Chapter 431
"I'd like to go back to Hogwarts." Harry said eventually.
"Reasons?" Sirius prompted.
"Well, the first one is that I miss my friends. I want to spend time with them
and…" Harry felt his cheeks heat up, "and I was kind of about to ask
Hermione out?"
Sirius smirked and waggled his eyebrows. "Hermione, huh?"
Harry blushed but nodded.
"You and your Dad…" Sirius sighed dramatically, his eyes twinkling.
"Complete suckers for the smartest witch of their generation; that should be
the Potters' family motto."
They smiled at each other.
"For what it's worth, I approve," Sirius said solemnly enough that Harry knew
he wasn't teasing, "and I hope your relationship goes splendidly but," he held
Harry's gaze firmly, "if doesn't, I'm confident that you and Hermione are
mature enough to maintain a civil relationship within the House of Black."
Harry nodded quickly. "I was going to discuss that with her. I want to make
sure we stay friends whatever happens."
"Good." Sirius said warmly. "Well," he continued teasingly, "I can see one
attraction of going back to Hogwarts."
"It's not just Hermione." Harry quickly pointed out. "I mean, if I stayed here I'd
miss all my friends. Lessons at home are great but during the Summer I had
my friends with me, except for the occasional lesson you and Remus would
give me on my own. I don't…I learn more when I study with others."
"Even though you're ahead of your peers?" questioned Sirius.
"In DADA, Charms and Transfiguration." Harry agreed. "But it's hit and miss
on the theory side…and really in everything else I'm about the same."
"If you do go back to Hogwarts, we'll need to look at your educational needs."
Sirius said firmly.
Harry shifted. "So whether I stay or I go, I'll end up with individual tutoring?"
"You need individual tutoring, Harry, for the practical magic, that's clear." Sirius
grimaced. "The issue is accelerating your theoretical knowledge enough to
match your practical capability especially given the demands of the
tournament, and I will say it's unlikely that we can push too much on that. I
don't want you to have to sit OWLs at the end of the year when you'll have the
final task and avoiding whatever additional trap Voldemort has set for you to
worry about."
It made sense, and Harry felt his anxiety that he was going to be fast-tracked
ease.
"In certain subjects you're also right; you're at the top of your peer group but
consistent with them in knowledge and understanding." Sirius continued. "All
of which means is that whether you stay or go, you'll need an individualised
lesson plan even if you ultimately remain at the same level in some subjects
as your friends."
"I understand." Harry said; truthfully he'd been expecting it.
"The other good news is theoretically your new curriculum could maybe be
constructed to ensure that you have an equivalent practical skill level of a
NEWT student." Sirius said with his best innocent expression.
So, basically teach him what he needed for the tournament.
"Hermione has a plan for the tournament that sounds a lot like that." Harry
admitted.
"Hmmm," Sirius smirked, "have I told you before that Remus was the
Marauders' Hermione?" He motioned vaguely at him. "We'll have to sit down
and compare plans."
"I was thinking I should do some planning myself." Harry said.
"Let them plan." Sirius advised. "Both of them need to feel that they're helping.
You should definitely go over their plans though and select what you want and
what you don't want to do. You're the one in the tournament and ultimately the
decision should be yours. The rules are pretty clear on that."
"How much help am I allowed for the tournament?" Harry asked, curious.
"According to the original spell-work on the Goblet, your teachers are not
allowed to directly help you prepare for the tasks but they can tutor you in
specific spells or provide answers to deepen your theoretical understanding if
you request it." Sirius said briskly. "They can also provide general advice such
as 'play to your strengths' and other such pep talk classics. The definition of a
teacher though is someone who is employed by the school you represent
within the tournament."
"But I don't have a school within the tournament. 'The Light' thing doesn't
exist." Harry said.
Sirius grimaced. "Exactly but I think anyone teaching you should err on the
side of caution. I might talk with Albus about creating an official document
designating anyone teaching you to be considered as faculty of 'The Light.'"
He sighed. "It's also why Amelia and the Aurors are taking over the duelling
club on Wednesday nights. While Hogwarts don't pay Remus or I…I don't
want any confusion if you do go back and if you don't…well, I don't want to
lose the time I could spend with you instead."
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Chapter 432
Harry accepted that with a nod.
"You are allowed direct help by friends and family to assist you in training, to
consider what the likely tasks will be and to prepare for them. The Goblet
considers part of a Champion's skill set is to take advice and guidance from
others, having the ability to understand what is good advice and guidance,
and what isn't." Sirius waved his hand. "It gives us some leeway. However,
neither Remus nor I can know what the tasks will be whereas the Headmaster
can share that information with other teachers should he choose to do so. All
your main helpers and you yourself will effectively be blind to what is actually
needed."
"But that's true for all the Champions?" checked Harry.
Sirius nodded, unhappiness written all over his expressive face. "Afraid so."
"At least the playing field is equal in that respect." Harry murmured.
"Back to your reasons…" Sirius dragged them back to the actual topic, "love,
friendship…" he teased gently.
Harry did the mature thing and stuck his tongue out at him. It made Sirius
laugh which was a big plus in Harry's eyes.
"There's also…" Harry sighed heavily. "Don't I have a responsibility to be
there? From an alliance perspective? Neville's on point at the moment
but…I'm supposed to be the one leading them and…I should be there.
Draco's trying to reach out to the Slytherins but he needs to show he and I
are…" he pulled a face, "friendly, kind of, at least in appearance."
Sirius huffed. "It's a good point."
"And don't we run the risk of saying to Voldemort that he's scared us and
we're hiding if we stay here?" Harry continued, warming to his theme. "I mean,
public image wise, shouldn't we both be showing that just because they want
to torment us and torture us with the tournament, they can't get to us that way;
that they've failed?"
Sirius hummed and regarded Harry with a fond look. "Your Mum and Dad said
something similar about going into hiding with you when you were a baby."
"Why did they do it then?" wondered Harry out loud.
"You." Sirius admitted. "They were happy to risk themselves but they would
never risk you."
And neither would Sirius; that was the message, Harry thought.
"You were a baby then, Harry." Sirius murmured as though he had read
Harry's mind. "Defenceless except for the innate affinity you have with the
family magic. They couldn't risk a public defiance."
But maybe they could now? Harry searched Sirius's expression for a clue as
to which way Sirius was leaning on the decision.
Sirius shifted position and nudged Harry's foot with one of his across the
expanse of the couch. "Any other reason for wanting to go back to
Hogwarts?"
Harry shook his head.
"It's a good argument," Sirius commented, "you covered your personal,
political and strategic reasons for returning very well."
"But?" prompted Harry with a hint of cheekiness because he could hear the
'but' in his head.
"But, I also want to know the reasons why you've considered not returning to
Hogwarts and why you've elevated the reasons for going above them." Sirius
confirmed with a smile.
Harry grimaced. He sipped his chocolate and tugged on his sock, realigning
the toe section to sit more comfortably. "Well, we covered the individual
lesson thing and wanting to be with my friends in lessons," he began
hesitantly and raised his gaze to meet Sirius's, "but I guess the main reason
for not going back that I had was because I can just be Harry here." He lifted a
shoulder and tried to convey some of what he had been thinking earlier. "I feel
safe…and well, you're here."
Sirius's expression melted into something painfully wonderful; his love for
Harry so blatant that Harry almost felt he could reach out and touch it.
Sirius cleared his throat noisily. "Well…" he cleared his throat again, "well,
that's…I'm glad you feel safe here. With me."
"It's home." Harry said simply and looked down at his chocolate. "I never
really…Hogwarts was home before when…" he made a brief hand gesture
meant to convey his past and the Dursleys and how much of a home he
hadn't had living with his relatives, "but this is home now and when I'm at
Hogwarts I miss it." He missed Sirius.
"But?" gently prompted Sirius.
"It would be easy to hide here." Harry confessed. "And I know if I said I
wanted to stay, you'd make it happen so the media would think it was a good
move, and Voldemort would second guess whether he'd made the right
decision, and the alliance would think they'd suggested it but…"
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Chapter 433
He lifted his gaze and found Sirius waiting.
"It would be you who did that and it would be easy to let you," so easy to hide
behind Sirius, "but I'm not a child anymore. Maybe," he conceded before
Sirius could speak, "I'm not an adult yet either, but I do have responsibilities to
the House of Potter, to you and the House of Black, and I didn't understand at
the start of the Summer but I do now and I need to feel like I'm doing my best
to fulfil them; that I'm making…making my parents proud." Making Sirius
proud.
Sirius moved, reaching over to snag Harry's chocolate and setting it and his
own aside. He tugged Harry into a loose sideways hug on the sofa.
"I know without a shadow of a doubt that your parents are incredibly proud of
you." Sirius said eventually.
"Yeah?" Harry fingered the edge of his jumper.
"Yeah, because I am so proud of you I could literally burst with it." Sirius
admitted gruffly. "And if I'm proud of you, I know they are too."
Harry's grip on Sirius tightened.
"And since I very clearly remember the pout on your face the first time I
mentioned the word politics to you," Sirius continued in a lighter tone, "I am
delighted that you take it so seriously now." He paused. "No Sirius pun
intended."
Harry chuckled and shifted, getting comfortable as he leaned up against
Sirius's side and leeched his warmth. They didn't often cuddle; hugs, yes, lots
of them; cuddling, not so much. They occasionally ended up resting against
each other during movie night – and on one occasion, Harry had fallen asleep
on Sirius – but not what they were doing right then; just holding onto each
other for comfort.
"This sense of responsibility you feel not to hide here," Sirius asked quietly, "is
some of it related to the prophecy?"
"Some of it," Harry allowed, "and I know you hate it but there's no getting
away from the fact that Voldemort is determined to make it about him and
me…and I don't want him to think he's winning."
"You're right that I hate it." Sirius grumbled but he sighed. "I guess I can't
argue against a sense of responsibility to go back to Hogwarts trumping the
sense of safety you feel here."
"I wish…" Harry hesitated but ploughed on. "I wish I could have both? I do
know going back isn't going to be easy. There's going to be the press and
being stared at again and needing to be what everyone expects Harry Potter,
Lord Potter, Heir of the House of Black, to be, and it would be nice to have an
escape from that; somewhere I can be just Harry. And I know it's not going to
be a hundred per cent safe because…it never has been. And I…I miss you at
Hogwarts. The mirrors are great but it's not the same."
"Best of both worlds?" Sirius questioned and ruffled Harry's hair eliciting an
irritated huff from him. "I can get behind that."
"So…" Harry pulled himself away from Sirius to look at him. "Does this mean I
can go back to Hogwarts?"
"It means that I'll try and arrange things so you can go back." Sirius stated
firmly.
Which totally meant Harry was going back to Hogwarts.
"I want to discuss your security with Albus, your schooling with Minnie, and I'd
like the alliance and the Ministry to feel they had some input." Sirius
continued. "Personally, I'm anticipating being encouraged to allow you to
return and provide a visible banner under which the alliance and the Ministry
can gather against the threat of Barty Crouch Junior and Peter Pettigrew,
since actually telling the general public they're just a front for Voldemort would
create a mass panic."
Keeping their allies happy; it was a good move.
"How do you want to play this publically?" Sirius asked.
Harry considered the question for a long moment, slumping down to rest one
shoulder against the back cushion, his torso twisted toward Sirius. Sirius
rearranged his own position, propping up his head with a hand, elbow on the
back cushion, his own body twisted toward Harry so they could talk and see
each other but still sat closely together. He knew he should probably suggest
they do a 'so we're in the tournament and making the best of it' approach but it
felt too passive, too much like letting Voldemort have another win since no
doubt Voldemort was probably thinking putting Harry out of action for a week
was a win on its own.
"I want Voldemort to regret ever thinking about putting me in the tournament."
Harry blurted out. "I want him to know it was my choice, that I could have
destroyed the Goblet like I destroyed him when I was a baby. I want to do
more than survive it; I want to say that I'm going to play to win it – to give it my
best effort. I want them to think that I may be tested for nine months but I
won't be tortured by being in the tournament…and neither will you by proxy."
Sirius regarded him with a raised eyebrow. "Your Dad would call this a 'Fuck
You' strategy."
"It's something he'd do?" Harry asked curious.
Sirius grinned and shook his head. "No, he'd call things that whenever he was
trying to talk me out of something he considered marginally crazy. 'Sirius, just
because Regulus tried to kill you and you handed him his ass on a platter,
doesn't mean that you should give into your need to say a follow-up 'fuck you'
by sneaking into the infirmary and threatening him in the dead of night.'" He
gestured vaguely. "Possibly not the best example, but a 'Fuck You' strategy."
He frowned suddenly. "And if Remus asks I never used the 'f' word in
describing this strategy or the anecdote that I've just told you."
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Chapter 434
Harry mimed his lips being sealed and grinned. "So, you think it's marginally
crazy?"
"It's a very Gryffindorish strategy; ballsy and bold." Sirius mused. "It would
definitely piss off the old snake and his cronies if we decided to make
lemonade instead of focusing on the lemons and that might lead them into
making mistakes." He pursed his lips. "I'm concerned we'd give away how
powerful you are with this strategy."
"He's going to know that anyway," Harry argued, "between the Slytherins
reporting I've had to change to an individualised lesson plan and my
competing in the tournament. And truthfully my raw power isn't going to be
what defeats him because it's a power he already knows; he's just as
powerful."
"True." Sirius acknowledged. "We'd need to do a press interview to get the
message to him."
Harry winced but nodded. The Prophet had been running daily articles during
his recovery, emphasising his selection as a Champion and barely mentioning
the other three Champions which made Harry feel a bit guilty. Skeeter's
articles had also hinted at how stressful it must all be for him and what the
latest events would mean for his sanity.
"I think it's doable for you to win." Sirius admitted. "The tasks are set even if
Voldemort played with the originals, and even then, he can't have made them
so hard that he's actually expecting to kill you with them because he needs
you alive at the end for the ritual – so it's not like he can come after you during
the tournament."
"But he might come after others in retaliation." Harry deduced from Sirius's
contemplative expression.
"He might try." Sirius conceded. "But Remus and I can take reasonable
precautions and your friends are secure as they can be at school." He
shrugged. "We'll discuss the strategy with the alliance members and make
sure they take precautions."
"So?" said Harry hopefully.
Sirius nodded. "You'll return to Hogwarts…"
"Yes!" Harry leaped across the space between them and hugged Sirius hard.
"Oomph!" Sirius laughed and wrestled Harry into a more comfortable position.
"Wait! This is on the condition that my discussions with Albus, Minnie and the
rest go as anticipated! Alright?"
"Alright!" Harry happily agreed.
He was going back to Hogwarts. The binding from the Goblet hummed in
what Harry thought was contentment. Maybe the universe wasn't conspiring
against him after all.
o-O-o
It was almost amusing the way the entire Ministry atrium froze when Sirius
stepped out of the floo during the lunch time rush.
He ignored the stares and wide-eyed looks, adjusted the cuffs on his black
robes and continued on his way to the security check-in. He knew he looked
imposing; he had tied his hair back into a warrior knot at the base of his neck;
the open robes might look sharp and close-fitting but were in actuality loose
and flowing to allow ease of movement. Beneath them, the leather trousers
and tight black t-shirt showed off his physique. The dagger holster on his left
thigh and the wand holster on his right signalled his battle readiness.
The Auror nodded at him respectfully. "Lord Black."
"Dukcan, isn't it?" Sirius asked politely, recognising the lanky dark-skinned
Auror from previous visits.
"That's right, sir." Auror Dukcan passed him a parchment.
"I have my own knife." Sirius withdrew the dagger from his holster and pricked
his thumb, allowing one drop of blood to fall on the paper. Immediately, his
name appeared confirming his identity.
Dukan immediately burned the parchment in front of Sirius and banished the
ashes. "Thank you, sir. And may I say it's good to see you. How is Lord
Potter?"
Sirius allowed a small smile. He wasn't unaware of the gathering crowd that
was waiting with bated breath to hear what he would reply. "Mostly annoyed
with the rain interfering with his flying now he's feeling better."
Dukcan grinned. "My boy's the same, sir. Can't keep him off his broomstick."
"How old?" asked Sirius, genuinely interested.
"Twelve, sir." Dukcan's face took on a proud parental note that Sirius thought
must be written all over his own. "Just made his class team at King's. He…"
he hesitated before ploughing on. "He hero worships your boy. He's backing
Lord Potter to win the tournament."
"I'll tell Harry." Sirius said simply with a nod of gratitude for the support.
"And what about you, Lord Black, are you backing Harry to win the
tournament?"
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Chapter 435
He recognised the strident tones of Skeeter and rolled his eyes expressively
at Dukcan who ducked his head to hide the laugh that bubbled up; Sirius
turned around to face her.
"Rita, lovely to see you," he made a broad gesture to encompass the rest of
the press that had stampeded to the front of the crowd, "and everyone else."
"Do you have a statement, Lord Black?" asked an eager cub reporter who
barely looked out of school.
Rita shot the boy a dirty look. "He has yet to answer my question."
"Perhaps I can reply to both, Rita." Sirius suggested. "My brief statement is
this: As you all know Harry was entered by someone wishing to do him harm,
and selected as a Champion by the Goblet. While he did initially resist the
binding, he chose to honour it after it was revealed if he destroyed the Goblet,
which he has the power to do, it would have serious implications for the other
Champions who had already been bound. The initial resistance led to severe
magical exhaustion. Since Harry woke on Wednesday morning, he has
chosen to embrace his situation. While I don't know the other Champions well,
I do know that to be selected means that these young people are powerful,
intelligent and honourable. I have a great deal of respect for all three on that
basis alone. However," Sirius let himself smile sharply; all teeth and
dangerous attitude, "I will always back Harry to win any battle he sets his mind
to win."
And that was most definitely 'fuck you, Voldemort!' written out large for the
bastard to see, Sirius thought with satisfaction.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend." Sirius said firmly and
strode away before anyone could ask anything else, disappearing into the lift
and letting it take him down into the bowels of the Ministry to the DOM.
With Black Manor in lockdown, they'd decided to convene the War Council in
one of the DOM's research rooms. Sirius found the room easily and was
pleased at the layout; a set of comfortable chairs around a small coffee table
with a light lunch already set out; a side-table had a pensieve in case one was
needed.
Bertie rose from his comfy armchair to greet Sirius. "How are you, Sirius?"
The genuine concern had a lump rising in Sirius's throat but he gave a sharp
nod. "Better now that Harry's up and about."
Bertie's wizened face broke into a wide smile and he patted Sirius's arm
enthusiastically. "Excellent news."
Amelia arrived shortly with a grin. "I heard you were in the building, Sirius. In
fact I don't think there's a person within the Ministry who now doesn't know
you're in the building. Cornelius wouldn't have minded you using his floo."
Sirius shrugged. "Making a public appearance seemed the easiest way of
informing everyone that we're back in business."
Amelia's eyes sharpened speculatively. "And are you?"
"Oh yes." Sirius smiled as he remembered his statement to Rita.
"I remember that smile from Arcturus," Bertie commented, handing Sirius a
cup of coffee, "it never boded well for whoever had attracted his ire."
Sirius was rapidly coming to the conclusion that he was more like his
Grandfather than he had ever thought he was or wanted to be. It wasn't
exactly a comforting thought.
"Sirius! Thank Merlin!" Cornelius hurried over to him and clasped his hand
strongly. "It's so good to see you!"
He might have been touched, Sirius mused wryly, except for the fact that he
knew Cornelius's main concern was political. But there was genuine concern
underneath that, buried deep, and Sirius appreciated the thought as Cornelius
bustled into the best armchair and accepted a cup of tea.
Albus arrived in a flurry of his pale pink robes that reminded Sirius of a girl's
doll that Lily had once shown him. The Headmaster apologised for his
lateness complaining that he had been stuck discussing the tournament with
his fellow Heads.
"How is Harry?" asked Albus. "Minerva said he was bored but still exhausted
when she saw him."
"He's better." Sirius said succinctly.
"Good." Albus sighed with relief.
"Shall we begin then?" Sirius said. "I think it would be wise to add the
tournament as a separate item on our agenda if everyone agrees?"
They all nodded.
"Cornelius, I know we'd normally discuss the politics first but…"
"No, no," Cornelius waved benevolently at him, "we should discuss the
tournament first. I assume it will have an impact to the rest of the agenda?"
"Exactly." Sirius confirmed, relieved at Cornelius's easy acquiescence. "So,
the tournament. Albus, why don't you update us first on what the situation is
with the structure – as much as you can with the constraints of your position?"
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Chapter 436
Albus nodded sagely. "The tournament has not been fundamentally altered
from its original parameters except in the inclusion of a fourth Champion.
There is a reduction in judges and we have discussed today whether the
fourth position rather than been taken by Ludo as the Ministry representative,
should be given to someone who represents Harry as I and the other
Headmasters represent the school Champions. There was a difference of
opinion with Igor suggesting the possibility of double favouritism for both Harry
and Mister Diggory if another person was added. Olympe was much more
willing to accept the view that my representing both Champions is unusual."
He sighed. "There is the problem that the individual would have to be bound
to the Goblet as Harry's representative and in the same way that we are not
allowed to discuss the specifics of the tasks, they would not be able to do so
either."
"I don't necessarily see it as an issue having Ludo be the fourth judge and you
representing both Harry and Cedric." Sirius said. "In discussions on the tasks,
I'm sure your input would be the same either way, and in judging I know you'll
be fair."
"Ludo is also meant to be there as a neutral judge anyway to balance any
notion of favouritism among all three judges." Amelia pointed out. "But I would
recommend, Albus, that you speak with Cedric himself just to check that he
has no issue with your representing both him and Harry from his perspective. I
know Amos isn't happy."
"I shall take your advice, Amelia." Albus replied. "I'll discuss the matter with
young Cedric Diggory. If he has an issue than I shall revisit the matter and
insist the fourth judge is someone to wholly represent Harry."
"What about the rest of the tournament?" asked Bertie, steering them back on
track.
"Each task remains as we had previously scheduled it." Albus said. "Elements
of the tasks we planned remain but they have been altered to become more
dangerous. I can't say anything more than that I fear. However, I have
checked the history records and confirmed that the revised tasks are no more
dangerous than those held in previous tournaments. They are also achievable
if the Champions perform with the intelligence and determination that
prompted their selection."
"Fantastic." Sirius drawled dryly. What about Harry who had been selected
because he was the only candidate?
Albus's lips twitched and his moustache quivered as though he'd read Sirius's
mind and held back a laugh. "I also believe that Harry was selected as a
Champion and not chosen as a default. The original spell-work suggests if the
Goblet found nobody worthy of standing as a Champion, it would be declared
so and that school would be out of the competition."
"I'm not sure that makes me feel better, Albus." Sirius said. But it did ease his
mind a little. "What about Harry's standing as the Champion of the Light? How
will the Goblet interpret that?"
Bertie leaned forward eagerly. "I may be able to shed some light here." He
waved a hand. "Pardon the pun. The Goblet doesn't recognise schools or
Headmasters per se. The number of Champions to be chosen and for whom
they were competing is always defined by the Initiation document. When
someone enters their name as an official representative of a competing group,
they become bound by the Goblet's tournament rules. However there is no
check that the number of representatives matches the number of groups; only
that the number of Champions to be selected matches those chosen."
"So basically the Goblet doesn't really care that Harry is competing under the
banner 'The Light,'" Sirius checked, "it just knows 'The Light' doesn't have an
authority representative but it does have Harry as its Champion."
"A good summary." Bertie said.
"Thankfully Sirius can summarise unlike some." Amelia bantered.
Bertie smiled at her serenely. "Essentially, there is nothing in the spell-work
that enforces the Headmasters to enter their names. They could choose not
to, thusly not be bound by the tournament rules and potentially provide
specific help to their Champions about the tasks. But whether the magic of the
Goblet would find this acceptable…the Spirit is much more sentient than we
had ever thought."
"But possibly we should ensure Harry's schooling situation is sorted sooner
rather than later." Albus said.
"A good point," Sirius conceded, "if you could arrange a meeting with Minnie
this evening, we can discuss it then."
"For those of us with a vested interest," Cornelius spoke up, "may I ask; what
is the likely outcome? If Harry were to leave Hogwarts…"
There would be a panic and others would leave the school. Internationally it
would be a political blow beyond the damage to Hogwarts' own reputation.
Sirius could see why Cornelius was concerned.
"Harry has expressed a desire to return." Sirius stated simply and saw the
relief flood Cornelius's expression momentarily while Albus smiled widely. "But
there's a great deal to be discussed before I agree."
Albus quickly nodded. "I'll arrange a meeting for seven, if that's convenient for
you? We could come to the Manor…"
"The Manor remains in lockdown for the time being." Sirius said firmly. "Your
office at Hogwarts will suffice and I'm sure Harry will have letters for me to
deliver to his friends."
Albus nodded again. "In that case would you be willing to allow Severus and
Alastor to attend in addition to Minerva?"
"That's fine." Sirius said. He honestly didn't mind Moody's presence and
although he would have preferred it if Snape wasn't invited along, he was
beginning to appreciate Snape was sincere in his wish to kill Voldemort, so
maybe they could work together.
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Chapter 437
"Alastor's putting in other security measures for the tournament," Amelia said
dryly, "including a redo of the identity checks that were done by Crouch."
"It did take a bit of persuading," Cornelius admitted, "but all the foreign
embassies involved agreed it was a necessity and allowed us to redo the
checks."
"Everyone passed?" asked Sirius bluntly.
Amelia nodded. "Alastor's determined to keep an eye on Karkaroff
regardless."
Sirius wasn't going to argue it wasn't necessary; Karkaroff was a former Death
Eater who would sell his soul to the highest bidder.
"We're also implementing Alastor's magical ticket security system for the
tournament's public audiences." Amelia said. "No-one without a ticket issued
by Alastor personally will be allowed on the grounds, and anyone trying to use
someone else's ticket will cause a particularly nasty hex to appear identifying
them easily as an imposter."
Cornelius sighed. "It's a pity such a thing is necessary."
"But reassuring given the circumstances." Sirius countered.
"With any luck we'll be able to counter an attempt by Voldemort to get access
to Harry for the final part of the ritual." Amelia agreed.
Sirius wasn't counting on it. Voldemort was an excellent tactician; he wouldn't
have almost had the wizarding world in his grasp at the end of the last war if
he wasn't. The self-styled Dark Lord had to have some kind of plan to get
Harry for the ritual. And regardless of how disparaging Sirius wanted to be
about those Voldemort had gathered around him…the truth was that they
were committed to Voldemort's service. Junior wasn't to be underestimated;
none of them could be underestimated.
"The scuttlebutt says that you announced Harry means to win the tournament
when you arrived." Amelia commented dryly, reaching for one of the tiny
sandwiches that were arranged in front of them.
Sirius snagged a cheese sandwich to keep her company and nodded. "Harry
believes that embracing the tournament is the way to go as a strategy and I'm
inclined to agree with him."
Bertie's face lit up. "Oh, excellent idea! It will weaken the notion of his being in
fear of his life for the nine months…"
"And limit the potency of that particular ingredient in the ritual," Albus agreed,
"should it get that far."
"And also, with any luck, annoy Voldemort and company into making a few
mistakes." Sirius added.
"Yes," Albus nodded, "Tom will not be pleased if Harry steps back into the
public eye uncowed and unbroken by his machinations."
"That's what Harry thought." Sirius said simply.
"Is it a good idea to provoke Voldemort though?" Amelia asked, gesturing with
her half-eaten sandwich.
Bertie cleared his throat. "I think Harry is probably best placed to determine
how to deal with Voldemort. Setting aside the incident when he was a baby,
Harry has thwarted his plans twice since. He has a natural gift for countering
Voldemort, it seems." His eyes flickered towards Sirius who refused to
acknowledge the allusion to the prophecy. "I believe it would be sensible to
allow Harry to take the lead in how he wants to respond."
"You really think it will annoy Voldemort into making mistakes?" Amelia turned
to Sirius.
Sirius shrugged. "Voldemort wants to think he's winning; that he successfully
entered Harry into the competition to risk his life and make him ready for the
ritual. Harry's determined to make it known he chose to accept the binding
and will do his best to win the competition…he's not there under sufferance
just trying to survive. It says to Voldemort that at best he's gotten a draw. That
should infuriate him."
Amelia nodded slowly.
"Unfortunately, some of our political allies may not be so accepting of such a
strong response." Cornelius commented worriedly. "Some will feel a low key
reply is best."
Sirius gave Cornelius an understanding nod. "I think that's a good segue into
the next item on the agenda. I'm meeting with the Potter alliance directly after
this meeting to get their views and input."
"Excellent!" Cornelius said approvingly.
"Regardless, Neville Longbottom was right when he declared that the House
of Potter is at war. I don't believe any of those currently in the alliance will
want out but I expect some grumbling about tactics especially about Harry's
decision to play to win."
"I know he's not in the alliance but Amos is going to be furious." Amelia said,
picking up her cup. "He's already complaining to anyone who will listen that
Harry is taking the limelight away from the real Champions."
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Chapter 438
Sirius gave a small huff acknowledging that Amos Diggory was likely to be a
problem.
Cornelius cleared his throat. "I admire Harry's bravery in moving forward in
such a direct way but it is likely to have an off-putting effect on those we're still
courting to become part of the alliance."
"Yes," Sirius agreed, "it'll deter the Houses on the pureblood side from asking
for détentes, and I suspect some of the minor neutral Houses will not want to
openly side with the House of Potter in case it draws attention to them."
"It may benefit Wenlock's drive to build an opposition." Cornelius commented.
"Maybe," Sirius allowed, "he has made some headway with the minor
pureblood Houses according to Lucius, although most of them are giving
Wenlock a hard time since he's all but ignored them previously."
"What's the political agenda for the delayed November session?" asked
Amelia.
"Primarily, the Committee reviewing the laws governing Magical Races and
Creatures is going to recommend the suspension of the laws that were
pushed through last year restricting the ability of werewolves to work." Sirius
said succinctly.
"We're expecting a full report in December and new laws providing a more
equitable governance of magical races and creatures in January and
February." Cornelius added.
Albus smiled with delight. "An excellent first move in the political battle. Tom
will find himself without many magical allies if we can prove that the other
magical races will get fairer treatment from the current government."
"We're already seeing an impact," Cornelius agreed enthusiastically, "the
Goblins have sent word that they were pleased by the October session and
look forward to seeing what we do going forward. We've also had similar
messages from representatives from the Centaurs and the Vampires."
"The werewolf packs bar Greyback's have also declared neutrality." Amelia
added.
"Although we do need to keep a close eye politically on how our opposition
takes the House of Black and Potter providing sanctuary to members of
Greyback's pack." Cornelius sent Sirius a concerned look.
"At the moment it's only a handful and most of them are happy to be gainfully
employed running the Potter chateau in France." Sirius said firmly. "Remus
will keep close control of it."
Cornelius grimaced but gave a nod. "It may be a good idea to do some
publicity, perhaps with the international press?"
"Let's leave it for now." Sirius said, believing it was safer for Remus and the
werewolves at the chateau for the news of the sanctuary to be kept quiet for
the short term. "Speaking of the international forum, what's happening with
Crouch's Department?"
"We've appointed Henry Hatter as a Special Auditor – that will need to be
ratified by the Wizengamot." Cornelius said pompously. "Henry served in the
Department up until his retirement five years ago…"
"He didn't like Crouch." Amelia commented in an aside.
"He has a good international reputation," Cornelius said defensively, "and I
have every confidence that he'll find anything that may have gone awry during
the time Crouch was being impersonated by his son." He sighed dramatically.
"Beyond that, of course, we've taken quite a blow internationally with the news
of Crouch's death and being hoodwinked by Junior for so many months.
However, we have had expressions of support and most of the ambassadors
have been eager to assist us in ensuring agreements made since June are
reviewed and authenticated."
"We've already confirmed that nobody in the Department was being controlled
by Junior." Amelia added. "Four of the five employees had few dealings with
him. Percy Weasley was the only one to maintain regular contact during the
supposed sick leave and Junior elevated his position to his assistant on his
return, keeping him close."
"I understand from Arthur that Percy's been devastated by the news." Sirius
said with some sympathy for the plight of the young man. Percy had pinned
his flag to the wrong banner but he'd only acted out of a desire to improve his
career prospects, and to realise his ambition had provided Junior with
information that had almost led to the death of his loved ones…Percy had a
lot of guilt and self-recrimination to deal with in the wake of Junior's
unmasking.
"I believe Henry will recommend that Weasley is removed from the
Department." Cornelius admitted.
"It will be a struggle for him to remain with the Ministry in another
Department," Amelia pointed out, "he hasn't endeared himself to anyone."
Sirius made a mental note to speak with Arthur again.
"Politically, I think that brings us up to date." Cornelius said brightly.
It did. Sirius indicated for Amelia to begin.
"Well, Tag the Death Eater has been useful if only in eliminating the possibility
that any of the previously known Death Eaters has any idea where Voldemort
and his band of minions have run off to hide." Amelia's voice was seeped with
frustration.
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Chapter 439
"Lucius confirms that his alliance is at a loss." Sirius said. "Lots of theories but
no real leads, since most of them weren't aware of Junior's association with
Rabastan until they were all arrested for the attack on the Longbottoms, and
Junior hasn't approached anyone since he was liberated from his father's
basement."
"What we do know has come from Snape's recovered memories of his time
staying with the LeStranges." Amelia said, reaching for another sandwich.
"Among the final memories that were recovered with the help of a healer from
Saint Mungo's, there was one specifically where Junior and Rabastan
discussed buying a small seaside cottage as a bolthole with the South and
West coasts mentioned as possible locations."
"It's a solid lead." Sirius commented, relieved that they had something when
he'd previously believed there was nothing.
"The Rat Squad is hunting down all possible sales that took place prior to the
arrest of Rabastan and Junior back in 'eighty-one, and they are repeating that
for sales since June." Amelia confirmed. "If that's where they are hiding, we
should be able to close in on them eventually."
"What about Pettigrew?" Bertie asked, sipping his tea.
"All of the possible places Sirius and Remus have identified for us have come
up empty." Amelia sighed.
"Not surprisingly." Sirius said. "Peter isn't stupid, as much as I want to believe
that he is with the choices he's made. He'll keep away from anywhere that
Remus and I know about."
Albus nodded in agreement. "He has shown a remarkable sense of selfpreservation." He gestured, sending one lurid pink sleeve flying. "He also
demonstrates a need to follow. I believe it's more likely that he will let Barty
Crouch Junior take the lead."
"That's true enough." Sirius grimaced, remembering how Peter had followed
him and James at school.
"I also believe that it's likely that Crouch Junior will try and insert himself into
the tournament again." Albus continued. "We will need to be vigilant with the
identity checks."
"Agreed." Amelia said. "We're going to ask for additional budget to increase
security again for the tournament."
"We'll see what we can do." Sirius promised.
"Any luck with the elf?" Amelia asked.
Sirius shook his head. "Kreacher reported that she's not appeared in any of
the usual elf places and isn't using her magic."
"Is she still alive?" Bertie asked bluntly.
"There's still an elf bond according to my elves so we think so." Sirius sighed
heavily. "Junior was aware that we knew about the elf's part in the threats he
sent thanks to the information he received when he impersonated his father.
He's smart enough to realise using her again might be a way to trace him."
Amelia nodded sharply and sat back, her hands up. "That's all I had."
Bertie cleared his throat. "Well, there's not a great deal of progress on the
Treasure Hunt side of things either. We've cleared Godric's Hollow. There was
a dagger we think originally belonged to Godric Gryffindor found by the crib. It
wasn't one of the objects we're looking for but possibly was intended for that
purpose. We've destroyed it anyway."
"Better safe than sorry." Cornelius said officiously.
"That leaves the missing item at Hogwarts, likely to be Ravenclaw's diadem,
and I think we're all agreed that the snake travelling with Voldemort should be
eliminated since it was present when Voldemort killed Frank Bryce at Little
Hangleton." Bertie continued soberly.
"Bill and Caro have started the search at Hogwarts." Sirius commented.
"They've devised a systematic search pattern based on the route that we
believe Riddle will have used from the path to the Headmaster's office. They'll
start with the route and move out in a concentric circle from there." Bertie
sighed again. "It's going to be tedious work."
"Ostensibly the staff and the students have accepted that they are being
loaned by the DOM at my request to provide additional security for the
tournament." Albus commented.
"Good," murmured Sirius, "so that brings us up to date, unless anyone has
anything else?"
Amelia leaned forward. "How are you and Harry really, Sirius? Do you need
anything?"
Sirius smiled at her, appreciating the genuine concern. "We're fine, Amelia.
This isn't what we wanted but…we'll make the best of it."
"Well, anything you do need, Sirius, just let us know." Bertie said seriously.
He nodded again. "Thank you."
It was a good ending to the War Council. Sirius made his escape from the
DOM, accepting Cornelius's offer to use the private floo in the Minister's office
rather than going out through the atrium as he had arrived. It meant spending
a half hour with Cornelius discussing the various strategies they had in play
but it was time well spent.
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Chapter 440
Sirius flooed back to Black Manor but immediately left again for the Tonks'
house.
Andromeda greeted him at the door and showed him through to the
comfortable sitting room. Ted sat in a leather recliner, a cup of tea resting on
one arm. He got to his feet to shake Sirius's hand.
Narcissa and Lucius also rose from their position on the leather sofa but they
gave brief nods of greeting and Sirius returned the gesture, motioning for
them to sit.
"Thank you for coming at short notice." Sirius said formally, taking the
remaining leather chair as Andromeda perched on the free arm of her
husband's seat.
"How's Harry?" asked Andromeda.
"Much better." Sirius said. "I've called this family meeting to bring you up to
date and to make sure that we present a united front going forward in terms of
our public comments and demeanour."
They all nodded understanding the need for the meeting.
"Firstly, as Remus informed you while I was with Harry, he was injured
resisting the binding." Sirius said.
"Then he was able to resist it?" asked Lucius carefully. "There are conflicting
rumours."
"He was able to resist it and he might have been able to destroy the Goblet
with the help of the family magic." Sirius explained. "Unfortunately, if he had
done so, the Goblet would have tried to take the lives and the magic of all
those already bound and those promised." He gave a shrug. "Harry would
have likely survived but the other Champions…"
"So he accepted the binding in a noble act to save them." Lucius sneered.
"How very Gryffindorish."
Sirius shot him a warning look.
"It will play well with your allies and the press." Narcissa commented,
adjusting her skirts and drawing Sirius's attention away from her husband.
"Harry did it because it was the right thing to do." Sirius pointed out sharply.
Narcissa arched one elegant eyebrow. "Which will simply mean that it plays
even better; the hero of the Light, the Boy Who Lived no less, forced into a
tournament that he could have avoided because he wasn't willing to sacrifice
the lives of the other Champions...it's legend brought to life. Rita Skeeter will
eat it up with a spoon."
Sirius grimaced but couldn't argue with her summation. "Harry is going to play
to win the tournament."
"Is that sensible?" asked Andromeda, concern tensing all the lines in her face.
Ted slid his hand into his wife's. "If he does the least he needs to do, surely
that would be sufficient for him to survive?"
Lucius sent a snide look towards his sister-in-law and her husband. "It will
make him look weak and pathetic if he plays simply to survive." He smoothed
a hand over the head of his cane. "If he plays to win, he looks strong."
Ted frowned. "I would have thought the Slytherin approach would have been
self-preservation above all else and besides," he motioned towards Sirius,
"wouldn't it be fairer on the other Champions who did enter knowingly to allow
them to have their competition without Harry in the mix?"
"And there speaks the Hufflepuff!" Lucius mocked.
"Enough." Sirius said sternly. He caught Ted's gaze. "Despite the way Harry
was entered into the tournament, Harry was chosen by the Goblet as a
Champion because he was judged to be deserving of being a Champion. He
has much right as the other Champions to compete and try to win." He sent a
fleeting look to Lucius. "And Lucius is right." As much as Sirius hated to admit
it. "Harry simply doing the least he needs to do will give the impression that
Voldemort has managed to terrorise him. If he plays to win, we effectively tell
Voldemort he has failed in that respect."
Ted sighed heavily. "I understand even if I don't like it, Sirius."
Andromeda placed an arm around her husband. "How can we help?"
"Public support for Harry," Sirius said immediately, "there may be a backlash
against him because he has decided to compete. Others may have a similar
view that Harry should let the others have the glory of winning."
"He'll have our support, of course, Sirius." Ted stated firmly.
Sirius turned to Lucius. "Draco's doing well at Hogwarts. He's maintained a
supportive position and he's kept me informed to the Slytherin reactions. He's
noted that Bulstrode has revealed Riddle's lineage and that most are not
happy with the idea that they are meant to swear loyalty to someone
espousing a pureblood agenda who isn't a pureblood."