ROTK reveamped 05B

After getting dressed Ar’Ron and Harry started back through the garden domes towards the Palace. “Even though the castle is great and all, I really feel more at home here in the palace,” Harry hugged Ar’Ron’s waist as they walked into the second floor common room. Stopping Harry called for Dobby.


Dobby popped in after hearing his name being called, “Sir calls his Dobby?”


Harry smiled at the Impare’, he was not really going to miss the emotional wreck that he had been, “Dobby we are about to have about six goblins and two wizards for lunch. I was wondering if you could get a Japanese style lunch together, include Sashimi if you would. If you would set it up in the private family dining room on the second floor of the castle it would be appreciated.”


Dobby bowed saying that he would take care of it and popped out.


“Wonder what Remus is up to and if he would like to join us for lunch?” Ar’Ron looked around the common room for the Alphar.


Harry’s smile turned into a grin, “Two guesses.”


They both laughed as they both said at the same time, “The library.”


Chuckling they both entered the library and looked down over the balcony looking for Remus, spotting him at one of the far tables Harry yelled down, “Remus it’s was lunch time. “


Seeing Remus wave back, not taking the time to look up from his book Harry decided drastic measures needed to be taken. Waving his fingers in Remus’s direction he charmed the book he was reading to attack while adding another charm to collapse the chair, Harry laughed at the sight of Remus back peddling across the floor after he was dumped with a book chasing him snapping at his delicate parts.


Hearing the laughter from above him Remus did the only thing he could to save future generations, he apparated to a spot on the floor in front of Harry and Ar’Ron. Picking himself up off the floor with as much dignity as possible he glared at them, “Now why in the name of Merlin did you do that? Couldn’t you two see I was busy?”


Holding his side from laughing Ar’Ron smirked, “Really Remus we did call you, it’s not my fault you decided to ignore Harry.”


Looking over at the laughing Marauders son, Remus narrowed his eyes, thinking of paying him back in some twisted fashion for the prank, “And what pray tell was so important you had to prank me.”


Harry drew himself up to pompous heights and added a regal tone to his voice, “Really Remus, sticking your nose in a book all day long, ignoring your friends, I mean what’s the world coming to.”


Giggling at the look on Remus’s face Harry continued needling him with a gleam in his eyes, “We tried to tell you it was almost time for lunch, and to tell you we are having guests but you ignored us.”


Remus stepped back after seeing the expression on Harry’s face, so like James he thought, “Oh no you don’t, James used to get that gleam when he knew something that he was sure would shock the rest of us to bloody hell when we found out. No way, you want me to join you at lunch then spill,” Remus folded his arms across his chest.


Smiling Harry replied slyly, “It’s not like it is a big deal or anything. All my managers from Gringotts are coming for the first of many monthly lunch meetings.” Harry finished real fast, “AndDracoandhismother.”


Turning to Ar’Ron, Harry ignored Remus mouthing the words to slow them down, “Is there a way to make sure he was telling the truth? While I trust the goblins I really want to make sure before letting him into the family wing of the palace, and what about a way of protecting him from it happening again?”


“I can quickly scan his mind after you introduce us, and I can inscribe a rune of protection that will keep Legilimency out also. But be careful Mel’Anin he is in a bad way from what we saw,” Ar’Ron answered with concern as he thought about what he had seen
.

Remus exclaimed tired of being ignored, “Okay you two, what in Merlin’s name has gone wrong now?”


After filling Remus in on all that had happened so far this morning except the trip to the beach Harry reached over and looked at Remus’s watch, “They should be here in a few minutes. We better hurry up and get down to the castle before they get lost.”


The group quickly walked out of the library and downstairs to the palace entry hall, exiting the entry through the linked door they started down the stairs heading towards the transport stone. As they approached the silver colored stair Harry grinned, “I love these transport stairs, saves a lot of walking up and down, maybe we should place more of them around so we can use them more often.”


Remus playfully slapped Harry, “Lazy bum, don’t want you getting out of shape.”


The playful banter continued as they walked down the hall towards the castles front hall, entering the great hall through one of the side hallways they discovered their guests had arrived. Walking over to where Draco and Narcissa were standing Harry was shocked when they both dropped to their knees head bowed down.


Seeing their Lord and savior walk over to them Narcissa grabbed Draco’s arm and they dropped down to their knees, “I thank you for your mercy my Lord.”


With venom in his voice Harry was reminded of the little ritual Voldemort had his followers do every time they saw him, he was nothing like that megalomaniac, “No you do not kneel before me. There is only one room in this castle where those that come before me must kneel, seeing as neither one of you are on trial or the fact we are not in that room, you will not kneel before me. Stand up and face me with pride.”


Waiting until they got to their feet Harry continued in a gentler tone, “I welcome you home Narcissa Black. And I welcome your son and recognize him as family.”


Narcissa quickly fell back into the safety of traditional etiquette, “Thank you my Lord, it is good to be back with family once again.”


Seeing how Draco was still avoiding looking at him, Harry thought introductions might change that, “You both know Remus of course,” Seeing them both nod he grinned at Draco, “And this is my soul mate Ar’Ron, King of Astarii.”


Hearing her lord introduce his soul mate as a king Narcissa did her best curtsy.


Ar’Ron taking her hand and pulling her upright again, “It is nice to meet you Narcissa.”


Stepping over to where Draco was standing Ar’Ron shook the troubled young man’s hand, “Draco it is also nice to meet you.” Placing his hand under Draco’s chin he gently lifted it to look into his frightened lost eyes, “Harry considers Family to be sacred. Go to him and be welcomed,” Ar’Ron told him softly.


Not sure if he could even hope, Draco shuffled the few feet separating him and Harry, “Harry... I…”


Not giving Draco time to speak Harry pulled him into a tight hug, “Welcome home Draco, Welcome home.” Holding on the trembling teen as he broke down and sobbed for all the years of cruelty he had survived, Harry crooned soothingly to him, “You’re home now, where you are safe among family.”


After several minutes where the blond haired boy clung to Harry like a drowning man to a lifeline that was thrown his way, Draco started to hope once again.


Harry felt Draco start to pull himself into some semblance of control, relaxing his hold on the young man Harry looked at Draco and asked if he was ready to try to eat something. Harry gave Draco one final look over to see if he was going to be okay before releasing him and stepping back a step.


At that moment Sage popped in holding a potion vial, handing it over to Ar’Ron she smiled, “Majesty lunch is ready.”


“Thank you Sage, you did well, my thanks,” Ar’Ron told her holding up the vial he had taken from her he held it out to Draco; “This will settle your stomach so you can enjoy lunch,” He said with a smile.


Draco hesitated a moment then he grasped the vial and looked at it; slowly he twisted the cap off and brought it to his nose for a sniff, not smelling anything bad he tentatively took a sip. Surprised at the great flavor which reminded him of peaches, he quickly swallowed the rest of the vial.


Chuckling as he took back the empty vial Ar’Ron told Draco’s shocked face, “I never will understand why Wizarding kind threw away the knowledge on how to make potions taste good. I mean who wants to drink down a vial of foul tasting sludge designed to help a queasy stomach.”


After handing Sage back the empty vial Harry motioned for them to follow, “If you all will follow Harry up to the second floor dining room, Draco, Narcissa I hope you like Japanese style food.”


As he led the way Harry retold the story Ar’Ron told him on the traditions on how Japanese food had become the norm for interspecies dining. Walking into the dining room Harry saw the platters of food set out and grinned in glee, “Alright, Kobe Beef.”


Harry greeted each of the goblins by name before sitting down at the head of the table then he started to fill his plate.


Remus leaned over and explained the different foods and sauces to the Draco’s confused looks.


Eating in silence for a few minutes only broke by the surprised noises from Draco on the flavors Harry looked down at the goblins, “I know it has only been a few days but how are you lot settling in?”


Griphook the spokesperson for this outing smiled, “Well my Prince, we have settled in and we have found that we work quite well together. We have decided in the short term to concentrate on the Rothland, Ridgestone and Donaldson finances as they had the most potential for growth due to the many years they just sat there.” Already they have made a significant jump in value and we project each of the estates will be comparable to the Black and Potter estates in eighteen months time, each estate being in the neighborhood of one hundred and twenty million galleons each at the end of that time.” Griphook finished in glee.


Thinking on what was said as Harry picked up a sushi roll with his chopsticks, looking over at Ar’Ron as he thought of the fortune sitting in the vaults deep under the castle.


“What are you thinking Mel’Anin?” Ar’Ron watched Harry thinking things over as he picked up his tea.


“Well, I was wondering, if my investments from each estate could grow that large in eighteen months, how large could my investments grow if they all started out with the same capitol from the beginning?” Harry mused doing some quick math in his head. The sound of metal hitting the table brought Harry around to look at the goblins staring at him with their mouths hanging open, “What?”


Forgetting that there were others present Griphook responded in shock, “Harry, if you did that we could easily triple your profits in the first year alone.”


Nodding his head Harry made his decision, “Make arrangements to move the appropriate amounts from the castle vaults to the investments vaults tomorrow then.”

A stunned Draco asked without thinking about how rude it was, “Harry how much bloody money do you have?”


Shrugging his shoulders Harry was unconcerned, “Don’t really know, but if I need to I will buy the Wizarding world to bring about change.” Looking back to the goblins Harry asked, as he pushed his now empty plate away and picked up his tea, “Anything else that needs my attention?”


Traxog spoke up. “The only thing of note is that by combining the five families stocks we noticed that you own sixty eight percent of The Daily Prophet already.”


Harry took notice of this good news, sitting up straight his eyes flashed with restrained power, “I want someone sent over there immediately. I want it made very clear that I am not to be mentioned at any time without my clearing the article first. Send the most intimidating lawyer you can find and maybe a couple of goblin guards with big shiny axes to make clear to the cretins that they will never bad mouth me again,” His voice getting louder and darker with his anger.


Remus reached over placing his hand on Harry’s shoulder in an attempt to calm him, “Harry please, we’re at the table there is no need to be vulgar and mention lawyers is there.”


Slowly turning his head towards Remus, mouth open as the words Remus just said sank in Harry snickered, which turned into laughter as the mood was broken. “Okay…Okay Remus I will be good. No reason to get your knickers in a twist,” Harry smirked slyly.


Draco was taking a drink of his tea when he heard what Harry said and spit it out in a shower all over the table in front of him as he tried to laugh and swallow at the same time.


Seeing as the lunch was over Ar’Ron called out, “Holly would you be a dear and come here please.”


A few moments later Holly popped in.


“Majesty calls his Holly,” she said with a bow.


“Yes, we’re finished with lunch, if you would check with Thorny to see if he can use any of the left over Sashimi for any of the animals I would appreciate it. Also there will be five of us for meals from now on, if you could let Minky and Winky know I would be grateful,” Ar’Ron told the house elf soon to be Impare’.


Holly nodded her head and with a snap of her fingers the table was cleared and she popped out.


“Is there anything else you can think of that I need to make a decision on this week?” Harry asked the goblins as he pushed back from the table.

Griphook looked at his colleagues shaking their heads no, and replied, “Not at the moment my Prince.”


“I think that we will continue the monthly meetings for lunch on the first Monday of the month to go over progress reports,” Harry said stood up from the table and motioned the Goblins to stay seated. “Remus has a few questions to ask regarding salaries and what not that you might be able to help in out with. So if you don’t mind we will leave you to it,” Harry bid the goblins good bye and escorted the others out of the dining room.


Leading Draco and his mother down the stairs and into a small sitting room off the front hall, Harry gestured for them to make themselves comfortable.


Ar’Ron stopped at the door, letting Harry know he was going after the fairy acorn keys, “Mel’Anin, I will be back shortly, I have to pick something up.”


Turning to his two guests, soon to be family members Harry started by saying, “Narcissa, I really do not plan on holding to the old traditions of finding you a husband. For one I think you should marry someone you love, not marry to create an alliance. It has served the Potter line for over five thousand years and we are still around, so it should work for you too.” Harry saw her smile and finished, “When you are ready, and only when you are ready, find someone to love and spend the rest of your life with. Until then live a little. When the time is right the right man will be asking me for your hand in marriage.”


“Starting tomorrow, your allowance from the Black family will be reinstated; I will make arrangements for you to pick up a Gringotts pouch that will be set to your monthly spending limit on your allowance. Any monies you do not spend you can open a vault with or invest as you see fit, or you can have it keyed to a vault and have your monthly allowance deposited there first.” Facing Draco and grinning Harry continued, “Draco I am going to set up the same for you at half of what your mothers allowance is, which should be around two thousand five hundred galleons or so.”


Seeing the confusion on his face Harry explained, “Draco when I dissolved your mothers marriage due to contract violations, there were so many of them that the maximum damages allowed enabled me to seize the whole Malfoy estate, hidden vaults and everything.”


Seeing the horrified look on Draco’s face He hurried to add, “You will get all of it back, I don’t want your money, I have more than enough of my own and then some.” Watching Draco start to relax at hearing that Harry sighed quietly.


Ar’Ron walked in picking up where Harry left off, “This gives you a large selection of choices in how your life is going to turn out. So many possibilities will open up, you can choose to keep the Malfoy name and redeem it or take another. Keep the family manor or sell it, the possibilities are endless. The only thing I ask is that you take your time and think about what you want out of life and then use the resources you know have available to you to get it.”


Draco spoke up, his words rushing out, “I think the accountants are stealing from the estate. When I checked the records I found out that Lucius had spent almost our entire fortune and I found entries that I could not identify where the money went initiated by the accounting firm.”


Pulling two silver Mythril and fairy oak anklets out of his pocket Ar’Ron told Draco that Harry had ordered the goblins to audit the books and go after all money possible if taken by Voldemort or theft. Holding the anklets up so they could see them clearly Ar’Ron explained all about how the anklets worked and the safety features they had before asking them to pull off their sock and shoe for their left foot, he quickly snapped them in place and activated them.


After the two had redressed Harry got up from the couch and started to walk out the door, “Okay I think it is time to show you two to the family wing and get you settled in.”


Harry led Draco and Narcissa back out into the entry hall then he Pointed to a suit of armor next to a hallway on the other side of the hall, “That hallway is the only hallway in the entry that has a suit of armor next to it, It leads to tower three which is where the transport step is located.”


Draco eyed the armor up and looked around the entry noting that it was indeed the only armor anywhere to be seen next to a doorway. Following Harry into the hallway he wondered what in bloody hell a transport step was.


Soon the four stopped at the end of the hallway in front of a set of steps, where Harry explained, “If you look at the fifth step, the silver one, that one is the transport step we told you about. Once you step on it you will be transported to a secret set of rooms that can only be accessed by that step. If you were to skip that step you would go nowhere other than up the long flight of stairs to the top of the tower.”


Draco watched as Harry and his mother started up the stairs and disappeared when their foot hit the silver step. Sighing he started to climb the steps only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder.


“What troubles you so Draco?” Ar’Ron was concerned, something was not right.


“Harry, how can he forgive me for what I have done? He welcomed me into his family, I’m not sure I could have done what he has.” Draco turned around so that he was facing Ar’Ron, “My first memory of Lucius was him telling me we were better than anyone else, he considered us to be royalty, but the truth is we weren’t. Harry is as close to a king the Wizarding world has seen, and he exudes royalty without trying.” Tears welling up in his eyes “How…”


Pulling the young man into a tight hug Ar’Ron whispered, “Shh, it is going to be alright. The wonderful thing is Harry gives most people a second chance, just that one chance though. Harry seems to be developing an Elven temper though, I feel sorry for those fools that spurn the second chance they were given and think he might be willing to forgive them, hopefully his friends will have learned their lesson and realized he has already given them their second chance.”


Sobbing the teen finally got out, “Even if I am a squib?” Seeing the questioning look in Ar’Ron’s eyes “I tried to do some magic this morning, a simple spell that I have been doing all my life, nothing happened.” Draco said finally going limp in Ar’Ron’s arms, his last thought he had before passing out was his last fear was found out.


Scooping the teen up in his arms Ar’Ron quickly climbed the steps transporting himself to the last six steps before the landing and the arch to the palace.


Remus had just finished escorting the goblins to the front door after a very productive meeting, he was thinking that if he spent the next few hours before he had to leave for the order meeting working on his notes, he should have everything truly done save the hiring. Startled out of his thoughts seeing Draco go limp and Ar’Ron scoop him up and run up the stairs disappearing when he stepped on the fifth stair, he quickly sped up fearing that it all had been too much and Draco finally had a breakdown.


Harry had just finished escorting Narcissa into the Palace entry when he turned to see Ar’Ron running in carrying a limp Draco in his arms.


Ar’Ron seeing the look of worry coming from his soul mate and Narcissa as he ran past them taking the steps two at a time, “Meet me in the infirmary.”


As Remus caught up to the group he could hear Ar’Ron call out for Sage to meet him in the infirmary.


Soon Harry and the others rushed into the infirmary, there they saw Draco on one of the beds and Ar’Ron removing his shirt.


Narcissa fearing the worst asked, “What happened? Is he going to be alright?”


Finishing taking off Draco’s shirt and holding him in a sitting position, Ar’Ron gave her a quick glance as he examined every inch of Draco’s skin, even under his arms, “Somehow Draco has been disconnected from his magical core; no wonder he has been on the verge of a breakdown all day.” Laying the blond teen down he rolled him over onto his stomach, noticing a smudge of black at the top of his pants he pulled them back and down so he could see what was there. Letting the pants snap back he stepped back in a towering rage, walking over to the magical window which looked down over the garden dome housing most of the medicinal herbs he watched Thistle working on weeding a section of plants as he worked on controlling his rage. Finally he growled out, “When did the Malfoy line embrace the dark?”


Frightened at the rage and power coming off in waves Narcissa answered meekly, “That would be Franklin around four hundred and seventy two years ago.”


Harry walked over and hugged Ar’Ron from behind, “What’s wrong, you are scarring everyone.”


Taking a deep breath he willed his anger to be controlled, after several minutes he had sufficient control to turn around and answer their questions. “The runes tattooed on Draco’s tailbone are some of the most perverse twisting of magic I have seen.” Seeing the look of horror on Narcissa’s face Ar’Ron explained further, “Somehow, some way Franklin Malfoy all those years ago came across away to make himself truly immortal, but at the cost of his first born son every generation. What he did was to find a way to transfer his soul to the body of his first born son, those runes are part of the ritual.”


Walking back to the bed and removing Draco’s pants, Ar’Ron lowered his shorts just enough so that they could see the runes clearly, he pointed to the runes, “These runes are not complete, so there is still time to stop the ritual and free Draco.” Letting the shorts go he faced the others. “For four hundred some odd years Franklin Malfoy has been siring sons so he could transfer his essence into their body and start living as a seventeen year old again, impregnating and siring a child, and doing the transfer at seventeen once again.”


Remus cleared his throat, as he looked in horror at the runes just hidden by Draco’s short, “You can fix this? Break the runes I mean.”


“Yes, it will be extremely painful though, even with dreamless sleep and the strongest pain killer it will be painful almost to the breaking point.” Locking his eyes with Narcissa’s Ar’Ron spoke in a gentle voice, “And when I am finished I can reconnect his magical core.”


Narcissa felt a rush of relief and with tears running down her face she fell to the ground grabbing Ar’Ron around the knees sobbing heavily, “Thank you, Thank you Majesty for my sons life.”


“Sage could you bring me a vial of the strongest pain killer, muscle relaxant, burn potion and dreamless sleep please,” Seeing the little elf nod and scurry over to the potion stores Ar’Ron thought it was going to be a long night. Ar’Ron shook his head in amusement tinged with disgust, ‘just what I need the human version of a house elf’ he thought before looking at the others, “Remus would you be so kind as to escort Narcissa to her rooms; the first door to the right of the stairs on the right side should do.”


Handing Narcissa one of the vials of dreamless sleep, “If you need to use this don’t hesitate, you will be able to visit Draco in the morning, in fact you can bring him his breakfast.” Ar’Ron told her as she clutched the potion to her chest.

Remus escorted Narcissa to her rooms once she had given one last look and kiss to Draco, glancing back one more time as he closed the infirmary doors he thought he better get cleaned up so he could get to Grimmauld place early.




Apparating to a point just down the street from number 12 Grimmauld place, Remus looked around checking to see if any muggles had noticed him. Not seeing anyone screaming in shock he slowly walked into the street, Remus soon passed number ten Grimmauld Place. Looking both ways to see if the coast was clear, he walked up the walk of where number 12 Grimmauld Place would be just as the door appeared.


Quickly entering the manner Remus noticed he was the first one there. He had decided several days earlier after the will reading that the order could find a new place to meet as he was going to sell this unhappy home. Hearing a noise out in the entry and sounds of Gobbledygook Remus left the sitting room to see who was around.


“Ah Mr. Lupin, it is nice to meet you finally,” Trazthorn head curse breaker for Gringotts said in greeting, “My team is almost finished removing everything magical in this house. All that is left is to disconnect the floo system and remove the Fidelius Charm.”


Remus was impressed and told him so, “Trazthorn I’m impressed with how fast you have accomplished everything, a bonus for your fast service,” Remus said removing a pouch containing two hundred galleons and handing it over.


Putting up his hand to stop the wizard, Trazthorn shook his head no, “No Mr. Lupin, that is not necessary as we have been well paid already.”


Putting the pouch back onto his belt, Remus still wanted to give them something for the fast service and countered with, “If you won’t accept galleons as a bonus, then I expect you and your team up at the castle for lunch on Tuesday.”


Hearing the rave reviews from his colleagues that had been lucky enough to be invited to lunch with his Majesty and the Prince today, and then to top it off the rumors spread by the guards from the other day a huge grin crossed his face, “I gladly accept, and look forward to it eagerly.” It was becoming a huge status symbol to be invited over for a meal with his Majesty and the Prince among the Goblins and he got to add his team along with him to that prestigious list. Trazthorn asked, “When would you like the Fidelius Charm to be dropped?”


Remus thought for a moment and then got a wicked smile on his face, “The meeting starts in about thirty minutes, at seven, so I think I will have made my views known about half past. Oh and thank your team for their fine work for me.” Hearing the sound of people flooing in Remus turned back around to find the goblin had disappeared, shaking his head he walked back towards the kitchen. Opening the door and walking in he spotted the Weasley Family coming out of the fireplace.


“Ok you lot, the three of you upstairs right now,” Molly Weasley Shouted at Ginny, Hermione and Ron.


Grumbling about the unfairness of not being let into order meetings Ron followed Ginny and Hermione glumly up the stairs.


“Ginny, I found this book in the library that was instrumental in helping me prepare for my OWLS, I am sure no one will mind if you borrow it for the summer,” Hermione told the red headed witch.


“Oi! I want to forget about OWLS thank you very much.” Ron was not really paying attention when he complained, “Any way I have already taken my OWLS so why do I need some book.”.


Rounding on Ron Hermione yelled, “It’s not for you Ronald it’s for your sister, She has OWLS this year. You do want her to do well on them don’t you?”


Trying to avoid another argument Ron decided to say nothing, he had no idea why it was so hard to figure girls out.


Fuming at how callus Ron was being Hermione threw open the doors to the library and walked in, “Ginny the book was over here on this….” freezing in horror at seeing all the shelves empty, not a single book in sight. Running frantically looking at all the shelves she let out a loud blood curdling scream.


Stopping the hysterical girl by slapping her hard across the face Ginny hissed out, “Hermione stop and act your age. The order probably moved them for safe keeping now that Sirius is dead.”


Seeing the tears running down Hermione’s face, Ron was not sure what to do, thinking the best bet was to go ask the headmaster, “Hermione lets go ask Professor Dumbledore, surely he knows where the books have been moved.”


Giving Ron a hug Hermione smiled, “Thanks Ron let’s go downstairs and ask the headmaster, maybe we can get him to get the books for us.” Running back downstairs the trio tried to open the door to the kitchen but it would not move. The order meeting must have started, deciding to wait they walked to the sitting room until the meeting was over.


Remus sat watching as order members started to stroll in. Molly was making tea and playing host as was the norm. The twins were whispering back and forth about some new prank product. Nodding a hello to Bill he really hoped he could hold his temper and not hex the headmaster within an inch of his life when he saw him.


Seeing Moody walk in Remus nodded to him then when he got close he said low enough not to be overheard, “Mad-Eye I have something important to talk with you about, if you could stay after a few minutes.” Seeing him nod in acceptance, remus sat back to watch the rest settle in.


A few minutes before 7:00 p.m. Minerva, Snape and Albus walked in.


Still standing while the others found places to sit Albus stated in his grandfatherly way, “Thank you all for coming tonight, I have several important pieces of news to bring to your attention tonight and several disquieting events.” Seeing he had the attention of all those present as he looked around the table. “Severus if you would start.”


Drawing himself up in a superior pose he sneered at everyone, “I was called to the Dark Lords manor yesterday and while he was in a foul mood ranting about the Potter brat and throwing crucio curses in anger on his followers a strange thing happened. He was enveloped in a green glow and started to scream in agony as he clutched his head. Currently he is in his quarters in a magical coma, the inner circle, assume it was some type of attack by the Potter boy and are planning retaliatory attacks against him.” Severus finished.


Chuckling came from the back corner, and all eyes turned to stare at Mad-Eye, “That is good news; too bad you didn’t slip a blade across his scaly throat while he was out of it.”


Seeing the smile on Remus’s face, Albus wondered how much he knew of what caused Voldemort’s condition, deciding to head off the ensuing argument with the rest of the order, “Yes as much as that is good news for the side of light, there is the slight problem of the wards being destroyed at Harry’s relative’s house yesterday afternoon.”


Molly’s screams drowned out the rest of the voices demanding to know if Harry was hurt and where he was now.


“Calmly Molly, Harry was not hurt as he was not at his aunt and uncles residence at the time, sadly they both perished in the fire. Harry was shopping in Diagon Ally at the time, it was a miracle he was unharmed being out without any guards,” Albus finished, hoping to set the stage for the search he was going to order.


“Hold it right there Albus,” Remus snarled with a venom filled voice, “You and I both know that Harry was not just dilly dallying around the Alley, He was shopping with the permission and escort of his legal guardian. Who I might remind you captured over thirty death eaters and killed fifty Dementors in under five minutes not to mention the six goblin warrior guards following Harry around. So don’t you dare suggest that Harry was being reckless!”


Angered at the audacity of the man interfering with his plans Albus stood up and glared at him, flaring his aura, “Remus if I must remind you of your place, I will do so, you were not even there…”


“Stop right there, I was there, I was watching from the doorway of the Leaky Cauldron as you made an ass of yourself, while Fudge tried to arrest Harry, getting arrested himself in the process.” Remus looked over and at Tonks with fire in his eyes, “And you Nymphadora trying to kidnap Harry away from his guardians side under the orders of a man that had no right to give them in the first place,” he said pointing his finger at the headmaster at the end of the table.


Bedlam ensued, everyone shouting out wanting to know what Remus was talking about, asking who Harry’s guardian was and demanding answers right then, Molly being the loudest.


“BE QUIET,” Albus shouted out his power flaring showing how powerful he was, while ranting, “Remus another word and I shall be forced to have you removed and kicked out of the order.”


Remus had enough, anger barely suppressed he stood and banged his fist down on the table. “Listen and listen well headmaster, this is my house, Sirius gave it to me in his will and You… Will… Not… By… Merlin… Throw… Me… Out… Of… My… Own… House.”


At that moment the wards and Fidelius Charm came crashing down in a loud and spectacular booming that rattled the foundations. The Headmaster fell back into his chair at the head of the table, pale and sweating with the shock of the Fidelius coming down.


“The order no longer has my permission to use the house as its headquarters, I no longer believe in what you are doing,” Remus started but was interrupted.


“So, you’re just going to give up and leave. Going to join the Dark Lord…” Hestia Jones started her rant.


“The only one I am joining, you back stabbing witch is Harry,” Remus spat out furious.


Leaning forward, reading between the lines that Remus knew where Harry was Albus pleaded, “Where is Harry, you must tell me so we can go collect him and bring him to safety, he’s not safe where he is we can bring him here where he will be safe, Remus think of Harry’s safety.”


Wondering if Harry was right about the headmaster Remus decided to set him up, “I’m sorry Albus but right now he is getting ready to have the link with Voldemort broken.”


Jumping up out of his chair Albus screamed in fury, “I FORBID it. The connection must not be broken.”


Not really surprised at finding out Harry was right but saddened that his views of the man had been drastically altered, Remus shook his head sadly, “I really hoped Harry was not right about you headmaster. But it seems he was, you know he told me the only difference between Voldemort and you was your methods, seems he was right.”


The rest of the order sat there stunned as the drama unfolded in front of them, it went unnoticed that the kitchen door was partially open, with the three eavesdroppers behind the door listening in.


“Well I am happy to report that the connection was broken yesterday afternoon. That’s right, breaking the connection caused the backlash that sent Voldemort into the coma, best estimates is that he will take a couple of months to recover,” Remus was saddened but still angered over the headmasters treachery. “Harry is no longer your pawn Albus or your secret weapon,” Remus told the shocked man, “funny thing about prophecies.”

“No you mustn’t,” Albus whispered in fear as he paled.


Remus ignored the headmaster’s feeble pleading and looked at his old head of house, “Tell me Minerva, there must be a hundred prophecies made a day, how come we are not ruled by prophecy then?”


Not sure she wanted to be in this conversation, as for the first time in fifty years her faith in Albus wavered, Minerva sighed, “You know as well as I Remus that only after certain conditions are met does a prophecy become active.”


“That’s right, so it should be no surprise to find out that a little over seventeen years ago a prophecy involving Harry and a certain Dark Lord named Voldemort was recorded.”
Looking at the headmaster so he could see the moment his world came crashing down, Remus continued, “The headmaster of course was witness to the telling of the prophecy, and he took it upon himself to see that the conditions came into play; including arranging for the deaths of Harry’s parents.”


Talking over the mutters of disbelief Remus finished his accusations, “If you would have left it there, the prophecy would have been set and all would have followed as fate ordained. But Oh NO the great Albus Dumbledore knows better, so he fine-tuned and manipulated all along and accomplished what has not been done in centuries. You managed to change the conditions of the prophecy enough that it is no longer valid.”


Remus watched in satisfaction as the realization set in the old man’s eyes.


From behind him he heard Mad-Eye gruffly ask, “How do you know the prophecy is no longer valid Remus?”


“It is amazing what one can find in the Potter Family Vaults.” Remus looked over his shoulder at Mad=Eye as he answered, “We used a prophecy stone, It even gave the exact date and time that the prophecy was broken.”


“Albus I don’t know what has gotten into you lately,” Mad-Eye stated as he thumped his way forward, hand twitching as if he wanted to go for his wand.


Looking up into the accusing eyes of about half the order, the other half lost in thought, Albus tiredly tried to tell them, “I did what I did for the good of the Wizarding world.”


“Blocking Harry’s magic each time it saved him from being killed by the Dursley’s was for the greater good. Remus was incredulous as he started to rant, Four times you reinforced blocks on Harry’s magic instead of taking him from that abusive environment. Four times, what were you thinking, you just made it easier for them to abuse and try to kill him.”


“The blood wards kept him safe there, by suppressing his magic I kept him alive,” Albus retorted.


“You bloody liar.” Remus spat out his anger controlling him now, “We checked, very carefully there were no blood wards around Privet Drive there never was. The very act of you placing those blocks on Harry’s magic, blocks so strong even you could not remove them, that very act is what broke the prophecy.”


“Lily was adopted that is why Petunia hated her and anything to do with the magical world, There never could have been blood wards erected, I bet that was a surprise to you when you tried,” Remus was calmer as he noticed the shocked looks from the order, it was over he thought, half the people here would never answer the call again.


“Leave Albus, leave now before I forget I am no longer a werewolf and try to tear you limb from limb anyway,” Remus sat down tired of all the betrayal and half truths.


The meeting was disturbed by three bodies falling into the kitchen, scrambling back from the goblin that followed them in.


“Ah, Mr. Lupin we are almost finished, everything remotely magical has been destroyed or moved, all that is left is the floo connection in this room,” Trazthorn told him.


Seeing his boss standing there in the doorway Bill knew the job he loved was in danger. Deciding that the right thing was to do was sever all ties, he could not stomach the things the headmaster had done. Standing up he stared at the man he had trusted, “I want no part of the order of the phoenix, I agreed at my parent’s urgings to come to a few meetings before making up my mind, and well I have. If what the order is all about is what you have done to Harry, I want no part of it. Approach me at your own peril headmaster and do not attempt to use my family anymore.”


Walking towards the door Bill stopped in front of Remus, “Tell Harry he can count on me, whatever he needs, tell him I will do it.”


As Bill started to leave Remus whispered for him to meet him in the library, Bill nodded as he left.


Passing his boss at the door Trazthorn told Bill to meet him in his office first thing in the morning.


Mad-Eye walked towards the door, “Later folks. Albus do not contact me, if I wish to talk to you again I will contact you.” He left the kitchen trying to catch up with Bill Weasley.


Fred and George stood up rage showing on their faces.


“We want no…” Fred started


“Part of the order…” George picked up.


“Leave us alone.” Fred finished.


“And we will not try to kill you,” George threw the threat at the headmaster.


The twins walked out trying to catch up with Bill.


“Alright folks the floo is being destroyed in five minutes anyone needing to leave that way better get to it,” Remus pointed at the fireplace from his seated position at the other end of the table.


Not sure of what to think and afraid to believe that Albus the leader of the light was wrong Molly stood up and approached the fireplace, “All right dears time to go, we will straighten this out later.”


“NO. We are not leaving until we get to see Harry,” Ginny demanded glaring at Remus.


“Please professor we just want to make sure Harry is alright.” Hermione moved closer to Remus and pleaded.


Angered at the hypocrisy of the girl Remus sneered in his best Snape imitation, “Oh I suppose being a secret order member was to make sure Harry was okay? Or how about all the informing of Harry’s every move to the headmaster last year? I suppose that was done to ensure Harry was okay also.”


“Hermione you were a member of the order and didn’t tell me what was going on, you kept it secret from me,” Ron yelled at his bushy haired friend in shock.


“How could you betray Harry like that?” Ginny yelled at Hermione.


Deciding this was getting out of hand Remus put a stop to it, “Miss Granger you are such a disappointment, all that time spent in the library doing research on spells or potions, when you really needed to be spending it reading a dictionary and learning the definition of friendship. Don’t expect Harry to forgive you or even be happy with what you have done to him. I’ll pass along your plea to see him, but if I were you I would not get my hopes up.” Looking at the two angry red heads Remus finished up with, “I will tell Harry you two want to see him and maybe he will arrange some down time from his schooling so you can visit.”


“Schooling, it’s the bloody vacation time,” Ron muttered as he stepped into the fireplace throwing a pinch of floo powder he yelled, “The Burrow.”


After the teens left with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Remus ordered the Floo connection destroyed.


“Please Remus think of what you are doing, your actions endanger all of the Wizarding world.” Albus pleaded one more time, knowing he would lose everyone if he acted as he wanted to.


“Trazthorn if you would,” Remus looked at the goblin who was preparing to dissolve the magic. Watching the fireworks of the floo being destroyed Remus felt satisfaction,
“Albus, I have thought about it, I have thought of little else for two days, after finding the note from James and Lily in the Potter Family Vault. You made a mistake there when you sealed them in their house at Godric’s Hollow, but forgot about the house elf. Talking about your memory problems maybe I should bring up the episode of you evicting and sealing up all the Potter properties, illegally I might add, which in your haste you conveniently forgot the Thornbrook toddler or was that another incidental casualty of your zeal of the bigger picture?” Remus responded with a sneer.


Having lost this battle, Albus Apparated out in anger, leaving Severus and Minerva as the last people in the kitchen with Remus.


“Remus do you know if Harry is planning on bringing charges against Albus to the board of governors? If so tell him I will support him,” Minerva asked as she prepared to leave.


“Thank you. I will tell Harry that,” Remus told her as he tried to smile at her support.


After Minerva left Severus spoke up, “I think I owe you and Potter an explanation.” Sighing he rubbed his temples “The headmaster ordered me to be harsh to all houses but Slytherin, he told me the Dark Lord was not gone and he needed me as a spy once he came out of hiding. To do that he wanted I had to ensure that I was seen being vindictive to Gryffindor’s especially. The only reason I followed his orders including taking the dark mark was because he did the same thing to the Snape family estates as he did the Potters. He sealed them so I could not enter, and as my father was a death eater and did not trust others, all of the Snape family fortune is locked up in the hidden vaults under the manor.”


Trazthorn was still there, the last of his team still at the manor, listening to the Wizard speak of the things done to him all in the name of control, angered him. Stepping up to the table he asked, “Mr. Snape if your estates where not a factor, who would you support?”


Not even bothering to think about it Severus replied, “Can’t trust Dumbledore, he never keeps his promise, Voldemort is a mad man who will destroy the world if not stopped.”
Looking up at the goblin he simply said, “Potter, I would follow Harry, Though I think I have well and truly burned that bridge.”


Trazthorn Looked at the potion master and nodding his head; as if answering an unspoken question, “Be at my office at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow. By then I should have a report back on whether or not we can help you. You might want to ask his majesty if he can remove the mark on your arm,” With those parting words he pulled out a small pocket watch and activated the port key function and left.


Puzzled Severus looked at Remus, “His Majesty, he wasn’t talking about Potter was he?”


Chuckling at Snape’s expression Remus replied, “He was not far off, he meant King Ar’Ron of the Astarii, Harry’s soul mate.”


Thinking of Draco, Remus shared a bit of information, “I do believe he can remove the mark for you if you want. At least your mark is not runic based like Draco’s was, so yours should be easy.”


Severus hearing that Draco was marked by some dark runes was scared for his godson, “Is he all right, he wasn’t given the dark mark was he?”


“He’ll be fine, he is safe now, and recovering from the soul transfer ritual his father had started on him. His father almost was able to transfer his soul over to Draco’s body, but was stopped in time,” Remus answer was not comforting as he stood up from the table. “I’ll tell you more when I see you next, I will try to get answers for you and meet you at Gringotts tomorrow. If you spend any more time here Albus might become suspicious, and you don’t want that.”


Nodding his head in reply Severus Apparated out of the kitchen.


Walking up the stairs and down the hall towards the library, Remus wondered what type of reaction he was going to get. Opening the library door he saw Mad-Eye leaning in the corner and Bill sitting on the couch. Closing the door behind him he was surprised to see the other occupants of the room. He had half expected the twins to be here, with their loyalty to Harry after he financed their joke shop. But the one he never would have guessed was Kingsley, the tall quiet Auror was firmly in the camp of Dumbledore or so he thought. Taking one of the room shields he picked up before leaving out of his belt case, Remus started to charge it with his magic.


Bill had been trading information with his brothers on Harry’s home life and how he showed up each summer looking on the verge of death from starvation and how it took him weeks of small amounts of food before he was eating what would be considered a healthy amount. Hearing the door open he turned to see Remus walk in and close the door behind him, he watched Remus get a shocked look on his face when he saw Kingsley. Curious he watched as Remus pulled out a gray block out of one of the many cases on the strange belt he was wearing, his eyes widened in surprise when he noticed the runes inscribed on the now glowing block.


Remus touched the now fully charged block to the center of the door and the shield with a snap raced around the walls and then the floor and ceiling.


“NO…It is not possible…Magic like this has been lost.” Bill yelled out in surprise jumping off the couch, reaching his hand out tentatively towards the shimmering on the wall he opened up his senses and felt the magic. He had felt this type of magic once before, he had been newly hired at Gringotts and on the lowest level, magic like this was protecting the prime vault.


Whipping around to face Remus, Bill exclaimed falling back onto the couch, “This is Elven magic.”


Trying to hide the smirk threatening to creep across his face Remus grinned, “Why yes it is.”


Grabbing a chair he pulled it over and sat down facing the others, pulling a small puck shaped stone out of his pocket he pushed his magic into it to activate it and sat it down on the table in front of him. “Mad-Eye why don’t you join us over here, I can assure you nothing can get through that shield or overhear us for the next hour.”


Steeling his features to show no outward signs Alastor was shocked, not much surprised him anymore but what Remus just did with the shield and the placing of the truth stone on the table truly shocked him. Waving his wand he conjured a chair next to the couch Bill was sitting on and sat down. Deciding to test his theory Mad-Eye looked at the stone on the table, “Is that a truth stone you have Remus? Heard all about them but never have seen one,” noticing the glow emanate from the stone, his suspicions were proven fact, “so it is one.”


Might as well start it off Remus thought to himself, pointing towards the twins he smiled, “I’m not really surprised to see the two of you here, I know full well your loyalty is to Harry.” Then facing Kingsley, Remus told them, “The one I really am surprised to see though is you Kingsley, mind explaining.”


Sighing Kingsley expected to be questioned to his presence, but was thrown off track by the truth stone Remus pulled out, “Remus I joined the order originally because Alastor asked me to. Any group dedicated fighting Voldemort on the side of light was worthy of belonging to, at least that was my thought in the beginning, but this past year has started me questioning what the order was really fighting for. Yes there have been skirmishes, some of which I agree with and others were so badly planned and carried out it is lucky more weren’t killed, Then after hearing what you told us tonight, the pieces started to fall into place, and I do not like what picture is forming from all these pieces,” Kingsley explained.


Thinking about what Kingsley just said Remus turned towards Mad-Eye, “Mad-Eye I originally had planned on approaching you tonight in Harry’s behalf, he needs some help with a few things, tell me what do you know of Toria?”


Bill not hearing an answer and seeing the confused faces, gave them a few more moments before speaking up, “Remus isn’t that the legendary city surrounding Castle Potter. Most people think it is a place that does not exist, are you telling me it really exists?”


“Yes it does Bill and Harry is more than likely reading right now in the castle itself,” Remus then started to explain everything that had happened over the past couple of days. Starting with the Dursley’s almost killing him once again, to Harry’s soul mate showing up, the trip to Gringotts and the discovery of Dumbledore’s betrayal, and the discovery of being a lord of the twelve five times over. That Harry’s soul mate was an Elven King and Lily was adopted and discovering that she was Elven.


How Ar’Ron destroyed the link to Voldemort Harry had and the unblocking of his magical core, then he finished up with the adventures of the day including Narcissa once again being a Black and the thwarting of the plans of a four hundred and seventy something year old Franklin Malfoy and the destruction of the ritual of possession being performed on Draco. He told them how the Elves had come up with a cure for Lycanthrope, and wrapping it up with Harry’s plans for the city and his need in picking out the best for his guard forces.


“That is what I was going to ask you tonight Mad-Eye, Harry needs someone to help him find the best twenty five witch’s or wizards the Wizarding world has to offer to hire into his city guard. He has already hired three goblins as shift commanders, and they will be finding twenty-five more goblins. The city will be of mixed magical beings living and working side by side, so the witches or wizards that apply must be able to work with other beings with no problems.” Remus told them.


“That sounds like a great dream the lads building,” Alastor’s voice had more than a hint of respect in it.


“Our hour is almost up, and I had planned to be gone from this place before the shield dropped, looking at each of their faces he made his decision. “If any of you want to come back and discuss this with Harry and Ar’Ron go through the gateway, if you need more time just remain seated as the shield will drop in about two minutes or so, we will eventually get back in touch with you,” Remus told them as he pulled a large golden block out of one of his belt cases and started to channel his magic into it charging it up.


Standing up and moving a few paces away from the others, so he had room to open the gate Remus noticed that Bill and the twins, Mad-Eye and Kingsley were on their feet. Smiling he threw the block down on the floor causing the spell to be activated creating a gate to the castle grounds. “After you,” Remus motioned to the group towards the gate, “The gate will close after me when I step through.”