I have seven children! How dare you insinuate that I
would ever place their safety and security at risk! Frankly, I do have half amind to call you out for the insult anyway!" Sirius cleared his throat and spoke before Wenlock replied. "Perhaps an
apology, Lord Wenlock? We all understand how emotions can run high andI'mcertain in hindsight you didn't mean to insult Mister Weasley. After all, as thePotter Regent I would be honour bound to stand as Arthur's second in a duel
under our alliance of friendship, and I so did hope to keep these robes cleanof
blood." He smiled sharply across the chamber at a furious but rapidly palingWenlock. Oh, Amelia thought with amusement, that threat was very well done. The rest of the chamber looked expectantly at Wenlock.
Wenlock bowed his head quickly. "My apologies, Mister Weasley." Arthur nodded stiffly.
"And we are agreed that Cornelius may continue to assign who he wishes?" Sirius said smoothly. "After all, I'm fairly certain that all of us would like thisbody to remain firmly focused on our legislative and judicial duties rather thaneroding Ministerial authority in these matters."
"I know that's my view." Nott spoke up in agreement, sending Wenlock a
disgusted look, possibly for the brashness of his attempt to depose Weasleyrather than the attempt itself. Wenlock cleared his throat. "I remove my objection entirely." He sat downwiththe air of a man who was trying not to look like he was in full retreat andfailing.
"As I was saying," Cornelius said brightly, "I appoint Arthur Weasley as theHead of the new Department of Muggle Affairs and leave it in his capablehands to establish the Department and staff it appropriately."
It seemed like everyone in the chamber took a deep breath of relief.
"The legislative portion of the session is thus concluded." Dullard said. "Wemove onto judicial matters. The only item on the agenda is the formal
permission of the Wizengamot for the tribunals that are provisionally
scheduled for tomorrow. Director Bones?"
"Thank you." Amelia rose to speak. "As you are all aware, on the night of theQuidditch World Cup, Aurors and Hit Wizards apprehended four men dressedin dark robes and white masks; two were torturing muggles; two were
torturing a muggleborn family. While there is no evidence linking these attackswith the fire that was set at the stadium, nor the attack on Lord Potter or theWeasley family, to ensure a fair trial, many of those of you present will havetorecuse yourselves. With that in mind, we propose instead to establish a
tribunal; the Chief Warlock will sit as the principal judge, Mister Baron hasbeen nominated to the second seat, with Lord Greengrass nominated tothefinal place. I seek formal ratification of the Wizengamot for the tribunal sowecan proceed with the trials forthwith." Tiberius Ogden held up his wand. "I have no issues with the formation of thetribunal, its powers and even those nominated to sit but I do worry about thelack of transparency as the proposal insists that the tribunals be held inCourtroom Ten, the public barred, and without the members of the
Wizengamot present. I would like to propose an amendment for the
Wizengamot to elect a witness and propose Lord Black be that witness."
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Amelia saw the gleam in the old wizard's eye and somehow wasn't surprisedwhen the motion was seconded by Norman Wilkes.
"Nobody can argue that Lord Black does not believe in justice." Wilkes barkedbefore he sat down.
"Is Lord Black agreeable to standing witness?" asked Dumbledore, his eyes
twinkling again as he glanced over to Sirius. Sirius got up. "I will be happy to stand witness." The motion carried and passed; and the Wizengamot session ended withthetribunals granted the legal authority they needed. Amelia smiled in satisfaction. It was time to deal with the Death Eaters.
..... Sirius didn't miss the furious look on Wenlock's face as the wizard
immediately left the Wizengamot as soon as the doors opened. Sirius stayedin his seat. There would be a three ring circus in the atriumas Cornelius hadlined up a press conference to announce the new Muggle Affairs Department
with Arthur, and Sirius was quite content to miss it. He'd even convincedCornelius that his presence there would be distracting, coaxing the Minister
into acceptance by pointing out the publicity should belong to himand Arthur. Richard Bones leaned over from his chair, closing the distance between them. "Wenlock is going to be a problem."
"He is." Sirius agreed, casually erecting a privacy bubble. "What do you knowof him?"
"Wenlock's kept himself pretty isolated." Richard commented. "His father went
abroad in the early Seventies. Simon was educated in Durmstrang and didaMastery in Potions. When his father died in 'eighty-five, Simon returned withhis family to England. He has two sons and a daughter – all at Durmstrang. Politically, he has aid and support alliances with the Ancient and Noble
Houses of Adams, Flint, Nott, Selwyn, Wilkes and Gibbon – but that's all." Sirius turned that over in his head. All of the Houses named were knownpureblood alliance supporters. All of them had alliances with Malfoy althoughAdams and Flint weren't part of Malfoy's inner circle. If Wenlock decidedtobuild an opposition…
"He has nothing with the Minor Houses?" He checked.
"Nothing." Richard confirmed. "Up until now he's always acted like they'rebeneath him. He doesn't socialise with them; doesn't court them." He paused. "His agenda is very…" he sighed, "he hates anything that isn't a purebloodwizard with a title who thinks the same as him. It's not just the Minor Housesthat he hasn't courted, he's ignored the neutral Ancient and Noble Housestoo."
"So if he wants to build an opposition, he has a lot of work to do." Sirius
thought out loud with satisfaction. He could get Malfoy doing some
pre-emptive negotiations with the Minor Houses that followed the purebloodalliance and he'd talk with the neutral bloc; they wanted the Minor neutral
houses in the alliance anyway.
"Do you really think he'll attempt to build an opposition?" Richard asked
seriously.
"Grandfather used to say that nature abhors a vacuum; she fills it immediatelywith whatever rubbish she can find." Sirius said dryly. "The fact is that we'vedisturbed the natural order here in the Wizengamot. Wenlock was probably
content to sit on the side-lines while Lucius held a strong position with therest of the pureblood Houses but now…"
"I see what you mean." Richard sighed.
"Even if he does set up an opposition, we should be able to ensure it remainsa minority." Sirius commented. "Something for us to discuss at the next
alliance meeting." Richard fidgeted, hesitated, and finally committed himself to asking whatever
was on his mind. "Something else for us to discuss is whatever is goingonwith the family magic." He thanked Merlin he'd had plenty of practice at keeping a straight face duringall his years of pranking.
"Oh?"
"The griffin and the snake showing up in the Potter seat as though they'resubstituting for Harry? All of our family magic responding to the call of theHouse of Potter?" Richard said dryly. "Need I go on?" Sirius shook his head; his heart was pounding in fear that they knew, that
everyone knew about Harry's affinity with family magic.
"I realise there are secrets," Richard said hesitantly, "but the Ancient andNobleHouses of the alliance deserve an explanation for why our family magic issuddenly responding to someone else." He gestured and looked away towatch the crowds slipping out of the doors. "I thought it was me you knowthelast time. The magic took a long time to accept me when I did the ritual; I
thought it might be because I was never supposed to sit in this chair; never
thought it would be me. Merlin knows Edgar was twice as powerful as I amand Amelia could best him in a duel easily. It wasn't until I spoke with Leonardand Augusta that I realised they'd felt the same; like Harry had more of aright
to the magic than any of us; that it wants Harry more than any of us." He
turned and his honest brown gaze met Sirius's guarded grey eyes. "We'reallies, Sirius. Trust us."
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Sirius nodded slowly; his heartbeat slowing as Richard's sincerity sank intohim. Richard was right. They needed to trust their allies otherwise they
wouldn't be allies for very long. "We'll arrange something." Richard nodded. "It's probably safe to make a move now."
He was right; there were very few left in the chamber, the press conferencewas probably over, and Sirius would be able sneak out around the crowdsflowing through the atrium. They stood and Sirius dispelled the privacy bubble with a thoughtless showof
the small amount of wandless magic he could do.
"By the way, Susan wrote to us about the duel Harry won against Amelia!" Richard said cheerfully.
"Amelia underestimated Harry." Sirius said with a smile as he rememberedtheduel. "She won't make the same mistake again but he'll be ready for it."
"He could easily be a duelling champion," Richard commented as they madetheir way out of the chamber, "is he planning to enter any tournaments?"
"He's more focused on Quidditch," Sirius replied, "takes after James that way. He doesn't really like duelling for all that he's good at it."
"Amelia loved duelling." Richard commented. "It's just as well she was hisopponent and not me. I would have lasted a minute if he managed to defeat
her as easily as Susan made out."
"Maybe you underestimate yourself, Richard," Sirius said seriously, "whether
you ever thought you'd be the Head of House or not, the ring wouldn't haveaccepted you if it didn't find you worthy." He brought themto a gentle halt in
the middle of the corridor. "I never expected to sit in my seat either." Richard gave a grateful nod and they started walking again. Sirius's eyes widened at the sight of the redhead coming down the corridor
towards him and Richard patted his shoulder realising he was about to beshanghaied.
"I look forward to our next meeting."
"Thanks, Richard." Sirius said absently as they drew level with Bill. Richardnodded an acknowledgement to the Weasley Heir and continued walkingwhile Sirius stopped to talk with him.
"What are you doing here?" Sirius asked concerned. "I thought you were still
confined to bed rest?" And he really didn't see how Bill could have sneakedout
of the Burrow where he'd been recuperating under Molly's watchful eyes. Bill winced and waved off Sirius's imminent remonstration. "I had an
appointment at St Mungo's." Sirius backed down but he noticed the faint sheen of sweat on Bill's browandthe pale sickly complexion beneath his freckles; Bill was anything but fine.
"Besides," Bill said, "they say everything's on track. I should be back at worknext Monday. I just popped down to tell Caro." He grimaced. "You knowthey've put Lawrence on sick leave?"
"Yeah," Sirius nodded, "he's refused to take any more of the potion Snapecreated for him." Since the third member of the treasure teamhad
purposefully put on a cursed ring to activate the Resurrection Stone to seehisdead daughter, Sirius wasn't surprised; he fully believed that the dead heldmore attraction to Lawrence than the living. If it wasn't for Harry and Remus, Sirius has a horrible feeling he could relate more than what was considerednominally healthy.
"They think he won't see Yule." Bill continued sadly before taking a deepbreath and shaking his head. "Sorry, I think the recent brush with death myself
has gotten me maudlin."
"I think you've earned the right to be a little maudlin." Sirius said gratefully. "Come on; let's go find your Dad."
"How'd it go?" Bill asked eagerly. "I tried to make it over fromthe hospital intime to see him but they'd closed the doors by the time I arrived." Sirius happily informed him of the Wizengamot session as they made their
way to Arthur's office but waited until they were actually in the office andprivate before explaining about Wenlock and the potential duel of honour that
was narrowly avoided. Bill blinked in shock as he sank into the visitor chair with visible relief. "My Dadalmost called out Lord Wenlock?"
"I swear," Sirius said holding up a hand as he perched on the desk, "if the
moron had said one more thing, I think your Dad would have done it." The door opened and Arthur walked in, pausing as he realised he had guestsbefore breaking out into a wide if worried smile at the sight of his son.
"Bill, what are doing here?" Arthur asked, pulling his eldest in for a quick hug. "Does your mother know…"