Chapter 26

The six months went by too slowly for some, too fast for others. Hermione and Rebecca were clearly sickened from what they learned, but were ready.

The one thing they insisted on was using gallons of the potions that not only indicated imperious victims, but allowed most people to overcome it.

"We are not going to condone the wholesale slaughter of innocents. Not now, not ever!"

With all of the potions that had been brewed, they would try to capture as many people as possible. But the ritual would break the connection of the coven to the dark powers that gave it it's strength. They would then only be a coven of witches with normal magical powers.

Considering it looked like Narcissa Malfoy nee Black was one of those witches, no one would be treating them as anything but lethal.

Remus would lead the team dealing with the werewolves. They had a strict capture plan, and intended no harm to anyone. Well, no permanent harm to anyone not named Fenrir Greyback.

The plan for Malfoy Manor had been gone over; simulations run. The team in charge of that had left the bubble, and then left the country.

It was time to break the Darkness that hung over Britain, and two British witches were leading the way, Knight and Squire.

**OO**

Sirius Black really, really, really wished that he could have spent time with his godson before going on yet another dangerous mission. Six months was not enough. It had been wonderful, but he wanted more time.

"Hello. I don't remember you. You're beautiful." Lord Black, family ring on his hand, elegantly bowed to the new mount.

The ring was the key to get Sirius in the wards. Animagi could get through as long as they were in animal form. They didn't ask how the elves knew this.

"You're young, but strong. Wanna go to Malfoy manor with me?

The mercenaries were ready. The few knights authorized for the ritual were ready. The incendiaries were ready. All of the marauders' pranks were ready. Dan had the muggles ready as a backup in case everything went sideways.

The flight was short, and the mounts put in a waiting stable.

Elves appeared, and one bowed to the black beast.

The hippogriff became young knight in a moment.

"Ah. How did you know?"

The elf jumped. "Olga not knowing! Bowing because proper to show respect before grooming unless elf wants to be griffy snack!"

Sirius Black chucked at that.

"You make a good hippogriff, pup. What's your name?"

"Haven't come up with one yet. Didn't want to wind up with another one like Tweety."

The animagus barked a laugh. "Tweety would be good though. You know, cause of the wings? Enough of that though. You finally got authorization? Must have if you're here. Time to be a snake. Think you can manage it again?"

"Yes, and I took the parseltongue potion just in case I can't understand you." Harry ignored the question of authorization. He wasn't supposed to be here, and the commander would be angry when he found out. But they needed a snake, and he was the only one who could do it.

"Good, good."

"You've got the clicker on the eyes?" Harry asked, clearly concerned.

They were both thinking of the last time this man went into battle.

"Yep. Pup, look. If things go wrong…"

"Yeah. Me too. I mean it."

"Yeah."

"Enough of the mushy stuff. Time to go."

**OO**

The meeting of the RC (Rescue Committee) was held at ICW headquarters.

Mad-eye had been pleased as punch to hear about the new wards at Hogwarts, and about the death of Voldemort, not that that was being announced. Not yet.

He had helped train Sirius Black, and wasn't surprised to find out that the animagus had survived, well, more returned.

"Magic is odd like that, sometimes. It is."

Molly and Arthur Weasley had been recruited as well. "Ain't no one kinder than Mrs. Weasley except when she thinks somethin's evil. Finally convinced her to stop readin' the Prophet." Hagrid said.

They knew that even once the main Death Eaters were taken care of that it would take years for Magical Briton to really, truly recover. That's why they were coming up with ways to save muggleborns, rescue people who were Death Eater targets, and make arrangements to feed the enemy false information. Just in case.

Harry hoped that all of this was unnecessary. That the mission would be a complete success.

The attack on Malfoy Manor was ongoing, which was why they were all visibly there at the Grand All Hallows Eve Ball in the International Confederation Headquarters. It was held the Saturday night following the last task. With Harry Potter there, he couldn't be held accountable for anything happening in Britain. Harry was here to be seen and photographed on for the French paper, and maybe others as well.

"All right there, Harry? You looked a bit peaked." Hagrid asked, concerned for the boy.

"All right, Hagrid. Just had a busy day."

"Too bad Milli had to kill that fine dragon. Amazing things, dragons." Hagrid stated. It was obvious he hadn't watched the task, or Harry was sure that he would have been scolded for beheading the creature. All for the best.

Hermione, dressed to the nines, came over and sat down next to him. She was wearing a makeup charm that covered her tiredness, Harry noted. Any other teenager would be normally be begging for a dance, but Hermione was content to sit and steal sips from the fruity drink Harry had in front of him. He ordered one for her, and started stealing sips from it.

"Where did Neville go during the tournament?" Harry asked. That had been bothering him for a while.

Neville smirked in reply.

Milli was getting ready, but Joseph was already dressed as a Prince of the Blood.

"Good for you for getting out of the ropes so quickly and getting away. Less for Harry and Millicent to do." Joseph complimented Neville.

"I sort of panicked though. I didn't help much. Sorry." Neville blushed.

Hermione turned to him, started to say something, stopped and nodded. Neville had finally gotten his form, and hadn't shared that he was a slug animagus. Hermione smelled a prank in progress. Likely a slimy one. Probably on Joseph and Harry.

"What? What did I miss?"

"Nothing Joseph. I think Neville used his cloak to go to the greenhouse, you know, escape, and everyone else had things in hand. Part of our training. Escape, evade. Shoot spells from a distance."

"Is that what happened?" Harry's eyes narrowed.

"Maybe?" Neville said before laughing.

"Your highness? It's time." A butler said, waiting to escort the boy.

"Good luck!" Harry and Neville again said together.

Neville and Harry shared a brief moment. Both at one time had been betrothed to the girl about to be presented. Both liked her and would have honored her as part of their family, but neither one had truly seen her inner beauty as did their other good friend Joseph.

Their lives would likely be entwined always, and they would stay friends, but neither boy wanted to be in Joseph's place.

Politics once in a while, or even monthly? Sure. Every day? No, no thank you.

Besides, Harry preferred the Knight's non-verbal method of politics far more.

They were truly happy for their friend.

**OO**

Draco wore the dragon medallion under his shirt. It was a gift that made people think he was magical if he was scanned. He couldn't return to Hogwarts, but maybe if his parents thought that he could be fixed, they wouldn't kill him.

Back at the ICW after the Dark Lord's trial, Sirius Black had offered to take Draco into the Black family. For a price. He had to turn over the family ring, and give Sirius the Black tiara currently in Narcissa's possession. The second was easy; he had no interest in a bit of goblin jewelry. But the ring hurt.

"Magic gave me this. Maybe I can get my magic back?"

"You'll get the Malfoy ring, one day." Sirius reminded him. Sirius had shrunk the Malfoy heir ring so that Draco could wear it without it falling off.

Draco just wanted to try to see how his mother reacted to him. This ball was the perfect opportunity.

After all, she'd been telling the teachers that Draco was home recovering from some unnamed malady.

Draco was having to wear the same robes as he wore last August, but it didn't matter. A color change and a few modifications made it good as new.

It was time to go. He'd been avoiding her. Time to see how she would react to having her son in her presence.

**OO**

The mercenaries were ready to go in. Sirius looked at the time.

Per the plan, the men would give port-keys to their allies that came out, and then attack at the next signal when the fireworks went off.

In the distance, his eyes being more acute, Harry saw the torch flash in a pattern. The muggles were ready. A backup plan just in case. This situation was just too important not to contain.

Lucius really shouldn't have kidnapped Hermione. It opened the door for a search and arrest warrants when she was held in this manor house.

"On my mark. Now!" Sirius Black called.

Fanfares of trumpets, and a powerful burst of magic as ten wizards hit the doors with a spell designed to slam the front portals open wide loudly.

Screams greeted the Dark Lord, a large boa constrictor hissing around his neck.

The Dark Lord strode up the main carpet, people bowing on the left and right. He went to the small stage, a large, thronelike chair waiting for him.

"Patience dear one, I'm sure that we can find you a nice rat or maybe a ferret. Draco! Well done, well done my boy! Thank you! Come here, take your honored place."

The Dark Lord, red eyes gleaming, beckoned Draco closer. He knelt a moment in obeisance, and then was taken to the Dark Lord's right-hand side.

"There are some of you who feel that I was defeated by a mere babe thirteen years ago! Never! Death cannot stop me!"

Cornelius Fudge was standing next to Lucius Malfoy. "Who, who is that?" He asked, teeth chattering.

Twirling his wand, and not dropping it, he then cast red letters in the air. Tom Marvolo Riddle.

"Can't you guess? No?"

"We are here to crown me King of England, to bring about a new order. One where the purebloods rule. One where mudbloods and muggles have no place."

The Dark Lord pointed to the flaming name, and the letters rearranged themselves.

I AM LORD VOLDEMORT hung in bring red letters, the same colors as his eyes.

"Lucius! Stop this madness! Get Draco out of there!" Fudge commanded.

"Anyone who wants to stand with me, join me! We will bring about a new day for all of magical Britain!"

The reactions to this announcement were mixed. Several people that ran to the doors. Fudge being one of them. Elves had been serving the anti-imperious potion after all.

"Let them leave! Traitors! I will not spill pure magical blood of fools and those who lack vision!"

More people left, especially as the Dark Lord told others exactly what he planned to do. Unfortunately, Bellatrix had loved to remember glorious days aloud, and he recited tale after tale of real Death Eater raids. Things that only Bellatrix, the Dark Lord, and few others knew about.

Barty Crouch went down on one knee. "Master, I failed you in the Tournament. I didn't kill Potter. Please, have mercy!"

"No punishment yet, Barty. I will give you a chance to redeem yourself. Now, I need to consult with a few of my inner circle. My new inner circle. Barty, Lucius, please join me. Bring your lovely ladies if you like. I'll call others soon. We need to plan."

"Tonight, is a time of celebration! It Will be Glorious!"

As Lucius let them to a side parlor to plan, a place where they could talk in plain sight, but have privacy charms to keep what was secret quiet. A few more guests slipped out the open front doors. Unbeknownst to those inside, there were watchers outside.

The signal was clear, and surrounding the manor, the first part of the ritual started in earnest.

**OO**

The ICW All Hallows Eve Ball was going to host a momentous event. One not announced previously.

There was the sound of a fanfare of magical trumpets.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Millicent of Britain!"

"His Royal Highness, Prince Joseph of France!"

Processing in, accompanied by Knights Emeritus, were the former squires Millicent Bulstrode and Joseph Kerveil. A proud Sir Charles Hector leading the way.

"Her Majesty, Queen Elenore of Italy!"

"Their Majesties, the King Jean-Gabriel and Queen Ifeoma of France!"

"The ICW met in private conclave, and was presented evidence that Millicent Bulstrode is indeed the rightful heiress to the throne of Britain. She appealed to and was granted sanctuary in Italy until such time that Britain is safe for her to return."

"In the meantime, Their Majesties of France and Italy not only welcome her highness, but are here to crown her Queen of Magical Britain."

A beautiful tiara, clearly goblin-made, was brought forth on a pillow.

Millicent was asked to kneel on a cushion, and the royal surrounded her.

"Millicent. Will you rule with equal measures of justice and mercy? Will you succor your people? Support them with your wisdom and guidance. Enforce the rule of law, not the rule of gold? Will you do all to support the downtrodden, and educate the young, that all may live and thrive?"

"I so solemnly swear."

"Hold this diadem as proof that thou art the rightful heir to the throne."

She was helped to her feet, and held up the crown. The center gem brightly glowed its own light.

"If there be any wizard or witch here that has ought to speak against Millicent being crowned rightful Queen of Magical Britain, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace!"

No one moved, worried that even breathing would be taken wrong.

Millicent was led to a very nice throne. Minerva, there by special invite gasped, clearly recognizing the throne that had been in the great hall of Hogwarts just that morning.

"We crown you Magical Queen of England!"

There was much, much cheering. Those in the know knew that this was not the knockout blow yet, but the first step in a Briton free of dark magic, a step on the road to peace. A chance to start facing the prejudice and dealing with it.

Millicent looked beautiful in the tiara of the Black family, the true crown of the royal family.

**OO**

"Narcissa, my dear. You seem pale. Elf! Come here! Serve your mistress!" The non-Dark-Lord purred.

Soda, clearly afraid, but proud to be asked to come, gave the woman the potion laced drink. She flashed bright pink for just a moment, unseen by those not watching. She did indeed carry the mark of that evil, evil coven. The crossed brooms with a cauldron hovering over the bristles.

"Perhaps, Lucius, she should be put to bed. She looks ill, and I must make sure that your lady wife is safe, after all. Elf, take and put her to bed."

"Yes, Master's master."

Lucius said nothing but nodded. Narcissa was never ill, but he could tell something was very wrong with his wife. She was trying to say something but wasn't audible.

On cue, the first captive was taken to the team, who would take her to ICW Headquarters where Amelia Bones waited. Within the next few minutes, they would either have a warrant and permission for what was done, or the people involved could be charged with criminal trespass and kidnapping.

"Now, there were helpers for the Tournament. I want to compliment them for their efforts." Sirius requested sibilantly.

**OO**

Severus Snape sipped a lovely beverage, and watched.

Given a choice of tasks, he placed having unanesthetized oral surgery as something he would rather do than be in Black's company.

However, he had admitted to himself that the mutt was really pulling it off. The way the snake moved and everything, it looked so real.

One would think it was an actual snake talking.

"Snape, did you have anything to do with the resurrection of the Dark Lord? I can't feel him through my mark, and it is nearly invisible."

Severus pinched his nose. He owed the Potter brat ten galleons. That boy bet far too often for a man under Holy vows. One would think him part goblin.

"Of course, the old mark is gone! He'll either do another one or redo this. I, however, prefer not to suffer the cruciatus, so I won't be asking him about it. While magically powerful, I saw his Merlin numbers. Still low. Climbing, but still low. For our Lord."

Selwyn straightened. The doors being blasted off was weak to what was coming? No, he was saying nothing.

Snape saw movement outside and directed the man's attention to the food on the buffet.

It was nearly showtime.

**OO**

They couldn't wait for warrants, this had to be done now. Amelia Bones realized that these people knew the law better than more barristers so that they could twist and turn it into pretzels.

The iced beverage in the room was the only drink, it was forty degrees Celsius, above blood temperature. Amelia filled two glasses. Of course, she had the antidote to Severus' intriguing truth serum already taken.

Amelia had cooling charms on her clothes and sipped her own icy drink. Narcissa eyed her 'water' suspiciously.

"If I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead. You are a pureblood witch who knows her rights. And her responsibilities. Sorry for the temperature. Faulty heater. Maintenance has been called."

Amelia didn't cheer when Narcissa finally drank, but she wanted to.

"Likely one of those fixing it, taking forever, don't you know." Amelia finished with a sneer.

"Yes! You understand. The school is overrun with unsuitable people! Oh, families try to protect their bloodlines with good contracts, but then you have wizards who insist on taking a creature as a mistress!"

"Oh? I have not heard of this."

"Abraxas Malfoy! Fancied seeing his progeny on the throne, but his captive princess had boys! Boy veela? Who heard of such a thing? He wanted his daughter to be crown princess and marry a Black. That was his goal. But then SHE snuck in. Either pretended to work for Gringotts, or really did. Didn't matter. Then, years later, she shows up again. In the same disguise! I recognized the witch! She was older, but it was the same one. She had to die."

"Of course, she did. I know you didn't just use a spell. Tell me all about it." Amelia really wanted to know, but hated playing good cop to the tenth degree.

Narcissa leaned forward, proud of her accomplishments. "Lucius held her for ransom. Tortured her, cut off her… Well. I soak it in a special solution that included aconite and other undetectable poisons as part of the preservative. No healer, goblin or wizard could heal that once reattached! And she wouldn't die at Gringotts, so the contract was valid!"

Amelia gasped. "You poisoned her?" Narcissa was wrong. That would have broken the kidnapping contract! Madam Bones was appalled, but the scary evil witch didn't notice the auror's face.

"It wasn't the first time I did, either! I poisoned Alice Longbottom for my friend in the coven too. Not Frank though. Poor Augusta. Poor Frank. My sister shouldn't have tortured him like that. She didn't know his connections.

"That French witch deserved it for stealing from the Malfoy family. First the babies then gold. At first, I thought the babies died, there were bodies after all. But the timing was right. She took them! It had to be her fault about the Black vaults. She worked for Gringotts! And then she stole from us again with the Potter vault. The boy was ignorant of our ways, it had to be her."

Amelia Bones had heard about the German Sister Gisele, and knew she could pass for French coming from a region that had passed back and forth between the two countries for centuries.

"I helped get rid of the unwanted mistress for my mother-in-law. I don't know how James Potter revived her – she should have been dead! The world thinks she did die, but I know who she is. The coven knows. We track blood. I've known where Harry Potter lived. Oh, I didn't tell my good husband. No, James was my cousin. Let him have his little girlfriend, let his son live so that the Dark Lord can kill him. We had a different wife planned for Jamie all along. My sister Andi wanted him."

"I thought that Andromeda married for love with Ted."

"Love? Bah! All for the good of the coven. Teddy Tonks had female relatives galore; some squibs, others purely muggle. Didn't you hear how his family was all nearly wiped out? And Pettigrew? A nice pureblood boy, even if his looks weren't the best. He was dating the McKenna girl. Pure, innocent blood. The older they are, and still pure, the stronger the ritual. Except for some that call for a certain age. You cannot use creatures, you know!"

"Of course not!"

"Andi made such a good spy. I had to put her under the imperious to make her drink French coffee. Ha! She did so well, messing up trials, destroying contracts. Brilliant witch! My sister, so proud of her. Bellatrix would be proud too. You didn't kill my sister. Bella, I mean."

"No, it was verified. Black death, very nasty, very contagious. Didn't want it spreading. Shame, she was powerful, and beautiful." Amelia knew her role. Keep the witch talking!

"So, then my husband gets the idea to put Draco on the throne with that veela chick! Absolutely not. Better for the world if both girls died. I was just trying to come up with a plan, I had a chance with the younger girl, and her elf came and got her! Well, I tell you I had Babbling make warding for our places after that. And the Dark Lord was right. Elves are a menace."

"I only have one." Amelia said, feeling nausea, and it wasn't from the potion. Taking a chance, she pushed, just a little.

"You mentioned a coven? I assume you have to be a pureblood witch?"

"Normally, but we do use wizards when we must. Certain rituals take a certain amount of bloodshed and power. Men usually are good at getting battles arranged. It's so wonderful the Dark Lord is back, and my Draco is going to be his right hand. While we're all Queen mum, and share the role, it's nice to see our progeny benefit from coming from strong families."

"Indeed. I bet you are powerful. Good with the imperious curse."

"I don't have to be. The Dark Power of our coven makes the near squibs powerful!"

Narcissa turned her head left and right as though looking to see who was watching and bared her lower leg. There it was, the crossed broom with a cauldron hovering. A crown was above hers. She wouldn't say the title aloud.

"I see that you are the head of the order." Amelia pointed out.

"Queen, not crone as traditionally called. Yes, but we don't really use any titles. I am respected by my sister witches."

"Oh, I can't wait to meet them, who are they?" Amelia purred, hoping that the auror behind the illusion wall was taking very, very good notes as Narcissa talked and talked and talked.

**OO**

The ladies had at last sent the signal. The ritual was complete. The muggles watched with infrared goggles as a small group of women popped away.

Harry felt it. Even in snake form. The coven was broken.

"It's time for your boys to leave." Colonel John Churchill commanded. He had been told that the ritual would last for a certain period of time., Now that they were done, it was his job to make sure that scum did not escape.

Dan pulled out the mirror. "We're ready. The bracelets worked. We can see the house, and we're nowhere near the wards. Get our people out. Now."

Snape had devised a way to carry the sound from the mirror in his pocket to his ear.

"My Lord. You must rest. You still are not at full strength." Severus said, with a low bow.

Narcissa Malfoy, Augusta Longbottom, Alecto Carrow, Barty Crouch, and Ludo Bagman had all been arrested so far. They had received the mandate after the first five minutes.

But only from Amelia Bones. They didn't know that she didn't have the authority to continue the raid based on her word alone.

It was doubtful once started, that any one of them would have backed down though.

"Lucius, is there a guest room on this level? One with a view of the garden?"

Black knew the layout very well. That mother-in-law suite had full access to the lovely gardens and was quite private.

"I'll have my elf guide you." Malfoy stated.

"Lucius! I would have a word with you in private. Please, lead us on." Sirius put an edge to the voice.

Lucius bowed his head, and led the group out of the ballroom, people bowing as they went. Snape acted as mediwizard, Draco as concerned helper. It was perfect.

The group left down the corridor. As soon as they were out of sight of the rest, Sirius stunned the man, and put the port-key on him. It was to an awaiting cell. Sirius had promised Draco to take his parents in alive if he possibly could. Besides, they wanted Lucius Malfoy to be able to testify.

Draco put a bit of blood on the portkey, and it worked! They were able to get out successfully, leaving a manor full of Death Eaters and wannabes.

They hoped that they got the main leadership of the coven at least.

"Attack now!" Sirius commanded.

Mercenaries attacked from several angles outside the manor with exploding potions, gasses that knocked people out, and went in armed to the teeth.

The Death Eaters inside were willing and able to return spell fire and did so with a will, bringing down many of the international murderers and scum that Dolores had been collecting over the years.

After a few minutes of battle, a very loud noise was heard. No pureblood had a clue what it was, but it was a muggle helicopter.

"Come out of the house! You are under arrest for terrorist activities. Throw down your weapons and wands, and you will be treated with mercy. Fire upon the military of the Queen of England, and you will be labeled as a threat to national security. Surrender now or be fired upon."

How did muggles cast a spell like Sonorous? No matter. No Death Eater was going to surrender to a muggle!

Amicus Carrow ran up the stairs to the Astronomy tower. From there, he had a perfect shot at the beast. He sent a blasting curse at the machine. But it was warded, and splashed off harmlessly.

He tried another, and another. But they fired back. With deadly accuracy.

Other Death Eaters joined him, and they were mown down.

As death eaters killed each other, with a bit of muggle help, the ward breakers did their jobs.

The wards fell on the house in a flash of blue, and the muggles overran the house, supported by a few British aurors.

It was over.

The 'unknown' power was the power of love, and of family, and of working together. The power of Light to fight against evil. For no amount of darkness can contain even a candleflame of light.

Three turns of an hourglass. It was time to go to a coronation.

**OO**

Cornelius Fudge was on the floo. "You must get in touch with the head of the department! I'm telling you what I saw! You need to get a group of aurors together and get to Malfoy Manor now! Who-know-who was there! I saw him with my own eyes.

The auror in charge was a practical man. "Minister! Do you know how many parties are going on tonight? The aurors are spread thin handling wizards who drink too much, witches getting caught brewing love potions, and hundreds of silly calls. I don't need one from you! Take a sober up, and if you see him again, call me. Preferably when I'm not manning this office alone with my sick crup! And don't blame me! The Director has been begging you and Dumbledore for more funds since forever!

The floo cut off, as clearly, he was taking another message. "Don't you ignore me! I'm the Minister for Magic!"

**OO**

The commander exited the pensieve. "You were told not to go, Sir Harry. You were too close to this, and Hermione had to go. You can't work with her in the field. Your emotions will get in the way."

"Yes sir. But the snake was key. The boffins couldn't get one to work right. The snake charmer wasn't available, and said we couldn't do what we wanted. The ICW animagus registry has one other snake animagus listed, and she was booked for Cabo St. Lucas, and wouldn't cancel."

"So. Why didn't you just ask me? I'm a very reasonable person."

"You would have made my godfather go alone into a next of vipers. Without me. I couldn't lose him! Not again."

"Which is why we don't fight with people who we have too close an emotional bond."

The commander paced. "The orb is black?"

"It is. And I feel it sir. It's done.

"Narcissa Malfoy was the head of the coven. Dolores Umbridge was a key member. It was her that was the main supplier of innocent blood, and helped fund the coven.

"Do you know that Madam Malfoy killed her aunt after she kidnapped Gabrielle Delacour? Killed her for coming down the stairs when the old woman thought she heard a noise. If that evil witch had realized Gabrielle's identity earlier, she would likely have held her for ransom. She nearly killed the girl. And did kill other girls."

The details about Sister Giselle's murder had not gotten out. He hoped that it might be contained.

Harry looked sick, knowing at least some of the rituals was directly his fault.

"To restore a full-grown wizard's magic takes thirteen squared, or one hundred sixty-nine innocents. Someone young takes thirteen innocents. And this isn't your fault.

"Potter, you need to trust me. You cannot be allowed to remain in the Order if you don't accept authority."

Harry looked shocked. "You'd take away my knighthood?"

"No, that is forever. I wouldn't send you on missions. You'd teach, or watch over children, or shovel hippogriff dung until your contract was up. Is that what you want?"

"No sir. I'm sorry. Please, answer me this honestly sir. If you had known I could be a snake, would you let me go?"

"No Potter. Not without a mandate. Which you received after Madam Malfoy was questioned. Millicent did sign one for you. Five minutes before you needed it. Five minutes Potter! Give me your time-turner."

"What?"

"You thought that you could time it, and cover yourself. What if you had died during the mission?"

"I did the mission first, sir. I know about temporal anomalies, and how dangerous it could be."

"Good, I'm glad to hear that you did that. It makes it slightly better. You lose it for a month rather than two."

Harry turned the device in, wondering how he was going to have time to talk to Hermione and Sirius and Luna and everyone before remembering that he wasn't going back to England. At least not yet.

"Did they really arrest Zora Zabini for kidnapping Neville?"

"They did. They'll take her condition into account and treat her well. Your mentor is most upset. His wife is pregnant with their first child, after all. And we need a new solicitor for the school."

"Why is that? I thought that Monseigneur Brown recommended that we used Madam Tonks.

"He did. You're not going to like hearing some of the aftermath of the trials, but this is history in the making, young man."

"Did Madam Delacour return Peeves?' Harry asked. He loved the prankster spirit.

"The Necromancer did return the poltergeist to Hogwarts. Lord Black paid him well for his time with a pallet of pranks. I'm not sure the school is going to be happy getting him back. But Peeves did well. And he wasn't caught. Dolores Umbridge's body will die in prison.

"There is some bad news though. Dumbledore heard a version of what happened at the third task. He wants Hermione up on murder charges. I've reviewed the incident, and we'll petition for an ICW trial under veritaserum. Murder in Britain has an interesting definition, and he won't be happy he chose that charge." The knight commander paused.

Harry had been looking proud, now he looked angry. "That runes teacher thought Hermione was wandless! If she hadn't had a backup wand, and some weapons, she'd be dead!"

"Precisely. He truly felt that it was better for her soul to just perish than defend herself, much less protect Britain. Can you imagine where we would be if Babbling had killed Hermione, and that witch escaped?"

"We would still be in the dark." Harry opined, ignoring the pain that idea brought to him.

"Good way to put it. Britain would still be under the thumb of that coven. The fact that magical Britain has been under the rule of pureblood elitists is not news. That a small group was in control of key government figures? Shaping the families by controlling who marries who? That is news. And breaking that control is huge. Hermione will be famous, you know. And she'll be knighted for this."

"Good. She deserves it. Hermione is brilliant." Harry thought a moment. "Will she need a barrister?"

"The Order will get a good one."

"Thank you, Knight Commander."

"As it is, she's going to obtain Captain ranking before you." Sir Romano informed him.

"Luna told me that forever ago sir. And honestly? How I make you feel? I might earn it one day, but you'll be taking the bars away from me the next day. I just know it."

Sir Romano laughed, a deep, cleansing laugh.

"Harry? For what it's worth, Severus Snape thought the boffins had done a wonderful job with the snake. Without it, he said that people would not have accepted Sirius Black as the Dark Lord. Even with the eyes and the voice."

"So, am I forgiven?" Harry asked.

"Did you repent?" The knight commander asked him.

"Maybe."