The quiet murmuring of the wizengamot talking was the first thing Corvus heard as he entered the full room. The circular table was all but full, cups and paperwork scattered amongst the members. It was an early morning meeting, and you could tell by how quiet everyone was talking amongst themselves, not yet properly awake. There were barely any glances Corvus' way as he silently entered the room, the doors were still open, and would close when the meeting was due to start.
"Corvus, over here," came Abbott's voice, making a motion towards the wizard, indicating to the seat next to him. Corvus wasn't late, per se, but he was normally much earlier than this.
Corvus gave a nod in recognition and allowing his lawyer to know he'd heard him and would proceed. Adjusting the strap on his bag, Corvus, despite his age, was very agile and swift as he made his way towards him carrying a plain brown cardboard box.
"Good morning, Lord Abbott," Corvus said smoothly, as he slid into his seat after placing the box on the table in front of him. "Here is the box you asked for." he had been unable to give it to him before this meeting, he'd literally only received the owl just before departing for the meeting. He supposed he could have apparated to the school, but hindsight and all that. Giving him his title, since it was on official capacity, not friendly terms and Antonio wasn't working for him right now. "Lady Abbott," giving Helena a short bow of respect. He couldn't help but think his wife would have adored Helena, which did dampen his mood considerably. He missed her fiercely, she had been his one true love, he'd never considered taking on a second wife after her death, not even to give his children, his sons a mother figure. He couldn't have borne trying to 'replace' her which is exactly what it would have been. He'd much rather be on his own than conceive doing such a thing. He could never love anyone the way he'd loved his wife, and it wouldn't have been fair on anyone, let alone a new wife, unable to meet the expectations of a past love.
"Thank you," Antonio murmured, accepting the box, opening the lid, he winced at the amount of folders within. "He's trying to kill me isn't he? Merlin help me!" he sighed in exasperation, perhaps he'd been too hasty in agreeing to sit for the future Lord Potter. Which is exactly what was happening, he was sitting today on the Potter seat, while his wife managed the Abbott seats.
Corvus chuckled smoothly, glancing in at the contents, "Looks like he found a few more cases," he whispered quietly, as his eyes roamed over the folder tabs.
Helena watched both of them with bright curious eyes, she naturally knew more than most, due to her close association with Corvus and as Antonio was her husband she was often around while he worked. She didn't know everything, of course, but still, she was curious about what was going on now.
"More?" Antonio whispered, "Just how many more can I expect?" throwing Corvus a rather constipated look.
"I believe he's finished," Corvus said wryly, "He wouldn't give out half finished information," hence why it had come quite late. He believed Harry had astronomy and had finished it and attended class before sending the box off with Hedwig last night. The owl had journeyed all night to reach him this morning, although he reckoned the owl had rather enjoyed the long flight. Harry didn't use his owl very often, except for the owl orders, which wasn't far.
"Well that's a relief," he said sardonically. Curiosity getting the better of him, he opened one of the first files and began to read everything available to him. Eyebrows steadily getting higher and higher as he read everything, lost in his perusal he grabbed another file and began to read that one, then another, then another. "He's...meticulous I'll give him that," he admitted, awed by this had been put together by a twelve-year-old child. This was...he'd seen adults with less consideration.
Corvus smirked smugly, eyes gleaming with delight, "Indeed," he murmured, extremely proud of Harry and his dedication to whatever he set his mind to. "If he remains on course...he's going to leave Hogwarts with many job offers." Which only happened to those who were extremely intelligent. He'd say perhaps five out of the entire year were scouted when leaving Hogwarts, not all of them Ravenclaws.
"That...would not surprise me," Antonio murmured, still reading, only paying half attention to Corvus, as he read through more files that Harry had accumulated for him. Each methodically marked, he'd seen a less detailed system in the Ministry archives. "Well, perhaps this newest piece of legislation will go through more smoothly than I thought..." in fact, he'd expected to fight and lose, he'd honestly thought it was a losing battle when he saw the legislation that had been drawn up and delivered to him a few days ago.
"As his chosen temporary regent, you are best never to underestimate him," Corvus warned, both speaking lowly so that nobody would overhear. To be on the safe side, they never mentioned names, although, if anyone had been listening...it would have been obvious to whom they were talking about. Fortunately, no magic was allowed within these rooms, thus no eavesdropping charms could be cast...which meant they were free to be able to talk, as long as they spoke quietly.
Antonio conceded that with a respectful dip of his head, "I'm beginning to see that," he murmured, "I'd love to know where he got the passion for it all, my daughter wouldn't have thought to achieve this..." he admitted, and he'd love for his daughter to follow his footsteps. He wouldn't be disappointed if it's not what she wanted, he loved her enough to allow her to find her own feet and path.
"Necessity," Corvus sighed, sitting back, still graceful, but he grimaced a little just remembering the beginning of their acquaintance and how desperate Harry had been. That part of Harry, a small part, still existed, but it had been mostly built over by a strong, growing independent young man he was proud to help shape.
Antonio sobered, "Yes, yes I suppose you're quite correct," it was easy to forget what Harry had gone through, especially seeing him now and looking at what he was capable of.
Corvus glanced to the side when he felt the air displaced, finding Tom had arrived, or rather Lord Aurelius Adamos-Slytherin. Giving a curt nod, the sound of banging had them all glancing to find Lord Tiberius Ogden, chief warlock of the wizengamot. The doors then slammed shut, sealing them in for however long the meeting would last. They had most of the morning, but come the afternoon, they would have court appearances to put in.
"Good morning," he greeted them, glancing once at the files on the desk, his lips twitching in amusement. He recognized Harry's handwriting naturally. He had spent enough time around the boy for it to be permanently etched into his mind. He also knew what Harry was attempting...and he had to admit it was absolutely breath-taking and mesmerising to have someone thinking so out of the box that it was bordering on genius. "If you do not mind...would you care to join me for dinner this evening?"
Corvus blinked, "I'd be honoured," Corvus replied, dipping his head in respect, acting as though they weren't as acquainted as they were. He did ponder for a few moments on why Tom wanted to see him tonight, but he waved it off, he would find out this evening.
"My address, I hope seven PM is suitable?" Aurelius Adamos-Slytherin stated, sliding over a card that had Tom's address, Floo Network address and naturally the password so he could Floo over.
"It is," Corvus agreed, sliding the card into his breast cloak pocket, it seemed Tom's new estate was up and running then. He knew Tom had been unimpressed with a few delays that had cropped up, not with the property itself, no, but rather the warding, which had taken a far greater length of time to settle than anticipated. He hadn't seen it since it began undergoing construction, so he was rather looking forward to seeing the place.
"Perfect," came Voldemort's reply, just as the Chief warlock began his speech, reminding everyone of the previous wizengamot meeting and everything that was on today's agenda.
"Has the board said anything about the school?" came a concerned voice.
The shock and horror of what Albus Dumbledore had allowed to occur had shocked them all. The thought of what could have happened...had knocked them all sideways. The children would have suffered tremendously, its perhaps why the wizengamot and the board of governors had begun working more closely together to prevent such a blasphemy happening again. Such wickedness shouldn't be borne.
"The wards are up to full capacity, and have been repeatedly tested, with the full approval of Lady Kataya Donovan," came the smooth voice of the Dark Lord Voldemort known to everyone - bar a few - as Aurelius Adamos-Slytherin Headmaster of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. "The board of governors are more than impressed with the structure and strength of the warding's. I have asked that the results be published, so that the general public can be reassured that their children are safe from harm." It had taken some convincing a few of the students families to allow them to return.
"That is good," they were all pleased to hear the news that the wards weren't been taken for granted.
"Before Hogwarts started back up, I invited Lord and Heiress McMahon and Auror Strauss to inspect the school, their report should be available soon also." If it wasn't already. It was odd calling Strauss 'Auror Strauss' when he was technically a Lord, and should be addressed as thus but he honestly preferred Auror Strauss.
"What happened was a nightmare," a griping voice could be heard, "My father almost refused to allow my daughter and son to return to Hogwarts to finish their education." as the head of the family, he made those decisions. If he decided not to listen, he would find himself tossed out and left to fend for himself. Well, his father wasn't that way, but if it came to it that's what could happen. He wouldn't have been able to afford to send his children to Hogwarts on what he made.
"A lot of people were in the same boat," Antonio admitted, "If my wife and I, hadn't been aware of every step of the progress, our daughter would not have been easily persuaded to return to the school."
"And Harry as well, right?" came the sly voice of Lord Finnegan.
"Do not address him so informally," it wasn't Antonio or Corvus jumping to the child's defence, no it was Helena, staring coolly down at the wizard. "You'd think someone such as yourself would know better," chiding him as though he were a child. "It's heir Potter or just Potter,"
"Awfully defensive of someone you claim not to know," another voice started up.
Helena sighed exasperatedly, the last meeting had them all vying for information. Wondering why exactly Harry had chosen Antonio Abbott of all people to represent his estate, to be his regent while he was in Hogwarts. They were convinced there was more to it than Harry randomly just choosing someone he didn't know. It wasn't how the magical world worked. They believed that he was either Potter's magical guardian or the Potter and Abbott houses were to be joined.
"Enough, you're acting like twelve-year-old children," Antonio retorted sharply, as always trying to make his wife's life as easy as possible. "You know I cannot share anything about the ins and outs of the Potter Estate, or even what I am or am not to the boy. I think it's time we got back to the matter at hand and not a bunch of gossip don't you?"
That reprimand seemed to settle them, some even went so far as to flush ugly in shame or mortification at being spoken to like a child.
"Oh, it's just idle curiosity, the boy disappeared from our world without a word!" Leonard Bagman sighed waving the words off as if they were inconsequential.
"Would you like to say that to his face Bagman?" Antonio asked amused, a smirk appearing on his face, "If only you paid your own children the same amount of attention...you wouldn't be in the situation you're in now would you?" everyone knew heir Ludo Bagman liked gambling way too much, so much so that his father had cut him off from being able to take money from the family estate, keeping him on a monthly stipend. Ludo Bagman complained about it loud enough for them all to hear it.
Leonard flushed darkly, aghast that it had been spoken so openly, but he kept his mouth shut so not to cause further humiliation.
Chief Warlock Ogden cleared his throat, "Do you have anything you wish to discuss of the new legislation posited last meeting?"
"I think we can all agree that it's not going to be passed," Lord Bell said wryly, "Not unless we want a werewolf uprising on our hands." It had all the hallmarks of coming from Umbridge, a witch determined to make her mark in the Ministry of magic and failing. She wasn't a member of the Wizengamot, she just wished she was. She had proposed a legislation to restrict the lives of werewolves, to tag them like beasts, it was quite barbaric actually, to all of them. Even when they disliked the creatures, they knew the trouble that passing such a law could bring. Plus, it was riddled with errors, it was quite frankly a bad piece of legislation.
"Then a show of wands for the bill to be vetoed?" the Chief Warlock stated, relieved beyond belief that something like that wasn't going to be passed on his watch. It had been debated during their last meeting, well, debate wasn't really the word to use...since most people agreed it was an absurd bill and shouldn't be considered never mind passed. The debate had been very short, why it had been introduced by a natural party he didn't know...but they all suspected blackmail.
Nearly everyone raised their hands, 47-50
"The Bill has not passed," the Chief Warlock declared, it would be now archived in the Ministry, hopefully the press wouldn't look, it certainly wouldn't help the damn recipient of such a proposed bill. If the press published it, it wouldn't take long for a werewolf to act at all.
"Speaking of bills...." Antonio stated, a wry grin stealing across his features, "I do hope you have nothing better to do for the next few days..."
Everyone paused and turned to stare at him uncomprehending what he was getting at.
"I'd like to introduce the newest piece of proposed legislation," Antonio said firmly, "Written by our very own Heir Harry Potter," he utterly ignored the scoffs, some didn't believe that Harry was writing these himself, thinking he had help from either him and his wife or some party unknown...either that or they believed Harry didn't have any say in it whatsoever, which was insulting.
"Please tell me those files are not for us," Lord Bell asked, staring at the files as if they were about to bite.
Antonio laughed, "I'm afraid I cannot," entirely bemused. Flicking his wand, he had the legislation piece copied fifty times and floated over to the relevant person.
"Is this for real?"
"You cannot be serious!"
"This is diabolical!"
"We cannot pass this and make it a law!"
"Outrageous!"
Antonio listened to the cries of outrage, without saying a thing, waiting patiently for the initial anger to deflate. It was expected really, such a law being passed would see to it that all their workload would be exponentially increased. It took a great deal longer than he would have liked for things to calm. "Are you quite finished?"
"Lord Abbott...this is..." Dowager Longbottom shook her head.
"I understand your averseness, but I have a letter here from Heir Potter...May I?" Antonio asked, holding the clearly marked Potter envelope aloft, still sealed closed.
Corvus sat up impossibly straighter, once again surprised by the boy. Just what was Harry up to this time?
"Well, that's rather...unconventional," the Chief warlock said, "But I don't see why we cannot hear what he has to say...what say you?" he turned to the others.
"Let's hear it," Lord Bagman said entirely too amused.
Antonio cleared his throat as he opened the missive, "To the esteemed members of the wizengamot, my name is Harry James Potter, and I'd like to explain my reasoning behind my piece of legislation. Although, truthfully, if you truly knew me, you'd know why." He began to read it word for word. "Everyone knows that I grew up with Muggles...but if the Wizengamot had done its job and not allowed fear to grip them tightly, then the outrageous law 19345 would never have been passed. Which is ironic since you, the governing body, should never allow emotions to get in the way of bills passed." Antonio winced just reading that, damn the boy had a way with words, he could hear his wife smothering her amusement.
Everyone was silent, listening to Antonio not even a gasp of outrage at his words could be heard.
"Nobody regardless of their crimes deserves to be flung in Azkaban let alone without trial. Every single person should be allowed to defend themselves. It is the law. It's not a suggestion, it's not something you can just decide on whim. Putting groups of wizards and witches on trial as one, without giving them any means to defend themselves is a grave miscarriage of justice, one that should be rectified immediately. My godfather, Sirius Black was innocent of his crimes...and you all believed him guilty...how many others are in the same boat? How many innocent people have been suffering for over a decade locked up in an inhumane jail without human connection or the most basic of rights?"
The Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot swallowed, damn if he wasn't agreeing with a twelve-year-old child. He could see nearly fifty people flushing darkly as Antonio recited Harry Potters' words, a child, yet making more sense than grown wizards and witches.
"I can understand the renitence to act, but having to deal with more work, temporarily, should not be an excuse for allowing a grave miscarriage of justice to continue. You all believe they are guilty, then it should do no harm to anyone to allow them all to be given a trial. The laws must change, for a fair and just world, it is what we fight for and will continue to fight for. The use of Veritaserum will allow for a shorter trial, to get to the bottom of the truth. Those who are innocent will more than willingly consume the potion in a bid to prove themselves."
Voldemort and Corvus watched everyone's reactions, they were eating up every single word that Harry portrayed. They could feel the passion for what he was hoping to achieve coming alive through Antonio's words. He was definitely going for the correct job. He was going to be...absolutely terrifying when he came of age.
"You may well have won us the war single handed, Corvus," Voldemort admitted in sheer delight.
Corvus' lips twitched, "I wish I could take the credit," but he couldn't, the boy was just utterly charismatic without any input from anyone.
"Indeed," so did he, "How he did not end up in Slytherin...I'll never know." but he did, his thirst for knowledge outweighed his cunning...but how that was...well, it was anyone's guess.
Corvus' lips twitched in amusement, utterly agreeing with Tom in regards to Harry's placement. He couldn't help but think perhaps it had been purposeful on his part. He was aware by the time he was due to head of to Hogwarts the prejudice the Slytherin's face.
"We cannot be afraid of hard work, we must work tirelessly for the betterment of the magical world. Fortify yourself with determination and see through this legislation and do what is right and just. You swore on your magic to do what was right, not easy. For the sake of the next generation...make it a world of prosperity and peace. Disperse with the corruption, for it is not a world I wish to live in. Heir Harry James Black-Potter."
Corvus arched a brow at that not so subtle threat, and every single person in the room noticed it too. It made them pale drastically and very, very leery. If Harry Potter, the hero of the magical world chose to leave...how many would follow him? It was singularly a terrifying through.
"Damn," Voldemort murmured utterly impressed and awed by the devious little shit. He was working all of them into doing what he wanted. In a way that even he hadn't thought possible, he should have though. Perhaps the brat was going to succeed in getting the brothers out before the time was up after all. Not to forget all the others actually. If he was off age he would have bought the boy a bottle of whiskey to congratulate him on his win.
"Does it really say all that?" Lord Dawlish asked amazed at the coherency of a twelve-year-old Muggle raised boy.
Antonio turned the letter around, "Pass it around," to make sure that they all realized that this was indeed the words written by a twelve-year-old boy, one determined to do what they didn't want to simply because it would take up more of their time. The letter was indeed passed around the entire wizengamot, all of them astonished, they could clearly see it was written by a twelve-year-old, the handwriting could be better.
It had clearly shocked and left many of them reeling. Once it was back in his hands, Antonio folded the letter and slid it into his pocket. "Each of these folders contain examples of the law that passed many years ago in the Muggle world and still has not been passed here." giving them a look, "Each case has been meticulously picked by Harry himself with the aid of Gringotts for this exact purpose. It's been stamped by the bank. Each one has been notarized so that if you don't wish to read everything a detailed summary is there for you to read." With another flick of his wand, the folders began to copy themselves, and float towards each person seated within the room. Copying charms were the only few spells religiously used in the courtroom.
They remained uncommonly silent, as they began to read through the files, scared witless by a twelve-year-old threatening to leave the magical world.
----------0
LATER THAT EVENING
"You my Lad, are the most devious of children," Corvus wrote into the journal, the two-way journal that allowed him to communicate with Harry without an owl going back and forth, and any worries about Dumbledore intercepting the mail. Only Harry could read from the journal, just as only he could read and write in this one. "You truly missed your calling amongst the snakes within the Dungeons of Slytherin." Corvus did not believe he'd wait long for an answer. Harry usually wrote around this time, and for only half an hour before he insisted on getting some sleep. Talking to him while he did his homework or tinkered about with his Runes crafting box.
"I wouldn't have minded being amongst the Slytherins I'm not ashamed of being cunning or resourceful," came Harry's first sentence, as he grinned wickedly at the book, he so enjoyed his conversations with Corvus and didn't know what he would do without them. "It would have been awesome sharing a room with Draco, Theodore, Vincent and Gregory. How did the meeting go?" as always extremely eager to know what's happening outside of Hogwarts walls. Not that he'd have to wait long, since Antonio would be giving him a detailed report, as per his duties as regent of the house of Potter.
"I do not think I've ever observed such a silent Wizengamot meeting, you young one, have managed to stun each and every single person in the room. Even those who have been taught to shield their emotions from a very young age. The prospect of you leaving the magical world...has shaken them." he informed the undoubtfully proud teenager. "Your words of wisdom seemed to have had an impact also. I do believe we will see an almost unanimous yes, to the passing of this piece of legislation." He had every faith in Harry, truly, he did, but he had not expected the law to pass, not yet, he expected it to be worked on for years, and Harry definitely didn't have years. Not anymore, if his sons weren't released soon...well, the Tom said he would be freeing them regardless.
Years ago he would have agreed to anything to see his sons freed. Agreed to allow Tom to break them out, vividly remembering the desperation that had clung to him before Harry had come into his life. Now though, now there was a new way, a better way, he wasn't entirely sure what Harry and Tom were up to, but they were up to something that had something to do with ensuring his sons were freed even with Veritaserum being used.
"Good," Harry replied stalwart. "I wanted to help you get Dolph and Basty back, for everything you've done for me." He just hoped that he was...still wanted when they got out. It was a thought that often appeared at the back of his mind...if Corvus didn't need him to see Rodolphus and Rabastan...would he care? He hoped not, he still wanted to learn Runes with Basty, talk to Rodolphus even if he was prejudice and stay with Corvus, the thought of losing any of it...was terrifying to Harry who for the first time in his life had stability and happiness.
"You've done more than enough, and I will never be able to repay you or thank you adequately enough. You certainly are a breath of fresh air in this dreary old mans life." Corvus teased slightly.
"Ha! I consider it the other way around," Harry stated, without Corvus he would have been firmly under Dumbledore's thumb, with no way out. Forced to return to the Dursley's every summer, no it was definitely he who still owed Corvus more than he could ever repay.
"Then we must agree to disagree, has the boy, Creevy, left you alone?" Changing the subject.
"Yes, its much better, he still likes taking pictures, but its normally with permission now and mostly things around the school." Harry explained, "Ginny is still being a little pain, but I haven't managed to catch up to her to tell her I'm betrothed yet. I'll let you know how it goes, I hope it will go well. I really don't want her following me around all the time."
"If it doesn't desist, go to your Head of House, if nothing works continue going up the ladder, I know for a fact that Tom will aid you should you ask it of him." Corvus stated, if Harry did nothing and allowed it to continue, well he would do it for him. It was an adults prerogative to protect those under their care, and that's exactly what he was, Harry's caretaker since his 'betrothed' wasn't able to do so.
"I will," Harry promised, "It's late though, I have to go, I'm tired and the potion has made me sleepy." Despite the fact he was getting lower dosages, he was still tired after taking them. Which was natural since he was more active, thus more sore, thus the potion had a greater need.
"Have a good night, Harry, speak tomorrow," and Harry spoke to him every evening without fail, he also still compulsively checked his potions box to ensure it was taken.
"Goodnight, Corvus," Harry wrote, and with that the book was put away.
Unbeknown to them all, it wasn't just Rodolphus and Rabastan's fate that Harry had changed for the better, not even just Voldemort's but Corvus' too. For if Harry had not acted...Corvus would have died of a heart attack in one year's time, still trying to get a trial for his sons and failing spectacularly...passing away before the Dark Lord Voldemort reached British shores once more.
Corvus would have died alone. Un-mourned by all except his sons who had broke from their years in Azkaban.
------0
Yep a little bit shorter than normal, but there wasn't much else that could be written here :) the next one will be Dumbledore's trial for certain and then I dont know...a jump to Christmas? Is that too jarring do you think? well, Dumbledore's trial MIGHT take up the 6K words we'll see ;) R&R please!