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CH 6: Meetings, Memories, & Melodramatic Alterations
Harry had a few minutes to think about the upcoming meeting. He thought of what he should reveal and also if there was anyone else he needed to be there. He found the idea of inviting the other teachers, well heads of house anyway, and Rita Skeeter to be in his best interests. He floo called Professor Snape and asked him to bring Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout. Then, in as unassuming a manner as possible, moved to the window seal and scooped up a rather colorful beetle. Knowing Rita was in her Animagus form to spy on him, he formally invited her to the meeting, as well as getting her oath of secrecy, for not turning her in.
Rita couldn't believe that she had been caught, but agreed to the terms that Harry gave her. She was thinking of the impact her oath would have on her career. In some ways it could be detrimental; however Harry would be a powerful ally as well.
Severus, on the other hand, was the most ecstatic he had ever been. Those who knew him well would have thought him touched in the head. He was literally jumping for joy, the letter had allowed him to retrieve his signet ring, which the Marauders had hidden when he was in school, and it was payback for a terrible prank he played on Lilly. It was one of the things he had regretted doing in his life, Lilly never deserved to be treated that way. Finding the family ring would allow him to claim his family inheritance and title of Lord Snape. This was the mood he was in when Harry called him. Harry asked him to bring the other heads but not let Dumbledore know. "He needs to stay in the dark about things. The reasons will be clear after the meeting, just trust me until then." Harry had told the man. With this information he schooled his attitude and face and set off to find the others.
Under the auspices of needing help with things for the school, the other teachers made their way to the meeting. Meanwhile, in the office of the Headmaster, Dumbledore was about to get a taste of things to come. The Greatest Sorcerer of the Age was cowering in fear of an innocent looking red envelope. Funny enough, he was thinking the same thing a student would, open it or run fast. Unfortunately for him, he didn't have long to decide.
Interestingly enough, the paintings were empty, Fawkes and the delivery owl had disappeared, and the sorting hat 'Alister' seemed to be wearing earmuffs. With one look at this scene, anyone could tell things were going to be loud and interesting. At that moment Mrs. Longbottom's voice rang out.
"You good for nothing meddling old goat! How dare you lock away my Neville's powers! What gives you the right to play God with peoples lives? You could have killed him at that age, it is a wonder he even survived at all! Here we thought him a squib. This is all your doing, and if I ever get wind of you doing anything like this again, so help me there won't be enough of you left to fill a thimble! Who knows what would have happened to him at school, he would probably be ridiculed and laughed at the entire time! Thank goodness Mr. Olivander found the infernal thing and removed it! Mark my words, one toe out of line and, I will personally stomp a muddy hole in you and go wading!"
After the rant, the letter promptly burst into flame. Leaving a Headmaster with a singed beard and eyebrows and a very confused look on his face, along with a rather amused sorting hat.
"Well, I would say she told you!" Alister said before resuming his thoughts of sorting songs. Dumbledore made a rather rude gesture and threw him a nasty look. Then he began to try figure out what went wrong. The Longbottom matron should not have discovered the block; due to the fact she should be under a compulsion charm to make the boy use his father's wand. This should have kept them from Olivander's. Something just wasn't right and he couldn't put his finger on it. This so called kind and gentle man settled for the only thing he could de, he flew into a blind, shouting rage. He basically threw a temper tantrum.
In Surrey, another tantrum was taking place. Vernon Dursley was throwing a fit, face purple with rage. "How dare that Boy presume to order us around? Getting crazy ideas already! Knew I should have beaten him harder! Should of never taken the freak in!" Petunia was dodging flying objects and fists, trying to calm the man down. SMACK! Vernon's hand made contact with her head, flinging her to the floor. "This is all your fault, knew something like this would happen! Your freaky sister! Should have known better!" This wasn't the first time she had taken the brunt of his anger, just one of the many. Part of her was thankful Dudley had not experienced it; however he was learning that this behavior was ok, and that was never a good thing.
Managing to get out, "he did offer to pay for the travel and dinner, couldn't we at least see what he has to say? Maybe we could be rid of him for good!" Petunia hoped that would at least get him to thinking and save her more of his wrath. In the back of her mind she couldn't understand the unreasoning hate she had felt toward Harry. He had done nothing to deserve that from her. She just couldn't stop it.
"Very well, might as well make a good show of it. I really want to find out how the cretin got money anyway. Any monies he has should be ours anyway. All the care and food we gave that BOY!"
'Just think what I could do with the money! Maybe even get myself a better looking woman. Lord knows Petunia is not the best to look at.' Thought Vernon, he was almost salivating at the thought of getting his hands on Harry's money.
Dudley on the other hand had learned a valuable lesson, care of the Council. A small boy named, Mark Evans, had become his other target besides Harry. Unfortunately for Dudders, he also had a slightly older brother, Richard. Richard was a year older and went to boarding school. He was home for a visit the last time, Mark had been beaten up. He had found Dudley and his gang, later that day and given them a thorough thrashing. Dudley received the brunt of it, due to the fact his 'friends' abandoned him at the first opportunity. He discovered that (a) his friends weren't really that (b) it isn't so good being on the receiving end and (c) there is always someone bigger and better than you! He realized that the way his dad acted was the same as he used to and it wasn't the right thing to do.
As the meeting time drew near, Harry made a final floo call to Griphook to check some holdings. Having the information he needed, he was set to meet his guests. Severus and the teachers arrived followed by Madam Bones and the Dursleys, Rita already being present.
Vernon of course blew up, demanding to know why other FREAKS were there. Madam Bones quickly cast a binding spell on him, to keep him from hitting anyone. She also told him to shut up, basically. That over with Harry asked for everyone's oath of secrecy. Every one gave it, however Vernon was under duress and Madam Bones reserved the right to legal action, she wouldn't pursue it with out Harry's permission.
He suggested that Madam Bones cast a revealing charm that would show any spells that the group may be under. She cast the aperio numerus charm on the group. They found a loyalty and hate inducing charm as well as two power blocks and the Dark Mark on Severus. A loyalty charm on the professors. Power blocks, growth reduction, confundus, tracking, and several oblivation charms on Harry. A loyalty and several oblivation charms on Amelia. Also, aversion and hate charms plus power blocks and oblivation on Petunia, with just hate and aversion charms on Dudley. Sadly, Vernon had no charms on him. Rita had two loyalty charms, two tracking charms, and a sensationalism charm (causing her to write the way she is known for).
After recording the spells and finding the signatures, mast had been placed by Dumbledore, Severus had them from Voldemort as well. Rita's were a combination of the ministry and Dumbledore. After removing them, well lets say, those concerned were not very happy with a certain Headmaster. Petunia and Dudley immediately began asking Harry for forgiveness. All the while, Vernon was frothing at the mouth about Dumbledore promising him that those charms were permanent and how he would be rewarded for keeping Harry compliant. These things made Harry reconsider his plan. Originally, he was going to set them up somewhere far away and give Vernon the Grunnings business. This changed in the blink of an eye.
"As head of the Evans family and Magical heir, I ask Petunia Dursley, do you wish to stay with this abomination of humanity!"
"No, My Lord, I do not."
Dudley Dursley, Do you wish to maintain your connection to this man?"
Taking his cue from his mother, Dudley answered the same.
"So be it, as High Lord Harry James Emrys – Gryffindor – Hufflepuff – Ravenclaw – Slytherin – Evans - Potter, Ruler of the Council of Magi, I hereby annul your marriage and welcome you back into the family, Dudley is hereby adopted into the Evans Family. You shall go to my home in San Diego, USA. I will provide enough for you to live on and set you up at the California Institute of Sorcery to complete your magical education. Dudley shall be enrolled in the local School system and be provided allowance and scholarship to university.
Vernon Dursley, for crimes against myself, my family, and humanity as a whole, your life is forfeit to me and your punishment is thus: you are relieved of your job, your memories shall be modified to forget my family and you are banished to the worst slum in the world. You shall only live by the kindness of others until such time as your bigotry, anger, and homicidal/bullying tendencies are gone. You shall never hold a job or have anything more than the barest necessities until that time. As I have spoken, so mote it be!"
After Harry's words Vernon disappeared and a soft glow surrounded Petunia and Dudley. "I hope that the two of you will be more tolerant of magic now. It is but a tool we use just like the technology of muggles. You will also find that the prejudice is present in both communities." Harry told them. Petunia asked if they really must leave and Harry told them it was much safer if they did. "There is a war on the horizon here. I would feel better if you were safe. Who knows we might even be able to become the family we should have been. I really want you to stay for the rest of this and I have a surprise fore you after." They agreed and found a seat to wait.
Looking back to the others Harry was surprised to find all but Severus with a stunned expression. "I think I broke them Professor Snape." "Indeed, you seem to be doing that a lot today. Very Slytherin of you in handling your Uncle, you realize he will have to have a complete personality change to ever be rid of that curse." "It was the least I could do for him." Harry said with a smirk. Clapping his hands loudly, Harry managed to get the others to pick up their jaws and pay attention. "As you all can see we have much to discuss, Dumbledore being one of the things."
To make things easier, I shall show my memories to you, I warn you in advance that there are future situations in them. Representations of things to come should events not be changed. I know of this because, I am a Magi the first since Merlin. Magi operate outside the normal boundaries of time. There are probably more names that I am entitled to, however I am emancipated due to my Magi status and the fact that Dumbledore not only ignored the last wishes of my parents but also has been leaching money from my accounts as well as those of the School. Here are the documents that prove his actions. His account was emptied during the last war and the war with Grindewald. It is my belief that he has grown accustomed to his position and will do anything to keep it, as evidenced by the spells that he performed on us. I caution you all, act as you would have around him and be wary of him. Severus you especially, you are a very powerful wizard and would be seen and a threat to him. Madam Bones I suggest using the reveal spell on those in the Ministry discretely, especially the Weasley family and Fudge. Now then who is up for a show, memoria exertus!"
They watched as the golem Harry's memories played out. His parents dying being placed while the real Harry went to train. The adventures of the Stone, Chamber, Sirius, Tri-Wizard tournament, and the fall of Dumbledore. Himself and his friends search for the Horcruxes, and the final battle. All of the devastation and death was presented to them. Then came memories of the Council and his mission for Slytherin.
Several hours went by before he said, "this is what I am here to fix. There will be changes whether Dumbledore and Voldemort want them or not. To win the war and lose everything else is not a win! I am here to find a better way. For the promise to Slytherin, I will be in that house. Due to my parents will, Sirius should be freed. The prophesy should be destroyed before it becomes a problem. Many things must come to pass, and for now I must stay in the background. This is where you all will come in. I will need your help to unite the houses. I will need your help with the media, Ministry, etc.. There will be others who I will need, some of whom you will contact or free from Dumblebee's manipulations. Can I count on you or not."
One by one they digested their information, and unanimously agreed that the end game had to be changed. They gave their full support to Harry and he couldn't be happier.
Harry gave Rita and Amelia a list of peoples to begin investigating. He gave them copies of the paper work as well as calling Griphook and securing his help with the investigations where dubious money transfers occurred. The teachers were required to help with the students, checking for control charms and such as well as staff, plus spreading the true history of Slytherin house. Severus was handed two recipes for potions that he had never seen. Harry asked him to gather the ingredients and make get them started, Harry, Petunia and Dudley would help. Harry promised to tell him what they were after brewing them and dinner. Harry handed a letter to McGonagall and asked her to discretely place it in the Sorting Hat before the sorting. Harry also gave Rita a short interview that would help Amelia get Sirius out of prison.
The groups said their goodbyes and went about their business. Harry and company quickly found the things need for the two potions and returned to his room. Severus started them and while they had to simmer for about two hours the group went to dinner deciding on Italian. After a lovely dinner at Locanda Locatelli they returned to finish the potions. "Now Harry, I believe you have an explanation as to why I am slaving over these cauldrons? Hopefully this isn't some fools errand you have me on!" "Come on, can't you identify any potion just from the ingredients, preparation, or smell?" "I am quite proficient in that, however I have never seen anything like this, in my long and illustrious career, you brat!" "Perhaps you should remember that the same is true for students, eh? The first is restituo somes, a light sided restorative potion. Voldemort would love it however it would never work for him. The second is one of my creations. It's called the redemption potion, it's for you and I won't tell you what it does until you take it, NA NA NA!" "Oh, how mature of you. Would not expect less from a Potter." The restorative potion yielded exactly four vials and the redemption potion only one. "Severus, you need to take the redemption potion first. Let me warn you now, it will be very painful. You will definitely like the results, I promise you." "I had better or you might not want to be around afterwards!" Downing the innocuous looking mixture in one gulp, Snape only had moments to realize it didn't taste so bad. After the effects started, he felt as though he had been judged and found worthy. Then the more painful effects began, He felt entire portions of his mind compressed and locked away, then a searing pain as he felt part of his soul ripped and torn away, finally there was a great burning pain throughout his arm, centered around the Dark Mark. During this he knew pain beyond that of even Voldemort's Cruciatus. He would have screamed himself horse, if the potion had not prevented it. When it ended he was a quivering mass on the floor, however he felt something unknown since he had been young, that was a feeling of freedom. "Potter! What in the He.. was that you gave me, you insufferable cretin!" "Examine your arm, Professor. I am sorry there is no other way to achieve the result, you will see." Severus gingerly pulled his sleeve up and gasped. The mark that had been the bane of his existence was gone, completely and truly gone. He would have jumped for joy, if he weren't in so much pain. "The main reason for the pain is the Dark Mark is tied to your magic and soul. Basically, old Voldieshorts can tap into and steal power from you. The potion also locks the knowledge of you being a DE away. The only people who remember is you and me. The only reason I know is, I am the one who developed the potion. There is also an aversion property to keep them from trying to recruit you again. Pretty nifty don't you think." "Oh yes! Astounding, especially coming from a pre pubescent Potter." After the display that Severus made, it took some coaxing before Petunia and Dudley would agree to take the potion they had. After downing the potion the three others were in for a shock, as Harry already knew what to expect. The results slowly manifested themselves. Severus had the least amount of damage and the least physical manifestations. His body was straighter, face more relaxed, the nerve and tissue damage repaired, all in all he was in perfect health. Petunia's healing was more involved. Her face filled out, along with her body, she lost the stressed look. Her hair even had a nice shine to it. All in all she didn't look too bad for her age. In fact she looked quite a few years younger, without all the effects that stress had on her body. This was one thing that wasn't lost on the potions master, they had gotten on rather well at dinner and his new found freedom would lend itself nicely to, shall we say broadening his horizons. Dudley seemed to shrink to a more respectable size and lose all the effects of too many sweets and fatty foods. Harry, however lost his emaciated look, grew to a respectable 4'3" instead of just under 4'. As a side effect of fixing all the troubles his malnourishment caused, like thin bones etc., his vision corrected itself to even better than before, however the charms remained in place. He opted to keep his glasses though and transfigured them to wire frames with plain hardened plastic sun-sensor lenses. (no prescription and work like sunglasses in bright light) While the others were admiring the changes they went through, he called Griphook, yet again, and fixed the account for his aunt, set up one for Dudley, acquired a two way Portkey to the house and bank, and made sure the goblins would ward both his aunt's new house and Privet Dr.. Harry informed his aunt and cousin of the arrangements and escorted them to Olivander's to get Petunia a wand and Eyelop's to get them an owl. Severus stayed to see them off and Harry told them to write often especially if there was a problem. Severus and Harry parted company after Harry asked the man for assistance later that week acquitting rarer items he would need. Severus left toward the Bank to settle his inheritance; Harry returned to his room to plan for tomorrow, not knowing what surprises the Council had in store for him. Two of the Council, Hera and Loki, were already planning two things. The first was there was no way Vernon Dursley would ever escape his punishment. The other was no one would ever miss him, not even his loathsome sister. So it is with heavy heart we bid him farewell(NOT!).