612Harry Potter and the Odd Rebellion
~~ODD~~
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
Thanks to Alix33 for her kind and helpful remarks.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JKRowling. It is our understanding that it is illegal to solicit or receive remuneration for Harry Potter fanfiction. We own nothing but our castles in the sand.
~~ODD~~
Welcome to the Fireside. Jam will bring snacks and warm beverages for you soon.
~~ODD~~
Scorecard of what has happened so far:
This story is AU: Harry has been working hard to find a way to take down the darkest Dark Lord. A trip to the Magical zoo may not have given him the venom he was searching for, but he had a lot of fun with both Teddy and Bets.
Harry went with Ian to the 'City of Dreams'. Luna had foretold Harry would find answers there, and he truly did. Lots of answers.
Harry has gone through his magical maturity and his power now rivals Dumbledore's. Well, the man they thought was Dumbledore. Will it be enough to conquer Grindelwald himself?
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore) did a ritual to remove Dumbledore's ties to the castle. Now, Harry lies in wait with a huge bag o' tricks hoping something will work to bring down What's-His-Name.
Arglwydd means Lord in Welsh, it's in the notes below. Ar glue eeth. Thanks to Fenchurch1 who wrote: Arglwydd is pronounced Ar glue eeth with a hard th like in' then'.
Back to the story.
~~ODD~~
Chapter 29 Proper Application of Knowledge
~~ODD~~
Still Tuesday, Dec 21st, Hogwarts gates
On the walk to the front doors, thoughts were swirling in his mind. The name Gellert had been locked away for so long, he didn't consider himself that anymore. What was he going to do without his partner? It was Albie's genius in Alchemy that had kept the masses in line for so long. Blood-magics from parseltongue tomes that Albus had painstakingly translated using language potions. Those texts were now missing! That and the application of runes that were again part of Albus' great magical gifts. What was he going to do?
Actual tears fell, more for the loss affecting himself rather than a loss of a friend.
His genius in runes and alchemy were without peer. Of course, he himself was far smarter! Far more able to read and rule people than the man who could merely peer into their minds. His pedantic approach to knowledge would be missed as a scholar and researcher but it was his own genius that applied that knowledge to perfection. Look at his achievements!
He had taught Tom the darkest of magics and used him to get rid of the strongest families in the Wizengamot. What were left of the marked followers were wizards who owed their allegiance now to him. To HIS mercy.
They had kept down the number of muggleborn staying in their world, working together. If Tommy had only known what happened to some of his captured guests. Hehehe.
Pettigrew had been such a useful spy and procurer for so long. Pity he went running to the DMLE to confess after James and Lily were murdered. He was quietly taken care of. The rat.
If only Albie had forgiven him about the deaths from the Order! He took things so personally and cut him off from the treasure room; forcing him to give up his assassins and other followers. Almost all of their gold was there, including gold they still hadn't had access to from Charlus Potter's curse-breaking days.
The front doors were open but the once warm welcome was now a cold shower. No, the castle didn't want him here in the least. Too bad.
Just off the Great Hall, there was a long and wide corridor lined with maps, portraits, and all the tools any dictator could want. Except one. Albie. This was where they would test magic. He had people to talk to there.
Gellert had stood there for a time, contemplating these magnificent sources of valuable intelligence, when he heard the loud sound of sandpaper on stone. The castle was nearly empty during this holiday, so he called for an elf.
No one came.
The odd sound was getting closer and Gellert Grindelwald, would-be leader of the world. He walked quickly, fearlessly; wand in hand, ready to face whatever this danger was that seemed to lurk just around the corner. He turned that corner without looking or casting a detection spell. After all, he was nigh invulnerable. Or so he thought.
The minute his wand was in sight of a waiting Harry Potter, it was tumbling in the air towards the lad's outstretched hand.
~~ODD~~
Juniper was a very busy elf; at least she had a lot of help. The manor could function with just a few of her crew staying behind.
Master Charlus' treasure had been found! His family books! The Potter Grimoire!
She wanted to dance, remembering with shame how she had failed in not finding this before.
She got permission first from Spurnik, then sent one of the portals into the chamber Gringotts used to receive potential cursed items. Bill Weasley was already there.
"Mistress Sabrina calling you? Juniper happy to see Master William. Potter Grimoire and other preciously things found today!"
Bill smiled, parsing her phrasing well, "You don't have to speak that patois here if you don't want to, Juniper. The Grimoire! Harry is going to be so happy. I have my team assembling.
The elf pointed out a special chest, "Be careful there, Master William! Lord Charlus cursed that box to not open to any but him! You may need Master Sirius who is adopted into House or Master Harry. Don't be getting hurt!"
Bill smiled, "We'll be very careful. You look worried. Are you okay?"
Juniper looked stunned all of sudden, "Him's being dead!" before popping away.
Bill looked concerned but his goblin boss barked orders at him. He couldn't do anything about whatever was going on outside the bank and he had a team bonus riding on making sure the books were safe to read.
The treasure was being treated separately nearby. By the gasps from normally stoic people, there was something significant being found.
~~ODD~~
Harry Potter prayed as he cast the disarming charm: The wand he'd already won and briefly held in Gringotts was tumbling in the air towards his outstretched hand. His off hand was on the companion next to him; a replacement for Skippy by the name of Ruffles.
But the old wizard, who still looked like the real Dumbledore, had made a grievous mistake. He wasn't practicing Constant Vigilance. Gellert turned the corner himself.
And for the second time in a century, Slytherin's basilisk had killed someone just by looking at it.
Harry was shocked by this development. Ruffles was supposed to bite him! Instead of milking venom and putting it on the blade so kindly provided by Healer Brightblade, Ruffles had offered to eat Harry's enemy. That wasn't happening now.
The man was stone through, in a pose of facing danger; if one could have crafted a statue for the 'hero of the century', they could not do a better job. His fist appeared to be holding a wand. Harry pulled a wand from his boot: a generic wand given him by Moody and, with a bit of magic, a suitable copy of the original was put into the statue's hand, then transfigured to the same stone. Not a bad job, if Harry said so himself.
ƺ"My friend? Can you please close your eyes?"ƺ Harry asked his current companion.
Lord Potter asked Juniper to come to double-check, and she just beamed, "He is truly, truly dead, dead, Great Magus. Juniper most proud."
"Can you please ask the others to wait for another half-hour or so? I've got things to do before they can safely return."
Harry quickly conjured a plinth for this statue. The only thing here he'd modify, if he could, was to make it have feet of clay. Hmm. He'd have to think about what he would want to say on it, but nothing really came to mind at the moment.
~~ODD~~
ƺ"You did very well, Ruffles. I am very impressed."ƺ Harry petted the great head of the beast like a cat. He wished Skippy could be here too. Of course, these two might not have gotten on well.
ƺ "I thought I was going to get something to eat."ƺ The basilisk complained.
Well, in truth, he had planned to feed the headmaster to the beast. That wasn't an option now.
There was that one older cow who was limping…No! He had a better idea. Harry asked ƺ "I read somewhere that basilisks love acromantulas. How would you like to make Hogwarts a bit safer for students and get a nice snack?"ƺ
ƺ "I'd like that very much. You tell me that I can do my duty here, like I used to, unlike someone else. I can smell deceit. And you are telling the truth. That horrible boy who claimed to be my master lied to me all the time. I killed a student because of him! That wasn't nice."ƺ
ƺ "No, no it wasn't. Let's get you into the forest and let you eat. I need to take care of a few things before we let the others in. You eat, then we'll get you back into the chamber and you can go back to sleep."ƺ
ƺ "Are you sure there's nothing more I could do to help? No other dark lords to conquer?"ƺ Ruffles pleaded.
ƺ " Not right now, my friend. I have to serve here ten years once I am done with school and all. I don't know exactly when that will be, but I will return. I promise to visit you over the summer, and from time to time. Just warning you, Tom Riddle, the boy you last talked to, did become a dark lord. He killed my parents. Do not trust him. Thank you again for all you did for me."ƺ
~~ODD~~
Flashback
Harry seemed to have a natural disposition to get along with magical creatures even to the point of understanding them if not speaking their language.
When Vienna Dumbledore gave Ian the one word answer of basilisk as the way to kill Hogwarts Dumbledore, Ian thought the man was lying or insane or just trying to protect his friend.
But Harry remembered all of his research; all of the reading in Hogwarts: A History and other books: He believed the old wizard.
He also knew two other things: There was a girl killed by a basilisk somewhere in the UK and there were rumors of a parseltongue dark lord ascending at the same time.
This led Harry to the conclusion that as soon as the protection ritual was done and the headmaster rejection ritual was completed, Harry needed to spin back a turn or two and make friends with a hidden protector of Hogwarts.
This might have been far more dangerous than the thirteen-year old wizard thought, but he had to try.
He found the slumbering basilisk, read the parselrune message on how to wake the beast, and did so. He was relying on Dan's and Ian's armor and equipment along with the legend that snakes would not hurt a Speaker.
He also read the words to put it into stasis and was ready to put it back to sleep if it was cranky, though.
ƺ"That was no enemy of Hogwarts…oh! Hello Speaker, more peasants at the gate? What's the danger this time?ƺ
Harry explained his life's story as quickly as he could and then talked about the current headmaster.
ƺ "Imprisoning him isn't an option. The man has the country in his thrall. There are people freeing the Irish witches and wizards as we speak. They just restarted their own Ministry. I don't want to kill anyone but if I don't, if we don't then…"ƺ
ƺ "Then all of the students will continue to be in danger and more would-be students would fall to his knife. Blood-protections. Terrible, dark, dark magic. Evil most vile. I will help you, Speaker. No need to use my venom though. I'm hungry and can just eat him."
ƺ "What is your name?" Harry asked. "I'm Harry."ƺ
ƺ "Hairy? That does not seem appropriate. Professor Slytherin called me a variety of names, none of which were very nice. What would you like to call me?"ƺ
ƺ "What about Ruffles? Now, let's do some planning. We don't have a long time and he'll return. I want to be in place before that."ƺ
And the basilisk listened and agreed. Harry was grateful that neither Dumbledore spoke parseltongue naturally. They were in place when the five-named Dumbles showed up.
Clearly, Slytherin wanted his descendants to have access to powerful magic. It also explained some of the short, realistic looking knights on display around the castle. They were muggles who had, unwisely, attacked the castle from time to time. No doubt to 'rescue' a stolen prince or princess that popped up with magic.
Harry would gladly listen to those stories all day long. As long as it was another day. Their quarry neared and it was time.
End Flashback
~~ODD~~
The young warrior made his way to the main level of the castle after putting the basilisk back into stasis. He'd need to visit the Chamber over the summer and do some repairs, maybe bring some dwarves with him, but Ruffles had a nice place to hibernate until she was needed. Or was it brumation? A basilisk wasn't a naturally occurring magical snake. Whichever, she would sleep until awakened by a parselmouth.
Now that would be a good prank on Sirius. Harry made a mental note to get some magical snakes. Hehehe.
Harry was very tired by the time the giant spider infestation was taken care of. It took a lot of mental energy to control a basilisk. They weren't the friendly, cuddly-sort of pet like a targ now, were they?
He wished that Dumbles never went to Gringotts last summer as he wanted Skippy here today, but at least Thistle and Spurnik hadn't been upset about it. They seemed proud of his death. His name was on a wall in the Hall of Heroes.
Mentally, Harry called Juniper and gave the all clear. She brought him a pepper-up before popping away. Harry quaffed the potion, forgetting the ones Marius had given him, and went out the main doors to wait for the others.
Where was Hermione? She had better be safe or he'd find a way to kill Dumbles again. Then it hit him that this was over. It was all over.
He just wanted to kiss his girl then go to bed for a week with the covers over his head!
~~ODD~~
Dan, Moody, and Ian were monitoring the map. Harry had disappeared for a time, then Albus PWB Dumbledore appeared. They watched as Harry appeared suddenly. He must have been in a hidden passage. Then the name 'Ruffles' appeared next to him.
Who in the world was 'Ruffles'?
The rest of the family was back in Salem trying not to worry. Hah! As if distance could dim their worry for Harry. With 'timing' and such, the lad was a good fourteen years old - an adult by the old Roman standard.
Not by any of them!
When Dumbledore's name disappeared from the map there was confusion for a minute. They were all here in Ian's basement where the soldiers were now assembled and ready, while the ladies of the coven used the tents to rest and recuperate from their efforts.
Ritual magic!
Then Juniper popped in. "Master Harry needing half-hour to finish. Then you's come when he's ready."
One soldier, unfamiliar with house-elves, tried to argue with her. "If the Boy-Who-Lives needs help, take us there now! That's why we're here! Hurry!"
The look she gave him!
"Not safe. Wait. Great Mage Master Harry decide when safe to return. Wait."
She then returned to her work at Gringotts - sorting out what was Potter or other family items from what was Dumbledore's. That pair may have stolen from the Potters, but Juniper knew her master would want to keep nothing that wasn't rightfully his.
They watched Harry's and Ruffle's dot walk off the edge of the map into the Forbidden Forest.
It was a long time to wait, on edge, but then Juniper was back and Dan's mirror was calling. It was Harry!
"It's safe for you to come back to the Castle. I'm going to need…" Harry yawned hugely but then Hermione was out of her tent.
"Harry! Harry!" Hermione wanted to be there, right then.
Before Moody or Dan could make any orders, Juniper popped back in only to disappear with Dan's eldest. The dots on the map were way too close together.
Moody sighed and called for Jam who was somewhere nearby. "Can we get a portal set up to the castle? I don't want to walk that far to see my bonny lass, and the castle house-elves will be assemblin' staff fer this."
Jam went to do as bid, making sure his master got a couple of uninterrupted moments alone with Mistress Mione.
~~ODD~~
Lady Malfoy was indeed having a marvelous time hosting students over the Yule holiday. There were five Ravenclaws of varying age, no Hufflepuffs (they tended to take care of their own), six Slytherin, and eight Gryffindors.
Right now, with the help of castle elves, she was making sure that everyone had at least three magical outfits to wear outside of student robes.
"With Lucius as the new Headmaster, I'm going to volunteer for a new role at the school. One who takes care of this sort of thing," Narcissa shared with a blushing Gryffindor witch.
"Hogwarts Mum. Sounds like a kind idea, ma'am." The sixth year shared.
Narcissa smiled. She had memories returning and suspected that couples around the Magical world were 'waking up' now. There might be a bit of a shuffle in families coming up and her services at the school would likely be essential.
Severus and Lucius were at a nearby table, discussing how Hogwarts was going to be different and planning changes.
Something important had happened and Severus smiled at her. Oh yes, their family, going forward, was not going to be standard, but she wasn't going to allow Draco to lose either father figure.
They'd all be serving at Hogwarts through Draco's majority. Together. And help the others affected by the old dictator.
~~ODD~~
Hermione popped right next to Harry waiting at the front doors; startling the young warrior badly: He had just been 'communing' with a basilisk, after all.
A welcome, curly-haired missile hit him and wrapped around him, "You're safe! Oh, Harry!"
They were both terrible at kissing - noses getting in the way and unsure of what they were doing - but both needed this reassurance that they were alive and healthy. But what they lacked in technique was more than made up by the sincerity of their feelings.
"How? How did you do it?" Hermione demanded, after coming up for air. A portal was loudly popped near them giving them time to separate.
Harry's emerald orbs gleamed with an inner light that let her know they would practice this art and get better.
"Let me explain just once, when everyone gets here. But no, I will not be introducing my 'little' friend to anyone."
~~ODD~~
Ian was the first one out of the portal and he and Harry shared a warm hug. What words could they say? Harry's job had been to help find and open a safe house. The consequences of that action went far beyond his initial remit. But Harry had gotten the answers he needed.
"Where's the phoenix?" Ian asked as Dan was now hugging both Harry and Hermione in joy.
"I think I might have another friend." Harry confessed. "He really wants to stay here at Hogwarts. But he doesn't like Lucius much. Oops, I shouldn't have said that.
"He's going to go home, wherever that is, for a time. He'll likely come back when I come here to teach. Oh Hermione! I need to tell you something…"
Soldiers, ODD members, staff, and house-elves involved in ODD appeared out of the portal as well. Word was spreading, but all wanted to know what had happened.
Once everyone had assembled, Harry led them to a corridor not that far away. There, on a blank plinth, was a statue of the headmaster appearing as though returning in triumph. Would that be returning in triumph after defeating himself?
Everyone felt it though. Magics, long held in place, were now breaking down, up and down the greater UK. How far this control had once spread was unknown, exactly, and would be up to people like Dan and Moody to address as their remits changed.
Moody had retired as an auror, but he had gone to work for the Queen, helping in freeing the magical people in Dumbles' thrall.
Minerva, still on the wards, apparated in and ran up to Alastor. "Tell me ya remember me now? Oh! My darlin', darlin' husband!"
He held her hand, "Of course I remember! It's good that yer here lass. I need to hear what happened and ye deserve that too. And then ye and I will go up and have tea in your office and catch up. What do ye say?"
She nodded and looked at a younger version of James with Lily's wonderful eyes. "Mr Potter, I presume? Well, what mischief have ye been up ta?"
Harry gave her a crooked smile and started his explanation. The Hogwarts Dumbledore had gone further into dark magic than anyone had ever known before. For protecting himself and his partner; for controlling those they wanted to rule.
"He was protected from a number of attacks, so in order to defeat him, I needed something different. A creature attack."
"Ye mean, this statue is really him?" Minerva asked, appalled.
Ian had a brainwave, and interrupted what Harry was going to say next, "Oh no, ma'am. His body is up in his chambers. I think Moody and I need to call in some English Aurors and notify them that Dumbledore has passed away, all peaceful like."
Potter elves responded to Harry's mental call. He was laughing silently but it was the perfect prank. The Vienna Dumbledore was moved carefully into place by clever elves.
Professor McGonagall, who could smell pranks coming, focused on the Potter lad, "What are ye plannin'?"
Harry stepped over to Hermione and held her hand, "I plan to throw pots, do a lot of flying, go back to school and do well, and be kind to my girlfriend."
Dan cleared his throat, but he could see that these two were bonded already. Trying to argue about it was pointless. He had so many questions but could see the boy needed rest more than anything.
Dan and Moody would have to schedule a mission debriefing session soon, but for now, the tango was down. He needed to report in and give his superiors a heads-up. Serena Hooch needed to know. Rolanda Hooch, the flying coach and instructor, had been a part of the ritual earlier so would likely have already said something.
A new day was dawning over England, Scotland, Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom as well as many parts of Europe.
~~ODD~~
Back at Black Keep
Auror Alice Longbottom was waking from an unexpected nap. Luna was there, tears in her eyes. "I know you wanted to go, but then HE would have killed you. I don't know how. So I'm sorry. Here's a gift certificate for twenty hours of childcare."
"I planned to go to Vienna with Ian and Harry! But I'm not angry with you. How is my godson?" Alice demanded.
With perfect timing, Luna handed over her own mirror. "Alice! Can you please tell everyone there I'm fine. We have to answer some questions at the LoMN tomorrow but I'm coming home. I want to sleep for a week. Love you. Bye!"
"I didn't get a word in!" Alice started to call him back, but the mirror wouldn't work for her. Safety feature.
Then it hit her. If Harry was safe and having to answer questions, then Dumbledore was done. She felt so dizzy all of a sudden.
Many couples were having the same experience. Some had managed to fight the control. Others were appalled at their circumstances. It was almost like the master manipulator was trying to destroy personal happiness.
Frank stumbled in right then, "He wanted me to marry someone else, but you! Something you did protected me. Us."
"I don't ken…I only loved ye truly, my darlin' Frank. I did nothin' special!"
They celebrated being together while Luna crept quietly away.
~~ODD~~
Back to Hogwarts
"So you're not mad I committed to a decade of service to the castle? I mean…I didn't talk to you first. I hoped you wouldn't mind." Harry stopped talking when Hermione kissed him again.
They were walking around outside in student robes, a disguise of sorts; while curse-breakers entered to make sure the castle was safe for students to return. The group from Salem would be heading home soon.
Commander Montgomery had a few questions for Harry once he was done talking to Ian. Harry just wanted to hug Alice, Sirius, and Remus, check on the babies and get to bed.
"What do you plan to teach?" Hermione asked. "I mean you are gifted in Runes and Charms. And we plan to study Enchanting in high school."
"As long as you're with me, I really don't care much. I just want to get my Mastery in Runes. Or Enchanting. Maybe Charms."
"As long as you're sure." Hermione teased then grew solemn, "Harry? This man has enslaved so many people. And no one will know it was you who freed them."
'Freedom Parties' would be happening everywhere soon. The goblins would be controlling and renting out the Potter family magic in the form of Liberty Cups ™ . No one would see the active magic due to transfiguration hiding the clever runes of his ancestors.
Sabrina showed up just then and crushed Harry in a hug, "I had to be sedated due to all of the terrible things I was Seeing - the paths when you were…But you succeeded and Ian helped! Oh, you brave lad! Thank you for keeping him and you safe!"
They hugged for a long moment and Sabrina included Hermione in it.
"I came to fetch ya. Ian is going to stand with ye and if anyone starts anything against ye, you'll be popped to our house and then back home. But for now, Dan is asking Hermione to return home…"
"NO! I won't interfere, but I'm staying right here, now! I wasn't allowed to stand with him before, but I won't run away from the Black Watch commander!"
Harry squeezed her hand. "Calm Hermione. Remember my badge? He has a responsibility. I am at peace with my actions today. I would like to hurry this up though. I want to be away before Hagrid returns and finds his pet spiders missing."
Harry started jogging up to the castle. Commander Montgomery and a few of the Black Watch were there at the main doors of Hogwarts.
"Spiders? You don't mean the acromantulas? Harry?" Hermione had been stunned and had dropped behind.
Sabrina, waiting for the younger witch, offered her own hand. "I will not leave Ian either. But I assure you, it's going to be alright. I have foreseen it."
~~ODD~~
Hermione was holding Harry's hand tightly as the questioning continued. The Black Watch Commander kept giving Moody the side-eye, but Alastor had promised just to monitor, not interfere.
"I can swear a magical oath to not kill again, but it will have to be carefully worded." Harry offered.
The friar showed up and scowled at the commander, "Malcolm! How can ye doubt yer senses? He protected Hogwarts!"
Harry was cleared of any wrongdoing, officially, but was warned that whatever he did to the headmaster needed to not happen to an innocent. Duh.
And with that, Hermione and Harry were sent home after sharing farewells with their family and friends there.
They didn't mean to, but the portal dropped them off inside the informal living room and the couch was just so comfy and they were both so tired.
Remus, looking for Harry to give him a warm welcome home, would get a nice picture of the first time they 'slept' together.
~~ODD~~
It had been a very odd day. Harry woke up, spitting hair out of his mouth. Livy was there with a wooden spoon and for a moment, he was worried she was going to hit him with it.
"Oh! Sorry Master Harry. Dinner is being served soon. Please get ready now. Mistress Mione…"
"Hermione. Her-my-o-knee." The witch sounded-out carefully.
"You too. Livy needs to go."
Harry laughed. Their hair! Their poor children would be doomed. Just doomed. The teens got up and got ready for dinner.
~~ODD~~
Emma was the first to greet Harry but Sirius was next. The adults were fighting tears despite knowing Harry was fine. They knew he had been exhausted and allowed him to nap before pouncing on him.
Remus and Abigail also gave Harry a warm hug. Teddy was more effusive. "You were gone all day! Are you going to be here tomorrow?"
Dotty was watching over the babies, so Dan'l and Bets were not there but Harry needed to check in on them soon too, "I will be here for part of the day, buddy. I have to visit Marmalade after dinner. Maybe you want to help me?"
Teddy agreed to that, seeing his mum nod yes. Abigail had so many questions as did Amelia, but they could wait until after Harry checked on his mount.
~~ODD~~
Amelia started in the moment Harry was back after feeding treats to Marmalade and reading a story to Dan'l and Teddy. "I want to apologize, Lord Potter. I was so ineffective in finding anything and then earlier today…"
Madam Bagshot shook her head, "The skies cleared. It wasn't your fault. I was made to forget about my own nephew! Those terrible, terrible boys! Both had the potential to do great things. What a waste. What a waste!"
Harry looked at her in pity and squeezed her hand. "I hope you can forgive…"
"None of that. There's nothing to forgive." Bathilda stated firmly.
"The country will soon be free," Emma shared. "For my part, if Harry and Sirius allows, I would like to stay put at least until Hermione and Sally-Anne are done with their studies."
Sirius shared a look with Harry before stating, "Anyone who wants to stay is welcome to. Right, pup?"
Harry nodded, "Very much so. It doesn't feel real yet, but we really did win. We worked together. And you ladies were a huge part of this! You were very needed."
Some people would likely be heading back to help at the Ministry after the holidays, like Amelia, even if Susan continued to stay with them for the time being. With the portals, Madam Bones could visit all the time, join them for dinner, and spend weekends here.
Remus was prodding Sirius to get involved with the Wizengamot for both House Potter and Black, as well as take some of the more experienced villagers to set up managers since Narcissa wanted to move to Hogwarts now.
Harry knew that his life would be changing yet again. The Tonkses would have to decide what they wanted to do as well, now that it would be safe for them to return home.
He squeezed Hermione's hand. He was still feeling tired, so, as the conversation ran down, excused himself to go to bed for twelve solid sodden hours.
This time without Hermione. Sigh.
~~ODD~~
Harry was easily cleared of any wrongdoing by the LoMN, so he spent the day after all the kerfuffle playing with the children and flying. He even got to spend time making more Liberty Cups ™ .
Christmas passed in a blur. Word had been kept very quiet, but those in the know all sent Harry little 'thank you' gifts. Harry had done his shopping early, buying everyone something. Just in case.
This year's Boxing Day celebration was huge! All of ODD came earlier in the day for a party but they left before the Welsh crew had their own celebrations.
The only mar on the day was a distraught letter from Hagrid asking Harry if he had any way of getting him a new spider or two. The curse-breakers cleaning out Hogwarts had gone too far and killed off his friends.
Harry had sent him a pair of jackalopes with a condolence letter that stated that he didn't know of anyone that raised acromantulas. And to make sure these little guys were well contained during storms.
~~ODD~~
Friday, December 31st, Black Keep
The New Year's Eve party was well attended this year.
Higgs took the ODD oaths now that their remit was changing. It was going to take time to free several countries but the Order was now evolving and growing.
But Dora wanted to share everything with her soon-to-be husband. Yes indeed. That New Year's Eve, Ted made a toast to the young couple. People had been expecting it for some time now, but it was still happy news that they were going to be married.
She was even going to start working at the local Ministry after the holidays on a part-time basis. Her metamorphic skills were about to be put to use.
The ballroom was full of family and friends celebrating. Ian was surprised to be pulled to the Blue Dining room by Alice and Frank. Harry was asked to join them.
Lady Alice put a nice purse in Sabrina's hands. "For both of you, for your help with my godson. Ian, I think once a month drills until the other dark lord is completely gone might be a good idea if you and Harry are willing."
"Yeah, the other prophecy is still active. Neville's uncle checked. At least we are in no hurry to move, right? I should be able to finish school here before that happens. I'd be happy to go to Hogsmeade, Auror Ian. I could visit Ruffles, buy some shortbread. See the sights. You know."
Alice looked shocked. "Harry James! Just who or what is a 'Ruffles'?"
Ian and Frank were curious too. But Harry didn't want anyone trying to kill his friend just for being 'interesting'. Dragons were dangerous, after all. And they were protected.
"I just remembered I promised Hermione a dance. Sally-Anne and Susan too. Bye!"
Ian looked at Alice, "You really don't know?" The Scot had an idea especially after what the other Dumbledore said to the question 'What could be used to kill the headmaster.'
He had revealed that a basilisk could indeed kill the other Dumbledore. Ian ran after Harry.
"Ye named him 'Ruffles'?" Ian demanded.
Harry was not about to reveal that the basilisk had lovely neck ridges.
"It's a her actually, and well, I could have called her 'Spot' or 'Salazarina' or something. Gotta go!"
~~ODD~~
Sunday, January 2nd, Gringotts
Harry was surprised to be invited to an investiture.
Abigail, unhappy about being left out too often, was there with her cub. Harry waved at his Salem potions professor, who looked regal in House robes. Lucius was there as was Narcissa. Draco did the noble nod that Harry returned. He clearly was looking for Sally-Anne and not finding her. He forgot to hide his frown.
Several Hogwarts professors were there as was Moody who winked at the lad.
Severus Snape was next to a goblin-rented athame. The Prince one was likely in the manor, but until he had access to that home, which required him being Lord Prince, he couldn't use it.
The goblin started the ceremony, "Welcome guests. Today we are here to acknowledge Severus Snape as Lord Prince and bring Theodore Roosevelt Prince into the House."
Harry's Professor Prince was a rare American Adept-born wizard. When his grandfather didn't get his letter, he was sent away to Salem which taught magicals without a high MI. Harry didn't know his first name before today and wasn't going to share it! It was too close to Teddy!
Narcissa was then brought forward and named Matron of the House. She was socially still Lady Malfoy, but everyone in their circle knew that she and Severus were really married.
Harry had small chests of potions ingredients that held more than they appeared for both men in appreciation for all their work.
Severus was likely going to leave Hogwarts as soon as Draco graduated but planned to stay for a time, with his family all there.
~~ODD~~
Tuesday, January 4th, Hogwarts
When school started up again, Ron Weasley was more involved with his cauldron cake than looking where he was going.
"Oops. Sorry Headmaster. Didn't see you there." Then the young wizard looked again. "Woah! That's wicked."
The headmaster's statue was on a plinth, and had a small engraved plaque on the bottom. "Here was a man who lived his life for the Greater Good."
There were strange runes that ran around the bottom that declared, for any who could read parsel, 'His own good. The wizard killed thousands of magicals, he was an educator, a politician, and a dictator. If he had left his enemies alone, they would have left him alone.'
That's when Ron remembered the old man had passed away over the holiday. No one from his family attended the funeral though. He wasn't even sure where he'd been buried; he just knew that it wasn't in Godric's Hollow, as Rita Skeeter had been in outrage over that.
"Strange place to put his statue. Wizards can be so barmy." Ron muttered to himself before continuing on his way to the opening feast.
~~ODD~~
Lord Malfoy was enjoying his role as Headmaster very much. He was appalled to learn just how much had been foisted on the overworked deputy. It was being addressed just by his own work ethic, not to mention his wife's aid. Lady Narcissa had been in charge of both Black and Malfoy business endeavors. They had hired a new manager for their own farm and the Blacks were now in charge of their own holdings. Sirius being cleared in the first Wizengamot session, after Dumbledore's death, was just the first step.
It was going to be up to the new headmaster to find funds to hire more staff and start putting in the changes he had been fighting for since he became governor.
The power to effect change was heady. He strode through the castle with his long cloak flapping behind him, students standing respectfully still, giving him nods and some even bowing as he passed.
Yes, life was good.
Now, where was that necromancer that Potter recommended? He had a ghost to sack.
Professor Diggle would be starting real history lessons the following week. And getting paid for it using updated history books by level as written by Bathilda Bagshot. This time, without any enhancements or censorship.
Just because the ritual participants had promised ten years of service, the castle never said it had to be for free.
Hogwarts was going through changes, but that wasn't the only place adapting.
~~ODD~~
Auror Ian and Lord Harry were invited to a special meeting at Gringotts. They were being greeted in one of the most luxurious conference rooms the bank had available; food was offered on a side table. That was a good sign as goblins wouldn't eat with an enemy.
Spurnik was there to greet them all as they came in, and standing next to him was Bill Weasley. BloodRage was next to the door. Everyone shook hands warmly before taking their seats around the large conference table.
Sirius didn't want to attend, but was there as Regent Potter. Remus, well recovered from this last full moon, was there as well. Their other boys were left at home, but Abigail was seated next to Harry. There was a large trunk hovering next to Bill at the table.
Spurnik began, "The curse-breakers have been busy. Per Lord Potter's request, those who are family to him, like Curse-Breaker Weasley, were given charge of the family grimoire."
Bill took up the narrative, "Someone had tried to open it –without permission– thus the protections engaged. But no additional curses had been added." That thick tome was placed carefully on the table.
Sirius gasped. This was why he was here. "How did they get it out of the manor?"
"You'll have to hire a necromancer to ask that question. I have my suspicions. Now, let's go on to the other items Lord Harry's busy elves removed from the Vienna townhome."
Mayan gold objects and much valuable jade had been recovered from the treasure room that had been under a fidelius. The real Dumbledore didn't want Gellert to buy assassins. He really was against killing. That or he was worried that vengeance would come against his partner.
Aztec gold was also found, as was trunk upon trunk of Gringotts-issued galleons. That had made the goblins angry as gold not in circulation stagnated the economy!
Lord Harry stood, "But sir. I don't know the provenance of all of this gold. You told me before, it was left in my house and is legally mine. But these treasures…it wouldn't be right to just keep them!"
Abigail gave Harry a sideways hug. Such an honest cub.
"As a matter of fact, our Seer has given us wisdom as to where some of this gold belongs. Princess Elaina would have a claim to some as would Princess Carmen. I suspect you have a way of contacting these ladies." Spurnik smirked.
Harry had to get up and go over to his guard friend and ask for a silencing charm. Harry laughed until tears ran before returning to the table. He then tried to explain why but he was still silenced. Spurnik gave his son-in-law a sharp look and suddenly Harry could be heard. "Wait until Amanda finds out the boy she's been bullying has a princess for a mother."
Sirius shook his head, "Royal lines are patrilineal, for the most part. He'll likely be a crown prince able to claim the throne upon his majority."
Harry smiled. One of his best mates was going to be a king? Good for Ricardo! "So that's where the Mayan and Aztec treasure will go. At least we can ask Sabrina about some of the other…" Harry started to suggest but was interrupted.
"Please don't, Harry. Don't ask her. This is blood money stolen from hundreds if not thousands of magical children." Ian requested.
Spurnik also cautioned wisdom here, "You do not have to do anything with it immediately. However I suspect some has been diverted from Hogwarts. I know for a fact from unfair conversions that muggleborns feel they are being charged a much higher rate than purebloods. I can reveal this much of the audit on Hogwarts though: The coffers received only a certain amount. The same as what a pureblood would pay."
Sirius and Harry shared a look before Lord Black stated, "Hogwarts went through a cleanse and review. I think donating some of this gold for their efforts would be a way of honoring those lost."
Harry spoke up, "And some should be given to the Americans. Look at how much time and money was wasted trying to figure Dumbledore out when strong diverting magic kept them finding minutiae instead of anything solid!"
Madam Bones was livid about it! She had been trying to investigate not one but two people of the same name hidden under fidelius and other strong magics. No wonder that group hadn't gone very far!
The people there stayed quiet for a moment. How many times had the adults gathered to try to help that research! The Potter account manager hit a rune on the table.
At Spurnik's call, several goblins came in with different trunks. They were all labeled.
Sirius got up and ran over to the portraits. "Mum and Dad Potter!" He exclaimed. They were still asleep, but any curses on them had been lifted.
Harry popped up to peer inside, "Any of my mum and dad?"
Spurnik cleared his throat, "Our scryers were unable to find any such portraits. You can ask your Seer to look, but I did review the accounts from that time. I saw nothing to indicate Charlus or James ever commissioned such. I'm sorry lad."
Harry nodded, "Thanks to Luna and her father, we at least have nice pictures of my parents."
Harry also wanted Ian to have a share of the gold as, if it wasn't for him, their mission there would have failed.
"Nay! Give it to Hogwarts or send some to Commander Montgomery for the Black Watch. I was there to support family. I don't want nothin' to do with blood money." Ian averred.
They went over the other things found in the townhouse in Vienna. The home itself was having a deep cleanse but Harry didn't think he'd be able to live in it. He'd likely rent it out for his lifetime and let his descendents decide whether or not to use it. After all, a hundred years from now, the horror of that place would have faded.
Harry shuddered. Then again, maybe he should tear it down and sell the property. It wasn't going to be decided today in any case.
~~ODD~~
On the way out, Spurnik pulled Harry and Sirius aside, "I don't know if you remember: We were trying to find the last piece of the other dark lord. It was last seen with Dumbledore. It has disappeared. I don't know where it is, but it is well warded. Practice the vigilance your mentors taught you, young warrior, and keep yourself safe."
Harry nodded. A warded box? Something so small? Well, without the 'main part' of Moldywarts, what were the dwindling death eaters going to do?
He'd try to be cautious. But he didn't have the same fear of Moldy that he had had of Dumbles.
Too bad he couldn't use Ruffles to take care of him as well. But Tommy-boy was a parseltongue. Harry wasn't sure who she would listen to and didn't want to risk it. Plus, Commander Montgomery might come after him if he did so successfully.
Harry planned to talk to Ian and Moody about continuing lessons. There was apparently a different prophecy about him that the Seer inside the castle had made. She was still in 'treatment' at the moment.
Sirius was frowning as they were leaving. Carmen was about to become a very wealthy lady as was Elaina. A small part of his psyche worried that she would leave him now.
But Harry had a different way of looking at things. "Wait until we tell Ricardo, Elaina, and Carmen about this! I suspect we're going to be adding new 'griffs, and clothes, and stuff. Don't cha think?"
Sirius laughed and put aside his worries and concentrated on those happy thoughts.
~~ODD~~
Black Keep, family dining room
Charlus and Dorea were installed in the family dining room with spare empty frames commissioned so they could at least move about the house.
The other family portraits, freed from the Vienna home, were placed as they chose when they woke up, but most started in the stairway gallery.
Diaries and notes from the Vienna house were providing the MFBI team more information than they had ever been able to accumulate! The dark magic parseltongue tomes were donated to their cause along with the translations. No one wanted them to become part of the family library.
Carmen and Elaina were stunned to learn that their fathers, grandfathers, and other wizards of the family were all dead. Apparently their blood had been used in other rituals for the evil men to regain youth and achieve immortality. Ricardo was the last of their royal line.
When told, Ricardo shared, "I don't know if it can be kept secret, but I would like to be able to go to school, race, play baggit, and all that without security worries like Harry has had."
"Or without all of the girls chasing you." Harry teased.
Ricardo looked around. His mother had been asked in to talk with Carmen and Sirius, so it was just this small group in the dining room, but he hadn't seen Susan all day.
"Does Madam Bones know about this?" Ricardo worried.
"Yep. She was in on the briefing." Sirius confirmed.
Before checking they were done, Ricardo was out the door, asking Jam where Miss Susan was.
~~ODD~~
Susan was standing at the edge of the back pond, crying. All of her hopes and dreams for the future had just come crashing down. The boy she'd been crushing on was way above her league. She'd known from the first day meeting him, there was something special about him.
And now she knew why.
Ricardo found her and pulled her into a hug, "Susan! This doesn't change anything between us! I'm still me!"
"But you'll have witches like Amanda throwing themselves at you for your rank and wealth. What do I have to offer? A postage stamp-size manor? There isn't enough room for fairies, much less a hippogriff."
Ricardo pulled away a bit and declared, "I really, really like you. As you. I don't care if we were both without a knut. We could use our magic, work hard, and make a good life. I want to be your friend. I want to ask you out on a date. Please don't reject me for something I have no control over."
"Reject you? No! I thought you would want someone better than me now."
"There is no one better for me than you. Please? Let's give us a chance?" The young man who had been trying to court this witch gently since they met leaned forward, giving her plenty of time to move away, and gave her a sweet short kiss.
Susan smiled and grabbed his shirt to pull him into a second, longer one.
"So, does this mean you'll be my girlfriend?" Ricardo asked.
Susan nodded, "I'd really like that."
The two went for a walk around the pond holding hands. Susan liked him when she thought he was the son of a servant. She cared about him as a person and that was all that mattered to Ricardo.
She couldn't wait to see Amanda's face if this news did come out! And she had no one but herself to blame when Ricardo rejected her friendship. Again.
~~ODD~~
School had been in session for a few weeks when an active Death Eater received a gift and letter from the previous headmaster. Something that Albus had arranged for in case of his untimely demise.
The evil wizard read the note with relish, crushing it in his fist just as he hoped his master would crush the Boy-Who-Lived.
No, his master would rise again and take away that boy's title. Now, who could he turn to for help?
~~ODD~~
The End - for now - Part II, Order Defying Dark Lords will be coming soon.
~~ODD~~
ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)
A/N: Story recommended by our friend Millie072: Recommendation: The Definition of Normal by Ducky 1776 (Yeah! Gotta love Ducky!)
s/11495654/1/The-Definition-of-Normal
Our friend cheila recommends: Haugh Wards: Tin Foiled 12132355. Short, complete and funny. Enjoy!
s/12132355/1/Tin-Foiled
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
Playing by the rules By: Ponneeswaran
[ONESHOT] Harry frustrated with the legal system, sets in motion events to save his Godfather. AU after POA.
Status: Complete - id: 14117786
~~ODD~~
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)
Copyright: The original books are all owned by JK Rowling and her associates. This piece is the intellectual property of the writer VashonBeader and her beta LtsHrIt4ThBoyz and is not to be used or sold elsewhere under any other name.