Reading Time: 104 Minutes

Title: Saving Mirdam Magic
Author: Ciona West
Fandom: Harry Potter
Genre: Time Travel
Relationship(s): Gen, background pairings
Content Rating: PG
Warnings: Major Character Death, Violence-Against Children
Author Note: Major Character Death is not permanent for main characters, and the Violence-Against Children refers to off screen abuse of Harry Potter consistent with canon. References to off-screen rape by potion-induced marriage. Character bashing – Dumbledore, some Weasleys.
Beta: MS Word
Alpha: Daisy May
Word Count: 51,961
Summary: Neville had believed in the gods in the absence of evidence, and then died and discovered just how real they were – and how angry. Now he, Harry, and Hermione have a chance to go back in time with a long list of things to fix – and knowledge of the consequences if they fail.
Artist: Lalaith

---

---

Chapter 8

Neville made sure he got enough sleep after his work on the wards, including a couple naps the next day and heading to bed early the same night. As a result, he felt pretty good the second day despite being woken quite early in order to get to the bank with Gran. They arrived in the private reception area and were quickly ushered in to join Voktar and the rest of the council. There were seats for both of them at the round table, although Neville’s was a little higher to ensure he could see properly. There were more dwarves scurrying around the room than were seated at the table, every one moving with purpose.

“Welcome, welcome,” Voktar said. “We’ll be starting the viewing shortly.” He raised his voice, “Named personnel only in two minutes.” Some of the dwarves started to head out.

“Any problems?” Gran asked.

Voktar grinned. “Smooth as the finest acromantula silk. The High King’s claim was recognized and automatic notices went out yesterday for a 6:15 session this morning just as expected. You’re right on time to join them, and we’ll be watching from here.”

“Well, then,” Gran adjusted her hat slightly and looked at Lord Black. “Shall we?”

He bowed, rose and offered an arm. “It would be my honor.”

Neville stared after them for a moment as they sailed out. He finally turned back to Voktar. “The two of them together are scary. I don’t know whether to thank you for a suggestion sure to cause havoc with our enemies or batten down the hatches.” Voktar laughed aloud, leaving Hakon to signal one of the remaining staff members to seal the doors. Viewing screens began to pop up around the chamber. Hakon pushed a button, and the image of a darkly bearded dwarf in charcoal grey appeared directly across from Voktar.

“How does the petition look?” Voktar asked.

“Well supported, and it makes the British Ministry look like the incompetents they are. They had plenty of time to give Heir Black a trial, and the fact that they’ve continued to ignore Lord Black’s requests for one is inexcusable. After this amount of time and the number of notices, the ICW will have to act.”

Voktar nodded. “Excellent. File it.” The screen winked out for a moment before switching to an image of the doors outside the Wizengamot where members had started to gather. Without sound, they simply wandered around each other, forming and reforming small groups. From time to time a new arrival would walk over to open the doors only to fail with a look of surprise. He or she would either be pulled into one of the groups or slink away trying to look like nothing had happened. Gran arrived with Lord Black shortly before Lord Malfoy strode in. Hakon touched something and they could hear.

“Really,” Lucius Malfoy drawled in a voice that rose above the others, “I would have thought that an emergency session would be of sufficient importance for someone to ensure that the doors were open.”

There was a noticeable lull in the conversation, and Millicent Bagnold could be heard ordering someone out of the image to get the keys. Lucius gave a put-upon sigh and started to turn in her direction, only to freeze at the sight of Lord Black. He recovered almost immediately and tilted his body slightly in a failure of a bow.

“Lord Black,” he greeted the other man without bothering to walk over. “I am glad to see that your illness has not prevented your attendance here today.”

Arcturus’ laughter boomed across the hall in genuine amusement. “Why Lucius, you surprise me. I would have thought you realized by now that it takes much more than a trifle to bring down a Black.

“Of course, allowances must be made for the very short time your family has been in the country. It would hardly be fair to expect you to have the same understanding of the Black family as those who have been around long enough to absorb at least a little more of our history.” Neville could clearly see Lucius go white at the insult and made a mental note to compliment the warding team for providing such a clear picture.

Whatever Malfoy might have said in return was interrupted by an unknown functionary rushing up to the doors with a set of keys. He was muttering, “Oh dear, oh dear,” as he fumbled with the key ring under Millicent Bagnold’s watchful eye. He tried one key after another to no avail.

“This is ridiculous,” Malfoy declared, raising his wand for a quick Alohomora. Other than a pale wash of light over the doors it had no effect. Malfoy frowned and repeated the spell more forcefully with no greater success.

“Perhaps I can be of assistance,” Grindelwald twinkled, and Malfoy drew back abruptly. They had hoped that Grindelwald would skip the session, but apparently he was not that concerned with preparations at Hogwarts before the students officially arrived for the opening feast. “Yes, thank you, Clarence, but it appears that this may take something more than one of your keys,” he told the unknown wielder of the keys.

“He’s waiting for attention from the audience,” Neville murmured.

In the Ministry, Grindelwald tried a subtle wandless cast with no more effect than Lucius Malfoy’s most forceful attempt. Neville caught the momentary flash of annoyance Grindelwald didn’t quite manage to hide.

“Dear me,” Grindelwald murmured. “Well, let’s see now –” After trailing off, he raised both arms dramatically, his yellow robes with orange and sky-blue trim billowing out as he flared his aura before slashing down his wand hand with a bellowed “ALOHOMORA.” While the wash of light over the doors was larger than Malfoy’s, Grindelwald’s display of power had no other effect.

Voktar glanced at the clock, then leaned in to speak to Neville in a careful undertone. “I know Harry didn’t want to alert him by claiming the Elder Wand officially, but it can’t be working as well for Grindelwald as it has in the past.”

Neville watched their enemy posture on the screen, not bothering to listen to whatever pronouncements he was making to explain his failure. “I’m sure it’s not, and I’m not unhappy about that as long as Grindelwald doesn’t figure out the cause before we’re ready.” He looked up at the clock. “A minute and a half to go before the official call time.”

Grindelwald continued to assure “Dear Millicent” loudly that she mustn’t blame herself for this and he was sure it would be taken care of in no time. The other members of the Wizengamot and the press crowded in more closely nodding or shaking their heads in turn and whispering to each other. As the clock ticked down to the moment the doors could be opened for seating to begin, Lord Black and Gran made their move, strolling casually up to the doors.

“It seems Lucius is not the only one who is woefully undereducated about our traditions,” Lord Black said with a casual air while still projecting his voice effectively to a crowd that quieted instantly. “Perhaps you’ll allow someone else to make an attempt?” Neville could see Grindelwald thinking rapidly about how to salvage the situation, but the only real option he had with such a large audience was a pretense of graciousness. “Augusta, would you join me?”

“I’d be delighted,” Gran said smoothly, forcing Grindelwald to step further back as she moved to stand with Lord Black in front of the still-sealed doors. They both turned to face them, each placing a hand on one of the doors.

“I, Lord Arcturus Black, the Earl of Blackstone, present myself to the Wizengamot,” Lord Black declared, lowering his voice a bit as he appeared to address the doors in the silence.

“I, Lady Augusta Longbottom, the Dowager Countess and Regent of Greenwood, present myself to the Wizengamot,” Gran added. There was a moment when nothing happened, and Neville saw Grindelwald’s lips part to speak when the loud clang of the first of the three starting bells sounded to signify the call to session. As the resonance faded, it was followed by the second, and finally the third. Lord Black and Gran dropped their hands and the doors swung open.

The view switched to the inside of the Wizengamot chamber, and Lord Black and Gran were lit in silver just before passing from the visitors’ gallery to the descending tiered seating previously used by members of the Wizengamot. They settled themselves in the foremost row just above floor level. Lord Greengrass paused to declare himself at the doors and was able to do the same, but the others former members were lit in red and unable to pass beyond the visitors’ gallery.

Over the next several minutes, the gallery continued to fill with people muttering angrily about being unable to pass into the member seats, although over time half a dozen people were admitted to one of the two small boxes on either side of the gallery that extended down into the next level. Grindelwald, who had tried to get in through one of them and been rebuffed, was currently fighting his way back to the center.

“Is WWN set up to broadcast?” Neville asked.

Voktar nodded. “Both sides have press boxes; WWN is on the right, and Prophet on the left. The other four in the boxes are from the international press – all oath-bound.”

After the official seating time passed and the final bell rang to signal the start of session, the entrance doors shut and sealed precisely on schedule and the center of the Wizengamot floor began to glow. Lord Black and Gran rose immediately, and Lord Greengrass followed as he saw them stand. The light intensified, then condensed into the glowing form of King Arthur as the spirit of the first High King solidified and stepped forward. This time, Lord Greengrass was the first to respond as he knelt, with Lord Black joining him and Gran sinking into a curtsy.

King Arthur nodded to each of them, glanced toward the gallery and said, “You may be seated.”

“Some of you may have wondered why the meeting was scheduled to start precisely at 6:15 this morning,” His Majesty began. His voice was rich and resonant. “Truly there was no more appropriate time to announce that the sun is rising on a new age. My heir has come forth, and he shall grow to become High King of all magical beings.

“As of this moment, the Wizengamot is dissolved and the Ministry of Magic is no more. A new government shall be formed, guided by Magic and bound to the service of the realm and all magical beings within it.

“At this time, those who wish to offer their service freely and honestly may approach one of the orbs here and make your oaths. The ancient magic that formerly powered the Wizengamot will select key members of the new government, including the Regent, the Privy Council, and the Council of Lords, as well as approving the appointment of those in more junior or operational positions in the government.”

His gaze drifted through the empty tiers of member seats. “Looking at the small number of those cleared for service so far, I anticipate that the process of filling those positions will take some time so I ask for your patience.

“Would any of you who are cleared care to approach an orb?” he asked.

Gran rose and walked gracefully down to the floor, calmly offering another curtsy to the still-glowing form of His Majesty the King before approaching the centermost orb and placing both hands on it as she gazed into its depths. Color and light from the orb swirled over her rapidly before returning to the orb.

“I, Augusta Marie Longbottom, swear on my magic that I will in future be faithful to the King, never cause him harm, and will observe my homage to him completely against all persons. I further swear that I shall be honest and diligent in my service to the King and to his realm, treating all magical beings with respect and honoring Magic wherever found.

“I swear to honor the obligations I undertake as Regent of Greenwood, including education of the Heir, taking his wishes into consideration, and always acting in his best interests without regard to my own. This I swear freely and without reservation. So mote it be.”

As her hands fell off the orb at the end of her oath, the voice of the chamber spoke and it was the voice of Magic.

“Augusta Marie Longbottom, you are recognized as the Dowager Countess and Regent of Greenwood. Are you willing to also serve as proxy for the Duke of Gryffindor?” Neville found Albus Grindelwald in the picture, mouth open in shock.

“I am, and I swear on my magic to honor the obligations of a proxy as I swore to honor the obligations of a regency.”

“You are so recognized.” The chamber rearranged itself and a box appeared bearing the seals of both Gryffindor and Greenwood. Gran seated herself with aplomb.

Neville thought he could hear Lord Black say “Shall we?” to Lord Greengrass before they both rose and made their oaths. Lord Greengrass looked thoughtful as he stepped away from the orb although there were no audible surprises. He was provided with a slightly less ornate box a tier further up from Gran’s which Neville thought must be because his highest title was an Earldom. Lord Black kept his Earldom as well, and was also offered the Slytherin proxy. His acceptance left Grindelwald white-faced behind the barrier as Lord Black took a seat in a new box next to Gran’s.

“I had hoped that there would be more fit for service,” King Arthur said, directing his gaze to the gallery. “For those of you who are not fully in control of your thoughts and your selves, I suggest you remedy this and try again. The dwarves are quite skilled in removing such influences if you need assistance.”

One of the international reporters rose, and the King recognized him with a nod. “Your Majesty, can you tell us where our readers can find these – dwarves?” King Arthur’s brow rose slightly.

“I believe that they also took up banking.”

“Oh, you mean the goblins,” the reporter said.

The chamber roiled, suddenly darker except for the lightning that preceded crashes of thunder and the light emitted by King Arthur himself who pinned the now terrified reporter in place with a furious gaze.

“We will assume you were asking such a question in ignorance and did not intend such grievous offense,” King Arthur said, his words precisely enunciated and evidencing the strength of both his fury and his control, “We cannot believe anyone of good character would use such a disgusting slur to describe Our honorable protectors.” The reporter fell into his seat shaking as King Arthur turned away.

“Grindelwald is trying to get a note to a reporter,” Voktar noted as another rose to ask a question.

“Can you give us any more detail about how Magic makes its selections?”

“Magic selects the best option from among those who meet the basic qualifications.” The darkness had receded and the chamber returned to normal. King Arthur quirked a brow at the questioner. “I assume you want more information about the basic qualifications?” he asked drily. The reporter smiled.

“If you please, Your Majesty.”

“The first qualification for any position is that your judgment cannot be compromised in any way. Persons who have been potioned, subjected to compulsions, and so on will never qualify so long as their judgment, will, or decision-making ability is impacted. Those who are enslaved to the will of another will not be able to pass this test.

“The second qualification is one of integrity. Someone who has committed serious crimes against another being will not be selected for a position of trust. For example, taking oaths in a name not your own involves a level of deceit unacceptable in our leaders or our government officials.

“The third qualification is making the oath required for that position. You have seen examples of such oaths today.

“Finally, Magic will select among those who are qualified the individual who is best suited. Magic knows.”

Grindelwald had succeeding in making enough of a nuisance of himself to the reporters trying to take notes that one of them stepped out to accept his parchment after the King finished speaking. The recipient unrolled a scroll of surprising length, goggled at the size, then stopped and rose to address the King.

“Your Majesty, will there be a process for the submission of questions from the general populace? I confess to finding the demands of certain persistent citizens – distracting.” The reporter dropped the scroll on the floor to Grindelwald’s apparent fury.

King Arthur chuckled. “I assume that professional reporters will be seeking the answers of interest to the majority of their readers rather than just a few, so your function will have precedence at the moment. I have adjusted the press box to ensure you cannot be further disturbed within while the chamber is in session.

“In the longer term, I expect the King’s Regent, once appointed by Magic, will establish a process for hearing petitions. My function is to oversee the establishment of a government in the name of my heir rather than to govern myself.”

“Your Majesty, may we know the name of your heir?”

“Certainly not.” King Arthur said flatly. “Magic will identify the one best qualified to serve as Regent until my heir is ready to assume the throne, which will not be for many years hence.

“Anyone else seeking him out before his ascension would be doing so for a corrupt purpose. I have no wish to subject him to improper attempts to influence him before he is educated and prepared for the responsibility he must bear. For those of you familiar with the Founding Treaty on Interim Governance of the Magical World and Restoration of the Regency, none of this will come as a surprise.

“I will add that the same will be true for the young heirs of certain other positions, for example the holders of the Duchies of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Magic itself will confirm that a suitable proxy is identified during their minorities.

“However,” he frowned, “that won’t happen until all those needed to serve have been cleansed or cured of anything that would impede their ability to do so.” King Arthur paused to scan the gallery, and his eyes fixed on a single witch. “Would you step forward please?”

Amelia Bones’ eyes widened, but she held her head high and stepped forward, bowing rather than offering a curtsy.

“Amelia Bones, sire. How may I serve?”

“I’d like you to take a message to the dwarves. Let them know of the need for multiple cleansings and ask them to prepare accordingly. I would ask them to prioritize the former members of the Wizengamot, leaders of government functions and key services before the general population as that seems most likely to facilitate the establishment of a new government, but I defer to the dwarves for the most efficient process. Will you do this for me?”

Amelia Bones bowed again and murmured her agreement. As she left the chamber, King Arthur added, “As I said earlier, I suspect this will be a long process. I will plan to be present each day at sunrise, midday, and sunset to oversee oaths until the new government is established. I will return again at midday.”

Voktar nodded at one of the dwarves who cut the sound on the display screen. “Let the teams know we should start seeing customers for cleansing shortly.” He then directed the shift of one screen to focus on the panels outside the former Wizengamot chambers which registered the proper oath-sworn representatives of each title. No names had appeared there for some time; it was good to see it in use again. So far, only five were covered – three earldoms and two of the duchies – but he expected the number to grow steadily as the population was cleansed.

Voktar had planned for the influx of customers well in advance, and the Horde had ample stocks of the necessary potions. Both healers and ritual teams were prepared and ready, and they were also fully prepared to perform inheritance tests on the cleansed as well. It had required involving other branches, and transmission arches were hidden in the halls to move customers to other locations to maximize capacity.

If there was anyone in Britain unchecked or untreated by sunset two days hence, it would not be the fault of the Horde.

That did not mean he expected to succeed on schedule. Humans were odd creatures. There would be some who would refuse to come at all, some who would not respond promptly, and some who would come to get an appointment but would not accept the earliest available time slot.

Amelia Bones had come in immediately and duly presented her message at the reception desk before being directed to testing and cleansing. She had come out of it spitting mad. Fortunately, Lady Longbottom had returned by then and collected Neville to meet with her. Hakon joined them to supervise her oath. Voktar knew it had been administered and accepted when he saw her name join those on the panel outside the chamber as the proxy for Hufflepuff.

Lord Greengrass had remained briefly to speak with Lord Black, and Voktar was hopeful that he would bring his family in for cleansing soon. With luck, Lady Greengrass would be selected as the proxy for Ravenclaw. If that happened, Hermione was available to be brought in by house-elf to meet with her and Lady Longbottom. While the proxies of the Founders’ heirs had been useful in addressing the ward situation, Voktar felt that they would benefit from getting them properly assigned to individuals who could devote more time than he to addressing the issues at Hogwarts – not to mention that the wixen were more likely to be receptive to changes approved by respected members of their own race.

Perhaps someday, the other magical races would be accepted in such roles, but Voktar didn’t delude himself about the reality of the current day.

Chapter 9

At the end of the day, Neville invited Harry to join him at Greenwood Hall for a debrief but Harry asked to put it off until the following day. Neville had accepted the delay without complaint, however the following day Tresor popped in before Neville had even thought of trying again.

“Your Highness, Chieftain Voktar will not be visiting His Majesty today,” the house-elf announced clearly, staring intently at Neville.

Neville blinked. “Okay.” Tresor kept staring, and Neville considered. “Would the Chieftain normally visit Harry today?”

Tresor nodded vigorously. “Chieftain Voktar has checked on His Majesty at least once every day unless ordered by His Majesty not to do so.”

Neville was getting a bad feeling about this.

“Chieftain Voktar also responded immediately whenever the wards indicated that His Majesty was injured, although of course he honors His Majesty’s orders regarding treatment.”

Neville’s mouth thinned. “Well, Tresor, as Harry will not be getting a visit from his proxy, perhaps it would be a good time for a visit from a friend.” Tresor’s relief was obvious on his face before he popped out immediately leaving Neville to call for Mokey.

“I need you to take me to Harry immediately.”

Mokey’s head tilted as she took his hand. “Mokey make room?”

“What?”

“Cupboard is small. Mokey can make bigger to fit Master Neville?”

“Yes of course, just hurry!”

And then they were there.

His godbrother and King was covered in a distressing amount of blood from a head wound. He was lying on a tiny mattress, and if Mokey hadn’t expanded the cupboard space significantly away from the door even Neville’s eight-year-old body might not have been able to squeeze in.

“Damn it, Harry. I don’t know how –”

“Not that bad,” Harry managed, looking at him blearily through a crack in his less-swollen eye.

Neville choked back several things he wanted to say despite knowing what the response would be if he did. He took a long steadying breath, and then a couple more before he could speak calmly.

“Did you take a pain potion?” Harry made a noise that Neville interpreted as negative. “Why not?”

Mokey snapped one into Harry’s hand. “Potions in hidey-hole under mattress,” she chimed in as Harry swallowed the one she provided. The lines on his face evened out a bit and his breathing eased.

“The plan anticipated pulling you Tuesday or Wednesday,” Neville said with a calm he didn’t feel. “I’ll try to move that up.”

Harry shook his head. “I can keep magic from healing me for that long.”

Neville’s eyes widened in horror. “Are you insane?”

Harry waved the concern away. “Look, we can pass off my lack of healing as either my magic being worn out by healing previous injuries and the constant drain of those damn vampiric blood wards, or as an instinctive reaction to being punished for anything that could be magical. It’s only another five days. I can do this.

“And you know it will help bring down Grindelwald! That bastard did everything he could to destroy my life, and trust me when I tell you it’s worth it – five days now in exchange for the rest of my life.”

Neville closed his eyes and swallowed. When he opened them again, he looked Harry dead in the eye. “Well, I suppose you must think so if you’re willing to torture Voktar for that long.”

“What?” Harry started to sit up and Mokey pushed him right back down.

“He is your oath-sworn proxy,” Neville pointed out flatly. “While the obligations are not quite the same as those of a regent, he is supposed to be working in your best interests. Ignoring the fact that you’re being beaten to a pulp is contrary to that oath.” Neville glared at him. “If his High King hadn’t apparently ordered him to do so, he might well have not only suffered at least as much as you are but also lost his magic.”

“Oh.” Harry was now looking both miserable and guilty. “I didn’t realize.”

“I’m sure that would have been a great comfort if he lost his magic, which I hasten to add would likely have killed him,” Neville said sharply, still glaring. “Harry, you have an extraordinary amount of power whether you want it or not. You cannot continue to make decisions as if you are the only person at risk. You owe it to the other people who will be affected by your choices to actually educate yourself and start thinking things through.”

Harry bridled. “While I have every intention of educating myself, I haven’t exactly had much of an opportunity so far, have I?”

Neville held firm. “I don’t blame you for not learning more the first time, but I do blame you for not doing a better job now. You have resources you didn’t have before and that includes Voktar. You could have told him what you wanted to accomplish and asked him what you were missing and what else you needed to know. And when he said something you didn’t want to hear because you had already made up your mind, you could have listened.”

“Okay, I got it,” Harry returned sharply.

Neville kept glaring at him. “I’m not sure you do. You need people you can trust to tell you the truth, people not afraid to challenge your thinking. You can’t build that trust when you order them to shut up and go away whenever they disagree with you.”

“Okay,” Harry sighed, taking a deep breath and letting it out. “I see your point, and I will try to do better.”

“Good.”

“I really wasn’t trying to hurt him,” Harry added after a long silence.

“I know,” Neville said gently. “If you really want to do this, I’ll support you about the healing but there is just no reason for you to be in pain. Mokey will make sure there’s a house-elf here to dose you with pain potions. And once we get through this, we are eventually going to grow up into our adult bodies again, at which point I am going to kick your ass in dueling practice to make up for what you’re putting me through now.”

Harry managed a weak smile. “You’ll have to get in line behind Hermione.”

“I’m willing to wait.”

“How are things going with the cleansing?”

Neville paused long enough to let Harry know that he had noticed Harry’s change in subject and that the decision to allow it was deliberate before responding.

“A little better than expected in terms of numbers so far. Voktar’s assumptions reflected a belief that most people are idiots.” Harry snorted, but didn’t speak. “I don’t disagree.

“In this case, however, I think that having every session broadcast on the Wizarding Wireless Network has made a difference, as has the realization that some people are finding new inheritances once cleansed. It’s as if they’re buying tickets to a grand prize drawing that may happen before they get there if they don’t hurry.”

“So, who’s won a prize so far?” Harry asked.

“The Founders’ proxies are still the big story. Lady Greengrass was named the proxy for Ravenclaw, which I think will work out well. Gran said that after she introduced Lady Greengrass to Hermione, the two of them started talking like old friends and Gran never had to say another word. She’ll nudge Lady Greengrass toward sponsorship if it doesn’t occur to her.

“The Abbott, Nott, and Parkinson titles have all changed hands. Muriel Prewett hadn’t made it in by the last report, but Arthur Weasley was so drenched in love, loyalty, and obedience potions that even after cleansing he won’t be trusted with any significant position in the government.” Neville paused.

Harry looked at him. “I’m a little sorry Arthur was potioned to that extent, but I’m finding it hard to care about him losing his place in the government. My anger at Molly and Grindelwald drowns out any sympathy I would feel for him otherwise. For fuck’s sake, what did they think would happen when they were found out?”

“I don’t think either of them ever envisioned that happening,” Neville said honestly. “How could they when Grindelwald has a history of just waving any consequences away? They let him put a vicious Death Eater in charge of a core subject and make him Head of Slytherin House. The whole thing is just obscene.

“There’s something else you might want to know. When Arthur Weasley found out about the potions, he filed for divorce. The case can’t be heard until your Regent is named, but it’s likely to be big news when it is.” Harry nodded his agreement, and Neville added, “I don’t think it will go well for Molly, but that’s not what I was going to tell you. Voktar is planning to include in the judgment a prohibition on any of Molly’s blood descendants making anything but a morganatic marriage with someone of higher rank, and then only after stringent testing.”

Harry’s eyes widened a little despite the swelling. “Is that going to mess things up for Bill and Fleur?”

Neville shook his head. “Neither she nor her parents have any recognized rank so it won’t be a problem if they meet again and want to marry. If they did, the children she had with Bill would not be able to inherit any title from Fleur’s side of the family. I really don’t think it will affect Bill, Charlie, or the twins.

“Molly, on the other hand, will be furious – all of her work has been to ensure her favored children achieve a rank she pretends not to care about and this will neatly prevent any of them or their children from inheriting higher titles through marriage. Percy was just as much of a social climber, but unless his character changes I don’t know whether he could take the oath required for government service.”

“I’m not sure about that,” Harry said thoughtfully. “He’s an ambitious sycophant, which means he might be able to pass the oath if he were joining a just government. He almost worships authority, but I don’t think I could trust him with anything but the most minor tasks where he couldn’t do any real harm.”

“Then he won’t be working for the crown,” Neville said simply. “There’s no reason why you have to put up with any more people you can’t trust.”

* * *

Voktar took a last look at the status board before readying himself to leave for the chambers in time for the Monday sunrise session. He had avoided stepping foot in the seat of the Wizengamot for years, enjoying one of the privileges of leadership by assigning someone else to attend on the extremely rare occasions a dwarven representative was required. It happened less than once a decade by a good margin.

His wardrobe was carefully chosen, and he had ordered that only members of his official guard escort were to wear the goblin glamours they typically used when appearing in front of humans. Hakon and most members of the dwarven council were joining him, although Brandr had been left in charge in Voktar’s absence.

Less attention than he expected was paid to their procession to the chamber. As he approached, Voktar reviewed the list of the members of the Lords Council posted outside the chamber against his memory of the list as he had last seen it and found no changes. His timing was spot on and after the guards dispersed at the entrance, he and his team were able to keep descending to the floor as King Arthur appeared in golden light.

The chamber was much different from what it had been the first morning King Arthur had appeared. The ducal boxes were arranged at the lowest level, but still visibly above the floor, while the earls were both higher and further from the center of the chamber. Viscounts had designated seats at the next level, with cleared guests finding seats on the entrance level or moving higher into the gallery with some room for those still not cleansed at the very top. The press boxes had remained on both sides, although each now held eight seats, all of which were filled. The murmurs and rustlings of latecomers finding seats in the gallery turned briefly louder as the dwarves came into view.

The dwarves made their way down to the floor level and knelt, heads bowed, in unison, before the first High King.

Only Voktar spoke. “Reporting as requested, Your Majesty. How may I be of service?”

“Rise, Voktar Justicebringer, and place your hands on the orb.”

The magic of the orb rose and tested him, and he felt the touch of the Mirdam – approval, affection, and pride in his strength and his honor. He heard her voice in his mind – You have done well – before she led him through the oath of office.

“I, Voktar Justicebringer of the Longbeard clan, swear on my magic that I will in future be faithful to the High King, never cause him harm, and will observe my homage to him completely against all persons. I further swear that I shall be honest and diligent in my service to the King and to his realm, treating all magical beings with respect and honoring Magic wherever found. I swear to honor the obligations I undertake as Regent, including education of the Heir, taking his wishes into consideration, and always acting in his best interests without regard to my own. This I swear freely and without reservation. So mote it be.”

Magic spoke. “Voktar Justicebringer, you are recognized as Regent of the High King, and shall remain so until he has reached his majority and assumes the throne. You have Our blessing on your Regency.”

The throne appeared in another shower of golden light, rich blue cushions with the triple gold crown of the High King, framed in mithril and yellow gold and well positioned to see everywhere within the chamber.

Voktar wondered if anyone other than the dwarves would recognize the mithril for what it was even as King Arthur muted the sudden increase in noise within the chamber. He felt a little nudge, and considered.

“Mirdam Magic, Your Majesty,” he began. “While it is my great honor to act in His Majesty’s place as he grows to become the man all will follow, I would prefer that the High King himself be the first to sit on his throne.”

“Wisely said,” King Arthur said, and a smaller seat appeared below and before the throne facing the same way. “Take the seat that Magic has crafted for you, and tell us how you wish to proceed.”

Voktar seated himself and realized his control of the chamber was far beyond what he anticipated.

“First, let us all offer our prayers to Mirdam Magic, that we may receive the guidance needed to live a life that honors the gift of Magic. So mote it be.” He heard a satisfying echo of “So mote it be” not only from the floor but also from some in the far reaches of the gallery.

“Next, with the Mirdam’s guidance, let us form the Privy Council.” A round table rose from the floor with a wedge facing the Regent’s seat bordered in the colors of the royal standard. “As you feel a call from the Mirdam, step forward and place your hands on an orb to be considered.” He had told Hakon and Regin to wait until other positions were filled before approaching, and felt a silent chuckle in his magic at the thought.

Griselda Marchbanks was the first to stump forward and place her hands on an orb. With Magic’s prompting, Voktar spoke the invitation. “Griselda Marchbanks, are you willing to serve as a member of the Privy Council?” He heard Magic whispering to her of the scope of the Home Office role and then she made her supplemental oath and came to stand at a wedge in the table now bordered in dark green. She was wearing a new over-robe reflecting her role when she stopped.

Amelia Bones was next, becoming the Commander of the Royal Guard. When added to her existing role as proxy for the Hufflepuff Duchy, she was becoming uniquely powerful. Voktar made a mental note to ensure she was well protected.

Hakon was the first dwarf to step forward when he accepted the role of the Steward; a deep blue book embossed in gold appeared before him as he took his place at the table.

The Chief of Research and Development went to a relatively junior member of the former Department of Mysteries, Feichin Goshawk. The Foreign Office appointee, Margi Asra, was also surprisingly young, but Voktar had confidence that Mirdam Magic had made better choices than any mortal could have done.

Auda stepped forward as Chancellor, where her auditing background would serve her well. The final member of the Privy Council was a British wizard, Deaglan Kearney, who had a mastery in International Law and a long history of practice outside of Britain. He looked quite distinguished as he took his seat, and Voktar thought that the British witches and wizards who were foolish enough to think appearance had anything to do with competence would probably be impressed.

“Gentle beings, I thank you on behalf of His Majesty for your willingness to serve. As Mirdam Magic has selected you, each of you are uniquely qualified for the role you now hold. Together, I believe we can accomplish great things for His Majesty’s realm.

“Let us adjourn to get to know one another and prioritize the work to be done consistent with our new responsibilities.”

The spirit of King Arthur spoke one more time. “As Magic itself has deemed you worthy of that which has been entrusted to you, I charge you with the care of the Magical Realm in the name of the High King until he himself assumes the throne.”

Voktar immediately rose and bowed to King Arthur, and the rest of the Privy Council and Council of Lords followed his example. The majority of those in the chamber who were free of improper influence did the same, but the magic of the chamber gave Voktar insight into the less than supportive muttering from parts of the gallery.

“In His Majesty’s name and with the guidance of Mirdam Magic,” Voktar swore. He heard echoes of his oath around the chamber and felt Arthur’s touch as the former High King dissolved in a shimmer of gold light. As he turned to depart, he caught sight of Grindelwald in his ridiculous robes frowning from the back of the upper reaches of the gallery.

A new Privy Council room was now available through doors opening along the wall on the throne side of the chamber. Voktar led them in and found another round table, although the design was plainer and seating was open. One of Tresor’s lieutenants – a deceptively quiet house-elf named Winny who was sharp as a mithril stiletto – offered refreshments. Margi Asra was the first to break the silence.

“I probably shouldn’t say this, but I was so surprised to be chosen! I love traveling, but I never thought I’d be in any type of official position.”

Griselda Marchbanks looked at her sharply. “I seem to recall that you did remarkably well in Charms, and in your History of Magic N.E.W.T. The latter has been increasingly rare since Binns took over the class.” Margi flushed.

“Well, I did a lot of outside reading as I wanted to take the International N.E.W.T. I just love history – and traveling. I wasn’t going to let a ghost stop me!”

“So, Madam Marchbanks, I assume that the Home Office includes education?” Kearney asked. The elderly witch nodded.

“Along with Protective Services, Magical Creatures, Accidents and Catastrophes, and Sports.”

“We’ll need to stay closely tied out on Accidents and Catastrophes,” Amelia Bones observed.

“And we will for international sports,” Margi Asra added happily.

Voktar set his cup down to speak. “We have all been entrusted with a great responsibility both by Mirdam Magic and by our King. At times it may seem overwhelming, but as long as we honor our oaths, I believe they will not find our service lacking. Let’s get started.

“Commander Bones, I’d like you to start with a review of the prison and prisoners, as well as providing your evaluation of the needs of the Royal Guard. Councilor Asra, you’ll need to recall all Ambassadors and representatives of His Majesty’s government for cleansing and evaluation, then start working on potential replacements for those positions. Councilor Marchbanks, obviously Hogwarts is a concern, and your assistance could be pivotal in setting the Founders’ proxies on the path to improving it. That said, your personal priority should be a review of Wixen Protective Services to make sure we have the right systems in place to ensure His Majesty’s vulnerable subjects are protected.

“Councilors Goshawk and Kearney, your roles are key in similar ways. Councilor Goshawk, you need to acquaint yourself with the projects the DoM was working on previously – whether or not completed – to prioritize future research and identify where we can make use of what has been accomplished to date. This will require you to brief the remainder of the Council and to understand the work of your fellow councilors well enough to find ways to assist them.

“Councilor Kearney, you will need to do something similar on the legal side, and a full review of previous laws to determine what we will keep, modify, or discard. In addition, I’m sure you will be getting questions from your fellow councilors as they start to undertake their duties.” Voktar noted with satisfaction that all the Councilors looked more excited than overwhelmed.

“Chancellor, start with a review of government finances and an audit of Ministry expenditures. Steward, you too will need to stay heavily tied out with your fellow councilors. While you will have a good deal to do in managing His Majesty’s Household, that also includes ensuring that the Privy Council has what it needs to operate His Majesty’s Government.”

“Does that include a place to work?” Madam Marchbanks asked. “I’ve no objection to continuing to work out of the Education office until something else is sorted.” Voktar looked at Hakon, who nodded immediately.

“The appointment of a Regent had a number of interesting effects, including opening up new chambers for the Privy Council. The suite of offices has plenty of room for staff,” Hakon said immediately, pausing to take a look at the book in front of him. “We will have the option to open up offices for the Council of Lords as well, although I’d like to get things in order for the Privy Council first.

“I’ve also been able to identify a number of properties that have been in stasis, including the main palace, but they have been in that state for literally centuries. I’ll come up with a plan for inspections and updates before opening them further.”

“Opening a palace?” Asra asked, her eyes wide with excitement. “An actual palace?”

“The Privy Council would typically have residential quarters available in the palace, but as His Majesty isn’t in residency –” Hakon explained.

“The Regent would be entitled to reside there as well,” Kearney noted idly.

Voktar tried to hold back a grimace. “Right now, my assessment is that a palace that has been in stasis for as long as this one has would be more effective at helping an enemy find His Majesty than it would be at protecting him. I believe he would be safer elsewhere until we have a chance to examine and update the wards and other security measures.” He noted Commander Bones nod immediately, with a slight frown that Voktar hoped meant she was starting to think seriously about His Majesty’s protection.

“As long as His Majesty is safe where he is, I think office space is a more immediate need,” Hakon said, taking the conversational lead back smoothly from his father. “We also would like to ensure the strength of your personal security, so before you leave, we’ll be presenting each of you with symbols of your new offices. Both amulet and ring are imbued with every protection we could think of – you’ll get a list – as well as multi-destination portkeys. We’ll provide something similar although with single destination portkeys for members of your immediate families, and would be happy to ward your residences with permission.”

Amelia Bones was the first to respond. “I want whatever you can provide and an emergency portkey for Susan as soon as possible. Just take the cost from my personal vault.”

Hakon raised a brow and gave what a human would have considered a half-smile. “Commander Bones, you misunderstand. As a member of the Privy Council and part of His Majesty’s Household, providing for your protection is part of my job. It is not something you have to pay for.”

“I would also point out that members of the Privy Council represent His Majesty the King within the scope of their responsibilities,” Voktar interjected. “That means that each of you are able to receive an oath of service on an orb as long as the service is within the scope of your duties. I hope that knowledge will help expedite hiring as you will certainly need staff.

“There are some areas where we may be able to provide assistants on a temporary basis – again, this is not something Gringotts would charge for – so don’t hesitate to ask for the help you need.”

“I would like you to provide me with a basic understanding of your needs when you have it,” Hakon said. “I’ll keep an eye on the budget and make sure we’re preparing office space correctly, but don’t slow down getting personnel as long as they can make the required oath. We’ll figure out something more systematic once we get our feet under us.”

“What do you mean by ‘basic’ understanding?” Amelia Bones asked.

“Just give me a rough idea what you need in the way of personnel, office space, and equipment for a start,” Hakon told her. “I won’t hold you to your first estimate as long as you keep communicating with me. I just want to make sure I’m able to understand your needs well enough to support them.

He paused and looked around the table at each of the other councilors. “I will also let you know immediately if I think there’s an issue – a space shortage I need to address, for example – so we can talk about it. I want us to work together well, and that means clear communication.”

“Got it,” Bones nodded.

“In that spirit, I do want to make sure you’re aware of a certain issue that came to my attention before I was named Regent,” Voktar said. “Sirius Black never had a trial, and Lord Black asked us to file a demand for one with the ICW which we did, again before I was named Regent. Now that Magic has identified both a Commander and Councilor for law, I would like to provide you with the documentation on that matter.” Kearney and Bones exchanged looks.

“Sirius Black is infamous for his betrayal of the Potters. Are you sure he never had a trial?” Kearney asked.

Voktar nodded. “Unfortunately for both Heir Black and the prior Ministry, I am as sure that he never had a trial as I am that he is innocent of the crimes he is reputed to have committed.”

Amelia Bones’ face hardened and her eyes narrowed. “Bagnold, Crouch, and Dumbledore have not been offered roles in His Majesty’s government.”

“Millicent Bagnold was cleansed of loyalty potions, and had been subjected to multiple obliviations and Confundus charms. If the specifics are important for a potential criminal case, you will have access to that information. Crouch and Dumbledore have not requested cleansing.”

“How do I request that information?”

Voktar held back a sigh. “Commander Bones, His Majesty, whom we serve, is High King of the Magical Realm. Not witches and wizards. The Magical Realm. He is my King, and that of every dwarf within his realm. You are the Commander of His Royal Guard. You need to realize the full scope of his true authority to understand the portion given to you, and to wield it for the benefit of his realm. In this case, you go to our record office and tell them you want the record.” There was a long silence.

Eventually Amelia Bones drew a deep breath and let it out. “I don’t seem to be adjusting as quickly as I’d like to the scope of my new role or to a different relationship with the members of your nation,” she said carefully. “I didn’t even realize my language had been offensive until King Arthur explained. I apologize without reservation.”

Voktar allowed himself a small smile and a nod in her direction. “Not necessary, but appreciated.”

“I think we all need to take the time in the next few days to read – or in my case, reread – the Founding Treaty on Interim Governance of the Magical World and Restoration of the Regency,” Kearney interjected. “I’ll create and share a summary of key points and a section index to make it easier.”

“Maybe something you can release to the press?” Marchbanks suggested. “It’s come up repeatedly since Arthur showed up the morning of September first, but I doubt the general public would even know where to find a copy.”

“I can do that,” Kearney agreed as the suggestion was met with multiple nods around the table.

Voktar nodded as well, but then pivoted back to his internal agenda. “Hakon, have you identified any additional resources Gringotts can provide to the Council to assist in the efficient establishment of His Majesty’s government?”

“I’ve started a list and I’m happy to add to it,” Hakon said. “Commander, the dwarves have warriors available who could provide either temporary or permanent assistance to the Royal Guard should you decide that would be helpful. I’ll put you in touch with our most senior guardsman; you’re not required to give him any kind of official position. Consider him a liaison and make as much or as little use of him as you’d like.”

Hakon continued handing out liaison assignments. Voktar hoped that Kearney would make good use of Regin and the work her team had done on the laws, but kept his mouth shut. He would trust that Magic had chosen the right people for the job and settle for providing them with resources they could use to do it.

After setting up a schedule for future meetings, the first meeting of His Majesty’s Privy Council came to an end.

Chapter 10

Voktar knew Amelia Bones as both a careful woman and a just one. When he provided her with the material they had assembled in support of the petition to the ICW for a trial for Sirius Black, he was not surprised that she promptly started to verify the information.

Nor was he surprised that she showed up at the second Privy Council meeting Tuesday morning utterly furious.

Nevertheless, she started with a careful report of the status of the Royal Guard and had clearly worked with her fellow councilors to ensure that more needs were addressed than the functions previously performed by Aurors. He appreciated her flexibility in quickly adapting to their new circumstances.

“I’ve just finished confirming that Sirius Black did not have a trial, and I was able to locate Crouch’s order, also signed by both the Minister and the Chief Warlock, sending him directly to Azkaban. It’s titled as an ‘Emergency Adjudication’ and yet nothing is actually adjudicated. It simply states that Sirius Black is ordered confined to Azkaban for the rest of his natural life without even listing the crimes he supposedly committed!” She paused and took a calming breath before continuing.

“I want him out of there and restored to health before I officially interview him, but I’m not sure who I can trust at St. Mungo’s.” Her lips compressed briefly and the hand gripping her file tightened. “Dumbledore’s magical signature is all over the report on the damage done to Millicent Bagnold, although Lucius Malfoy was responsible for a few compulsions and obliviations as well. We won’t get a magical signature on the alchemic interference, but Dumbledore is one of the few in the world who would be capable of it. Not everyone has been cleansed yet –” she darted a glance at Voktar and Hakon, “– not your fault, of course, some people simply haven’t come in – but it does present some challenges. I’m planning to put a few of my best on the guard detail for Black until he gets his trial and demand only oath-sworn healers.”

“Or you could use dwarven healers,” Kearney pointed out, and Amelia immediately nodded wryly. “I think the more interesting issue is the implications of the ICW petition.” His eyes twinkled slightly. “Once Lord Black submitted his Heir to the jurisdiction of the ICW, it could be argued that it has been removed from our government at least until the ICW has ruled on the petition. In normal circumstances – if I were advising the former Ministry – I wouldn’t hesitate to advise that no action be taken beyond securing his health and safety until the ICW had made a decision or provided other direction.

“The change in government with the re-establishment of the monarchy would allow us to claim – quite correctly, I believe – that part of the responsibility of the new government is to ensure it addresses any outstanding issues such as those presented in Lord Black’s petition, and if that is the decision today, I will provide my fullest support for that course of action.”

Voktar raised a brow as Kearney looked at him expectantly. “But?” he prompted.

Kearney smiled. “In this case, I think we might consider the international implications as well. We could inform the ICW of our discovery of his lack of a trial and invite them to join us to observe as we correct the failings of the previous government,” he suggested. “I could see a definite benefit in establishing a good working relationship with the ICW going forward – without giving up any of our fundamental sovereignty which includes the administration of justice for crimes committed against His Majesty’s subjects.”

“What about Dumbledore’s status as Supreme Mugwump?” Griselda Marchbanks asked.

“I recalled him as our representative when I recalled all the ambassadors,” Councilor Asra replied. “I have confirmation that the ICW received the notice, and I sent Dumbledore a copy by owl, but he hasn’t come in for cleansing or to take the oath. At least, not yet.”

“Regent, unless you have an objection, I’d like to get a request out to the ICW with an offer to observe our removal of Sirius Black from Azkaban to the care of dwarven healers for treatment and evaluation of his fitness to be interviewed and, if appropriate, stand trial. A team of their choice of up to six, any mixture of healers, lawyers, and War Mages, but I’m going to get him no later than five o’clock this afternoon whether they’re here or not,” Bones finished decisively.

Asra nodded back at her and summoned some parchment, although Kearney stopped her from starting to write with a gesture when she pulled out a quill. “May I offer my assistance?” he asked, and she immediately passed him the parchment.

“I suppose you have a lot of practice writing official documents,” she declared wryly. Kearney grinned and pulled out his own quill.

Seeing that the matter of Sirius Black was well in hand, Voktar continued around the room. Councilor Goshawk was a mixture of pleased, confused, and frustrated. While some of the research the Department of Mysteries had produced was interesting and useful, they were also wasting time on some minor esoteric questions of no discernible value. Moreover, none of the research or inventions they produced were in use outside their department.

“I’m still compiling the list, but categorizing it by how useful the information or inventions actually are. So far, there are an embarrassingly large number of items that have no use at all, some that could be put into general use, and a few security or protection items that we might want to reserve for the Royal Guard. If I can keep the researchers from monologuing when I ask a question, I should have an initial list for consideration shortly,” Goshawk finished.

Other reports were essentially as expected until it was Councilor Marchbanks turn. Like Commander Bones, the first part of her report focused on basic news related to establishing her department, but she also finished with the topic Voktar was waiting for.

“When I decided to take a look at Wixen Protective Services, I started the audit with what I thought would be the easiest case – Harry Potter,” she announced. “I assumed he would have a flawless file containing all the required inspections and checkups. I was wrong. His file contains his birth certificate and a note that his placement is sealed by order of the Chief Warlock. That’s not true.”

“What do you mean?” Councilor Asra asked as she accepted a draft document from Councilor Kearney.

“Sealed means that the information exists in the files, but requires special permission to access,” Marchbanks explained. “In my current role, I have the authority to unseal any sealed files. In Harry Potter’s case, the information simply doesn’t exist.”

“Dumbledore again,” Bones murmured. “What about the Potter wills?”

“Also marked as sealed by the then-Chief Warlock but actually removed in their entirety.”

“That shouldn’t be possible,” Kearney said, frowning.

“You’re right, but somehow Dumbledore did it.” Marchbanks declared, grimacing.

“Gringotts has copies of the Potter wills,” Hakon interjected. “Councilors Marchbanks and Bones each have authority to access them.” The women exchanged looks.

“Amelia, care to join me?” Griselda Marchbanks asked.

Councilor Bones smiled dangerously. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

Once the Privy Council was dismissed, Voktar forced himself to attend to other duties rather than following the two witches around the bank as they started digging into the question of what happened to Harry Potter. He did send a quick note to Neville and Hermione to let them know things were moving. Voktar had been prepared to let Marchbanks’ dwarven liaison drop a few words to steer her in the right direction tomorrow, but he was glad he didn’t have to take that step.

He had arranged for progress reports, so he knew when the wills were read, revealing the identity of the Potters’ Secret Keeper, the extensive list of guardians for Harry, and the explicit renunciation of the Dursleys as possible options to assume his care.

An ICW team arrived to observe the transfer of Sirius Black at around four o’clock, forcing Voktar to take the quick portal he had arranged from his bank office to the new official Regent’s Office. The latter was appropriate for a representative of the High King, and was actually included in the first section of the palace to be removed from stasis and re-opened. The palace office space was carefully enclosed in special wards to ensure that no one visiting an office there would become aware of what was around them. Making it accessible from the former Ministry building encouraged an assumption that the offices were all part of the that building.

Other than for receiving official visitors, the Regent’s Office would be of far more use when the King was in residence and Voktar’s presence there would be of some utility. Until then, he actually preferred his office in the bank.

Voktar had already reviewed his copy of the message to the ICW once, but he did a quick scan to refresh his memory before sending a note to Commander Bones and buzzing his secretary to admit the ICW delegation. As they entered the office, he recognized Master Healer Graf, Law Master Bailey, and War Mage Marti. He would guess the others included two more War Mages and an ICW prosecutor as he rose to greet them.

After quick introductions, War Mage Marti got straight to the point. “We’re here in response to your message about the intent to move Sirius Black. As you are obviously aware, Lord Black filed a petition on his behalf requesting that he be tried by the ICW.”

“I am,” Voktar agreed calmly. “As I assume you are aware that the government changed yesterday as outlined in the Founding Treaty on Interim Governance of the Magical World and Restoration of the Regency. Commander Bones intends to start the process to ensure Sirius Black is restored to health before questioning him and determining whether to pursue any charges against him.”

“That should have been done before he was imprisoned,” the prosecutor said severely.

Voktar lifted a brow. “Obviously.”

“There is some question as to the propriety of allowing the Ministry to finally get around to giving Sirius Black a trial now that the ICW has discovered the horrific abuse of justice he has suffered at your hands!”

The prosecutor may not have realized the insult she had just delivered on the Chieftain of the Dwarven Nation but the War Mages clearly did. They silently adjusted their positions to defend her and the other members of the team. While she was clearly too stupid to recognize the danger Voktar presented – or the cause she had just given him for taking offense – he was pleased that the War Mages recognized the threat he could become.

If he so chose.

“One would hope, madam, that you pay a bit more attention to the facts in your role as an ICW prosecutor, lest that body fail in its duty as the previous government in Britain did.” Voktar followed the return insult with an obvious dismissal as he directed his attention to Healer Graf.

“I believe that Commander Bones arranged for the services of Master Healer Beatr, now the Head of the Healing Guild, to attend Heir Black.”

“Excellent,” Healer Graf enthused loudly. Voktar saw one of the War Mages flick a nearly silent Silencio at the prosecutor out of the corner of his eye. “I would be honored to be permitted to observe the work of one so highly qualified and dedicated to our craft.”

Voktar signaled his secretary to join them.

“The team from the ICW would like to join Commander Bones on her trip to Azkaban. I believe she is still at Gringotts. If you could arrange an escort to lead the ICW team to join her? It is something of a walk and I certainly don’t wish to cause any delay.”

The secretary ushered them out with a bow and returned a few moments later, sealing the door behind him.

Voktar regarded him wearily, wondering how many utter asses he would have to deal with judiciously as Regent. That insult delivered to the Chieftain of Gringotts in his bank could have resulted in a nice beheading. “Well?” he asked.

“They’re headed to Gringotts the long way. Prosecutor Schelling was trying to get her voice restored and the others were ignoring her.”

“Well, I suppose I can be pleased that I’ll beat her to the bank,” Voktar said, rising to return to the comfort of his familiar office.

Reports continued to flow in as late afternoon slipped into evening. Heir Black’s condition was better than expected in some ways, but his mental state was still problematic and Lord Black had arrived to oversee the care of his heir. Nevertheless, Sirius’ constant demands for reassurance as to Harry’s condition were helpful in spurring Amelia Bones and Griselda Marchbanks to start looking for Harry. The dwarves assigned to them as liaisons were happy to provide contact information for the Dursleys when asked to search for records.

If questioned, they could truthfully say that they found the location information in Muggle records, and that dwarves were more familiar with the Muggle world than most wixen due to the wholly inadequate education at Hogwarts.

Apparently most wixen had never heard of a simple telephone directory.

It was almost seven o’clock when he was notified that Bones and Marchbanks arrived at the Dursleys’ and only ten minutes later when Marchbanks arrived at the healing halls with Harry Potter. The ICW team was still there with Sirius Black when Beatr was called away to attend to the more serious situation, and asked his ICW colleague to assist.

Kenna stomped into the office to sit with him when she heard, and listening to her stream of obscenities as the reports came in was comforting in a way he wasn’t sure humans would understand. Just the sight of her war hammer brought him the peace he had only ever experienced after he knew that she was the one with whom he would share every battle for the rest of their lives.

She stayed with him until after eleven, when the report finally showed Heir Black healed of his most pressing physical and magical issues and sleeping at last. Harry was finally through diagnostics, which had been deliberately thorough even if slightly slower due to the ICW presence, and sleeping with some initial pain relief while the healers deliberated a treatment plan. Voktar sent his wife on ahead while he tidied up a few last things in his office.

Just as Voktar was about to retire for the night he received notice of another annoyance to add to those of his second day as Regent.

“Grindelwald filed a petition against the new government,” Regin informed him from the doorway. “It hasn’t been fully processed, but one of the clerks let us know. We’ll probably get it officially tomorrow afternoon.

“Not much information so far. Just that he’s demanding the name of the King, and that his custody be transferred to a ‘responsible person.’ If he doesn’t demand the Regency outright, he’s definitely setting it up.”

“Really?” Voktar leaned back in his chair and let his teeth show. “Anything from the ICW yet?” Regin shook her head. “Kearney should be standing by to respond when we’re informed officially. In the meanwhile, tell Brandr to have the media campaign ready to go. I want to make absolutely sure that by the time this comes to a head, no one will even consider leaving him in charge of a child.”

After dismissing Regin, Voktar quickly penned a few notes. It wouldn’t do for the trio not to know what was coming.

Glancing at the clock and wincing, he decided to worry about the rest tomorrow.

* * *

While they had not yet received it officially, Regin had been able to get an unofficial copy of Grindelwald’s petition to the ICW a little after nine in the morning. As normal business hours in Rome tended to run at bit later, this was actually quite early even with the time difference.

The petition itself was fully as irritating as expected. Denied any official position in the government of Magical Britain, Grindelwald was formally demanding to basically be put in charge of the King or that his rule be set aside and the previous government be restored. He had also submitted it as both the official ICW representative and Supreme Mugwump despite having been recalled.

It was annoying, ridiculous, and entirely consistent with Grindelwald’s character.

Kearney had been oddly pleased to receive it and was busy drafting a formal response, even if it was not likely to be needed for a while. In addition to waiting for an official notice from the ICW before responding, they also planned to wait until the recoveries of Heirs Black and Potter were a bit further along. Voktar wasn’t sure why Kearney was so enamored of drafting legal documents, but he supposed it was its own kind of warfare.

He set that concern aside to focus on a different battle in the war against Grindelwald. Arthur Weasley had filed a petition for divorce even before the Regency was announced and the Privy Council formed. The hearing on his petition would be the first trial under His Majesty’s government, and would be publicly held the following day.

In the meanwhile, the Privy Council would be showing up for a public session midday which Voktar was not looking forward to. The wixen on the Council unanimously recommended it, and so Voktar bowed to the necessity. Dwarves could be quite as troublesome in their own ways, but did not expect nearly as much in the way of reassurance or useless public displays.

The solar noon was a little before one o’clock, so at least he had time for lunch beforehand. He joined the Privy Council for it so they could talk informally before the official session began. As the first call bell rang, they rose to don the new Privy Council working outer robes. These shared a base of deep navy with those of the Lords Council, however instead of royal blue banding on the sleeves to reflect rank, the robes of the Privy Council included a short vee of royal blue in front that spread up and over the shoulders in a small cape. The design effectively displayed the official amulets of office which hung from wide ribbons in a matching royal blue.

Voktar had been pleased with the robes – comfortable and visually clear without being too flashy – but the head of the Guild of Clothiers had been deeply unhappy with the choice. Voktar suspected he would pay for it with ridiculously lavish coronation robes, but at least those would only have to be worn once.

He heard the final bell to seal the outer doors, and then the doors from the Privy Council to the chamber opened and they filed in to get started.

Nothing in the reports was unexpected, and Voktar used the time to get a sense of the reaction in the room instead. The chamber had opened up separate doors into the uppermost rows of the gallery and refused to allow anyone not yet cleansed into the main door or the lower gallery levels. The Daily Prophet that morning had included Kearney’s public summary of the Founding Treaty on Interim Governance of the Magical World and Restoration of the Regency, but nothing had been disclosed about Heir Black or Harry Potter.

Councilor Marchbanks was the first to give her report, and the news that the previous government had failed to monitor a wizarding child who was being badly abused produced the first reaction from the gallery even without the disclosure of the child’s identity. Councilor Bones was next with the news that Sirius Black had never been tried and now, finally questioned, appeared to be innocent after spending more than half a dozen years in Azkaban. The reaction to that news was overwhelming, but Voktar chose to use the wards that kept the noise from moving out of the gallery to disrupt the session rather than simply silencing the audience.

The remaining reports did not provoke similar reactions, and Kearney having the closing report worked out well. He added a few notes to the already published summary, and while Voktar picked up a number of admiring comments from the gallery focused on the Law Master’s appearance, no one questioned the substance of anything he said. Not terribly logical, but Voktar counted it as a win.

Then he asked if there was any new business from the Lords’ Council. A number of seals lit up, but he offered the first recognition to Lady Greengrass as proxy for Ravenclaw.

“May we know the plans to educate His Majesty?”

Voktar raised a brow. “He is not yet of an age for formal education,” he pointed out drily. It was an honest statement as Harry was not yet old enough to attend Hogwarts, although he hoped that most people would assume the heir was, at most, a toddler. “Before he is, he will be privately tutored to prepare him for formal education, as well as in languages and law. When he is closer to school age, I will solicit the advice of members of the Privy Council on first his informal and then his formal education before finalizing my decision.”

Lady Greengrass frowned. “Advice on his formal education?”

Voktar nodded to Councilor Marchbanks, who stepped in. “Hogwarts is currently twenty-third overall among the ICW recognized schools, which total only twenty-five. Students who graduate from Hogwarts are at a significant disadvantage in every respect at the international level. While the previous Ministry operated on the assumption that international performance was simply not relevant, I could not recommend that our future High King enter the world as poorly educated as Hogwarts international test scores demonstrate would be the case.” While Voktar could hear the loud exclamations this had produced in the gallery, the Lords’ Council was silent.

Lady Greengrass’ expression was rigidly set. “Did you say twenty-third in the world? Of twenty-five?”

“Yes,” Marchbanks said flatly. “I can’t think why anyone is surprised – the data is readily available every year from the ICW, and reports are sent annually to every school’s board of governors. The decline has been steady since the current headmaster took over in the sixties – although in fairness, the former Ministry certainly contributed as well by regularly lowering the pass requirements for O.W.L.’s and N.E.W.T.’s. Happened a lot if someone politically well-connected didn’t get the score they needed for a job. Pissed me off, and I told ‘em where to shove that dragonshit more than once.

“Then they decided it was easier to just change the requirements for Ministry jobs and handle it that way, which I admit was not part of my job.” Marchbanks’ eyes swept across the row of boxes assigned to the Founders’ Duchies. “If you don’t like that answer, I suggest you improve the school to make it worthy of educating the High King. My duty is to him, and I won’t allow him to be poorly educated, no matter who thinks it would be for the Greater Good,” she said acerbically. “Piss on that.”

Lord Brent asked whether the boxes would regain their insignia to show alignment to Light, Neutral, or Dark – no – and when the press were recognized, one reporter asked about progress in filling vacancies or addressing representation of missing titles. Voktar pointed out that those wishing to hold a title would need to meet the requirements set out by Magic, and the orbs were still present for anyone wishing to present themselves for consideration.

The question made him wonder if Magic was looking for more non-wixen representatives, and felt a touch of amusement just after the thought occurred to him. He wasn’t sure if it was his or Magic’s.

Fortunately, there were not too many more questions, and certainly none generating the comments that the Hogwarts discussion had. It was with some relief that he was able to close the session and get some work done.

Chapter 11

Voktar was woken in the night by an attack upon the former Wizengamot chambers. He hadn’t realized that he would be able to sense such a thing in his role as Regent, and wished tiredly that Commander Bones was the one getting such a notification. He sent a message to the Royal Guard who had the duty watch at the former Ministry and followed it up with a message to Bones.

He initially refrained from responding – they couldn’t enter or damage the chambers despite the spells they were throwing around – but Magic decided to do it for him. He felt it the moment the Mirdam had enough, and heard Magic declare that the Carrows and the previous Lord Nott were clearly not worthy of the gift of Magic. The guards had arrived by that time and were able to clear the intruders from the scene, but that still left Voktar with something else to worry about.

He wasn’t at all upset about the three of them would not survive the loss of their magic for long, but now he was going to have to make a statement about it which reminded him that he really ought to hire a press officer for the Regent’s Office. And he wanted to get some sleep, dammit, before he had to run his first trial as Regent in the morning.

Magic-damned idiot wixen!

He went back to sleep while he could, and managed to get a bit more done in the morning before presiding over the Weasley trial.

The first stage of the trial took up most of the morning, and the early afternoon saw the defense arguments from Molly Weasley’s counsel winding to a close. It was also about the time when multiple new visitors decided to join the audience.

First was Grindelwald, who had to be specially admitted by Voktar through even the basic Ministry wards given Magic’s awareness of his corruption. Voktar had already decided to allow him into the gallery, although the fool was not aware that he needed special permission even to enter the gallery. Nor had he apparently realized the implications of being in the room. Voktar suspected that he intended to do a bit of grandstanding in front of the official ICW representatives.

They should not have arrived either, without notice or even the courtesy of giving the new government time to respond. His Majesty’s government had officially received Grindelwald’s complaint rather late the previous afternoon and not even twenty-four hours had passed. Voktar suspected that Grindelwald had used some favors to expedite his petition.

Nevertheless, Voktar was willing to give the ICW visitors a small amount of leeway on the grounds of understandable curiosity – as long as they behaved themselves, of course.

Voktar waited for defense counsel to finish, frowned and made a pretense of considering the official parchment in front of him, and then set the parchment down to deliver the King’s Justice just as the ICW representatives found open seats in the back.

“To rob another sentient being of their will is a horrific crime,” Voktar began, “but we are not here to assess criminal culpability. We are here instead to consider the prayer for relief of Arthur Weasley, who has been potioned so viciously for so long that he can no longer qualify to continue in the job he held with the former Ministry for many years. His petition for divorce is denied.” Arthur sagged, his eyes closed, and his counsel frowned.

“There can be no marriage in the absence of the freely given and unforced consent of all parties.” Arthur’s eyes opened in shock. “Accordingly, the marriage is annulled.” He could feel the former Molly Weasley straining futilely against the silencing ward and protocols that held her in her seat as he delivered the judgment.

“Arthur Weasley has no obligations of any kind for the support of the woman known as Molly Prewett. Miss Prewett is required to make restitution to Mister Weasley of the following sums:

“First, four-ninths of all amounts earned by Mister Weasley during the time he believed himself to be married to her representing the support he provided to her and those of her children who have no relationship to Mister Weasley, namely Percy, Ronald, and Ginevra Prewett;

“Second, the present value of all future earnings Mister Weasley should have been able to anticipate for the remainder of his life had Miss Prewett not so damaged him as to prevent his continuation in his chosen line of work; and

“Third, an additional amount for the pain and suffering he endured while under the influence of potions robbing him of his will set at five hundred galleons per month, for a total of three hundred twenty thousand three hundred thirty-three galleons, five sickles, and thirteen knuts.

“Interest will accrue on any portion of the judgment remaining unpaid on the first of each month.”

He made sure not to show his enjoyment of the next element of judgment. “As Miss Prewett’s truthful testimony this morning has made it clear that Albus Brian Grindelwald, née Dumbledore, was a co-conspirator in Miss Prewett’s crimes against Mister Weasley, he shall be considered jointly and severally liable for this judgment unless he can show cause within thirty days why he should not be.” He was looking at Grindelwald when he delivered the judgment and intended to share the memory of the Dark Lord’s dumbfounded expression, quickly followed by rage, with all those who would appreciate it.

“Now we come to matters with respect to the children. First, custody of those of Miss Prewett’s children who are also Arthur Weasley’s children is given solely to Mister Weasley. Miss Prewett is prohibited from any contact or communication with them unless separately authorized by Mister Weasley; a properly authorized person acting in loco parentis; or, after the child has achieved his majority, the child himself. No authorization will be considered valid unless filed with the court at least fifteen days in advance and supported by such magical testing or testimony as the court may order to ensure such contact or communication is freely sought.

“Mister Weasley, do you wish for any of your children to bear your family name rather than that of Miss Prewett?”

Arthur rose to his feet, shaky but standing. “I would like all of them to bear the Weasley name, Lord Regent.”

Voktar nodded. “Then so it shall be. Now we come to the question of the remaining children of Molly Prewett. Mister Grindelwald, do you intend to seek custody of Percy, Ronald or Ginevra Prewett?”

Grindelwald’s mouth was hanging open and his twinkle entirely gone.

“Are you addressing me?”

“You are Albus Brian Grindelwald, husband of Gellert Grindelwald, are you not?”

“I most certainly AM!” Grindelwald nearly shouted, then looked shocked. “I meant to say no,” he added.

“And would that have been a lie?”

“Yes.” His face twisted. “What’s happening?”

“This is an open court proceeding, during which you cannot lie to the King,” Voktar said simply. “Now, let us return to the subject of your three children. Do you intend to seek custody of Percy, Ronald or Ginevra Prewett?”

“Certainly not,” Grindelwald answered, then added, seemingly against his will, “I only fathered them to further my control of the Ministry and ensure I could control the Potter vaults.”

Voktar maintained a carefully neutral mask while inwardly shouting for joy at the admission. “How would Percy, Ronald or Ginevra Prewett accomplish these aims?” Voktar could feel Grindelwald trying to escape the chamber, but the protocols held him in place just as they had Molly Prewett.

“Percy was intended to be my heir and appear to be named as a tribute to me. Molly was tired of childbearing and thought that the traditional ‘heir and a spare’ for the Weasleys were sufficient, but then it occurred to me that a malleable heir might be of some value in the future. Molly agreed to bear my heir and Arthur was none the wiser. We planned to place him in the Ministry at as high a level as he could achieve to be useful.

“After Molly realized the potential use she could make of her children, she used a potion I supplied to ensure the birth of twins to become the Prewett heirs. That joint lordship had a modest fortune associated with it that has been held at Gringotts since the last twin lords died. After that was taken care of, Molly offered me a ‘spare’ heir of my own.

“Once Harry Potter was in the picture, I decided that Ronald would become his friend and ensure he made no others I did not wish him to have so that I could send him to his death at the proper time. Ginevra was conceived and raised to marry him so that she could control the Potter title and vaults after his death. I later thought to use Ron a backup plan in case Harry turned out to share my preferences.”

“Was the abuse of Harry Potter as a child part of your plan as well?” Voktar continued coolly.

“Of course. I put him with people who would hate him so he would be grateful to me when I rescued him to take him to Hogwarts when he was old enough. It would make it easier to get him to kill himself at the proper time. If that failed, I thought the abuse might turn him into another Dark Lord I could vanquish to increase my reputation as the Leader of the Light.”

The reaction from the gallery was silenced, but Voktar would have to review this memory later to savor the expressions that marked the beginning of the fall of the second Dark Lord.

“It seems you have a lot to answer for, Mister Grindelwald, much of which is outside the scope of this hearing. You will be taken into custody when it concludes so that we can deal with such matters at a future date.

“Now, Miss Prewett, I have strong concerns about leaving any children in your custody. Nevertheless, they are your children and their father has shown no interest in claiming them or providing for their care. You have at least requested that they remain in your custody.” Mindful of the ongoing broadcast, he released the protocols keeping her silent and in her seat. She obliged him by shooting out of her chair and bellowing at him.

“How the HELL do you think I can support those useless brats without Arthur’s income? I only said I wanted them to get more money!” Her counsel winced and Voktar wondered if this first trial would start a new trend in attorneys demanding veritaserum interviews before accepting someone as a client. Voktar returned the witch to her seat.

“It would not be consistent with the King’s Justice to order child support payments from an innocent party with absolutely no relation or duty to the children in question,” Voktar pointed out. “You are awarded custody of Percy, Ronald, and Ginevra Prewett, subject to unannounced checks from Wixen Protective Services to ensure the children are being properly cared for. This will include evaluations to ensure that the children are not subjected to any magical controls that would impinge upon the sanctity of their minds or wills.

“If you have any questions about what is or is not permitted, you are required to obtain direction from a member of the WPS welfare team. Failure to either seek direction or to follow it could result in criminal abuse charges if your behavior crosses the line.”

“A moment with my client, Lord Regent?” the defense advocate requested.

Voktar activated the privacy protocols for counsel on the defense side and glanced in inquiry at Arthur Weasley’s counsel in case he wanted a moment as well. After a brief glance at Arthur, his attorney shook his head and settled back to wait. If Voktar had to guess, he would bet that Molly Prewett was asking about getting money from Grindelwald instead of Arthur Weasley, or getting rid of her children altogether.

In the latter case, it would probably be better for her if she did so now rather than falling afoul of care regulations, but he was honestly not sure what to do with them if that happened. He knew Arthur Weasley was a fundamentally good man who was quite likely to offer to take them if he saw Molly giving them up. Admittedly, Molly’s children were related to Arthur’s children so it wasn’t entirely unreasonable. However, they had originally grown up to be cruel, self-absorbed people without a shred of common decency. If Arthur raised them alone and had a similar result, it would break his heart.

“Thank you, Lord Regent.” While defense counsel had deactivated the privacy protocols, Molly Prewett’s expression was a combination of furious and mulish.

After a pause to give counsel a chance to speak, Voktar continued declaring his judgment.

“Finally, neither Miss Molly Prewett nor any of her descendants, whether by blood or adoption, to any degree, will be permitted anything other than a morganatic marriage with anyone of higher rank. Further, any and all marriages by such descendants may only be entered into after all parties are confirmed clear of any influences that could have affected their minds or will.

“This is the judgment of the Lord Regent in the name of Mirdam Magic and His Majesty the King. So mote it be.”

“Miss Prewett and Mister Grindelwald are remanded into custody. Other parties, witnesses and counsel in the matter originally captioned as Arthur Weasley vs. Margaret “Molly” Weasley née Prewett are dismissed.

“Are there any other matters to be brought before King and Council today?” Voktar was careful to give the ICW representatives a genuine opportunity to speak, but they remained at the back of the chamber and did not approach. Voktar rose to stand as did the members of the Privy Council in attendance and all others present in the chamber did so as well, despite the ongoing removal of the prisoners.

“Let all within these chambers go forth in a spirit of peace, with respect to all those graced by Mirdam Magic and to the Mirdam itself. Long live the King!”

“Long live the King” echoed back to him, and he was pleased with the barely formed tradition. There had been times when he wasn’t sure that humans could even be taught, but if it was possible to ensure that they respected their fellow beings and focused on building their society for a moment rather than attempting to tear to it down, he would see it done.

He led the Privy Council into the private chambers while waiting for the ICW to make an official move. “Any thoughts on the trial, or other news to share?”

“He set Harry Potter up to be abused?” Councilor Asra blurted out. “We have to do something!”

“Madam Marchbanks removed him Tuesday night, and we have the Muggles in custody,” Commander Bones replied. “The adults were appalling when we met them, but I’m leaving them in holding until I can get them cleansed. I admit that there’s a lot going on at the moment, and as long as they’re sitting in holding, they’re a lower priority.

“At the moment, I’m more worried about what to do with Grindelwald and Molly Prewett. Without a solid criminal code, I’m not sure what I can charge either one with.”

“Not to mention that Grindelwald filed a petition with the ICW to which we have yet to respond,” Kearney warned. “He could argue that any charges are solely to interfere with his petition and get the whole thing removed to an ICW hearing. Even if the law should be on our side, I admit that I’m concerned about whether he still has enough influence to alter that judgment.”

“I don’t think it will be final until his thirty days runs, but until it does, Gringotts can hold enough funds to pay the judgment if Molly Prewett fails to do so. Let’s break this down a bit to see where we are,” Voktar suggested. “Setting aside Grindelwald’s petition for the moment, what charges could we support against each of them either under the previous legal code of the former Ministry or the current one of the ICW?”

The Commander leaned back in her chair and considered.

“Under the previous Ministry code, line theft against the Weasleys would be the big one,” she mused aloud. “Most of the other crimes they committed – setting aside Harry Potter for the moment – would be problematic because they were part of line theft involving a pureblood family.”

“That’s more a British issue than an ICW one,” Kearney pointed out. “The ICW does have prohibitions against the same behaviors, but they’re founded more on principles that don’t require the victim to be what is here considered of a ‘pureblood’ family.”

“Then we have the matter of Sirius Black –”

“Which wasn’t mentioned in the testimony today,” Kearney returned. “So we don’t have to charge Grindelwald on that one yet; it’s still under investigation. That brings us to Harry Potter.

“Because Grindelwald placed him there in violation of the Potters’ wills, Grindelwald is responsible for his care – or in this case, his abuse. Grindelwald also certainly intended to commit line theft by marrying Harry Potter to Ginevra Prewett, but it’s hard to see how hard that can be pushed when they’re both still children.

“Finally, Grindelwald appointed a proxy for the Potter seat without authority – line theft, oath breaking on that one?”

“He didn’t actually swear an oath in his own name as Chief Warlock,” Voktar pointed out.

“Son of a bitch!” Amelia ejaculated, then sighed. “Sorry, it’s just a little frustrating to keep learning more ways he betrayed us while everyone was still singing his praises as the self-titled Leader of the Light.”

“The child abuse is a solid issue with the ICW,” Kearney noted. “And there will be issues related to Hogwarts that will be chargeable there. He must have been either falsifying inspections or bypassing the requirements if Hogwarts is still certified. I’ve been talking to Griselda, and there are definite issues with the inspection results and requirements. Objectively, Hogwarts should have lost its certification long ago.”

“A fair point, but also an issue not yet ripe,” Voktar said.

“If we focus on what we already have in hand, it will be the actions around the line theft,” Kearney continued. “I can help you write up charges that the ICW would consider valid while also making it sound like we’re giving a nod to the previous Ministry code. We could do the same thing with the child abuse if we want to keep jurisdiction here rather than sending it to the ICW.”

“That would help,” Amelia Bones said.

“And we can enforce the existing judgment.”

“Gringotts would have locked down all the vaults at issue as soon as they heard the judgment over the wireless,” Hakon interjected.

Voktar leaned back to consider, then started voicing his thoughts. “I don’t want to treat him with too much deference when he’s abused every bit of it in the past, but I admit I’m willing to err a little on the side of not giving the ICW reason to believe we’re acting against him out of corruption.

“No one will be surprised at Gringotts controlling his money in the face of a judgment that needs to be paid so I’m not worried about that. In terms of holding Grindelwald, what would be typical for questioning him, charging him, and so on if he were anyone else in the same circumstances? Molly Prewett had a trial, albeit not a criminal one, but he was not a party nor was he represented by counsel.”

Bones and Kearney looked at each other and seemed to come to a conclusion.

“Holding overnight and letting him find counsel –” Bones started.

“Questioning with counsel tomorrow,” Kearney continued. “Precedent no longer matters on veritaserum, so warn that he will be required to testify truthfully at trial.”

“Release on a proper oath to return for trial, and to take no actions to impede the investigation?”

“I’ll work with you on the wording on that one,” Kearney offered. “It needs to be tight.”

“Can we stretch the oath to ensure he cannot impede other open investigations?” Voktar suggested. “I don’t want to let him anywhere near Harry Potter.”

Amelia Bones’ expression was grim. “Oath and tracker,” she told him. “I don’t want him anywhere near Harry either.”

Chapter 12

The biggest headline in the Daily Prophet was “Grindelwald Married to Defeater Dumbledore!” followed by “Dumbledore Placed Harry Potter with Abusive Muggles!” and “Hogwarts goes from Best to Worst under Dumbledore!” Voktar also received a number of international publications, and was pleased overall.

The Dowager Lady Longbottom had brought her grandson to the bank – or possibly vice versa, Voktar decided as he observed them. Lady Longbottom seemed quite pleased to just observe her grandson while enjoying her tea.

“While the press is definitely moving in the direction we hoped, Hermione is quite unhappy with the ongoing use of the term ‘Muggle’ and she’s making that clear to the rest of us,” Neville said. “I told her we can tackle that after things settle down at least a little and the government has a chance to address more pressing issues first.”

“She’s not going to be satisfied with that very long,” Voktar observed, grinning briefly before taking a sip of his own tea. “She is bent on changing the world and doesn’t see any virtue in doing it slowly. I like that about her.”

Neville laughed. “I do too, and I’m going to enjoy watching her do it – although I expect I’ll be taking a more active role than just observing if she has anything to say about it. I’ve started saving her letters for future generations – they might like to have confirmation that yes, she was always like this.”

Voktar set his teacup down and made a note. “A lot of bank correspondence is automatically archived, but I just realized we ought to have an official Royal Archivist to make sure we’re all keeping what we should.”

“I think Hermione would see that as a favor to future students and researchers, while Harry will be simultaneously confused about why anyone would care about his letters and irritated that someone would be interested in him because of a title he doesn’t think he earned.

“I kept his letters as well if that helps, although they’re not as amusing – or as long – as Hermione’s. Right now, Harry is mostly confused about why Lord Black keeps giving him clothes and other things for his wardrobe. Fortunately, he seems to have decided that Lord Black means well even if he has seriously overestimated how many pairs of shoes Harry needs.”

Voktar sighed and made another note. Neville quirked an eyebrow in query, and Voktar explained. “I’ve just realized we’re going to have to figure out the accounting on all of this.”

Neville frowned for a moment, then nodded in understanding. “I won’t tell you not to worry about it because, well, you’re you and it’s your job, but I will say that Mirdam Magic will understand. You may be Harry’s Regent, but Sirius is still his oath-sworn godfather and he has obligations of his own. Having Lord Black help him while he’s unable to fulfill them really isn’t out of line.”

“I see your point,” Voktar admitted, holding up a hand, “but I need to be doing my part to make sure His Majesty is properly cared for and that includes a lot of things, not the least of which is clothing and feeding him.”

Neville chuckled. “Well, you can always send Harry some more clothing!”

The visit came to an end shortly after that, which was a pity as it was easily the highlight of Voktar’s day.

Councilor Kearney had filed the government’s official response to Grindelwald’s petition to the ICW rather than waiting until it was due. Kearney thought the speed of response made it clear that the Regent had nothing to fear.

Then there were a staggering number of reports to get through which was becoming his new normal. He thought he might be able to take a break after dinner, but Hakon stopped by to let his father know that the Commander of the Royal Guard had been attacked.

“And?” Voktar demanded.

“Fatalities on the attackers’ side only, injuries on both. We took some prisoners. A detachment is trying to get the Commander to come here for treatment.”

Voktar nodded and focused on controlling his temper. “I want to know the minute she does.”

When he got the notice that Bones was visiting the healing halls, he set his quill down and started marching in that direction. Kenna joined him before he had gone fifty feet.

“Husband,” she said, joining her steps with his.

“Wife.”

She kept a blessed silence as he wound his way through the corridors to the healing halls and strode in. The Commander was sitting up in a treatment room still issuing orders as the healer on duty treated her. Voktar’s quick glance at the diagnostics reassured him that all were minor issues.

It did not improve his temper.

“Commander, your report.”

Bones glanced at him, held up a single finger, and kept speaking to the wixen guard in front of her. “And if there is anything less than pristine in how the guard handles these arrests, I will be happy to take it out of the hide of the person responsible! Is that clear?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Dismissed.” Her eyes followed the guard out the door before turning back to Voktar. “A bunch of Death Eaters ambushed me in Diagon Alley. Four dead on scene: Crabbe, Goyle, MacNair and Yaxley. We caught Avery, Malfoy and Selwyn. Malfoy seems to have been the ringleader. I intend to question and charge them tonight and try them tomorrow if possible.”

“How did the protections we offered work for you?” Voktar asked very carefully.

“Very well, as did your team.” Bones was smiling. “Thank you – I can’t tell you how much I appreciated it.”

“Healer, we need the room,” Kenna grunted. It was clear in seconds, and she pulled out her stave to cast some privacy protections. Bones quirked an eyebrow at Voktar as if asking a question.

He took a deep breath and reminded himself that it was important to be kind to the humans. They had not been honored with the strength of Mahal.

“And your portkeys?” he asked carefully. “How did they work when you activated them?”

Bones blinked. “I’ve only tested them, but they’ve worked just fine.”

That did it.

“OF ALL THE BONEHEADED HALF-WITTED IDIOCIES COMMITTED IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE, YOURS MUST BE PLATED IN MITHRIL!

“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? WE HAND THOSE PORTKEYS OUT AS SOUVENIRS AFTER USING FIVE MASTERS TO MAKE THEM?”

He managed to switch to Aulëan after that and let it all out. Bones obviously didn’t understand the words literally – which was good, as he probably shouldn’t have said the thing about the llama – but his tone was fairly obvious. Eventually, he wound down and dropped into a chair next to his wife.

Kenna bumped her shoulder against his as she studied the Commander of the Royal Guard. Bones appeared to be somewhere between confused and irritated, although the irritation might be winning if the tightness in her jaw was any indication. Voktar ran a shaky hand through his hair.

“He likes you,” Kenna explained kindly.

The Commander’s brows rose. “What?”

“He doesn’t want you to die.”

Bones frowned. “I was a damned good auror. I didn’t suddenly become an easy target just because my job changed.”

“Certainly not,” Kenna agreed. “A team of seven is not an insult.” She studied the human female with an experienced eye. “Which is not to say that I couldn’t knock you on your ass,” she added casually. “That’s not insulting either. I’ve knocked my illustrious husband on his ass more than once.”

Voktar closed his eyes for a moment before sighing and opening them again to stare glumly at his favorite being in the world. “Did you really need to share that with her?”

Kenna shrugged. “You can take it.”

He turned back to Bones. “You’re not just an auror anymore,” he began simply. “Nor just a Regent for the House of Bones. Magic called on you to step up to not one but two very important positions when she asked you to serve as the Hufflepuff proxy and Commander of the Royal Guard. We are in the process of forming a new government that will change our world.

“There are other people who can fight Death Eaters who were not the best possible choice for those jobs. If you fall in battle unnecessarily, you abandon the tasks Magic entrusted to you. If you are ever attacked again, you need to use your damn portkey.”

He could see the struggle on her face, but Amelia Bones was a smart woman. She grimaced as she nodded, but she did nod. “I’m now a protectee,” she said sourly. “Damn it.”

* * *

The end of Voldemort was a bit anticlimactic.

There was a trial, during which Malfoy and the other two surviving Death Eaters from the attack on Commander Bones shared horrifying truths with everyone either in attendance or listening on the WWN. They were convicted and sentenced to death, although as the Regent’s judgment referred to “crimes committed as disclosed during this trial” it could have covered much more than the attempted murder of Amelia Bones.

Neville had ordered the house-elves to keep an eye on Gran even before the trial started. She was a well-known political opponent of a lot of Death Eaters, and therefore a possible target. He did not intend to lose her now.

After the trial but before the sentence was carried out, Lord Black brought Harry to a ritual room in the bank to deal with Tom Riddle’s wraith. As expected, Tom drained his slaves entirely in a futile effort to stay alive. He managed to hang on for much longer than they expected, leaving Hermione to conclude that there were more Death Eaters around than they had known. They would have to wait for news of additional deaths to find out just how many had been affected, but the regular business of governing continued in the meantime.

One Dark Lord down, one more to go.

Very shortly after the ICW reviewed Grindelwald’s petition and the government’s response, there had been a request for an informal meeting. Since it was informal, it could be held at the bank rather than in a more official setting, and Voktar offered the ICW representatives a choice. The ICW could send their own representatives to the bank without Grindelwald, or Voktar would grant them a public audience.

When the ICW chose the latter – probably due to Grindelwald’s unwillingness to be excluded – Neville and Harry accepted invitations to watch from the bank. The Wizarding Wireless Network was still broadcasting all sessions, although only the audio without the live viewing available at Gringotts.

After a number of other matters of regular business were handled, the ICW representatives were invited to speak. The lead visitor was a lean witch named Adelmira Cisneros with shrewd dark eyes.

“As you know, the ICW has received a petition to disclose the name of the King and transfer custody to a ‘responsible person’ to be determined later,” she began. Voktar snorted. “You find this amusing?”

“Certainly,” Voktar said. “We all know that Albus Grindelwald, publicly known as Dumbledore, is behind the petition. Not long after the Regency was established, I asked for an investigation into a number of government systems. These included parts of the former government responsible for overseeing the care and safety of children, the judicial system, and the prison system.

“Grindelwald placed Harry Potter in a shockingly abusive situation and never even checked on him. As you have seen from the certified copies of healers’ reports of his condition, he suffered greatly in the relatively short time he was there and is still undergoing treatment. Grindelwald has also made at least his lack of responsibility clear in his execution of his duties as Headmaster of Hogwarts and as Chief Warlock. The only thing he appears to have been diligent about is finding ways to abscond with valuable property.

“It seems Mirdam Magic knew better than we did how little trust we could place in Albus Grindelwald. The idea that he might ever be considered a responsible person who should take custody of a small and innocent child is laughable.”

Grindelwald had not been allowed to approach with the ICW team, but Voktar had deliberately not silenced the gallery. Grindelwald was able to rise to his feet and bellow “Point of Personal Privilege!”

Voktar merely raised an eyebrow. “Only members of the Privy Council or Lords Council have standing to assert Personal Privilege, and even then, the causes are limited. You have no such standing. Nevertheless, I am moved by curiosity to discover what you could find to object to, so I will let you speak to explain the basis for your assertion.”

“You said the idea that I should have custody of a child is laughable!”

“So I did, and I stand by every element of the basis for that conclusion. Do you deny Harry Potter was abused?”

“No, but that’s not the point.”

“Do you claim that you checked on him while he was in the custody of the Dursleys?”

“No, but –”

“Hogwarts’ standing has dropped to twenty-third out of twenty-five ICW accredited schools during your tenure as Headmaster, you imprisoned Sirius Black without a trial while serving as Chief Warlock, and recent recalls issued from vaults of minors in your care resulted in the retrieval of very valuable – in some cases priceless – heirlooms. Is any of that false?”

“You don’t understand!”

Voktar leaned back in his chair. “A Point of Personal Privilege allows members of this body to address false statements by another member of the body while in session. It is not intended to save anyone from the consequences of their own behavior.”

Albus Grindelwald drew himself up to his full height. “It is imperative for the future of the wizarding world that I continue to be held in the highest regard,” he declared. “You do not know what disasters might befall us otherwise!”

“Clearly you believe that, which is quite disturbing on its own.” Voktar sighed, and asked the chamber for a visible hourglass to serve as a timer. “I will give you sixty seconds to explain yourself.”

“Alas, I cannot disclose the true nature of the burden I bear,” Grindelwald announced. “It is enough that I alone must bear it, for to disclose too much would jeopardize everything I sought to accomplish as Leader of the Light.”

Voktar waited for Grindelwald to continue – he had barely used ten seconds of the time Voktar had offered him – but he seemed to think his expression of tragic nobility would suffice when his words did not. Voktar held his silence until the chime sounded to signal the end of the offered time.

“I find insufficient cause for your Point of Personal Privilege,” Voktar declared flatly, jerking Grindelwald up from his mournful posturing. “We will return to the topic before us.

“You were present when King Arthur himself declared that the High King’s identity was to remain secret until he was ready to take the throne. King Arthur made it clear this was to enable our King to grow up in a normal environment without being forced to deal with individuals seeking to influence him inappropriately. Mirdam Magic itself declared its choice of Regent. Why do you seek to overturn the will of High King Arthur and Mirdam Magic?”

“Because they didn’t appoint me, of course,” Grindelwald spat out. “How can I influence the child for the Greater Good if I can’t find him? He needs to be placed under my control as soon as possible! Any other outcome could be disastrous!”

Neville looked at Harry in amazement. “Apparently he forgot that he would be forced to speak the truth in the chamber,” he said drily. On screen, the ICW team was regarding Grindelwald with expressions that ranged from disbelief to distrust.

“What do you mean when you refer to the Greater Good?” Voktar asked.

“I need to be in control,” Grindelwald declared instantly. “I know better than anyone how people should live – indeed, what to do in any situation. As long as I can continue dumbing the population down with only the minimum education they need to function and avoiding any foolish attempts to ‘improve’ our world or worse, challenge me in any way, then everything will be fine.”

One of the ICW representatives had to snap his mouth closed after it fell open.

Voktar turned to face the ICW representatives. “Perhaps now you will better understand our response to the petition,” Voktar told them flatly. “Fortunately for all of us, the Founding Treaty on Interim Governance of the Magical World and Restoration of the Regency is quite clear. Grindelwald’s petition is wholly without merit. While I am willing to indulge the ICW’s inquiry to some extent in the spirit of good relations, I would not for a moment entertain the idea of any foolish attempts to place Grindelwald in any place of influence when Magic itself has so clearly rejected him.”

“Stop calling me Grindelwald,” he bellowed.

Voktar sighed softly as some of the ICW representatives started whispering to each other. “Why?” Voktar asked.

“You’re damaging my reputation! I am the Leader of the Light!”

“Do you understand that ‘Leader of the Light’ is not actually a title?”

“Of course I do, Gellert and I made it up – that’s not the point.”

“What, exactly, is the point?”

“Everyone needs to look up to me!”

“And if people knew the truth of who you are, they would no longer look up to you?”

“Exactly!”

Voktar silenced the gallery with a visible wave of his hand before turning to representative Cisneros. “Just how much time do you expect us all to waste indulging this farce?” he asked.

Her carefully casual voice belied the rigidity of her expression. “Oh, I think we’ve seen enough. The ICW appreciates your cooperation and thanks you for your time. I’ll be in touch with Councilor Kearney if we have any further questions, or when we’re ready to render judgment.” She left the chamber trailed by the rest of the ICW representatives, while Grindelwald, red-faced, bellowed silently from the gallery.

The official notice that the ICW had dismissed the petition with prejudice arrived the next morning. Councilor Kearney shared that he had heard that the ICW was looking for Grindelwald to execute an order requiring him to be evaluated by a certified healer.

Unfortunately, his tracker was nowhere to be found, and no one had seen him since the previous evening when he returned to Hogwarts during the evening meal. He was immediately informed of the death of Severus Snape, after which he had a very public meltdown in the middle of the Great Hall. It ended when he stormed out of Hogwarts entirely, leaving his whereabouts unknown.

* * *

The Daily Prophet had expanded to both morning and evening editions, both of which were needed to keep up with reporting on the high volume of news every day. While the WWN was still broadcasting official government activity from the chambers of the former Wizengamot, there was a lot of activity occurring outside the chambers along with supplemental reporting to flesh out the bare bones of the sessions.

Neville had ordered his own copy of the paper so that he didn’t have to keep waiting for Gran to finish reading her copy. Gran had been viciously pleased by the death of the Lestranges, and Neville was more quietly relieved that he would never be expected to learn potions from Snape.

Things were starting to settle down when Neville received a note from Voktar at lunch, and passed it to his Gran as soon as he read it. Gran beamed dangerously – Neville wondered briefly if Grindelwald would have sense enough to be scared if he were present to see it – and finished her lunch before heading to the floo.

“Mokey, I think we’re going to have visitors this afternoon,” Neville said. “Perhaps some snacks, or dessert?”

It was about an hour before Lord Black and Harry came through and settled with Gran and Neville in the Blue Receiving Room. Gran called for tea, and Mokey responded with far more than tea and a modest selection of nibbles; it was a truly impressive spread and Mokey accepted Gran’s compliments with a happy smile before blinking out.

“I take it you heard from Voktar as well?” Gran said once everyone was well supplied.

Lord Black nodded. “I did. He’s a good partner, and I’m sorry I didn’t have the chance to work with him as closely before. He sent the initial list of topics in tentative order for media release.” He glanced apologetically at Harry. “The first is a piece with more details on Harry’s situation.”

Harry swallowed a bite of crumpet. “I don’t mind. We have to make sure Grindelwald doesn’t talk his way out of this with his ‘Greater Good’ nonsense and start convincing people that’s he’s infallible again. I like the strategy of leaving some things out for future updates – I don’t want this to be a one-and-done story that he manages to explain away.”

“Between you, Sirius, Hogwarts, and the thefts, there’s a lot to work with,” Neville noted.

“I’ve been having words with Griselda,” Gran said happily. “She’s given me a lot of very useful data.”

“Oh?” Lord Black asked.

Gran nodded. “Not just test scores, school rank, and changes in the curriculum. She also retained a ton of correspondence – every time she was ordered to revise the British tests because some particular pure blood couldn’t pass them, she kept that parchment. It’s the entire history of the decline in our education and she has it. She’s been waiting for the right opportunity to share it, and she’s giving it to the four of us!”

Lord Black actually laughed out loud. “I bet there will be a lot of embarrassed families when that gets out!”

“I’m more interested in making sure Grindelwald never returns to Hogwarts,” Neville said. “If you didn’t have enough with the test score information, I’d like to point out that he just abandoned the school and disappeared.”

Gran and Lord Black exchanged glances. “Special meeting?” Gran suggested.

Lord Black nodded. “I’ll get in touch with Arethusa if you’ll do the same with Amelia?”

Neville let Gran and Lord Black discuss the business of the board while he turned his attention to Harry. “So how are you doing with Lord Black? Are you getting along all right?” he asked quietly.

Harry shrugged. “I’m still focused on getting Sirius free, but Lord Black has been good. He asked me to call him ‘Grandpa’ which was nice, and he’s teaching me things – about the government, laws, and our history. Just little tidbits from time to time – I think he’s worried about giving me too much work and hampering my recovery. There’s a house-elf assigned just to follow me around and keep giving me snacks! His name is Kimbo, and he’s nice, but he’s really enthusiastic about getting me to eat.”

“That’s probably a prized position for a house-elf – making sure the heir is fed well.”

“Well, he certainly seems chuffed, but I haven’t said anything to Hermione about him.”

“I don’t think she’s still determined to free them against their will, Harry. That was quite a while ago, and you know she came to be a big fan of Dobby and Winky.”

“She was, but I don’t see the need to start that conversation. Have you heard anything about how she’s doing?”

“I thought the two of you were still writing?” Neville asked in surprise.

“Oh, we are,” Harry assured him quickly. “I was just wondering if she shared anything else with you?”

“Well, she’s keeping up with the news and writes a lot about that, and about her plans to improve things,” Neville said carefully. “Then she usually tells me a bit about what she’s been learning from Lady Greengrass. Hermione likes her a lot, and it’s also putting her in a different relationship with Daphne. The two of them are starting to share lessons, and they’re spending time together.”

“That’s great – maybe the houses won’t be so separate this time.”

“Or maybe Hermione and Daphne will sort into the same house.”

Harry’s eyes widened. “You think Hermione could go to Slytherin?”

Neville grinned. “I think if she wanted to, Hermione could own Slytherin.”

Chapter 13

The Daily Prophet had announced the dismissal of the headmaster, and was now referring to him as “Grindelwald” or “Albus Grindelwald” as needed to distinguish him from his husband. Neville was pleased with the change.

He was less pleased with the fact that Grindelwald had not yet been located; there was not even any credible information as to how he had removed his tracker. Time passed and investigations by both the ICW and the Royal Guard continued, but Grindelwald continued to evade capture. The investigative teams were able to keep him in the news as they continued to uncover more evidence of his crimes, but such articles now shared space with news about improvements in the new legal code and planned improvements at Hogwarts.

Gran was enjoying her work at Hogwarts. The Founders’ proxies had dismissed the board of governors entirely and taken control of the school. Using the information provided by Griselda Marchbanks, they came up with a plan to drive improvement as quickly as possible. So far, they had doubled the number of classes, established new requirements for teachers, and were now focused on recruiting both teachers and staff. Among the four of them, they had a wide range of contacts in the wizarding world and were putting them to good use.

They had been meeting at Hogwarts regularly, and Neville thought Gran was still there one day when Mokey popped in, grabbed him, and popped him out in a side street in Hogsmeade into the midst of a fight between Grindelwald and Gran.

“How are you resisting me?” Grindelwald demanded even as spell fire flew back and forth. The fugitive was looking a bit unkempt, particularly his rather greasy hair and beard, but he still wore garishly multi-colored robes that really should have been easy to find.

Gran was shielding at speed despite the fact that the amulet she wore should protect her even if she dropped her defense. Neville noted the charms Grindelwald was sending her way – nothing to injure her physically, but still offensive.

“Loyalty and Confundus charms,” Neville observed aloud. “You never change, do you? Mokey, grab her and go.”

Gran’s eyes widened and she raised a hand toward him, muttering “No, not –” before she and Mokey were gone.

Grindelwald whirled on him then, robes swirling about him in a riot of color even as he started to cast on his new target. Neville shielded wandlessly before he realized what he was doing, and the fight was on. Grindelwald attacked with manic speed despite his inability to actually score a hit.

“This can’t be happening! Not with all our plans,” he muttered.

Neville wasn’t clear on who Grindelwald thought he was addressing, and wondered momentarily if he should have had Mokey summon the Royal Guard instead of sending Gran away.

“The wand should be working better,” Grindelwald complained, frowning. “It was working better, what happened? They can’t dismiss me, I’m the Leader of the Light! The Defeater of Grindelwald! The things that could happen without me – it’s simply unthinkable. Unthinkable! There must be some mistake, they just have to understand that it’s all a mistake. I’m needed –”

While Neville was shielding, he was also silently encouraging a useful piece of ivy growing in an abandoned corner. He poured life into the vine, then split it and split it again. Grindelwald didn’t even notice until the vines launched themselves at him, whipped around his body and bound him tightly. Then they jerked him down to the ground and tightened further. Neville spotted the Elder Wand where Grindelwald had dropped it and quickly summoned it away.

Grindelwald was breathing in quick little gasps as Neville approached. “How did you do that?”

“Does it matter?”

Grindelwald groaned piteously. “Don’t you understand what you’ve done? I am the Leader of the Light!”

“I understand that you should be in custody,” Neville said simply. “You’ll have a fair chance to make your case in court.”

“Do you think I have time for that? No!” Grindelwald’s struggle against the vines that bound him grew frenzied, and then he suddenly stopped and smiled. “History will show that everything I’ve done has been for the Greater Good,” he said clearly, disappearing by portkey and leaving a pile of vines behind.

* * *

“I should have knocked him out,” Neville said later, addressing a small gathering that included Gran, Harry, Voktar, Lord Black, and the newly exonerated Sirius Black. “I won’t make that mistake again.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Harry said instantly. “His reputation is no longer what it was, he’s lost all his positions, and most people know what he’s done. Well, maybe not everything, but a lot of it. Enough to know that he can’t be trusted.”

“I’ll give some interviews about his attack on me,” Gran offered. “We’ll keep the pressure on. I’ll send an owl to the Wizarding Wireless and stop by the Daily Prophet after my next visit to Frank and Alice at St. Mungo’s.”

“An excellent plan,” Lord Black agreed even as Sirius perked up.

“Frank and Alice?” Sirius asked.

“The Long-Term Spell Damage Ward,” Gran sighed. “We haven’t been able to find anything that can help them – not that I’ve given up trying, of course.”

“Would you mind if I stopped by to see them?” Sirius asked awkwardly. “We were close before, well, before Azkaban.”

“Of course not, I’ll leave word at the ward desk that you’re welcome any time.”

Neville took a deep breath. “Gran, I think I would like to visit them as well.” Gran’s hands stilled.

“Neville dear, are you sure that’s something you want to do?”

“I’ve seen them before,” he pointed out. “And yes, I’d like to visit them.”

Gran nodded. “Then so you shall.”

Lord Black glanced over at the mantel clock, leading Neville to do the same. It really wasn’t that late.

“Can we go now?” he asked.

“Now?” Gran repeated.

“If you didn’t have any other plans?”

“Well –” Gran hesitated. “I don’t see why not. If you’re sure you want to go –”

Neville stood up. “I’m sure.”

Sirius and Lord Black ended up joining the party, with Harry returning home via house-elf. Knowing Harry, Neville suspected that he left to let Sirius visit with his friends without having to appear strong for Harry. Lord Black, who was joining them, would be able to provide support for his heir if it was needed. Neville was traveling as the eight-year-old he officially was, so he held Gran’s hand as they traversed the familiar route he had not walked in many years.

His father was lying in a bed near the window, apparently staring out at the view while his mother rocked herself in a nearby chair. They looked younger than the last time Neville had seen them, although still older than they should have.

Sirius approached Frank first, his hands visible and open although his smile appeared strained.

“Hello, Frank,” he began quietly. “It’s good to see you.” Neville’s father turned inquisitively toward the new voice but did not respond further.

Sirius pulled up a chair closer to the bed. “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get here,” he continued. “It was a very long day at the office.”

The half-hearted joke fell flat, and Neville closed his eyes for a moment, rubbing his forehead as an excuse to lower his head and cover his eyes as he blinked hard. When he raised his head again, mage light swam in his vision.

“And you know how long it takes me to finish my reports,” Sirius continued, reaching gently for Neville’s father’s hand. “You used to –”

“Stop,” Neville ordered abruptly.

Sirius’ head jerked as he startled, then frowned. “I wasn’t going to –”

Neville cut him off again. “My mage sight kicked in and there’s something you’re not seeing. There’s something – it’s sort of like a cage? A round one, over their heads. It stops at the tops of their necks.” His eyes flicked back and forth between his dad and his mum. “They both have them; not exactly the same, but close.”

“Cages over their heads?” Lord Black murmured. “Protective ones?”

Neville shook his head immediately. “They don’t look friendly,” he said grimly. “But I’m not sure I know enough to figure this out myself. I wish I could show you what I’m seeing.”

Sirius straightened and said, “Pensieve!”

Lord Black nodded, “We have one.”

Sirius was on his feet. “I’ll get it and be back in a moment.”

His grandfather stayed him with a dry look and a gesture. “Pipsy,” he called and a house-elf appeared. “Can you bring us the pensieve from my office? The one in the left-hand cabinet.” Lord Black had it in his hand in less than a minute, and set it on a side table without dismissing his house-elf.

“Neville, before we collect a memory, perhaps you can take some extra time to look at your parents in detail. I want to make sure our first review will be thorough.”

Neville nodded, and tried to damp down his emotions to focus on collecting a useful memory. When he was satisfied with the memory, he saw it transferred to the pensieve and all four of them dove in, leaving Pipsy to guard them in the ward.

Lord Black had frozen the memory and was circling Neville’s parents and frowning. Gran was frowning too, although she still reached out to pat Neville’s shoulder inside the pensieve.

“Very well done, Neville,” she told him even as she continued to study the images of her son and his wife. “I had no idea that mage sight could show us this much! I’m only sorry I didn’t realize sooner.”

“What we need to do is figure this out,” Sirius growled. “It looks like a curse. That’s certainly an ugly color! And I would have thought that cruciatus damage would be more evenly distributed, not concentrated in the head.”

Lord Black stopped abruptly. “Captionem capite,” he declared.

Sirius’ jaw dropped. “They actually – Bellatrix used that?”

“You imagine she would restrain herself?”

“I’m more interested in whether you know how to break it,” Gran interjected swiftly. “Do you?”

Lord Black’s mouth tightened. “I think I know how but I’m not sure whether or not we can actually do it,” he said apologetically. “This is a Black family curse that has the power to trap someone in their head. It isn’t supposed to be taught to anyone outside the heir line, so I don’t know how Bellatrix could have learned to cast it.”

“If dear old Mum got it out of Dad, she would have taught it to anyone she thought deserved to know,” Sirius added. “Regulus, Bellatrix, Narcissa – although she certainly never taught me! I heard it referenced in history lessons with Great-Aunt Cassie, but only briefly.” His eyes sought his grandfather’s. “You know how to undo it?”

“It’s meant to be done in ritual, led by the Lord with the support of the heir and the majority of the family,” he said gently.

“So what are we waiting for? Let’s do it!” Sirius vibrated with impatience.

“Sirius – I know you want to fix this, and I assure you that I do too,” Lord Black began, holding up a hand as Sirius appeared to be about to interrupt. “But the ritual has power requirements based on a much larger family than we have now. I have to admit that the House of Black is currently – diminished. I just don’t know where we’ll get the power.” He turned his attention to Gran. “It is clear that the House of Black has done grievous harm to your Lord and Lady. I acknowledge both the debt owed, and the fact that no wergild can truly compensate the House of Longbottom for this injury.”

Gran hesitated a moment before replying. “While the House of Longbottom appreciates the acknowledgment of debt by the House of Black,” she said with careful formality, “we would postpone any further discussions on the matter of a wergild while we focus on seeing our Lord and Lady restored to health as much as may be.”

“Understood and agreed,” Lord Black finished as tradition demanded. “The House of Black will remain in your debt until such time as you choose to request settlement.”

“And with respect to at least a partial settlement, we’ll be starting that discussion now,” Neville said firmly. Gran blinked at him in surprise, while Lord Black’s expression was more carefully neutral. “In partial settlement of this debt, the House of Longbottom requests the assistance of the House of Black in restoring the Lord and Lady Longbottom, including disclosure of the Black family curse as needed to provide that assistance.”

“Who do you have in mind?” Sirius asked quickly, not giving his grandfather a chance to respond.

“Hermione and Voktar to help figure out what we can do to give the ritual the best chance of success, and Harry and I as needed to provide power.”

“Harry’s my heir, so that one’s easy. Not sure you’re close enough in the bloodline – I think it’s been several generations since there was a Black-Longbottom match other than Callidora and Harfang and they’re not part of the Longbottom main line.” Sirius turned to Lord Black, frowning slightly but still looking oddly hopeful.

“True, but I’m willing to include everyone named in discussions to see if we can figure this out,” Lord Black replied to Sirius and Neville before turning back to Gran. “Augusta, I am truly sorry for what you have suffered, and I’m not going to quibble about anything we can do to help fix this.”

Gran visibly relaxed, and almost half-smiled in return. “Thank you. And we’ll make whatever vows are needed to protect any Black family magic or information you share in this process. All we care about is a chance for Frank and Alice.”

It was already after tea time as they trooped off to the bank, only to find out that Voktar was still in the Regent’s office. By the time they were all assembled and briefed, there was not much left of the day.

Hermione insisted on starting work immediately, and was settled in a private work room near Voktar’s office in the bank with a stack of parchment and access to a number of house-elves to fetch reference materials. She probably would have worked through the night if Voktar had not put his foot down – whatever age her mind was, her body was still only eight and she needed her sleep.

She did not, however need even the next full day to finish her work; the team reassembled at tea time to discuss Hermione’s plan.

“You need to disown Bellatrix,” Hermione ordered immediately.

Lord Black blinked. “She’s already dead,” he pointed out.

“That doesn’t matter,” Hermione told him.

“It might matter to her,” Neville said under his breath. Harry, seated next to him, snorted then quickly covered his mouth with his hand and coughed as the adults turned to look.

“The important thing is balance,” Hermione continued. “The difficulty in modifying the ritual to lift the curse was finding a way to add more power. We did consider just having you adopt a bunch of people into the family, but that would take a lot more time.”

“And leave me with a much larger family of people who were only brought in to help with the curse,” Lord Black pointed out drily.

“Well, it’s still a backup plan if this doesn’t work,” Hermione informed the Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black. “Still, disowning her will be faster and more efficient.”

“You think it will be easier for family magic to repudiate the curse if the one who cast it is no longer a part of the family?” Gran asked, her forehead creased.

“A bit, but that’s not as important as the opportunities it opens up for balance in the ritual.”

Gran and Lord Black were still looking a bit confused, but Neville had more experience with both Hermione’s leaps of intellect and occasional difficulty in explaining them.

“You’re using that to pull me in,” Neville said slowly, still thinking it through as he spoke. “The original ritual may have been built on Black family magic, but the ritual you’re planning is going to include a non-family member contributing power to a ritual to reverse the work of another non-family member. That’s the balance you’re trying to fix.”

Hermione’s expression blended relief at finally being understood with impatience. “Exactly. I’ve done all the calculations and Voktar checked my work.” Neat packages of parchment flew around the table. “We wanted to put it in front of you and see if there’s anything we missed.”

Neville wasn’t sure the adults really heard her after they got the redesigned ritual as they all immediately started reading. He looked around the table, then looked at Harry, who shrugged and picked up his package and started to read as Neville did the same.

Even without detailed information about the Black family ritual on which this one was based, there were portions Neville quickly decided were lifted entirely from the original; what had changed was the structure around it. It was now a series of rituals rather than a single one. Gran had a role in the first; it was probably not necessary, but she would feel better being able to participate, even in a small way, in helping his parents.

Although they started last, Harry and Neville finished their reviews first and waited politely for the rest to catch up. Sirius finished next, setting the parchment down with a sharp nod. Gran’s hands were shaking as she set hers down, and then only Lord Black was left.

Lord Black took another twenty minutes before he finally set the parchment down and looked at Hermione.

“I had once considered pursuing a mastery in ritual magic,” he said. “Despite the fact that I would have had to go abroad for it.” He smiled and continued, “I didn’t want to be parted from Melania. My point, however, is that when I tell you how impressed I am with your ritual craft, I want you to know it is more than an idle comment. I hope you continue to pursue it in the future.” He straightened and turned to Voktar. “When can we proceed?”

“Our ritual rooms are at your disposal,” Voktar told him. “Is tomorrow too soon? You could do the first two this evening if you prefer not to have three to do before sunrise.”

“Well, Augusta?” Lord Black asked. “Do you think tomorrow morning will suffice to show them how it’s done?”

Gran was smiling, although Neville could tell it was through a faint sheen of tears. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

Chapter 14

Neville had asked for a partial dose of Dreamless Sleep and let tea be his last meal of the day, skipping supper. It seemed to have worked, for Mokey had no problem waking him and he felt well-rested. Gran was fluttering around anxiously when Neville came downstairs, despite the fact that the ritual robes were packed and ready.

“Not that brown one,” she told the elf who had retrieved clothing for her son to use post-ritual. “That was loose before he lost weight in hospital! Try the dark blue – not the check – and make sure to bring one of his heavier cloaks. Frank and Alice mustn’t get cold! It could hamper their recovery.

“Mipsy, Alice must have something pink near her face, she’ll need a bit of color – perhaps that wrap from when Neville was born? But make sure it’s soft, she’ll need soft and warm.” Gran stopped and rubbed her forehead anxiously. “Maybe it would be better if we –”

“Gran, stop,” Neville said firmly. “Everything is going to be fine. I don’t think Mum and Dad will be focused on their wardrobes if – when – this works, but if they decide they need something, we’ll get it for them. Right now, we need to focus on the ritual.”

“Right,” she agreed nervously. “The ritual.”

Neville peered at her. “How much sleep did you get?” he asked suspiciously.

“Sleep?” Her eyes flew to the clock. “I’m fine,” she said quickly. “I just need to make sure …”

Neville took a step forward and took her hands. “Gran, you have done an extraordinary job taking care of everything – including me – under very difficult circumstances. Yes, things are going to change, but it’s a good change. All you have to do is focus on what we need to do in the next couple hours, and you don’t have to do it alone. I’m with you, and we have good and loyal friends waiting to help us.

“Now, are you ready?”

Gran teared up again. “Oh, Neville,” she said, smoothing his hair fondly.

“Gran,” he said firmly, “if you start saying how much you like the name ‘Neville’ then I am leaving you here and going without you!”

“Right,” she agreed, sniffing a little and shaking her head before raising it firmly. “We’re ready.”

Once at the bank, Gran was ushered away to a cleansing room leaving Neville with Harry, Sirius, and Lord Black. When the cleansing was finished, Neville felt he was as centered and ready as he was likely to be and they headed into the ritual room in silence.

The first ritual was a simple affirmation of alliance between the Houses of Potter and Longbottom, only requiring the Heirs and Regents. Then Neville and Gran stepped out of the circle, and Lord Black joined Sirius and Harry to affirm Harry’s status as the Heir’s Heir in the House of Black.

The same three remained in place for the third ritual, casting Bellatrix Black Lestrange out of the House of Black. Lord Black bore the brunt of it, having to work through the lengthy formula of the ritual which covered her betrayal of the House of Black, betrayal of its allies, and damage to the stature of the House of Black. At every step, Sirius had to agree as the Heir while Harry did so on behalf of the Family.

They finished the third ritual ten minutes before sunrise.

“Gentlemen,” Voktar offered from outside the circle. “Would you care for some water? Any potions?”

Everyone accepted water, including Neville who was still outside the circle, and drank it as his parents were levitated in to the central altar of the circle. He swallowed and stopped drinking.

“How are you doing?” Harry asked him quietly.

“A little nervous,” Neville admitted. “So’s Gran. I told her we would do this and everything would be fine, but . . .”

“You’ll be fine.” Harry smiled. “The man who killed Nagini with the Sword of Gryffindor always comes through.”

“Harry and Neville, it’s almost time,” Lord Black called. Sirius and Harry joined him around Neville’s Mum and Dad, while Neville positioned himself with his bare toes on the outer ring of the ritual circle and waited.

Please let this work, he prayed silently without a very clear idea who he was praying to. Then he heard an echo of Myrddin’s voice in his head.

The biggest things I have ever done were because I believed I had to, and so I did.

The gong sounded to mark the rising of the sun.

Lord Black started slowly, Sirius and Harry each an echo behind. The magic started to swell, rising around their feet in soft waves of color.

“… for the House of Black chooses loyalty over betrayal …”

“… the Betrayer having been cast out …”

Harry started to draw from Neville, only a thread to tie him in as the magic began to creep up the altar.

“… as demanded by Honor and the Purity of our craft …”

“… allies more loyal than those formerly of our blood …”

Repetition after repetition, it went on, and the wash of magic swelled to cover his parents, overflowing in waves into the circle. Neville fed magic through Harry as fast as Harry drew it.

“… and in release find restoration …”

“… letting Magic see the truth and will of our hearts …”

It wasn’t going to be enough.

It had to be. Neville forced his will through Harry with his magic.

“… Iussu Supremi …”

It was unnatural, blocking the very essence of life as this curse had done.

“… Misericordia Summi …”

Suddenly the magic rushed through him in an overwhelming wave. The final chant was the last thing Neville heard as he lost consciousness.

* * *

Someone was stroking his hair.

It felt wonderful, and Neville managed a little appreciative noise in his throat.

“Ready to join us?” The voice was unfamiliar, but soft and warm.

“Mmm?”

“That’s all right then. You can keep your eyes closed as long as you want.”

Contrarily, Neville decided to open them. The light was dim, and he blinked a bit until he could see.

“Mum?”

“Yes, dear?”

Energy shot through him and he abruptly sat up, eyes wide with momentary disbelief. “MUM!” he almost shouted, and then he was in her arms.

“It’s all right now, Neville, it’s all right,” she soothed. “Everything is going to be fine.”

Neville couldn’t seem to control his tears and didn’t bother to keep trying. He had his mum, and the rest didn’t matter. She was rocking him and murmuring things and it was better than he’d imagined.

Eventually he ran out of tears but he stayed exactly where he was with her arms around him.

“I don’t care,” he mumbled, still pressed against her. “I don’t mind being dead if I finally get to talk to you.”

“What did you say? I think I missed some of that.”

Neville pulled back just a little to look at her, ignoring the scratchy damp heat in his eyes.

“I said I don’t care,” he repeated forcefully. “I don’t mind being dead if we’re together. I’m sorry about not saving Mirdam Magic but it’s okay if you’re with me.”

Mum had pale hair and clear eyes that sparkled, and she was looking right at him as if she saw all the way into him.

“Oh, Neville –” she smiled and smoothed his hair again. “Neither of us are dead.”

Neville blinked in the dimness. “But it’s awfully gray and there’s no one around …”

“It’s dim because you’ve been sleeping and I didn’t want you to strain your eyes when you woke. It’s gray because we’re still in the bank surrounded by stone walls, but I promise you that we’re not dead.”

Neville’s throat tightened. “Dad?”

“We’re taking turns with you and your grandmother,” she explained. “Although I admit that after we both saw you, I kind of pushed him out to talk to her. She’s trying to catch him up on everything that has happened in the last several years.”

“Oh.”

“I’m not the only mother who has been terribly worried and missing her only son.”

“Okay.” Neville was feeling oddly groggy and stupid.

“Headache?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Mum raised a brow at him. “Neville,” she warned.

“Just a bit,” he admitted immediately.

“Drink some water first, and then you can have a headache potion.”

Neville did as instructed, and immediately felt much better. While he was drinking, his mum fluffed up his pillows and straightened out the bedding.

“What happened?” he asked. “Are you and Dad all right now? What about the others?”

“Settle down and let me tuck you in first,” she told him, smiling once he was comfortably lying on the fluffiest pillow. “Everyone is basically fine. Your father and I are no longer trapped mentally, but we’ll need more healing, and significant work to get back in shape physically.” Mum grimaced for a moment. “While our current weakness is annoying, we know it will pass with time and effort.

“Once he was assured that we were all doing well, Lord Black went home to sleep off the effects of the ritual. Sirius is staying with Harry, who woke up before you did. He isn’t planning to leave until he gets to talk to you himself, but I claimed maternal privilege to sit with you. After Hermione got to speak to Harry, she went home to relieve the house-elf who was covering for her. We agreed to let her know if anything changes.”

“Okay.”

Mum just kept looking at him and Neville kept looking right back. He wasn’t sure he wanted to close his eyes again.

“Are you awake enough to talk to Harry?”

“Sure,” he agreed, immediately regretting it when Mum rose and left the room. She ushered Harry in very shortly after, although she stopped Sirius from joining the two boys and firmly shut the door to give them some privacy.

“So how are you really?” Neville and Harry asked simultaneously. Neville smiled, and Harry laughed.

“I’m fine,” Harry said.

“Really fine or Harry-fine?” Neville asked.

“Really fine,” Harry promised, his eyes clear. “I’ll probably go to bed early tonight and that will take care of it.”

“So, what happened?”

Harry snorted. “Hermione’s waiting to yell at you until you feel better. Apparently, she doesn’t think you follow instructions.”

“Instructions?” Neville frowned. “What does she think I did?”

“You were supposed to be allowing me to draw magic from you as I needed it –”

“I did!”

“Hermione thinks that toward the end your magic was sort of – pushing? – into the circle without being part of the ritual.”

Neville suddenly felt sick.

“The ritual was handling the magic used to free your parents from the curse, and the draw stopped when that was done. But other magic you were pushing wouldn’t have known to stop, I think? And might have overloaded?” Harry shook his head. “Hermione can explain it better if you want to understand what she’s talking about.”

“Harry, I’m so sorry,” Neville apologized, but Harry waved it away. “No, Harry, really – I could have gotten all of you killed! And I know better – I never meant to put you at risk that way.”

“Neville, it’s fine, I promise.”

“It really isn’t.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “Yes, Neville, it really is.”

“But Harry –”

“Nev, you know what we’ve all been through, and you know that most of the time I’ve gotten through it by charging off without knowing half of what I should! I’m not saying it’s the best way to do things, but I have too much experience of doing what made sense in the moment to blame you for the same thing.

“You’ll have to endure a lecture from Hermione, and I think that’s quite enough to make up for anything you think you’ve done. Just remember that she only does it because she cares.”

“I – yeah, okay.”

“Okay?”

“Harry, I just got my mum back. And my dad! Hermione can say anything she wants right now and I don’t think it would bother me a bit.”

Harry laughed and stood up. “Fair enough. If you don’t need anything, Sirius and I will head home. I’ll send Hermione a message by house-elf to let her know you’re okay and let you get some more rest.”

“Thanks, Harry. And – could you send my mum back when you have a chance?”

“I don’t think that will be too hard. I suspect she and Sirius are hovering just outside the door.” Harry opened it and proved his suspicion correct, then turned to wave goodbye to Neville with a small wink.

Neville’s mum returned and shut the door firmly behind her before returning to her seat beside him.

“How are you doing?” she asked softly, reaching out to stroke his hair once again.

Neville smiled at her.

“Everything is perfect.”

---