Chapter Eighteen - Dumb Weasels and the Bouncing Ferret
"If you're ready, then that's fine with me," Harry answered Bloodtooth as everyone settled down once more.
Mostly everyone in both rooms had remained seated and so they just directed their attention back to the orb.
Ginny and Ron both seemed to be stuck in a permanent pout, with their faces locked sternly on the other.
Narcissa hadn't moved, but her attention was on Draco. He was still bound and gagged on the floor in the back of the room, but he was breathing a little better since he was sitting up with his back against the cold, stone wall watching those left at the table.
"This will be the last we hear from Sirius, afterwards we have a few things to handle, and then you and Mr. Weasley can settle your business," Bloodtooth replied to Harry as he reached for the orb to start it once again.
"Well, hopefully that whiskered old bastard is off to meet the business end of a goblin weapon, but if you're still here, you worthless bastard, then you should remember that you'll have to answer to me and James one day.
Also, I hope at least, Mt. Molly blew her top and is gone as well. I'm sorry Arthur, but you deserved to know who she truly was. I hope that you won't hold Harry responsible for any of this.
Alright, back to business. Draco Malfoy, I told you to pay attention and I hope you did.
You aren't deserving of the title Lord Black, however, you are the only son of my dear cousin, Cissy. So, I won't just send you off without a choice, no matter how much of a bastard you've been to Harry.
You, Draco, can choose to renounce your father, his name, any ties to him what-so-ever, and any affiliations you have with the idiot Death Munchers. You'll give an oath to the effects of such, and that you'll never take the dark mark or betray Harry in anyway.
If you agree, you'll become a Black and have house protection, the same as your mother. Your schooling will be paid for and a trust set up for 50,000 galleons that will be for you to use to start your life after you finish school.
Disagree, and well, I doubt you'll make it to your next birthday. If you manage to keep your head until you leave Gringott's, then I'm sure you'll fall soon, along with the other Death Munchers.
The choice is yours, you have until Harry leaves the bank today. Bloodtooth has the papers for the trust, and the oath you would need to give. I hope you paid attention and saw how far the greatest wizard of the century got here today, and that you're smarter than he was."
Harry glanced down the table towards the back of the room with a disbelieving look on his face while he asked the others, Do you think he'll be smart or that he'll be his usual Malfoy self?
Harry, he's his father's son, if he chooses to accept I'll be very, very surprised, Daphne replied since she had spent the most time around the git while in the dungeons.
"Cissy, I know he's your son, but it's his choice now. I know that Harry will sign if you wish him to, I gave you my word and he knows what that meant to me.
Harry, I hope you understand why I've done things this way. Take it and make the best out of it. Live your life and enjoy it with that wonderful witch by your side. Together you both can change the world. I love you, pup."
Bloodtooth reached forward and removed the orb before saying, "That concludes the wishes of the former Lord Black. Now, we have a few things to handle with the new Lord Potter Black. The first is just a few things you need to sign and place your seal on with the Lord's ring."
Bloodtooth passed the papers to Harry who read them through the bond to the others, so they knew what he was signing and could let him know whether he should or not. They turned out to be legal mumbo jumbo claiming vaults, responsibilities, and such as Head of House Black officially.
"Next, we have the issue of Mrs. Malfoy's annulment," Bloodtooth said as he passed the papers to Harry.
Harry reached for the papers and asked, "May I have a few moments to talk this over with my lovely wives, before we proceed?"
"Of course," Bloodtooth answered, "however, you may want to find out whether or not she wishes for you to sign before you talk it over."
"Excellent suggestion," Harry replied before he turned his attention to Narcissa Malfoy. "Would you like me to sign these Mrs. Malfoy?"
Narcissa couldn't believe that she was finally going to be able to be done with Lucius Bloody Malfoy. She hated the man, and prayed daily for his death, and now all she had to do was give her consent and it would be done.
She glanced to her son and could see the fury in his eyes as he watched from his position against the wall. He was old enough to decide for himself and she had done all she could for him. She loved him very much but knew he would soon be gone, and she would be stuck with Lucius if she let this chance pass her by.
"Yes, Lord Potter Black, I wish it. I have wished many times for it and will be forever grateful if you free me finally," Narcissa answered with tears rolling down her cheeks.
Harry turned his attention to the papers and started to converse with his wives, I don't know her, but Sirius gave his word and I'll do as he asked unless any of you have a good reason not to.
I know a little about her. My mom was close friends with her in school, but she doesn't talk about it much. Staying neutral all these years wasn't conducive for her to be friendly with Lucius's wife.Daphne told them before adding, The only thing you have to consider is that she'll be under house protection.
Which means? Hermione questioned.
It means basically, that she'll need to be provided protection, housing, well anything really. Think about it like taking in a ward. We'll be completely responsible for her except if she breaks the law, and even then, House Black can provide some protection,Daphne answered.
Do you mean she'll basically be with us all the time? What about the money she'll get, can't she be on her own? Harry asked.
This time Susan tried to explain, we don't have to permanently take her in, no. We just have to be sure her needs are met, she's kept safe until she can decide what is best for her, and until things are settled with her annulment and the recovering of her dowry.
I get it. So any reason not to sign? Harry asked one last time.
Sign it Harry, she looks like she can't stand the thought that you may not. There is no telling how he treats her, we can't turn our backs on her even if she is Draco's mother, Hermione told him. She had been watching Mrs. Malfoy and couldn't help but notice the fear in her eyes the longer they took to decide. She really looked terrified that it may not happen.
"Narcissa, since you are sure, I see no reason not to grant your wish or to break Sirius's word," Harry said as he reached for the quill once more to sign his name.
After he signed and sealed the parchment with his ring he passed it to Bloodtooth and turned back to see that Narcissa had tears flowing down her face. He saw her sister, Andy, had tears as well and hoped that they were both shedding happy tears.
"Now, since young Mr. Malfoy is indisposed at the moment, and you have business to see to with Mr. Weasley, we will allow him time to think about his answer. I will remove him to a separate holding room and remove his bindings until you are done. If he agrees to Sirius request, we will handle that before you leave today," Bloodtooth said as he looked at Harry before turning his attention to the room at large and saying, "That concludes the will reading of the late Lord Sirius Orion Black. The doors will be opened and those who don't have business to attend with Lord Potter Black are asked to exit behind myself."
Bloodtooth rose from his seat and headed to collect Draco. After he levitated him barely an inch off the ground he pushed him through the doors that opened as he approached.
"Harry, Ladies, I'll see you later this afternoon." Remus said before he headed to the exit.
Andromeda and Tonks were the next to stand. Andromeda walked over to her sister and pulled her into a hug from behind and whispered, "Cissy, I would like to talk to you later, if you will?"
Narcissa stood and returned the hug and answered, "Of course I will, Andy." She then turned to Harry and spoke, "Lord Potter Black, thank you. I would like you to know, that no matter what my son chooses, I will not hold any blame towards you. He is his father's son, after all. I will wait to speak with you after you have handled all of your business."
"Thank you," Harry sheepishly replied as he watched them exit.
"If you don't need me Harry, I'll leave you four until later," Minerva asked as she stood from her seat.
"I think we'll be fine. Thank you and you too, Amelia, I'm sure we'll see you both later," Harry answered his godmother before he watched the two leave the room.
Harry wasn't sure but if he had to guess he would have bet you 20 galleons that Remus, Minerva, and Amelia had gone to the viewing room to watch the remainder of the show.
He would have won that bet. After they exited the reading room, they approached the guarded door of the viewing room. The goblin moved aside to allow them to enter since he had been instructed they may return after the reading concluded. The only thing that was unexpected was the addition of Andromeda Tonks. She had planned to speak with Minerva until her sister's business was concluded with Lord Potter Black, and when she approached she was surprised that Minerva had asked her to join them in a special waiting area.
Once inside the viewing room Minerva asked, "Is there room for a few more?"
"Minerva," Emma greeted, "glad to have you back. If I'm not mistaken Harry is about to begin to deal with the youngest red heads."
"Well, let's settle in and see shall we?" Amelia said as she found a seat.
After those who needed to had left, Harry glanced around to see his wives and the Weasley's were the only ones remaining.
"Mr. Weasley," Harry began, "I'm sorry about all of this. I found out just recently myself, and I'm still a little in shock."
"Lord Potter Black," Arthur said while he glanced to his family, "It is most unfortunate, however, the truth is more important than pride in cases such as these. I apologize for my family and would like to come to acceptable terms of punishment for Ronald and Ginevra."
"Mr. Weasley, what do you suggest?" Daphne asked from besides Hermione. They had been discussing it and thought if they were going to get a reaction out of Ron and Ginny it would be easier to do so by throwing the wives in their faces.
"This is none of your business," Ginny spat from her seat. "You shouldn't even be here."
"I think you should remember whom you are addressing," Daphne said as she eyed her ring, "since I am the Lady Black, while youare accused of crimes against MY Lord and husband."
"I don't know what you did to him, but he's mine," Ginny snarled back. "My mother and Dumbledore have been telling me since I was a baby, that I would marry him. This isn't right, you'll all see in the end that he's mine, they promised."
"Mr. Weasley, might I suggest something," Susan asked.
"Of course, Lady Bones Potter Black," Arthur answered as he eyed his daughter threateningly.
"Listening to her just now, reminds me of a case my aunt once told me about years ago, where the children had been brain washed from an early age and needed to be readjusted to society," Susan told him as she noticed the looks she was receiving from Ron and Ginny.
"You stupid scarlet, you just tagged along in whatever these other two sluts have done to him," Ginny said as she jumped up from her seat only to be grabbed by Fred and George, each on an arm.
"Dad, maybe she's right. We can't let her go on like this," Fred started.
"Maybe we can have her checked out or something," George concluded.
"Mr. Weasley, while I can say that we agree she needs treatment, we must also insist on some type of punishment," Hermione told him with a somber expression on her face. "Even if this attitude is a product of programming, she is conscious of her actions."
"I agree," Harry responded. "I suggest that she should serve the remainder of the summer as a working guest of the goblins while receiving treatments at St. Mungo's, after she signs Sirius's contract to leave me and my family alone."
"No, you can't Harry, you can't send me away. I have to show you that you're mine and mine alone," Ginny pleaded as she gave him the best sad expression she could manage, while secretly fuming inside.
"Enough," Arthur said directed at Ginevra, "you're to remain quiet from here on. Do you understand?"
Ginny nodded at her father and glared at the others seated around the table.
"It will be done Lord Potter Black," Arthur replied, "and she will give you no more trouble, unless she wishes to be cast out and set to join her mother. I can't forsake my other children to save one or two."
"That's settled then as long as I have your word," Harry said as he met Arthur's eyes so he could see his honesty displayed.
"You have my word," Arthur answered. "Now, how do you want to handle Ronald's indiscretions?"
"Bloodtooth has already started the process of reacquiring the money, and since he wasn't the one breaking the law to acquire it, and unfortunately, it's not a crime to be a lying, deceitful git," Harry calmly stated. "I can't force punishment for him, however, I can warn him. Ronald Bilius Weasley, if you come anywhere near me or my family again, so much as speak to one of us, or in any way initiate contact with any one of us, you will be punished under the laws of the Lords which can include imprisonment or death."
"What about school," Arthur asked, "for them both?"
"Ginny is a year below us, so as long as she completes the treatment and signs the contract, there should be no problem. Ron will have to watch his temper and stay away, I meant it, once is all it'll take for him to receive punishment," Harry answered calmly as he placed his hand on top of Hermione's hand that was resting on the table.
"Well, I believe he deserves a punishment," Arthur said as he glanced at his clueless son. "He needs to be aware that his actions aren't welcome in this family and that there are consequences for his actions."
"Dad, we've plenty of work around the shop, and I assure you, we'll treat him as he deserves," George said.
"Yeah, we've plenty of cleaning and I'm sure without magic it'll take him most of the summer and we've a few new products that need to be tested," Fred added with a gleam in his eye at possibly having a test subject.
"Very well, I'll agree and will stop by daily to see to him as well." Arthur told his sons and then turned to Harry once again, "If that is fine with you Lord Potter Black?"
"That's fine, Mr. Weasley," Harry answered distractedly since he was listening to his wives through the bond.
Harry, be careful. Ron's handling this too calmly, something isn't right. Hermione told him.
She's right. He should've blown his lid already, something's up.Daphne added.
I agree, you can almost see him straining to control himself. Susan said as she eyed Ron carefully looking for any signs of what he was up to.
"If we're agreed, then we'll be heading out so I can discuss this with Bill, and get details about Ginny being a working guest for the remainder of the summer," Arthur said as he rose from his chair.
Harry and his wives stood and moved towards the door as he said, "That's fine. I'm sure we'll check in with you later to see how it's going."
Arthur walked toward the doors followed by Fred and George, who were still restraining Ginny by the arms with Ron directly behind them.
As Ron reached the group, he suddenly jumped forward and grabbed Hermione by the wrist and pulled her to him.
"Ah, Ron, stop it," she screamed as she struggled against his grip. "Let me go."
"Come on Hermione," Ron said as he tightened his grip and pulled her closer to him. "You're mine and we're leaving."
"Let her go," Harry snarled as he stepped closer to Ron. He wouldn't need a wand if he got close enough to the git. He wanted to rush Ron but didn't want to accidentally hurt 'Mione.
"No, Potter, she's mine, therefore, the money she got is mine and we'll use it to disappear," Ron said as he backed towards the door.
He was now holding her by both wrists as tightly as he could while dragging her backwards, keeping her arms twisted back in a painful manor. He had seen her deck Malfoy after all, and didn't want to give her a chance to escape.
"Ron, don't be stupid, you won't make it out of here alive son," Arthur pleaded. He knew once the goblins became involved outside that door he would more than likely loose his son.
"I've done what I was asked, and now I want my reward," Ron told his father as he stepped backwards once more closer to the door.
"Ron, don't do this. I love Harry, we're soul bound, it can't be broken," Hermione tried to reason with him as she struggled to free herself of his grip.
Unbeknown, to those in the reading room, Dan had run from the viewing room headed to help his daughter followed closely by the others in the room as soon as Ron had grabbed Hermione. He had drawn the attention of the guard who was following directly behind them.
"Ron, I'm warning you one last time, if you don't let her go, I'll kill you with my bare hands," Harry growled as he stepped forward another few steps.
"Son, please," Arthur said right before he saw his son grabbed unexpectedly from behind.
Dan Granger had snuck up behind Ron using his skills as a SAS, and placed him in a chocker hold, "Let my daughter go, or I'll snap your neck like a twig, boy."
"No, she's mine," Ron screeched as Dan's hold tightened more.
"Son, please," Arthur begged as he saw things getting worse quickly.
Everyone had caught up to Dan and was watching the scene from behind him unfold.
The tighter Dan held his neck the less his grip became and finally Hermione managed to break free and ran straight to Harry, Daphne, and Susan's waiting arms.
"NO, Hermione," Ron yelled right before he was spun around and hit by Dan.
Dan's fist connected soundly with the right side of Ron's face so hard that a few of Ron's teeth went flying out of his mouth. When Ron hit the floor Dan pulled him up and punched his face, breaking his nose before he let him fall to a heap on the floor again.
"No one, forces my daughter to do anything, you bastard," Dan said as he watched Ron bleeding on the floor.
"Dan, that's enough," Emma said as she placed a comforting hand on her husband's shoulder.
"She's safe see," Emma pointed to Hermione, where she was wrapped in a mass of limbs from her spouses.
Dan turned and wrapped his wife in a hug and replied, "I know, but it's a father's instinct to protect his child. She may be married to three people but she is my little pumpkin still."
"I know sweetheart, and later, you'll find out exactly how much that turned me on watching you defend our daughter," Emma whispered as she pulled Dan back some.
"Sir," the goblin guard addressed Harry, "Gringott's policy states that I have to remove the assaulter to a holding cell to wait judgment for his attack on a Lady of a house and a goblin friend while inside our nation."
"Please, remove the git, he was warned minutes before and still attempted to kidnap my wife," Harry told the guard as he eyed his former bleeding friend on the ground.
"Hermione, Harry, I'm sorry for his behavior," Arthur began only to be interrupted by Hermione stepping forward and pulling him into a hug.
"Mr. Weasley, you have no reason to apologize for him, your daughter, or wife," Hermione told him as she pulled back and looked him in the eyes. "You're as much a victim of their schemes and attitudes as we've been. Please, don't think we hold you or the others responsible for what those three have done."
"She's right sir," Harry said as he stepped forward. "Why don't you go on and tend to things here with those three and then have the others take you to St. Mungo's and get yourself checked out for any affects from the potions and stuff."
"Thank you both, you could've made things worse for the rest of my family. I want you all to know that I appreciate this and will stand beside you in whatever comes," Arthur said before he bowed and followed the guard out who had Ron restrained in front of his blade.
Fred and George nodded to them as they led Ginny out of the room behind their father.
"Are you ok?" Minerva asked as she stepped forward and pulled Harry into a hug. "You've all had a rough day and you still have a few things to handle."
"I'm fine," Harry told her as the hug ended. "As long as, I have all of you to help me, I'll be just fine."
"Harry, I'll go and find Bloodtooth to let him know that you're ready to hear from Draco, so that you can finish up and get out of here, ok?" Remus told him before he turned and headed out to find the goblin.
"I think," Hermione said as she looked towards everyone gathered around, "that you should all return to the viewing room and wait for us there. Once we finish things with Malfoy, we need to speak to Rita and Mr. Lovegood before we head home."
"Don't forget you have to talk to Cissy as well," Danyella Greengrass added with a sad look on her face before turning and following the others back out and to the viewing room.
Daphne, is your mum ok? Susan asked. She noticed the sad look at the mention of Narcissa.
I only see her look like that when she's thinking about her past. It must be all of this stuff with Mrs. Malfoy, since they used to be close. Daphne answered as they all settled back into their seats to await the return of Draco.
Ok, so after we talk to the spawn of Satan, we talk to his mother and we're done, right? Harry asked as he reached for Hermione's hand under the table, entwined their fingers, and placed them on his thigh.
She gave him a little squeeze and responded, Yeah, that's the plan. Then we go talk to Skeeter and Mr. Lovegood and then get out of here. And thanks for the support and love you guys, I was startled and the way he had my wrist and arms twisted it was hard to break free. One thing it did though was to reaffirm my thoughts that we need some physical training and self-defense lessons in muggle style fighting.
They shifted their attention to the door as they heard the creak from it being pushed open. Bloodtooth came in first followed by an unbound Draco Malfoy with an armed guard behind him. Narcissa, surprisingly, was right behind them as they took their seats.
Draco was breathing better but you could see the large, purplish bruise forming across the entire expanse of skin exposed on his neck. Shockingly, the ever present sneer was absent from his face and he seemed almost humbled.
"Ms. Black asked to be here for her son. I see no reason to object, do any of you?" Bloodtooth asked as he looked towards Harry and the girls.
"That's fine with me," Harry answered after not getting any objections from his wives.
"Draco Malfoy, the late Lord Black made you an offer during his will reading. Have you made a decision whether you will accept or deny the offer?" Bloodtooth asked as he eyed the boy.
Draco looked at his mother and thought about his life and what he had seen today.
He knew his father treated his mother like a slave. She was his show piece in the public and that was all. They've had separate bed chambers since she became pregnant with him. He knew his father had whores he kept for his entertainment and that of the other DE's. He had only seen his mother disagree with his father once, and it took her 6 weeks to recover, since Lucius wouldn't allow her to seek medical attention from anyone.
He understood why she wanted out. It was no shock that she would go. No, he was upset that she would agree before she knew he had a chance to follow. True, he played the daddy's boy very well, but he learned at an early age what it meant to disappoint Lucius. So no matter what he thought or wanted - he had to be, what he was born to be, heir of the Malfoy family.
Now though, he had a choice, but could he accept the offer. Could he trust that Potter could provide the protection it would take to keep him safe from Lucius? Could he take the chance to finally show his mother that he had been her son all along?
"How do I know that I can count on the protection promised? My father will not take lightly to losing his trophy wife and his heir if I agree?" Draco calmly asked to the sheer astonishment of everyone, including his mother.
"Draco, son," Narcissa said softly, "you have to believe me when I tell you this. If Sirius believed in him, than we can too. Sirius would not have passed the title to him without the utmost trust in him."
"Malfoy," Hermione began, "Draco, if you haven't learned anything else over the years at Hogwarts, you should have at least seen Harry's character, time and time again. He's the type to rush in blindly and face a full grown mountain troll to save someone he barely knows. He has been honest and honorable the entire time I've known him. If nothing else, you have to see that he's willing to do what's necessary when others give up and run away."
Draco listened to them and could tell they meant what they said, however, he knew Lucius would fight like hell itself to get revenge if he thought him and his mother betrayed him or the Dark Lord.
Thanks love, but do you think he's sincere or trying to play us?Harry asked as he kept his eyes on Draco.
I'm not sure, but he asked and that was shocking in itself. Daphne, do you have any clue at all what he's playing at? Hermione answered.
I haven't ever heard him say or do anything to be able to say what he's doing. I do know that the few times my mum mentioned Narcissa; it was always in a good light up until she married Lucius, and after she doesn't really speak of her. Daphne responded.
Let him explain. He may be truly scared of his father? Susan said, as she had been watching him, she saw the worry in his eyes.
"That is a two-way street Malfoy. How do I know that you really mean to accept and aren't playing at something?" Harry asked matter-of-factly.
"Because if you would remember the deal Potter, I'll have to give a magical oath to not betray you in anyway," Draco responded with a dead even tone, no emotion at all.
"Why? I mean you've been, well, Lucius's boy through and through," Daphne asked while watching him.
"I was what I had to be," Draco answered flatly. "If you learned at an early age what the consequences were for disappointing my father, you would have been what you needed to be as well."
"Bloodtooth, is there any properties that I own that can receive all the wards available like we have at the Granger home, where Draco and Narcissa can stay safely?" Harry asked while he shifted his attention to his goblin friend.
"Most of the Black properties owned are businesses or farm land. Grimmauld Place was the only one that was livable and he passed that to Mr. Lupin," Bloodtooth replied. "We have made arrangements to ward the Bones residence, the Tonks residence, the Greengrass residence and Grimmauld Place since they are housing family."
"Harry, we have two empty rooms on the second floor at the moment until we can find something more suitable," Hermione told him.
But 'Mione that'll cut into relax topless time, I like that a lot. Harry told her with a pleading tone.
It'll only be for a few days, a week at the most. Trust me, I like the relaxing time too. Hermione told him with a chuckle.
They were drawn from their private chat by the entrance of Andromeda Tonks through the portal that Bloodtooth had activated for them to enter the reading and proceeding to stand behind her sister.
"Excuse me, Lord Potter Black," she began, "I'm sorry to interrupt, however, I wish to offer my home to my sister and nephew. I heard Mr. Bloodtooth say we would be getting the wards you have and since I have more than enough room, I would enjoy the opportunity to get to know my nephew and reacquaint with my sister."
"Thank you Andy," Narcissa said as she stood and pulled her sister into a hug.
"Please, Mrs. Tonks, join us," Daphne said as she gestured to the seat next to Narcissa.
After they had both taken their seats again Harry spoke, "Well, with that settled, it would seem you can guarantee to have the same protection that I have, Malfoy."
"It would seem so," Draco responded, "but, that only covers the summer. What about when school starts? If I remain in the Slytherin common rooms, then I'll be an easy target. Not to mention that my father is on the school board of governors."
"School won't be an issue," Harry said. "Let's just say that we have the power to arrange for whatever you'll need."
Draco was not sure what to do. He saw this group tear apart Dumbledore effortlessly and he was the one person the Dark Lord still feared to go up against. His mother was a Black now and so he would be home alone with his father without a buffer, not to mention, his father would be extremely harsh with him for returning with the news of his mother's decision.
"Ok, Potter. I accept the offer. I just hope that you can fulfill the protection part, since you've no idea what my father is actually capable of," Draco said as he looked amongst them.
"You're actually agreeing to renounce your father and not betray me? What about earlier? You risked your life to spout your usual pureblood, I'm better than everyone else nonsense. Excuse me for being cautious, but this is a complete turn from who you are." Harry told him. He couldn't just accept he was agreeing without a motive.
"Oh, trust me, I'm looking out for myself still. You four just destroyed Dumbledore in a day, and uncovered so much about the Dark Lord that I'm just choosing the side that'll less likely end in my premature death. You said yourself that he was mortal, and I assume since I was the only one in that room not loyal to you or bond by family magic not to reveal what I heard, that I can expect to at least lose my memory of today," Draco informed them.
Damn, I didn't think of that. Harry told the others.
Relax, we did. He's right about that. We planned to have the goblins obliviate him, and the others excluding Rita, Luna, and Xeno are bond by family magic, and Rita's oath allows us some leverage as does the contract she wants. You trust Luna and so we can talk to them, and if it comes down to it, they can be obliviated of the horcrux knowledge only. Hermione told him.
"True," Harry told him. "Ok, if you agree to sign the contract and take the oaths then, I'll sign and accept you as a Black."
Harry could not believe he had just agreed to accept Draco Malfoy into his family but he would honor Sirius's word.
"Don't think this means that we'll be buddies, Potter. I may not have to play the part of a Malfoy any longer, but I'm still Draco and have no intentions to help you rid the world of evil. I will, however, stay out the way, safe and sound," Draco told him as he took the papers from Bloodtooth so that he could get this done and over with.
After Draco had handled what he had to and Harry had signed off on it, Narcissa thanked Harry repeatedly and offered him her assistance if he needed it. Andy, Narcissa, and Draco left after Andy assured them she would watch out for them and let them know what was going on.
"Bloodtooth," Harry asked, "do you have any idea what Sirius was thinking when he made the decision to offer Draco that deal?"
"Actually, yes, I asked him the same thing. He said that he understood what it was like to want to please a father who had ideals like Lucius. He explained that if not for the help of your father's family, he could've very well been the same person Draco is," Bloodtooth answered sincerely.
"Oh," was all Harry could respond, "well, let's talk to the others and get out of here."
"I'll go through and send the three you need in here," Bloodtooth said as he stood. "After you finish, I need to speak with you before you go."
"Ok," Harry answered before he saw Bloodtooth find the spot the one-way portal was and slip through effortlessly. "That would be so useful at the castle."
Don't get any ideas Mister. Susan chuckled as she shared an image of him walking into the girls' dorm through the walls.
Rita Skeeter was the first through the portal and they could see the euphoric expression on her face. Xeno Lovegood was next and he was his usual aloof self, while Luna, who was directly behind him, had a shy grin on her face. The three took seats at the table and waited on Harry to speak.
"Well, as you saw today, many things were revealed here," Hermione began. "Now, the only thing that we wish for you to exclude from revealing is the horcruxes. I can imagine you all understand the need to conceal this information. If the Dark Lord found out his creations were destroyed he may disappear to figure out another way to become immortal, and if we wish to defeat him, that cannot happen. So, you can take an oath to not reveal the information or choose to have the memory of the horcruxes removed from your mind."
"I would like to have it removed," Xeno said surprisingly to them all.
"Why, Daddy?" Luna asked.
"Because sweetheart, that type of information is dangerous to know. If you are even suspected to have it, you can expect to receive endless hours of torture to retrieve it from your mind if it is only concealed by an oath. The ones likely to want the information will not care if you die or lose your magic by having it removed from your mind," Xeno answered matter-of-factly.
"I agree. I don't need that to make this an amazing story and it's a chance I don't want to take." Rita added. "Also, I would like to get these notes back home and get this story started. So, here's the page I took on the horcruxes and let's get a move on, shall we?"
"Ok," Harry chuckled as he took the page, "well, remember after this story is out we'll meet to discuss the job opportunity."
"Luna, what have you decided?" Hermione asked as she noticed the blonde was lost in thought.
"I'm not sure. There are some things I'd like to talk to you all about, so, is it possible to set up a meeting later this week and I'll answer then. You can trust me until then," Luna responded.
"That's fine, I trust you," Harry answered.
Hermione looked at him and then turned her attention to others and said, "Of course, if you wait here we'll send in someone to handle the removal so that you can all leave. Luna, we'll send Hedwig with an invite in a few days. Now, if you'll excuse us we've had a long day and still have a few things to do."
Hermione and the others stood and went to pass through the portal to join the others in the viewing room. When they entered they saw Bloodtooth was there, speaking to Emma, and passing her a parchment.
"Well, Rita and Xeno wish to have the memory removed, while Luna is going to think about it a few days and we agreed to that." Hermione said as she sat across from her mum and Bloodtooth. "They're waiting in the reading room. What else do we have to handle before we're done for the day."
"That's it really. I suggest that you all return one day this week to go into the Potter family vault so that you can check for a copy of your parents will. Not that you need it, since you are Lord Potter already, but I'm sure you would like to know their wishes. I was just informing the others that I can send you a full report tomorrow, about the punishments handed out to Dumbledore and the Weasley's." Bloodtooth answered.
"Is there a possibility that I can have a chance to interrogate Albus once more?" Amelia asked.
"Not personally, since he's indisposed, so to speak, but if you give me a list of questions I can have them answered before his punishment is dealt later." The goblin replied with a slight grin.
"What is it, Amelia?" Minerva asked with a puzzled look on her face.
"I've had time to think about his answers earlier and have a few more questions, is all?" Amelia answered as she pulled a list from her pocket and passed it to the goblin. "I'll let you know when I get the report back and we can all meet to go over it."
"Thank you all for coming and I'm sure we'll see each other again." Bloodtooth told them as he headed out to deal with the obilivations.
"I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I would like to get out of here," Harry said as he grabbed Daphne and Susan by the hands, since Hermione was standing with her parents at the moment. "We can talk about it at home while we relax."
Chapter Nineteen - Punishments Dealt
As Narcissa, Andy, and Draco exited the reading room, they were surprised to find a very stern looking goblin waiting for them.
"Mr. Draco Black," the goblin sneered, "you committed a grave mistake during the reading of the late Lord Black. To have this matter resolved, you're asked to accompany me to meet the goblin you offended."
"Excuse me sir, I'm his mother, Ms. Narcissa Black, and would like to accompany him?" Narcissa asked as she stepped beside her son who seemed to be frozen in fear.
"That's fine, you both may accompany him if you like," the goblin responded. "Now, if you will please follow me, we can get this matter settled."
A pale faced Draco looked at his mother, who could clearly see the fear in his eyes. She motioned him forward to follow the goblin with Andromeda right behind her.
They walked down a dark corridor, for what felt like an eternity to Draco, until they reached a rather strange red oval shaped door. Once they entered the room hidden behind the strange door, their worry heightened.
There was a round dirt pit sunken into the center of the floor in the large room they had just entered. It had jagged rock covered sides with stains that looked to be blood splattered all around the rock wall. There was a table where two goblins were seated while the goblin, AxeCutter, was standing in front of the table that was directly in front of the pit.
The goblin escort motioned them forward and positioned Draco to the right of AxeCutter and motioned for the two ladies to stand directly behind Draco. The goblin escort turned and left the room to their surprise.
"Mr. Black, I am known as Decider," the older of the two goblins spoke. "You've been brought before me to explain your actions against the goblin warrior, AxeCutter. Do you understand that you've committed a great error within the walls of this nation today?"
"Yes, Decider," Draco stammered, "I'm aware of the fact that I was out of line and that I committed a grave error in judgment today."
Draco hung his head and waited nervously. He knew this was bad. He had completely forgotten that he had insulted the goblin in his fear induced rage earlier. He knew if he'd returned home without his mother, without the title of Lord Black, and with the news that Potter was the successor, he would be lucky to be able to return to school in September. He doubted the injuries that he would sustain from his father alone would be healed by then, let alone whatever he received as punishment from the Dark Lord for not gaining the Black family fortune.
Little did Draco, or his mother or aunt, know that this particular goblin was known as the Decider because of his unique ability to tell whether those accused of crimes were guilty, remorseful, or any number of emotions that allowed him to tell whether they deserved punishment and to what degree.
Decider watched the young man and noticed immediately that he was frightened, but not of him or his present situation, but of his father and the Dark Lord.
"What do you have to say about this incident?" Decider asked. He was curious whether the young man would claim his fear or not. He would be able to tell a lot from his response.
"I-I'm sorry, AxeCutter sir," Draco sighed and looked toward the goblin he had insulted earlier, "I know what it's like to be treated disrespectfully and spoke out of fear. Fear for my own selfish reasons at that and so I've no excuse and will take my punishment."
Draco knew better than to cross them any further and figured the truth was the way he needed to start handling things before he was truly his father's son. He was nervous as he looked away and directed his attention back to Decider.
"Mr. Black, I can see that you acted out of fear, however, that does not mean that you can go unpunished. The reputation of our people means a lot and so does our traditions, so you will have to understand that your fate is in the hands of the one you offended. I can see your remorse for acting like the one you fear but it is his decision," Decider said before he motioned for AxeCutter to speak.
"Thank you, Decider. I'll take your findings into consideration, as well as the fact that he was accepted into the new Lord Potter Black's family. I can't let this go unpunished. You, Mr. Black, may be remorseful and may have acted out of fear but you must know your actions have consequences no matter why you acted." AxeCutter said after he turned to face Draco.
"I understand," Draco said softly as his eyes met the hardened eyes of the warrior goblin.
"You will receive a light punishment in contrast to what I normally handout. I hope you learn from this and never make the same mistake again, or I or any other goblin, won't be so lenient," AxeCutter told Draco. "You shall receive 10 lashes across the back and be sent from here unhealed. You will find that your wounds will not heal for 10 hours and neither will the pain lessen. After the time has passed you may be healed, however, the scars will remain."
Draco looked as if he was on the verge of passing out as he was shown into the pit by AxeCutter. He was instructed to remove his clothing above the waist to bare his back. His hands were placed above his head stretching his arms tightly against the jagged rock wall.
Narcissa had been quiet the entire time. She knew better than to interrupt and so she stood by as any Black should, head held high while she held her composure. Andromeda remained by her side the entire time and she noticed a few tears escape the corner of her sister's eye as she watched her only son receive lash after lash from the long leather whip being wielded by the goblin.
After the punishment was dealt, Draco was escorted out of the pit with a bloody back covered only by his shirt. He fell forward almost into his mother's arms before he regained his balance and nodded toward the two goblins at the table. He turned to AxeCutter and gave the same respect before he was led out the room followed by his mother and aunt.
They were escorted out to the lobby by the same goblin that led them to the punishment. They left the bank and headed toward the apparition point.
"Narcissa, we'll tend to him as soon as we can. However, we need to get you both out of here and into the safety of my home. If the goblin wards aren't up, we still have a rather impressive display of protection since Nymphadora is an Auror." Andy said as they hurried down the alley.
"Thank you, Andy," Narcissa said as she guided a swaying Draco. "I have to say, I'm rather proud of the way he handled himself. Maybe he is a Black after all?"
"Mother, please," Draco whined, "I'm just Draco. I may not be brilliant but I know how to watch out for what's best for me. That's the one thing I can do."
Andy and Narcissa looked at one another and knew they would have to talk these things over. He may not be Lucius bad but he was still only worried about himself. They made it to the apparition point and realized Narcissa had never been to Andy's home. So Andy side along apparated Draco and then returned for her sister.
The hours passed slowly for them as they waited for the chance to heal Draco. They sat and watched over him as they talked about their past since they married. They talked about how things had changed between them since Andy married Ted causing her sister to marry Malfoy to fulfill that damn contract. Andy expressed her sorrow over passing that on but that she loved Ted and couldn't imagine not marrying him. Narcissa confessed that she had loved another and that she planned to try and talk to her love since she was free. Andy was surprised when she found out these things about her sister but vowed to stand by her and help her through it. Once time was up the sisters spent an hour healing and cleaning the wounds before turning in.
When Ron woke he was confused. He was lying on a hard stone floor with an awful pain in his face. He sat up and noticed that it was cold in this room and that he was locked behind bars set in the only wall that wasn't solid rock.
He was having trouble breathing through his nose and could taste the blood in his mouth. He sat up and looked around slowly. He saw that there were a few other cells across from his but they were empty. He stood up and walked towards the bars.
"Hullo," he called.
"Ronald, is that you?" he heard come from the side of his cell.
"Yeah, mum is that you?"
"Oh dear, when they brought you in you were unconscious and bleeding from your mouth and nose. What happened?"
"I remember that Hermione and I were fixing to leave the reading room together when someone grabbed me from behind and hit me."
"Oh my, who was it dear?"
"I'm not sure mum," Ron lied. He wasn't about to tell her he had tried to snatch Hermione from inside the bank. That he was so stupid that he thought he would actually get passed Potter and his crew with her and the money, or that the one time he thought for himself he managed to screw it up so bad he wasn't sure he would get out of here alive. "Are you ok mum?"
"Yes, dear, I'm sure your father and brother are straightening this all out as we speak," Molly replied. She didn't want to tell him that she was doomed after being abandoned by Albus. That she had being trying to figure a way out of this but was still clueless and hopeless.
"Are you both that stupid? My god, no wonder we're in this mess," Ginny screeched as she walked into their view.
She had been sat in a chair off to the side by her father and the twins before they headed to discuss things with Bill. She had seen the cells and figured her mother and brother was nearby in one of them but couldn't bring herself to get up and see.
Instead, she sat and contemplated everything she had seen and heard. Was her brother's right? Had she been brain washed from birth? Did she care about Harry or was she just following programming she had received over the years? What was she doomed to live with as punishment? All these questions had been spinning in her head until she heard her brother and mum start to speak to each other.
"Ginevra, how dare you speak to me that way, I'm your mother young lady."
"Yes, and you're also the reason I'm setting in here waiting to find out about the punishment I'm about to receive," Ginny screamed as she paced back and forth in front of the two cells. "And your brilliant son here, tried to kidnap Hermione after the reading. He thought he could just grab her and waltz right up to a teller and get her inheritance and ride off into the sunset."
"Ronald," Molly screeched, "Do you realize what you've done and where?"
"Yes, mum," Ron sheepishly replied.
"That's why he's missing a few teeth and has a broken nose. Hermione's dad showed up from behind and knocked him out," Ginny said as she paced. "Dad, Fred, George, and Bill are all outside trying to figure this all out. I saw Dad crying like a baby over you mum, he kept saying 'I lost her' and 'what happened?' over and over. The boys seemed almost as bad but were managing to try and deal with Dad."
"Poor man," Molly sighed, "I only wanted what was best for our family. You know that dears, I've been telling you that since you were little."
"No mother, you told me that I was supposed to be Lady Potter and that it was meant to be. That he was waiting on me to grow up and give him children that he could spoil, not that you and Dumbledore wanted that to happen to get his money and kill him off, leaving me alone with his kids, and only you and Dumbledore to guide me in the right way to handle his money and power. Did you plan to get rid of me the same way you planned to ditch Ron?"
"What?" Ron yelled from his cell at hearing this. "You were going to get rid of me mum?"
"Oh wise up you idiot," Ginny said as she stopped in front of her brother. "She used you, like she used me. She told me that after you filled your purpose of helping me land Harry, she was going to obliviate you, but would keep you around in case we needed you again? Did you think we would give you all that money and let you walk away with all our secrets? She may have been using me, and I may have gone along with what I knew of willingly, but I didn't expect for her to toss me under the train with you when she got caught?"
"That's not going to happen, Ginevra. I'm sure your father will realize what I was trying to do and forgive us?"
"Oh please, we're screwed and you know it. At least we aren't the only ones since I'm sure you had help from Dumbledore." Ginny said as she resumed her pacing. "I might be the only to walk out of here and it won't be unpunished either. I'm going to sit down and ignore you both now, maybe my punishment won't be forever like I'm sure yours will be."
Molly huffed and walked to the back of the cell and scowled. She knew the little ungrateful brat was right, she was screwed, and no matter what, Arthur had already handed her over to the goblins for justice to save the rest of the family. She knew he would, he was still a noble man and loved his children no matter the potions she kept him on. That was one of the reasons she picked him to begin with.
Ron was more dumbfounded than usual as he heard his sister walk off after her rant. If Ginny was telling the truth, they had used him and now he was locked up beside his mother for attempting to kidnap Hermione, when he could've keep quiet and had the same choice as his sister, and still have a chance after being punished by their Dad.
Outside the cell room, Arthur was surrounded by his boys. He had tried valiantly to keep his composure as the Head of House until he made sure that his entire family wouldn't pay for the actions of three. He lost it as soon as they entered the halls that led to the cells.
Bill led the way after he met them on his way back from locking up his mum. He thought that was hard but couldn't imagine what his father was going through. Finding out your mother was a criminal after all the years she has raised and supported you was hard, but his Dad lost a wife and friend after all those years and had to find out he had been drugged to boot.
Fred and George keep hearing their father ask 'what happened?' and repeating 'I lost her' and both felt devastated for him. They felt bad for themselves but knew their Dad needed the support. He had remained calm in order to protect the remainder of the family and they admired the strength he'd shown doing it. They barely managed to control their emotions until they were away from the others.
"Dad, you need to hear this," Bill said as he handed Arthur a stone to hold that was covered in rune carvings.
Arthur had seen this type of stone once before during the first war, so he knew he would hear what was being said by whoever was near the sister stone to this one. This one was also a storage device and would repeat what was stored if you tapped the correct rune, which Bill had done after he handed it to his father.
The boys watched Arthur as he heard the conversation that had just been held by the two locked up Weasley's and his daughter. His face went from sad to outrage while he listened.
Bill had already heard and would pass it to the boys next so they could decide what to do.
They knew that Molly was to be tried for theft, contract fraud, and attempted line theft of a Most Noble and Most Ancient House.
After the boys had listened to the stone they all sat around the little table outside the cell room.
"Dad, you know the goblins aren't going to let her off easy with these charges. Albus will be dead by sunset, since Harry asked them to handle this here. I heard him screaming something about immunity since he was a government leader for Magical Britain, but he was told quickly that diplomatic immunity wasn't upheld in the Goblin nation. Especially, since he was being charged by a Lord of two houses and for committing crimes against Gringott's itself," Bill told him as he watched his father's face for a sign of what he was thinking about doing.
"I know, she will be lucky to survive but what was I supposed to do? I had to think about the rest of you. Lord Potter Black could have called a blood feud against our family and that would have ended us," Arthur said as he glanced amongst his boys. "Bill your career is with the goblins. Charlie maybe out of the country but the goblins control wizarding banking worldwide. Fred and George are just starting out in business and they don't need that type of stigma already."
"We know Dad, we understand why you did, what you did. We can't do anything about Mum or Ron at this point, what we need to do is decide how to handle Ginny," Bill told him as he kept his voice level and understanding.
"Dad, you need to get checked at St. Mungo's, so when we're there we can see about her seeing a Mind Healer. Since Harry suggested that she work her summer here with the goblins, I'll see about having her assigned somewhere away from the public, but not in the mines. That's the worst possible task for anyone. They do have a cleaning crew that keeps the lower levels clean and stocked. I'll see about having her assigned there but it's not my call," Bill told his worried father. "She'll probably spend six days working and be boarded in the female bunkers that are here, they aren't the best but they aren't a cell either. She'll be allowed to spend one night at home and the next day until she has to return. I'll try to arrange to be her escort to the healer as well."
"If you can, that'll be great Bill. She needs to learn her lesson and after she signs the contract Sirius set up, and spends her summer punished here, we'll see how she handles herself at Hogwarts and then talk more if we need to," Arthur responded with a pain in his eyes at the thought of his little girl being gone all summer but knew it was for the best. "Alright, do you have any idea about Ron or your mother?"
Arthur didn't get a chance to hear what Bill might have known since the door was opened and a new goblin entered.
"Curse Breaker Weasley, I'm Sawtooth and I'm here to speak with your family about your mother and younger brother."
"Sawtooth, it's an honor to meet you. This is my father Arthur, and my brothers Fred and George," Bill said as he gave a slight bow in greeting to the goblin. "We also need to discuss my sister."
"Yes, I was instructed to take your proposals and help select the best solution to that situation," the goblin said as he eyed them all.
Bill spent the next few minutes explaining what they had decided to do with Ginny. The little goblin wasted no time in agreeing to the proposal and said he would have it taken care of.
"Now, your younger brother is accused of attempting to kidnap Lady Potter. He was turned over to our guard by Lord Potter Black after claiming he had just issued a verbal warning to not be near or speak to anyone of them ever again," Sawtooth stated as he eyed them carefully. "We have the right to sentence him to death, however, we won't be using that as a punishment. He will serve 5 years in the mines and then be released with conditions. The conditions are as follows – he may never step foot inside the goblin nation again, including our banks, and he will not be allowed within a fifty foot radius of any of Lord Potter Black's immediate family. If he breaks any of these clauses, he will be returned to the mines for the remainder of his life."
Arthur knew this was a huge concession on the goblins part. He wasn't sure if it was because of Harry or Bill, however. He knew his son had gotten off lightly compared to what he could have received, and he vowed to make sure Ronald followed the conditions after his release. He hoped that he could at least be kept informed through Bill about his youngest son during his 5 year sentence.
Fred, George and Bill were thinking along the same lines as their father.
"Now, we come to Molly Prewett. We respect the way you handled yourself during such a hard time, Mr. Weasley. You showed care for your other children by handing over your wife to us, and so out of that respect and the respect we have for your son Bill, we will not execute her either. She will be sentenced to 50 years in the mines, however. If she survives this sentence, she will be released with the only condition of never stepping on goblin soil again. You must understand the break they are receiving here today. Dumbledore shall be executed before sundown and could have easily had two others beside him," Sawtooth told them sternly.
"We understand sir," Arthur stated. "Will we be able to see them before they are taken away."
"You've been granted a few minutes to inform them and then they will be taken for their punishments to begin," Sawtooth told them before he turned and headed out the door.
"Dad, are you ok?" Bill asked as he stepped over to his father's side.
"No, not at all, but we will handle this as a family and then leave to inform Charlie and Percy of things," Arthur said as he rose and headed towards the cell room he had left Ginny sitting in earlier with his former wife and youngest son.
The four of them entered the room to see Ginny sitting in the chair with her arms crossed, presumably the same way she had been after she had stormed off earlier.
"Ginny, come here please," Arthur said as he stopped in front of the two occupied cells.
Ginny had been so lost in thought that she was startled to hear her father since she hadn't noticed anyone enter the room. "Yes Daddy?"
"We just received the verdicts for the three of you," Arthur said as he took her hand and looked her in the eyes doing his best to remember this was for the best. "You are to spend the summer here working in the bank on a cleaning crew. You'll be allowed one night and day at home a week, will sign Sirius's contract, and see a mind healer while you are hear. Do you understand?"
"Yes Daddy, I'll take the punishment and try to be worthy of you and the others after this summer is over." Ginny saw the pain in his eyes and knew she had dodged a major spell.
She had sat and thought this entire time and realized that if she got out of this mess with her life while still in her youth she would try hard to deserve the chance she was given.
Molly was hopeful after hearing this about Ginny and so she remained quiet to show that she was being obedient. Ron was clueless as usual, thinking he would get the same.
"Ronald, you have been sentenced to 5 years in the mines with conditions upon your release," Arthur said sternly as he turned to his son.
"What? What happened to summer punishment like Ginny got?" Ron asked with panic in his eyes.
"That, dear brother, was before you tried to kidnap Lady Potter from the goblin bank," Bill said as he stepped to his father's side. "You could have been sentenced to death, so if you have any brains, you will keep quiet and spend the next 5 years with your mouth shut and your head down."
Ron sank down to his knees and held his face in his hands. The whole time he keep thinking, 'Damn Potter, he did this to me', without another thought coming to his feeble little brain. He never entertained the thought that he was responsible.
'Oh, I'll stay quiet and keep my head down alright. That way when I get out of here that bastard will get what he deserves for doing this to me' was his next thought as his family stepped over to his mother's cell.
"Molly, you have been sentenced to 50 years in the mines, after which, pending you survive, you will be released with the notice to never return to goblin soil again," Arthur said passively as he stood in front of her. He was hurt, sure, but at this point he was mad as well.
Molly wasn't as hopeful after hearing Ron's sentence but didn't expect this. "Arthur, surely you can do something? You can't leave me here for that long."
"Silence please, you were a gnat's ass from being executed today Molly. You put our entire family in jeopardy with this scheme of yours and Dumbledore's. You hurt me and the children and as much I will mourn my life, I have to think about my remaining children. I'm sorry, but you did this all on your own and will suffer alone for it," Arthur said as he walked to the door and left the room before he lost his composure.
"I will try to get updates to you but can't make any promises, to either of you," Bill said as he turned and followed his father out the room.
"Well, you've done it now. He wasn't kidding you know," Fred said as he stood by his brother.
"They could have executed you both with Dumbledore this afternoon but showed mercy out of respect for our family and Harry," George finished before they followed their dad and oldest brother out the door, leaving three very quiet red heads behind.
Bloodtooth had joined the goblin counsel that was in charge of deciding the punishments that would be handed out today. He sat and offered his advice regarding the red heads only. He told of how Harry had been close to the family and had shown the father and older brothers' respect still, considering what had occurred.
He agreed with the decisions and waited for the right time to bring up his real reason for hurrying to join them. He pulled the list of questions out of his pocket and explained to them that he had received it from Amelia along with the request that Albus be questioned before he was put to death. They looked over the list and agreed seeing no harm in allowing it.
Bloodtooth had stopped by the goblin storage area and retrieved a potion very similar to veritaserum. The only difference was it was slightly stronger and allowed for a wider variety of questions and answers. The person under the potion felt compelled to tell every detail concerned with the question.
He entered the area Dumbledore was being restrained in (accompanied by a goblin to act as a recorder for the questioning) and noticed that he was not only in the magical suppressors but he had a small squad of warriors around as well. He approached the old wizard carefully with a sneer on his face that looked scary on the goblin.
"Albus Dumbledore, I have a few more questions for you before we carry out your sentence. As such, you can open your mouth and swallow this potion or you will be forced to comply."
"Bloodtooth, violence isn't necessary. I will comply," Albus responded with a strange look of peace.
Bloodtooth wondered if he had gone around the twist since his magic had been suppressed. He had heard that magic helped keep the mind sane and healthy and wondered if this was having an effect on the old man.
"Very well," Bloodtooth said as he stepped up and poured the vial down his open throat.
"Please state your name."
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
"Why did you obliviate Madam Pomfrey?"
"She helped me save Harry's life numerous times over his childhood, she wanted to turn in the Dursley's for neglect and abuse many times, plus she kept trying to inform Minerva of his treatment over the summer holidays when he returned and would have to be treated for malnutrition and abuse. I couldn't allow any of these things to happen."
"Why did you obliviate Rubeus Hagrid?"
"He retrieved young Harry as a baby for me from his parents wrecked home and kept him safe for the day while I made arrangements to leave him with his relatives. I wasn't sure what he actually knew so I erased most of the day from his memory."
"Why did you obliviate Severus Snape?"
"He was the one who heard the prophecy given to me by Sybil. He decided then and there to help protect Lily and her son, even if he hated James, and never return to the service of the Dark Lord. I needed him to give the partial prophecy and become my spy. I obliviated parts of our conversation and implanted memories making him believe he betrayed the women he loved on purpose, so I could use his guilt for my own good. He was easy to control after that."
"Why did you obliviate Remus Lupin?"
"To make him forget Harry had a godmother."
"Why did you obliviate Arthur Weasley?"
"He stumbled many times into one of my and Molly's planning sessions. He also overheard us plotting to use potions on Harry and Hermione. Mostly we used loyalty potions to control him."
"What did you do with the Potter's wills?"
"I witnessed both and knew that they could not be found for me to take possession of Harry, so I destroyed the copies that I had, as well as, the ones I found in their home after the attack. I tried to gain entrance to the main vault to destroy the original copies I'm sure they placed their but was unsuccessful."
"Did you set the Potters up to be slaughtered by Voldemort?"
"I only allowed the prophecy to leak to him implicating the Potter's or Longbottom's child as the most likely candidates."
"Where is the real Philosopher's stone?"
"Nicolas Flamel still has it. He refused to loan it to me and never trusted me again after I tried to get him to hand it over. He and his wife left the continent for their planned 100 year absence, so I circulated the false story of their deaths in hopes that they wouldn't return until after I had died or completed my greater good."
"Have you tampered with the lives of any other students over the years?"
"Yes. Neville Longbottom has a curse I placed on him that makes his wand only work at half power. I needed him to appear weak and not a threat for Voldemort as he also could have fit the prophecy. I placed it there after he entered the castle his first year. Also, Luna Lovegood even though I haven't placed curses or spells on her directly. I created a slight compulsion that would cause her to be isolated by her peers in Ravenclaw tower. It magnifies any animosity towards her as well."
"Why did you form the Order of the Phoenix?"
"I used the Order to select those that were worthy of helping me ascertain the greater good, to figure out how far people would go to serve in my cause, and to keep up the appearance of my fight against evil. Later, I used it as a group to watch and guard over Harry."
"What school board votes did you buy and why?"
"I bought any vote that tried to change the curriculum I had taken years to set up for the greater good. I needed to keep muggleborns from changing things too much. I kept the courses stacked in favor of purebloods and half-bloods so that they seemed as intelligent as their muggleborn counterparts. Any time I was challenged to remove a specific teacher I bought the board off, as well as when they received requests asking for Snape, Binns, or Trelawney's dismissal."
"Did you employ the same tactics in the Wizengamot?"
"Yes. I tried to keep things from advancing from the old ways. It was for the greater good of the wizarding world to avoid change and progress. Many pureblood beliefs were challenged over the years but I used money or secret votes I held for the Potter line to sway the voting in my favor. I even used Potter votes to keep the werewolf population from gaining more rights and access to the Wolfbanes potion so that Remus wouldn't be able to return and have very much to do with Harry."
"What was your relationship to Gellert Grindelwald?"
"We were lovers in our youth. We shared the same ideals and only differed on the way to achieve them. We split when he refused to see that my way was the safest for us to proceed with. The greater good was our collaboration of the way we thought the wizarding world should be ran. He tried to see this accomplished through force while I used politics, charisma, and persuasion."
"That's all I needed." Bloodtooth said as he turned to the goblin that had accompanied him.
He watched as the goblin recorder left after rolling up his scrolls and placing his tools back in his bag. He had instructed him to have three copies made and placed on his desk before morning. He knew that he needed to get that information to Lord Potter Black and Madam Bones as soon as possible.
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, I am here as an official for the Goblin Nation to inform you of your sentence for crimes against our nation, our friend Lord Potter Black, and our late friend Lord Sirius Orion Black. You are hereby sentenced to death at sunset on this day to be carried out by beheading to be followed by a burning ceremony. Your ashes will be placed in the Dumbledore family vault to never be removed by anyone as long as the bank stands. Do you have any last requests before we proceed?"
"Yes, I wish for my wand to be destroyed since it is the fabled Elder wand, or Death Stick. I acquired it from my lover Gellert when I defeated him and it should be destroyed with me so no one may ever wield it again for evil."
"The Elder wand, as in the Hallows?" Bloodtooth asked since he knew the old man was still under the potions effect even now.
"Yes, Harry has the Cloak of Invisibility passed down through his family over the ages. The Resurrection Stone was supposedly destroyed when the Gaunt Family ring was supposedly destroyed. So if that's true then, the Cloak is the only remaining Hallow and in good hands, once you destroy the wand with my body."
"It will be done as you request," Bloodtooth told him as he motioned the executioner forward.