Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Petunia and Vernon were talking as they were driving Harry to King's Cross. They had already dropped off Dudley earlier. "I don't like this."

Petunia didn't turn her head to look at her husband. "I don't either. However, if we didn't agree, you know that the old fool would have shown up at our house and forced Harry to attend."

Vernon muttered under his breath about wizards and the old fool who run it. "Make sure to give him extra money for emergencies."

"I have. I also wrote out our address and anything else Harry might need." Petunia has also made sure to write out as much as she could about Diagon Alley. They had taken Harry shopping and it had been a crazy day. She had gotten them lost a few times before they found the Leaky Cauldron. They didn't speak until Vernon parked the car.

Vernon gave Harry a long list of things to be aware of while Petunia fretted about making sure Harry had everything. Vernon and Petunia guided Harry to platform nine. Vernon wasn't about to enter the magical world again so Petunia showed Harry where to enter and how by entering and stepping back out again. She gave him a hug and some more money. "Remember, if you need anything, anything at all, you write. Don't let anyone bother you."

Harry smiled at her and nodded his acceptance of her words. He gave her a quick hug before he stepped through the barrier. He weaved his way through the crowd of people and made his way onto the train. He wasn't surprised by the crowds on the platform. It was just as crowded as when they visited Diagon Alley. He found a seat, pulled out a book, pulled the hood up over his head, curled into the corner, and started to read. While some might think Potions was boring, Harry found it fascinating. It was a lot like chemistry and he loved chemistry.

He glanced up when the train stopped. He hadn't realized he had spent so long reading. He was a bit surprised to find a red-haired boy sitting in the compartment with a rat on his lap. He gathered his belongings, putting his book into his trunk, and hit the shrinking charm button. He put his shrunken trunk in his pocket and followed the group of students to the carriages. He followed the students to where he could see a line of carriages. He felt a bit weird seeing the carriages pulled by winged, skeleton horses but it was the magical world. His Aunt and Uncle warned him about how it was going to be weird. He watched the castle as he got closer. He was amazed by the size of it. He hoped they gave out maps. He followed the same students into Hogwarts. He sat down at the first table and began to look around the huge room.

It had four long tables that ran horizontally with a raised table that went vertical at the opposite end from the huge wooden doors he had entered in. There were floating candles, making the night sky sparkle even brighter. The ceiling made you feel as if you were looking at the sky. He was surprised at how many students there were. His former school wasn't that big. He could see the Professors were sitting at the vertical table and watched an older woman leave the room. He wondered who the weird guy with a clown outfit on was.

Harry frowned a bit like a group of students entered the room. He saw the red-hair boy. He realized they must be his classmates and he joined them as they walked by him. He saw the old woman pull out a scroll and start shouting out something. He assumed it was a name as he watched as child after child sat on a stool, a hat put on their head, and when removed, head toward one of the four tables. He faced the woman as she went down the list, he waited for when no student moved forward and got up. He figured she must have called his name. He sat down on the stool and waited. The hat landed on his head but all he could see was darkness. He remained still, waiting. Finally, the hat was removed. He looked up and the old woman was frowning at him. She gave a dismissive wave of her hand. Harry followed the example of the previous students and headed back to where he was originally sitting only to get pulled to another table. He didn't like being pulled but since he had no idea what was going on, he allowed it.

_______________________________________________________________

Harry wasn't sure what was going on but for some reason the next morning, he was pulled toward the table with a lot of students who were all talking among themselves versus the nice table he sat at last night. The red-haired boy kept pulling and pushing him around the halls and into classes. The red-haired boy's mouth never stopped moving but he never faced Harry. The red-haired boy dragged him from class to class.

Harry was getting annoyed. No one was explaining anything to him. The Professors didn't speak to him and no students did either. He had no idea what he was to do for assignments as he didn't see anything written down. Today was his first potion class and he hated not knowing what he was missing. His Aunt has said to give it time. She explained that during the first week or so staff and students were going to be adjusting to a new schedule, new students, and getting back into being in classes.

Harry pulled out his map that he had found in a library book. He headed for where it said the potions class was. He made his way, saw a group of students he recognized, and knew he was in the right place. He leaned against the wall, following their example, and waited. He only managed to escape the red-haired boy when he went to the library and would read. The boy would follow him and Harry wasn't sure when he left and he didn't care when the boy left either.

The students started entering the class and he followed them in and found a seat in the back of the room. He pulled out his notebook, pen, and book. He ignored the red-hair boy. He had been annoying him all week. He was always pulling him and the bushy-haired girl had hit him yesterday. He had no idea why but his Uncle always said you don't hit girls. The bushy-haired girl was usually in the library and was always looking at the title of books he was reading. She had even attempted to take one from his pile but the librarian must have done something because she was suddenly next to him and the girl put the book back down.

He watched a dark-haired man stride to the front of the classroom. Harry was impressed by the flowing cloak. He was trying to figure out what the dark-haired man was saying but he kept turning away. He saw the dark-haired man storming toward him, he jumped when he felt the vibrations rock the table. The man was expecting something but Harry was confused. He looked around for help but no one was doing anything. The man started screaming at him, judging by the way his mouth was moving. Harry started to sign that he didn't know what was being said. Only his hands were grabbed and forced down. The dark-hair turned and stormed away.

Harry had enough. He packed up his stuff, got off of the stool, and left the classroom. He walked up to his dorm, gathered up his belongings, packed his trunk, shrunk it, and left. He walked straight out of Hogwarts and headed for the town he had seen from the window. He waited until he was in town and pulled out the emergency letter his aunt had given him. He just needed to find someone willing to help. He founded help in the Three Broomsticks.

_________________________________________________________________________

Vernon and Petunia arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. They entered the pub to find Harry sitting at a table waiting for them with Tom, the man they had met during their last visit. Petunia had to call Vernon at work to have him come home and get her before they left for the Leaky Cauldron. Tom got them some tea as they sat down and Harry began to tell him about his week at Hogwarts.

Petunia and Vernon were furious as they listened to all that happened to their nephew. There was no way they were going to allow Harry to return to Hogwarts. "Harry, you were accepted to Royal School for the Deaf. It's not too late, it's just been a week. I will write to the Headmaster on Monday. I also know Professor Tillis will accept you back in his chemistry program. He said he would." Petunia had been attempting to arrange for Harry to still take his chemistry courses with the Professor during the holidays.

Harry smiled. He just wanted to go home. It had been a long week. They finished their tea and thanked Tom for helping Harry and asked to pass on their thanks to whoever it was that brought Harry to the Leaky Cauldron. They learned a woman by the name of Mrs. Abbott was the one who helped Harry since she was having tea at the Three Broomsticks. She agreed to take Harry to the Leaky Cauldron.

______________________________________________________________________________

"It's them." Petunia glared out the window at the badly dressed wizard with a wizard in black and a witch in tartan on their doorstep. She was surprised it had taken them so long to figure out that Harry wasn't at Hogwarts. She had expected Dumbledore to make an appearance last night. She wondered if the one in the awful robe was Dumbledore? She didn't remember meeting him at Lily's wedding. They also didn't remain for long after Vernon had been pranked.

"Took them long enough to realize Harry was missing." Vernon never cared for wizards after meeting Sirius Black but hearing how his nephew was treated made his blood boil. Black had spent a short time talking about pranks and Vernon had been pranked after the ceremony.

They heard the bell ring on the door again. Petunia got up and headed for the door. She didn't want Harry to see the blinking light and open the door to find wizards on their doorsteps. "You are not welcomed here." She resisted the urge to slam the door.

"Mrs. Dursley, I'm Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and we are here because Harry is missing and we are a bit worried about him. We are hoping he is here." Dumbledore gave her a slight smile.

"We picked him up yesterday. Thankfully someone in your world helped him, finally." Petunia glared. The nerve of the man. She never understood what Lily saw in the man. She thought the man sounded too good to be true and when her sister and husband were killed, she vowed never to trust him.

"I'm afraid I don't understand. You see, we were going to speak to Harry yesterday about his behavior in Professor Snape's class." Dumbledore smiled. "Perhaps we can speak inside."

Petunia huffed. "Pet, let them in, you know they won't go away otherwise. Look at how many letters they sent when Harry told them no."

"You're right, they would." Petunia opened the door wider, granting them entrance. Vernon escorted the trio to the sitting room. Petunia headed to the kitchen to get some tea. She needed something stronger than tea.

"I'm sure we can work everything out." Dumbledore began to explain. "Harry left rather suddenly yesterday. He left during Professor Snape's class." Dumbledore pointed to the dark-haired man. "Professor McGonagall was a bit concerned since she has had heard from the rest of the staff about Harry not doing any of the work in the classes."

"I don't blame him after how he was treated this past week." Vernon snapped, not missing the look of distaste that appeared on the one dressed in black.

Petunia arrived with tea before anyone else could speak. As she poured Harry came down the stairs. He saw the three sitting there and looked at his aunt. "What are they doing here?" Harry signed. He wasn't expected anyone to show up from Hogwarts. The staff didn't appear to care about the students.

"We are trying to find out." Petunia signed and spoke at the same time. "They just arrived a few minutes ago. Why don't you go and read your new chemistry book that Professor Tillis sent over? I can go over the past week's assignments with you after they leave."

"I don't want to go back." Harry wasn't going to return to Hogwarts.

Severus Snape looked a bit shocked as Minerva McGonagall gasped. "He's deaf!" Minerva looked at Severus. Everything now made sense.

"Well, of course, he is. He was born deaf. Dumbledore left him on our doorstep without a by your leave and you didn't know he was deaf? Are you people that stupid?" Petunia was furious. "Honestly, leaving a walking toddler on a doorstep in the middle of the night was one of the worse things I had ever experienced. Now, add to that is the fact you didn't even know he was deaf. What kind of backward world are you residing in?"

"You left a toddler on their doorstep? A deaf one?" Severus couldn't believe what he was learning. He had believed all the tales Dumbledore had told him. He never expected that Dumbledore would leave his savior on a doorstep in the middle of the night. He saw Vernon signing what was being said as he watched Harry frown. Harry signed something.

"No, it appears they didn't know. How I don't know is beyond me." Petunia knew Mrs. Figg was a squib. She knew the name from Lily when Lily would discuss some secret group led by Dumbledore. The woman was part of the group that got her sister and James killed.

"I believe it's a slight misunderstanding." Dumbledore felt relieved. He now needed to get Harry Potter to agree to return to Hogwarts. Since it was a matter of miscommunication it would be easy. After all, Harry's education was fully paid for.

"He isn't returning." Vernon and Petunia stated at the same time.

"He is already enrolled. His parents signed him when he was born. We can adjust his classes so that he will be able to keep up." Dumbledore was already planning on how he could use Lupin to be the one to assist Harry. Harry being deaf did present some issues but nothing that he was sure couldn't be worked around.

"No, we saw his schedule. You don't have the core classes. Classes like math, English, science, liberal arts, foreign language, or even pre-university electives." Vernon saw the courses they taught and wondered how they expected the kids to learn how to make a living after Hogwarts.

Harry moved closer to his aunt, leaning against her chair. "How do you expect a child who never even wrote with a quill to write with one without instructions? How about books or even lessons on how to cut ingredients for potions or even how to write on parchment paper? Just because you might have grown up knowing doesn't mean you should start those new to the magical world off so far behind." Petunia had watched Lily struggle with learning that stuff. Lily had people around her she could understand and it still took her a while to understand what was needed.

"Excuse me, I am wondering why didn't you inform us he was deaf?" Minerva didn't know why Lily or James didn't tell them. Suddenly it dawned on her. "He wasn't born deaf. He is deaf because of the attack." She knew she said it barely above a whisper but everyone heard her.

Dumbledore had his wand out. Harry saw the wand and his magic reacted to a wand being pointed at him. Dumbledore's wand was in Harry's hand. "My dear boy, I wasn't going to harm you." Dumbledore looked at the Elder Wand in Harry Potter's hand. It wouldn't work for him any longer. "Severus, perhaps you could run a medical scan on Harry. Focus on the scar."

"You should ask us before you start casting spells. Now, what scar?" Petunia wondered what the man was talking about.

"Why the one on his forehead." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling.

"He doesn't have a scar. If you mean the one you didn't heal when you left him on our doorstep, I took him to Gringotts. They weren't impressed finding a Horcrux in my nephew. I believe they wrote about six years ago, saying that someone named Voldemort was now officially deceased. All seven of his Horcruxes were destroyed." Petunia enjoyed watching Dumbledore's face pale at that news. Vernon and Petunia had spoken at length with the goblins about what a Horcrux was and what they meant.

Severus, however, smirked. "I told you when my mark disappeared he was gone. Mr. Potter, I offer my apologies for what occurred in my classroom. At the time, I believed you weren't paying attention as I had asked you numerous questions and didn't get a response."

Harry signed something. "He says accepted." Vernon and Petunia waited to see if the man who did the most damage to Harry would apologize. They knew why Harry had been left on their doorstep.

"I see." Dumbledore was now confused. No Horcruxes, no Voldemort, it couldn't be that simple. The prophecy stated that they must meet and that Harry must vanquish Voldemort. He had to regain control over Harry and get things back in order.

"What do you wish to do about his magical education?" Minerva asked.

"We will discuss it but Harry won't be attending Hogwarts." Petunia looked at Severus. She knew Severus from when they were children. She wouldn't have recognized him since she hadn't seen him in over twenty years. She didn't look away when Severus returned her stare. She arched a brow and indicated Harry with her eyes. Severus gave a slight nod of his head.

"I don't want to go there. The red-haired boy always pushing or pulling me and that girl hit me." Harry wasn't about to accept that type of treatment.

Minerva frowned a bit then her lips thinned out. "Yes, I did have a few reports of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and their treatment of Harry and other students."

"We need to discuss Harry's magical training. It's vital he learns how to control his magic. We can't have him exposing our world due to accidental magic." Dumbledore smiled. "His education is paid for and we can provide him with what he needs to learn."

"No, not until you get some of the basic courses at your school. Honestly, not even having an English class." Vernon rolled his eyes. "It's not about money."

"No, it's about doing what is best for our nephew and making sure he gets the best possible education. Harry has no desire to return and we won't be forcing it." Harry signed something fast and Petunia answered just as fast. The three Hogwarts Professors watched the flying fingers and hands. Harry nodded his agreement and headed upstairs. "He won't be going. I'm sure we can get in touch with the Ministry and find out about hiring a tutor for him regarding learning magic."

"I will happy to provide you with someone who would love the work and would be able to assist Harry. He is also well versed in the muggle world so that won't be an issue." Dumbledore stood up. "I will take care of it as soon as I get back to Hogwarts." Petunia and Vernon exchanged a look. They weren't going to trust anyone Dumbledore suggested. "I do appreciate your attention to the matter. Have a good day." Dumbledore headed for the door.

Minerva followed behind Dumbledore looking a bit confused. Severus followed but as Dumbledore walked out of the living area, Severus turned and walked back to Petunia and Vernon. "I will return tonight so we can speak." Petunia nodded her acceptance. Severus quickly joined Dumbledore and Minerva.

Chapter Text

Severus just watched as Minerva and Dumbledore fought over what they just learned. Minerva was furious that Dumbledore placed Harry with his muggle relatives, never checked on him, and never did a thing about the Horcrux. At first, Dumbledore had attempted to deny any knowledge but Minerva kept challenging him, bringing up the missing mark on Severus' arm. Minerva was in the middle of a great rant about his policy of ignoring abused children's home life.

"Their families love them and I'm sure it's only a slight misunderstand." Dumbledore assured her.

"Of course, they love them but that doesn't mean they are capable of handling a magical child or any child. Abuse isn't about whether they love or don't love their children. Abusers range in their reasons for it happening. You have to stop lying to yourself that only those in Slytherin or from dark families suffer from abuse because they are dark. It happens to a wide range of children."

"Minerva, surely you don't wish to break apart families?"

Minerva threw up her hands in frustration. "It isn't about breaking them up. It's about getting them help. I'm signing you up for some of the classes the Ministry Child Protective Department has regarding childrearing. You don't get to object, you only get to attend, you will pass it or I'm sure I can find enough staff, former students, and parents who will back me in forcing the issue." When Dumbledore went to debate it, Minerva held up her hand. "No, Albus, either the class willingly or unwillingly, pick one."

Dumbledore muttered under his breath about pushy women. "Fine, I will attend. As if I don't have enough to do already."

"Your wand?" Minerva had been a bit surprised by Harry's reaction to a wand pointed at him but she didn't blame him. She would have done the same thing.

"Is useless to me now. I will have to use my old wand." Dumbledore was a bit upset about the issue since Harry Potter had two of the Peverell brothers Deathly Hollows items. He would never be able to reclaim the wand unless he dueled Harry. He couldn't have a public one with him unless, yes, he could do that. He just needed to make sure he could provide evidence of it. "I will make arrangements for Remus to tutor Harry. I'm sure he can start this week."

Severus frowned a bit as he watched Dumbledore. Dumbledore had something up his sleeves and it wasn't about having Lupin teach Harry. He did a quick review of his memories as he half-listened to Dumbledore suggest Lupin could even use one of the Potter homes so that he was closer to Harry. He watched Dumbledore's face as Dumbledore spoke about his wand. Dumbledore's face changed as he thought about the Elder Wand. Severus slammed down his anger as he realized what Dumbledore was going to attempt to do. Dumbledore was going to ruin Harry's name. He was also willing to bet it would be leaked out that Harry had a Horcrux inside of him.

"Albus, you just can't permit Remus to use the Potter homes because you have decided it. It's not your decision." Minerva looked like she was trying to reason with a two-year-old and losing the debate.

"I'm his magical guardian." Dumbledore figured that made a lot of things easier.

Severus raised a brow. Dumbledore wasn't the boy's magical guardian since the Dursleys withdrew Harry, unless, no, he wouldn't. Would he? Severus almost wanted to kick himself. Of course, he would. Dumbledore wasn't going to alert anyone officially of Harry's withdrawal. The staff and students would know but no one in the Ministry would. He was going to have a long chat with Petunia tonight. Since it was Friday night, he might have to escort them to Gringotts or Dumbledore might become aware of their arrival in Diagon Alley since no muggles would be in their world since Hogwarts official started.

"That doesn't mean much and you know it." Minerva sighed deeply. "You know if you had checked on him, this would have all been avoided."

"I had Arabella there. I am wondering why she never alerted us to the issue?"

Minerva rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Albus, unless it's a cat, she wouldn't have noticed anything."

Severus wondered why Dumbledore would put Arabella Figg near Harry as a watcher. He couldn't find a good reason unless he expected-

"I was a bit worried about how the Dursleys reacted when James and Lily got married. They didn't seem to care for magic and she is a squib. She would have fit right in with the other muggles."

Severus wanted to curse Dumbledore has he remembered James and Lily's wedding reception. He got invited simply because he was an employee at Hogwarts. He didn't attend the ceremony but he went to the reception. Black, Lupin, Pettigrew, and Potter had pranked the Dursleys. Petunia hated magic when he had informed Lily she was a witch. At first, Petunia wanted to learn but Dumbledore wouldn't allow her to attend Hogwarts. After that, she became angry and bitter about magic. Dumbledore expected Petunia to be the same way and her husband to follow Petunia's lead. It would explain why Dumbledore next checked on Harry. He could claim ignorance and the fact he did put a guardian there to watch Harry. Dumbledore would be able to say he did what was expected of him to do. Severus wondered how the man was a Gryffindor as he was pure Slytherin in his political battles and how he had arranged the future of Harry Potter.

"I better go and inform my house that Potter isn't returning. I will also be speaking to Weasley and Granger about their attitude though I doubt it will do any good." Minerva didn't give Dumbledore time to respond before she started toward the door.

"Severus, your thoughts?" Dumbledore waited until Minerva left his office.

"I told you and you ignored me. I can't see how you can keep claiming he is going to return. It will get out." Severus was going to make sure it did. The Ministry had officially declared the Dark Lord deceased when all the Death Eaters in Azkaban had been screaming and crying about the Dark Lord's demise since their marks were gone. Granted the sane ones, inside and outside of Azkaban, were happy and celebrated. The goblins would be able to release the news about how the Dark Lord died without endangering Harry.

"No, it won't. The Ministry is happy in their beliefs that he won't return. However, we must be vigilant in everything now as someone else could be working on taking control. It is something Lucius might do."

"Lucius won't want to take charge. It would endanger his family name." Lucius was the one who threw the party when his mark disappeared. Lucius still hated Dumbledore but he didn't want another crazy Dark Lord. He figured the last two were crazy and each Dark Lord appeared to get crazier than the previous one than the one. Lucius didn't want to find out how crazy the next one might be. Severus wondered when Dumbledore would start the Harry is a dark campaign. He couldn't do it now because Minerva was with them during the home visit. Dumbledore would wait until Harry was almost seventeen before attempting it. He would keep up the pressure for a year or two and then arrange to meet Harry for a duel. One where he could rather loudly call Harry a Dark Lord and since Harry wouldn't be able to understand him, Harry wouldn't respond. He would use the fact that Lupin taught Harry, outing Lupin as a dark creature at the same time, claiming Lupin corrupted their savior.

"Maybe so but Voldemort might come back another way or another could replace Voldemort. We will have to keep our eyes on Draco. You must keep me informed if you learn any information regarding anything Lucius might be planning."

"Of course." The not wasn't something he couldn't voice. He wasn't going to inform Dumbledore of anything unless it helped him. "I believe I should go and speak to my snakes."

"Yes, yes, of course, Severus."

Severus headed for Slytherin House and did a quick update for everyone regarding Potter, explaining exactly who was at fault. He knew every single one would write to their parents. Severus went to his potion lab where he had extra wards and crafted some port-keys for him to use. One for tonight and two for tomorrow. He headed out of Hogwarts and made his way to the apparition spot.

________________________________________________________________________________

Severus knew it was late when he arrived at the Dursleys but wasn't surprised to find them waiting for him with some tea. Once they were seated, Severus looked at the Dursleys. "I don't have much time to go into all the details tonight but you need to take Harry to Gringotts. He needs to close all the properties he owns. Have the goblins check his vaults, do a full audit. Have them make sure that all of his parents' belongings are either in his vaults or where he knows they are. Have them check for a marriage contract. I have a feeling there might be an illegal one. You also need to make sure you get Dumbledore removed as his magical guardian. Harry won't need one since he isn't attending Hogwarts and you were his guardians before he started Hogwarts. No contracts drafted after his parents' deaths will be legal unless you signed them."

"How did he become his magical guardian? We weren't even asked." Petunia never cared for Dumbledore after Lily's death and she started to review everything that Lily had written or told to her.

"Any child who doesn't have a magical parent or guardian is automatically assigned one when a professor visits them. It is normally their head of house, however, I believe Dumbledore selected to be Harry's. No one came to visit you about this?"

"No, after we returned all the letters, someone by the name of Hagrid showed up and said he was taking Harry for his shopping trip. We refused to allow that to happen and informed Hagrid we would take him."

"Pet had to get forceful with him. He kept insisting that Dumbledore wouldn't like it." Vernon had enjoyed watching his wife face off the half-giant. He didn't even know giants were real until Petunia explained to him about Hogwarts.

"Hagrid is very loyal to Dumbledore. Dumbledore is going to suggest Remus Lupin as Harry's tutor." Severus hated the thought of any child near a werewolf but especially Lupin since the man almost killed him.

Vernon started shaking his head no as Petunia's eyes widen a bit. "No, that isn't happening. I remember him and I know he is also a werewolf. He is almost as bad as Black." Petunia sighed deeply. "He won't let this go will he?"

"No, he has some dangerous ideas. I want to stop them. I am going to meet you at Gringotts tomorrow. I will explain why tomorrow. Needless to say, it will be about protecting Harry." Severus would need to inform the goblins about the wand and cloak as well as this theory regarding Dumbledore. "Now, for tutors, I can recommend a few that Dumbledore won't be happy about but he can't object. They are registered with the Ministry as tutors. Lord Malfoy used two for his son and they are highly recommended. They also are aware of the real muggle world, not the one that the Ministry believes is how muggles act. I recommend we use the goblins as the contract source to keep Dumbledore unaware of my interference."

"Oh, Harry was hoping you would teach him potions. He showed us how well regarded you are." Petunia stood up and went into the kitchen and returned with a book. It was one of his books. "He was so excited to realize you were going to be his professor. He was crushed by what happened but after you left here today, he was looking forward to it again. He did have a question though, he said the red-haired boy kept pulling him toward the table he was sitting at after he was made to wear a hat."

"Yes, his sorting. The hat is a sorting hat that declared which house the students will be assigned. It bases it off of personality. Harry was given a choice of Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, or Slytherin. When he didn't respond, the hat declared he could be in all three. It was Dumbledore who removed that option and assigned Harry to Gryffindor."

"I see." Petunia and Vernon exchanged a look. They nodded their heads. "It's about those Horcruxes, isn't it? He is going to try and do something about it and make Harry out to be the bad guy especially after Harry removed the Elder Wand from him today."

Severus was a bit surprised. He wasn't expecting Petunia to be such a Slytherin with Ravenclaw too. "Yes. How did you know what the wand is called?"

"Harry has a book on wands. It is mentioned in it and we read about it today. We have always encouraged our boys to read and Harry loves it since he is deaf, he can spend hours reading, getting lost in the world of books. A lot like Lily used to." Petunia smiled a bit at the memory as did Severus. "He has a lot of her in him. Harry is slow to anger but when he does get angry, watch out."

"That was Lily." Severus missed his friend. "I believe during the holidays I will be able to help Harry on his potion work. We don't want him to be overloaded with his muggle schooling as well as his magical studies. Is the school a boarding school?"

"No, since the school serves all ages, they found it easier for those who have parents or relatives nearby to allow them to attend during the day but if a school event is occurring they can also remain."

"Excellent. I believe after we get some answers tomorrow, including tutors, we can make plans. Ten AM works for me."

"Ten AM it is." Vernon was looking forward to causing Dumbledore some problems.

Severus stood up. He reached into his pocket. "I crafted two port-keys for you. The button will take you to Diagon Alley by Gringotts, the quill will return you home. I would have made a round-trip one but that uses more magic and might have alerted Dumbledore I was crafting some illegal port-keys. They will be able to take all three of you. Now, I do believe I need to go before he wonders where I might have gone too."

"Thank you, Severus, for your assistance."

"Yes, thank you. My wife and I, were concerned after Harry returned home. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow."

"As do I." Severus was going to enjoy ruining Dumbledore's plans.

Chapter Text

Petunia, Vernon, and Harry weren't surprised to find Severus waiting for them at Gringotts. After the greetings, Harry looked at Petunia and signed something, Petunia laughed. "Yes, I am aware." She smiled. "He has a lot of questions for you regarding potions and wanted to know if he could write to you during the school year."

"He certainly can. I believe we can also arrange for me to assist him with potions during the holidays." Severus looked around. "We best get inside before someone recognizes Harry and reports seeing him to Dumbledore."

"Yes, we best. The less I have to do with that man the better I feel our family would be." Vernon didn't trust Dumbledore. He hadn't trusted Dumbledore since they found Harry on the doorstep in the morning. He didn't like the man when they first met him and it had gone downhill with each interaction with the magical world. After the death of James and Lily's death, they lost all respect for the man.

Severus and Petunia waited in line for a teller while Harry and Vernon remained out of sight. Once Petunia and Severus spoke to a teller and made arrangements to speak to the Potter account manager, Vernon and Harry joined them in the account managers' area. Harry sat between Petunia and Severus. Vernon was closest to the door. Ironclaw was behind his desk pulling out the Potter files. "I am happy to see you here. I was going to send you a letter regarding Heir Potter."

"I'm glad we came. We can accomplish what you wish to discuss as well as what we need to accomplish, I hope. We need to make sure that Albus Dumbledore isn't listed as Harry's magical guardian. Severus alerted us that since Harry was listed as attending Hogwarts, Dumbledore might have listed himself as Harry's magical guardian." Petunia was a bit nervous about what Dumbledore was planning after Severus visit last night. "Harry doesn't attend Hogwarts but Dumbledore visited us last night and was very interested in my nephew and didn't want to take no for an answer."

"Yes, and we need to close all of Harry's properties as well as making sure that Dumbledore can't hire anyone without our permission as Harry's tutors, claim anything type of relationship of any type in regards to our nephew." Vernon was aware that James Potter had family money but he had never investigated beyond making sure that the funds were protected at the time. "Harry mentioned some books regarding him. I want to find out about them."

Ironclaw looked up. "Dumbledore has already filed a claim seeking full custody of Harry. He has asked for a special session to make a decision regarding Harry for the end of the week."

Petunia looked ready to kill someone. "Isn't he a little old to have custody of a child? He is also the Headmaster and doesn't he have other titles? I remember some listed on the letter we received for Harry." Vernon wanted to hunt Dumbledore down and wrap the man's beard around his neck and kill him.

"He has listed that the would have the Weasley family willing to adopt him with funds coming from the Potter family vaults to support Harry's care." Ironclaw was a bit surprised He frowned as he continued reading. "There is also a marriage contract between their daughter and Harry signed by Albus Dumbledore dated today which is the same day as the filing for the custody case." Ironclaw pulled out the marriage contract. "The marriage contract is very interesting as it the Headmaster as being the sole guardian of Harry Potter."

"Very interesting." Severus wondered what happened or why Dumbledore changed his plans from last night. He looked at Petunia. "He must have thought about what happened at your house and realized it would be better to get Harry away from your family before Harry could have a chance to learn to stand on his own two feet. He would believe that Harry would not stand up to anyone as he is too young to stand up for himself." Severus began to read the marriage contract.

Petunia was signing what was being said for Harry. Harry looked confused as he signed. *I can stand up for myself. I left Hogwarts on my own.*

Petunia smiled. "Yes, you did."

"How can we stop all of this?" Vernon asked.

"It's very simple. We can represent you in the session at the Wizenagamot." Ironclaw pulled out some paperwork. "Here is an agreement hiring us to represent you. I am going to send a goblin to your home tomorrow, he will pick up copies of Harry's school records, medical records, he will have a healer from St. Mungos with him as well as one of the agents from the Ministry who works in the Child Protective Agency with him. We will make sure they are not linked to Dumbledore and unaware of who they are visiting until they at your home. They will be able to provide reports to back up your claim about taking care of Harry. We already have the previous records of your visits as well as the medical reports to show the lack of care by Dumbledore and his lack of handling the Horcrux and leaving Harry on the doorstep. The letter is still in our files so we will also provide that in our filings."

"I would also use this marriage contract." Severus handed the contract to Ironclaw. "If you read down to paragraph ten, thirteen, and fourteen, you will the paragraphs very interesting."

"I hadn't had a chance to read through it as of yet." Ironclaw took the contract and read through the three paragraphs that Severus mentioned while Petunia was writing out what Ironclaw wanted her to gather for the hearing for Harry. Harry was watching her write it out while Severus quietly spoke to Vernon. "These paragraphs will help your case a great deal. Harry could have called for judgment on this contract as soon as he saw the date on it when he reached the age of maturity."

"I believe he is counting on Harry being so under his control by that time that Harry wouldn't have thought of disobeying him. When you get a chance to read the whole contract you will understand why I say that. The whole contract is about controlling Harry. He lists Harry's career, the classes he is to take, the day he will marry, the number of children, the speaking engagements, where he will live, and even lists that he will remain in charge of Harry's seats until he passes and then Molly Weasley will take charge."

"Seats? What are you talking about? Harry has seats?"

"Yes, he is heir Potter and might have several other seats as well. I was going to suggest an Inheritance test. I wrote a letter to Harry but I received a letter from Dumbledore stating that all correspondences were to be directed to him as he was Harry's magical guardian. I was in the process of attempting to obtain a muggle address for you when you arrived here." Ironclaw removed the two letters from the Potter file to show Petunia and Vernon. "I will be adding this to the case file."

"Should we get one now or wait?" Petunia looked at her husband.

"Would it help us if Harry had more power? Would it remove some from Dumbledore?" Vernon looked at his wife. They didn't want to give Dumbledore more power, they wanted to protect their nephew. They didn't want Harry to return to Hogwarts. Yes, Severus would protect Harry, they felt, but Dumbledore was there and Dumbledore had a lot of power, too much power.

"I believe it would be best if we did the Inheritance Test. However, depending on the test, we can go from there. Harry doesn't have to take any of the heir rings or even any of the Lordship rings if he qualifies for them. Harry might qualify for some as he is the last of a few lines like the Potter line. I am aware he was given numerous gifts which also need to be sorted out." Ironclaw pointed to a stack of boxes on one side of the room. "Those boxes are the files that have a list of vaults that were left to Harry. Dumbledore has never done a thing with any of the vaults. Some of the vaults only have one or two items in them. We also have millions of letters that have never been answered that we also have to handle."

"Why aren't I surprised that we didn't know about any of this?" Vernon looked at his wife as she signed what was being said.

*The books too? Didn't the books mention that the letters would be answered?*

"Harry is correct, the books did mention that the letters would be answered. Who was responsible for doing that?" Petunia wondered if perhaps they had another way of showing how much Dumbledore had handled another aspect of Harry's life.

"Those contracts weren't in the Potter file as Dumbledore handled the books but let me go and get the contracts and a copy of the books. We have the first editions of each of the books with the contracts." Ironclaw was going to enjoy reviewing these contracts and he was hoping he could remove Dumbledore off of the Potter accounts.

Chapter Text

The humans sitting in the office never wanted to see a goblin grin again in their lives. It was the scariest thing they had ever seen. "This is very good news." Ironclaw laid down the original contracts for the books. "He tied everything together. Once we get the marriage contract voided it also cancels the other contracts."

"How does that work?" Petunia didn't think it would be that easy to fix Dumbledore and his desire for her nephew.

"The clauses that were mentioned in the marriage contract are linked to whoever is Harry's guardian. He never put in magical in the original contracts but did include the Dursleys has Harry's muggle guardians but never had them sign or issue any notice regarding the books, the contracts, or any royalties as well as the reprinting options that have occurred over the years. We know he is going to attempt to gain custody of Harry and we can show a record of neglect concerning Harry's future by using the fact that the funds from the books have not gone into any Potter account nor has he obtained written or verbal consent regarding the books."

"Will it work?" Vernon didn't want to think about Dumbledore removing his nephew from their home.

"The barrister is the best one to answer that question but I believe we have several other options as well." Ironclaw looked at the Inheritance Test. "The barrister might open with the Inheritance Test as Harry does have magical relatives and they should have been given first chance to retain custody."

Severus looked at the Inheritance Test, again. Dumbledore made a huge mistake in hiding Harry away. Several families were going to be very upset with him. Many families had wanted custody of Harry after the death of James and Lily but Dumbledore wouldn't give anyone a hearing or permit a custody case to be issued. "We might want to gather some family support ahead of time."

"The barrister might already be aware of the information as he already has copies of the information we are currently reviewing."

"Do we need to meet with him?" Petunia was still looking at the list of families on Harry's test. She was glad that she got custody of Harry but she hadn't been aware of how many families Harry was related to. "Isn't this a lot of families?"

"Actually, no. The Potters are part of the Sacred 28 so they are related to most of the magical beings. Some families have died out which is why Harry has inherited the titles but the living families are all pureblood and powerful. It could be why Dumbledore wanted to keep him isolated." Severus pointed to the list of names. "Some of the families on the list are deceased despite Harry being related to them. The Gaunt, Shafiq, and Selwyn families are wiped out. Harry is the last member. The only acceptable family in Dumbledore's eyes would have been the Longbottom family. He considers the rest dark. Harry would be a lesser member of many of the pure-blood families since he isn't in the direct line of ascension."

"However, none of them would want to go against Harry either. Once he is of age, he will hold a lot of power." Ironclaw pointed to the list of names. "Black, Fawley, Gaunt, and Travers titles, as well as the Slytherin and Gryffindor seats, are under one voting block that he has been using. Your fighting for custody of Harry changes a lot of our world."

Severus did an internal happy dance. If Dumbledore lost the block of seats it would mean laws that would protect magical beings as well as stopping the removal of many magical skills and other magical areas. He didn't want the Dark Lord to return but neither did any sane Death Eater. Lucius had spent the last decade making sure to protect his family and if the Dark Lord returned he had several options to leave the country.

Vernon and Petunia exchanged a glance. "He did it to keep control over this world, didn't he? I mean besides wanting to keep control of Harry." Vernon could see Petunia signing to Harry. Harry hadn't been happy to learn any of the information.

"Yes."

*It seems like he set this up. He duels the last Dark Lord, has a second one rise up. The last one started a war that appears to be paused because he is expecting this dude to return, making sure I will fight him. If I die, he gets everything, if I win, he does too. He has had control since that duel and he doesn't want to give it up.*

Severus listened as Petunia informed him and Ironclaw what Harry signed. Harry was Lily's son. "Yes. Dumbledore likes to keep his titles and power well known."

A goblin knocked and entered. "The barrister is ready to see the Dursley family."

"I will escort them as soon as Heir Potter accepts his Lordship rings."

________________________________end of the week___________________________________________

Severus was walking with Dumbledore to the Ministry for the special session. Dumbledore expected to obtain custody of Harry and wanted Severus to state that Harry needed magical guidance and how the muggles weren't able to handle Harry. Severus wasn't sure what Dumbledore expected him to say as there wasn't anything that Severus could provide to show that Harry needed to be removed for the muggles. Severus wanted to attend this session and didn't disagree with Dumbledore's ideas.

Dumbledore went to enter courtroom three for the special session but there was a notice on the door saying that the session had been moved to courtroom ten. "I wonder why it was moved?"

Severus didn't bother to answer but walked with Dumbledore to courtroom ten. Dumbledore entered first and Severus almost slammed into him as Dumbledore froze in place. "Albus?" Severus stepped around Dumbledore.

"I do apologize, Severus. Why don't you sit close to me?" Severus followed Dumbledore and sat down. Dumbledore looked around the room. "I wonder why the goblins are present?" Severus wondered if Dumbledore was going senile. Dumbledore called the session to order. "This special session was called to discuss the guardianship of Harry James Potter. I wasn't aware we were discussing anything else."

One of the goblins stood up. "We are here to represent Harry James Potter and his family against your guardianship request."

"We are here to discover why there is a special session that none of us received notice regarding until Gringotts sent out the notices regarding the case." Lucius looked directly at Dumbledore. "We are also wondering why you are asking for custody when as you can see there are numerous family members here and who have in the past ten years asked for custody of Harry Potter and demanded you present him."

Severus was going to enjoy this. He had warned Lucius regarding the issue of Harry's custody and he was sure the goblins and Lucius weren't something that Dumbledore expected. Mincer, the barrister they met with at Gringotts, rose. "We can end it right now. According to the Potters' Will, Albus Dumbledore was never to gain custody. He was listed in their will as the one person who doesn't have the power to decide where Harry resided based on his past history of handling children's issues. James and Lily Potter left a list of potential guardians which was ignored."

A tall, thin woman stood up. "I am here in regards to the custody and the past issues we have had regarding Albus Dumbledore's record for not caring about abused or neglected children and returning them to their homes. We do not believe that he is even remotely responsible enough to handle a child in his care."

Chaos broke out and Severus was enjoying himself. He wished Petunia and Vernon could have been present. He thought they would have loved to see this. The tutoring area was going to be interesting as Dumbledore wasn't going to be able to use Lupin. "Actually, according to his petition, he wishes to obtain custody but permit the Weasley family to adopt him." Lucius held up a copy of the petition. "I fail to see how you could ask for custody yet permit another family to adopt him after removing him from his family, ignoring his family connections, and suggest that a family not related to him to adopt him after you kept him hidden for a decade."

"This seems to be a common question as it is also my question." Another person stood up. He was a short thin man who looked to be in his fifties. "I am here representing the Peverell family of which Harry James Potter is the current heir. We have the strongest claim and have been attempting to gain custody of Harry since the night his parents were killed."

A witch stood up. She was tall, average weight, with the crazy hair associated with the Black family. "I am also interested in the question as I am here representing the Black Family."

Severus watched as three more people stood up. They were representing their families. "I can assure you I was doing the very best for Harry at the time. It was a dangerous time and I needed to protect Harry."

"Yet you ignored all the other kids who were in danger when their parents or family members were killed. How many children were left without a home yet you snatched Harry Potter from our world and promoted your version of events that happened that night." Mincer rose and stepped toward the middle of the courtroom. "You sealed the Potters' will in a special session that did not meet the requirements for a special session nor for sealing of the wills. You did that in one night. After that, you promoted your idea of what happened that night including having books written. All the funds from those books going to your accounts despite claiming in the press release that the books were based on Harry's life and with Harry and his family's permission. You also stated that the books were about his adventures and life. You also stated that any letter would be answered by Harry as well as any gifts would be given to Harry. I believe we have a large list of questions we are demanding that you address before the issue of Harry's custody is even discussed." Mincer walked to the table he had set his files. He picked up some files. "I have copies of the contracts here."

When Mincer had stated he was going to create trouble for Dumbledore, Severus hadn't expected Mincer to go directly for Dumbledore's jugular vein. He wasn't surprised as Mincer was a goblin and they didn't waste any time. "I believe we love to have those questions answered as well as charges pressed for kidnapping." Lucius looked directly at Dumbledore.

"I believe I can settle it all once and for all." A new voice spoke from the doorway. A tall man stood there. He was tall with piercing green eyes. "Harry is my nephew and heir Potter. I am Robert Evans, the half brother of Petunia and Lily Evans."

Chapter Text

Robert Evans walked into the session. He handed some paperwork to the goblins. several scrolls, several official-looking pieces of parchment, as well as some folders. "I believe I can clear up numerous issues." He pointed to the paperwork he presented to the goblins. The goblins were already reviewing everything. Mincer seemed excited by what he was reviewing. "Petunia was adopted and as you can see there is a bit of an age difference between us. I was already finished attending Hogwarts and my parents wanted another baby. Petunia was a squib and needed a home. My mother was from the Rosier family while my father was from a lesser family line of the Peverell. They adopted her when she was a few days old. If she wishes to provide the background information on who her biological parents are, it is up to her. Three years later, Lily was also adopted. Lily was a Black and a Rosier. Her parents were Cygnus Black and Druella Rosier. You will discover the original birth certificate in the paperwork as well as the adoption agreement, including the blood adoption ritual too." Robert's hair just started turning silver. He was tall, thin, and wiry looking. He had the green eyes that Severus associated with Lily but had a lot of Petunia's features.

One of the underling goblins held some of the parchment and grabbed some other paperwork, walked it to Madam Bones. Mincer was sorting through the rest of the paperwork and putting some of the paperwork into a pile and gave another underling more to take to Madam Bones. Mincer had a delighted grin on his face. "Why haven't you stepped forward before now?" Madam Bones was impressed by the vast amount of paperwork and began to review it. She was very aware that Dumbledore was expecting quick and easy sneak stuff through the session and hoped to get it all done before anyone realized what was happening. He wasn't expecting all these people asking questions, the goblins, and certainly not Robert Evans.

"I have attempted to gain custody of my nephew for a decade. Headmaster Dumbledore has stopped every petition, every request, and even letter from reaching the correct hands for me to be able to do so. I did speak to Gringotts. I was informed that my sister, Petunia, and her husband, Vernon, have provided excellent home life for our nephew and I have no desire to change that aspect. I am, however, seeking to become his magical guardian if or when Harry returns to the magical world as well as requesting his address since I have had all my owls returned unopened due to whatever preventive measures Dumbledore established." Robert looked around the chambers and realized Harry was already changing the world and in a way that Dumbledore wasn't happy about. Dumbledore wanted full control over his nephew and control over the magical world. No one saw that because of the gentle grandfather image the man used.

"What proof do we have that you are who you say you are? Lily didn't have a brother." Dumbledore looked around the room. He needed to get this dismissed and get everyone to believe that he only had the best for their world and Harry Potter. He needed Harry Potter to be their Savior. He had too many plans and he didn't need them ruined now.

Robert smiled. "I believe Gringotts has evidence. The same evidence that you have been hiding for decades that shows that muggle-borns come from two squibs marrying." Chaos and mummers broke out at those words. If there was proof, perhaps the pure-blood families had more members and it would keep Dumbledore from keeping control. Some were against the idea while others seemed eager to discover the truth. Robert had a feeling a lot of people were going be updating and reviewing their family trees.

Severus was loving the truth bombs that Robert was dropping. The session was even better than he imagined. He wasn't worried about Harry's situation any longer. He was enjoying watching all the hidden secrets being destroyed. He had been watching Lucius who was also enjoying the truth session. On the other hand, Dumbledore was almost shaking with fury. Severus could see the man's knuckles were white as he had his hands curled around the hem of his robe's sleeves. Severus wondered if Dumbledore still had the Elder Wand if he would have attempted to memory charm everyone.

Madam Bones sighed deeply as she reviewed everything. "It's all clear, Albus Dumbledore never should have been granted custody. Lily and James have several people listed for guardianship of their son, including her brother, Robert Evans." Madam Bones looked up and couldn't believe it. Lily had a brother, a brother who was a wizard. Why was it hidden? Did Dumbledore do something? She wouldn't put it passed him to do something. She had never been able to find any evidence against him but she didn't trust Dumbledore.

"Will we be addressing the other issues?" Several asked at once.

"Yes, we will." Madam Bones shot Dumbledore a look. "We will be addressing several things. Gringotts, the contract has been declared invalid per the Potters' Wills and guardianship of Harry is settled. Petunia and Vernon Dursley will retain custody with Robert Evans being Harry's magical guardian and heir trainer. Gringotts will handle the repercussion of the canceled contract and submit any bills to Albus Dumbledore. Albus Dumbledore will responsible for the illegal contracts and the penalties for the broken contract. You will also be responsible for any expenses related to extra training or care that Harry will require because of your failure." Madam Bones frowned as she was skimming the Potters' Wills. "Why are these wills signed by you and it states that Sirius Black was not the Secret Keeper and that Peter Pettigrew was?"

"What?" The outrage was building against Dumbledore. Dumbledore wasn't as clean and light as many thought and the dark was doing a little happy dance at the pillar of the Light getting his crown tarnished.

"He also wasn't given a trial." Mincer watched Dumbledore's face pale. He would have done this trial for free if he had been aware of how much trouble he could create for Dumbledore. He was going to be dining out on stories about this session for months as well as building his coffers as his reputation grew because of it.

Severus thought his jaw must have been on the floor. The Mutt wasn't given a trial. A Lord of an Ancient and Noble house was tossed into Azkaban and as Chief Warlock, Dumbledore was aware that the Mutt wasn't the secret keeper. He wasn't worried about the Mutt getting custody and he was willing to bet that Dumbledore was keeping the Mutt has a back-up plan or some type of test later for Harry. He didn't want to deal with the Mutt or the Wolf if he could help it. Great, just great, I finally get Dumbledore into trouble and it releases the Mutt from trouble. He hoped the Mutt and the Wolf didn't create any issues. He wondered how Vernon and Petunia felt about the Mutt. If they didn't like the wolf, he could imagine how much they hated the Mutt. He looked at Dumbledore and could see the man was thinking.

"I do not believe this or rather any of that should be an issue. I did what I did to protect Harry Potter, our Savior. The one who defeated Voldemort and was in danger of his followers seeking to hurt or even kill him. He couldn't remain in our world and I couldn't release his address to where he was in the muggle world as he would have no protection. I have always sought to protect the children and people of our world."

"Poppycock!" Drusella Black nee Rosier stood in the doorway. "I demanded custody of my grandson. I provided you with proof that he was. The Black wards are famous for protection."

"Exactly. You denied us our rights to our grandson." Cygnus Black stood next to his wife. "Our Lily was aware of who we were. Lily spent her holidays with us after her adoptive parents passed away. We were even at Harry's first birthday party as was Robert."

"Do not try to pretend it was about protecting Harry." Drusella hobbled her way into the room. She got to the first seat and using her cane, hit the young man sitting there. "Stand up and give your elders your sit. Didn't they teach you youngsters manners?" When the young man moved, she nodded her head, sat down. "Thank you, young one."

Cygnus joined his wife and took the second chair abandoned by the young man's wife. "Thank you." Cygnus looked around the room, huffed. "I bet you weren't expecting all these people to oppose you, you old fart. I warned you that keeping him would come back and haunt you."

Chapter Text

Severus was going to cherish this memory for the rest of his life. It appeared everyone in the room had a bone to pick with Dumbledore. Chaos had erupted after the Blacks called Dumbledore an old fart. Madam Bones slammed the gravel down, hard, sending a vibration throughout the chamber to get everyone's attention. "Do sit down so we can proceed." Once everyone was settled, she stood up. "We will go down the list of issues item by item until we get everything settled and see what needs to be done. I am going to skip over any criminal charges until I can speak with the individuals if you wish to press charges or if we uncover any illegal activities for now. I want to resolve the issue regarding Harry Potter and his guardianship." She picked up the top filing. "Mincer, if you would please provide us with the details regarding Harry Potter. "

"Certainly, Madam Bones." Mincer picked up some scrolls from the table he was using. "I have the original wills of James Potter and his wife, Lily Potter nee Evans. It provides a very detailed list of those who would have guardianship over their son, Harry. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore was one of the signers on the document including his initials by each name on the list. He was never to gain custody over their son. Harry was to remain in the magical world under his uncle's guardianship as their first choice. The list goes down in order of their preference." Mincer looked at Severus Snape. "Professor Snape was listed over the Headmaster."

Madam Bones looked at the tall thin woman from Child Protective Services. "Agnes, do you have the petitions for custody of Harry Potter?"

"Yes, Amelia, I do. I have been attempting to locate the child for almost a decade as numerous families applied for custody. We did remove any person or a family that might have a negative view of Harry and his family." She pointed to the stack of scrolls on the table. "Those are all the valid petitions. However, in light of looking through Mr. Evans' information, I can verify that the paperwork he has provided is valid and he is in fact Harry's uncle and should have been granted custody of Harry. I would have had no issue with the boy remaining his aunt and his uncle handling the magical side of the boy's education. I was able to verify that the Headmaster failed to provide any magical guidance or had contact with the boy during the past decade until he attended Hogwarts which he left a week later."

"I must-"

"You will sit down and wait until it is your turn." Madam Bones indicated for an Auror to stand next to Dumbledore. "Do you have any knowledge as to why?"

"Yes, Harry is deaf and the Headmaster was unaware of the issue. Hogwarts wasn't prepared to aid him as well as two students by the name of Ronald Weasley and Hermoine Granger bullying him." She picked up a stack of letters. "These are letters from those who witnessed the bullying." She walked them to Madam Bones. "I also have a certified copy from Gringotts that shows Harry was seen there on the 2nd of November, 1981. They removed a Horcrux that the Headmaster left in the boy's scar. They were able to isolate it and confirm the demise of one Tom Marvolo Riddle or as we know him, He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. They provided the magical death certificate as well as the copy that the Ministry issues when a wizard dies."

Severus was impressed. Agnes was very good at her job. Mincer was grinning, scaring those near him. Agnes' information was enough to bury Dumbledore. Mincer lifted a scroll. "Here is the magical death certificate." He walked it over to Madam Bones. "We informed the Ministry when it was released, however, a certain Headmaster has been advocating his return and has strong word hints in the illegal bonding contract as well as in his guardianship request that indicates he has planned to use the Horcrux to scare people regarding young Heir Potter being evil and dark. He was attempting to arrange a werewolf to tutor Heir Potter to declare Heir Potter corrupted and retaining control over the block of seats Heir Potter will inherit." Mincer picked up a scroll and some parchment. "The parchment is a copy of the contract with the highlighted areas for your review." He handed the parchment to Madam Bones and one to Agnes, Robert Evans, and Cygnus Black. "I can read the parts out loud if you desire."

Madam Bones was skimming the document. "No, I can review this later and address the issues it present at that time. I want to settle the custody of Heir Potter." She didn't like what was highlighted and wondered what else Dumbledore had done. "I did review the wills, Robert Evans is the one they selected for guardianship. Anges?"

"I have vetted him almost a decade ago when he first applied and every time he has requested a hearing to get custody of his nephew. He has my approval."

Cygnus stood up. "I request we be given access to our grandson."

Robert stood up. "I have no problem with granting it. I will speak to my sister and we can meet and work out the details at that time."

Drusella Black shot Dumbledore a nasty look. "Thank you, Robert. I look forward to discussing the situation." Cygnus sat down. He patted his wife's hand.

Robert remained standing. "I want it to be officially listed that my sister and I will share custody of our nephew. We welcome the inclusion of family and those who were close to James and Lily." Robert looked at Severus before glancing around the room.

Severus looked at Dumbledore. He was having a bad day and it was going to get worse as he watched Madam Bones. "Anyone have any objections?" She turned at looked at Dumbledore. "It better be a valid objection, not your greater good line, and how you were doing what you thought was best."

Dumbledore stood up. "I do not care for the accusations levied at me. I did the best I could to protect Harry Potter. I kept him safe for a decade. He is a Horcrux and we must prevent the darkness of soul magic from corrupting him. We must be vigilant in the guarding of our world from the darkness that seeps in from such evil magic. I am in the sole position to prevent him from turning fully dark and destroying our world. A Horcrux is dangerous and corrupts the soul of the individual who crafted them. Harry Potter is the first living Horcrux and we do not know what it will do to his soul, his mind, and how it might influence him. Tom Riddle was the darkest Dark Lord and left the tint of his evilness in Harry. He is also going to return due to his numerous Horcruxes. When I first removed Harry from our world, I wasn't aware of the Horcrux, and only after years of research did I discover how Tom Riddle planned on returning to our world. He will return."

Severus noticed that Mincer looked like he just won the lottery and would fill his coffers for the rest of his life and five generations later. Mincer searched his pile of parchment and scrolls as Dumbledore spoke. Severus was very aware that Dumbledore just destroyed any hope of claiming innocence. He wondered if Dumbledore comprehended how through the goblins were in their record-keeping and since it concerned a wealthy client, they wouldn't want to risk losing the gold from the accounts. Mincer had a thick stack of parchment that was bound with gold clips. "I present evidence to the contrary. On the 31st of October, 1981, you presented Harry Potter at Gringotts. You were informed of the Horcrux, what it did, how a Horcrux worked including how it affected a human. You declined our services in removing it. The record is at the very bottom of this file. The rest start the day Petunia Dursley nee Evans appeared at Gringotts with Harry in her arms and wanting to have Harry checked as she noticed he startled if anyone approached him from behind and didn't wake up when her son cried as they are only a month apart in age, she noticed a few other issues regarding his hearing. She brought him to Gringotts on the 3rd of November when we removed the Horcrux, purified the wound, his magical core, and body of any dark magic residue. We also removed several binds that were placed on him by the Headmaster. Mrs. Dursley brought her nephew to us for every medical appointment for us to verify that the Horcrux wasn't having any effect on her nephew." Mincer placed the file on Madam Bones' table. "I can also provide books that showcase histories of living humans who were a Horcrux at one time in their lives and they were no different than any other wizard. Harpo the Foul and Tom Marvolo Riddle were not the only ones despite the Headmaster's claims regarding his knowledge regarding Horcruxes."

Severus couldn't wait to review this memory later. Dumbledore's face paled a bit with each sentence Mincer uttered. Severus was also very impressed by Petunia's proactive care of her nephew. Dumbledore stood up quickly, almost upending his chair. "Horcruxes are soul magic. You can not say it hasn't affected the boy. We have to monitor him and watch him. We must keep him from turning dark. He must be prevented from assisting Voldemort in his return. Voldemort has many ways of returning and his soul was tainted beyond redemption. We can not permit this to happen."

Lucius rose, pulling back his left sleeve, showing a bare arm. "There is no link for him to use to return. His mark is gone, his Horcruxes have been destroyed the goblins of Gringotts to which you have my eternal gratefulness as I am many share that feeling. What I am seeing is an old man grabbing at any means necessary to remain in charge of our world. You are in charge of the ICW, you are in charge of our Wizenagamot, and our students' education. You have used fear for over a decade to push bills and your agenda through the Wizenagamot using Harry Potter's block of seats. You have stopped rituals, holidays, even us teaching our children the dangerous aspect of magic that out there and how to avoid the temptation of those dangerous magic. You push peace with the muggles, how we can unite with them. My question to you is how can you preach that when your father died in Azkaban for attacking muggles, your affair with Gellert Grindlewald, and your idea to rule the muggles." Lucius opened his briefcase. "Bathilda Bagshot had a lot of memories she provided as well as a letter to her great-nephew from you." Lucius picked something covered in a protective sleeve. "I do love these muggle things that prevent things from getting damaged. They are called protectors and you can read anything in them without damaging the item." He waved his wand and a stack of parchment appeared. "A copy for everyone to read."

Severus looked down at the parchment that landed in his lap. He picked it up and started reading.

Gellert -

Your point about Wizard dominance being FOR THE MUGGLES' OWN GOOD - this, I think, is the crucial point. Yes, we have been given power and yes, that power gives us the right to rule, but it also gives us responsibilities over the ruled. We must stress this point, it will be the foundation stone upon which we build. Where we are opposed, as we surely will be, this must be the basis of all our counterarguments. We seize control FOR THE GREATER GOOD. And from this, it follows that where we meet resistance, we must use only the force that is necessary and no more. (This was your mistake at Durmstrang! But I do not complain, because if you had not been expelled, we would never have met.)

Albus

Several gasps and cries of outrage were heard. Dumbledore was shaking as he read his copy. "I do believe that was in 1899, a few decades before your famous duel that no one witnessed. Was the duel part of your plan to take control? You did become Headmaster in 1956." Lucius sat down.

Madam Bones held her hand up. "We will address this new information and evidence after we finish Heir Harry Potter. Headmaster, do you have any valid claims regarding the custody of Heir Potter?"

"Of course, I do. I just expressed them." Dumbledore needed the boy's block of seats if he was going to remain in charge and get all this buried. "Horcruxes are very dangerous and unstable. We can not permit the darkness to sweep into our world. Dark magic will destroy us. Harry Potter is a Dark Lord in the making if we do not monitor him, closely and provide a lot of light side influence to counter the taint of dark magic that has scarred his very soul."

"I am going to say no." Madam Bones picked up her quill. "Custody is granted to Robert Evans as Heir Harry Potter's magical guardian sharing custody with his sister, Petunia Dursley nee Evans, and access granted to Cygnux and Dursella Black and other family members to be determined by Heir Potter's guardians. I am sure the Board of Education will be able to provide any information regarding tutors since Heir Potter will remain in a muggle school yet is also handling his magical obligations." She signed her name and picked up her gravel, a loud bang closed the case. Madam Bones was had another mess to handle. "I am unclear to what charges we can charge the Headmaster with in regards to the events revealed during this session." She looked around the room. "The claims are not being dismissed. I believe those with claims that haven't been heard or submitted, please speak to the Aurors, file a report." She turned and faced Dumbledore. "You are bound to Hogwarts and will not leave until this matter is settled. If I could, I would remove you from the position of Headmaster based on your handling of Heir Harry Potter. I will be investigating all the information regarding the claims."

"Amelia, surely you can not permit this tragic course of injustice. I have done nothing wrong and am being falsely accused and maligned. I have always strived for the best in our world."

"Dawlish, Lincoln, and Jackson will be your escorts for today until I set up a shift for Hogwarts. Please escort the Headmaster back to Hogwarts."

The Aurors started toward Dumbledore who flicked his wrist, forgetting he didn't have his Elder Wand any longer. He was hit by several stunners as he started to cast an area effect memory charm using the wards he had tapped into years ago. "Get one of the Unspeakables in here and check to see what he did to the wards." Madam Bones looked at the fallen form of Dumbledore. "Put him in a holding cell."

Severus watched as Dumbledore was dragged out of the courtroom. He never felt so elated in his life.

Chapter Text

Severus was waiting for Robert Evans to finish meeting with the different family members. Petunia and Vernon were going to be surprised by the number of people who cared about Harry and wanted to be in his life. They were fine with leaving Robert in charge of everything as long as they got to meet with Harry, Petunia, and Vernon. Severus wasn't sure how Petunia and Vernon were going to react to all the wizards and witches who wanted to be part of their lives. It was going to be a wild ride for all those involved. Petunia being a squib opened a few more doors. Doors that Dumbledore didn't want her to be aware of.

Robert saw him waiting and eventually was able to break free and headed toward him. "Severus, pleasure seeing you again."

"Robert, I must say I was surprised as I haven't seen you in over a decade." Severus had wondered why he didn't remember Robert but after Dumbledore just tried to memory charm everyone, he was willing to bet a lot of people had a memory charm regarding Robert.

"I blame Dumbledore for that aspect. He placed a forgetfulness spell on my name." Robert hadn't been aware it had been on his name and had tried to fix it for a while before he realized it was on his name, not his person.

"Memory charm." Severus wasn't surprised now by Dumbledore's deeds. While Voldemort was dark and crazy, Dumbledore was turning out just as dark and crazy but a manageable crazy that Dumbledore spent decades crafting. "Petunia will be glad to see you."

"I will be glad to see her again. Dumbledore and his games." Robert shook his head. They headed out of the Ministry. Once outside, they stepped off of the sidewalk into an alleyway to speak. Robert wove a privacy charm. "We have a lot to discuss. I am going to assume you and Petunia have spoken regarding Harry?"

"Yes, I was with her when we arranged for Gringotts to represent her here today. I was unaware of everything until a few days ago. Harry is a lot like his mother." Severus was going to cherish today for the next decade. Seeing Dumbledore fall from grace was amazing. While he worked for Dumbledore he was aware of how dark and sneaky the man could be. Dumbledore may use guilt to get his way but he also wasn't above blackmailing people. Dumbledore used his Death Eater status and the guilt regarding Lily's death to get his way with him all the time.

"Good, James may have been a good man but I hated his pranks and his friends." Robert was never able to figure out why or how Lily fell for such an immature person such as James.

"You aren't the only one. I have never cared for the Marauders." Severus thought that was an understatement. Yes, he owed James a life debt because of Black' prank but it had almost cost Lupin and him their lives. He never felt bad that the Mutt ended up in Askaban. He thought the Mutt should have been put in Azkaban during their fifth year. "Petunia's husband, Vernon, cares about Harry despite what Dumbledore might want to claim. He won't give up easily."

"No, I expect he won't. I wouldn't be surprised if he managed to get off on any charge. Black, do you think he will be an issue? I can't stand him." Robert didn't want to deal with Sirius Black but he had a feeling the rest of the Black family would assist him in regards to Sirius. Sirius wasn't a very well-liked individual by his family. Many thought he was a spoiled ungrateful boy who never wanted to grow up. Sirius had a Peter Pan personality.

"Black will want to see Harry if he gets released from Azkaban. There had to be a reason why Dumbledore left him there and it is all about Harry." Severus wasn't sure how sane the man would be after a decade in the worst place on earth. No one, despite how much he hated the Mutt, deserved to be in Azkaban if they were innocent. He firmly believed Azkaban was enough to keep some people from killing or cursing the muggles.

Robert sighed. "Yes, but I am glad he has been exposed and there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it's not lead by Dumbledore."

Severus laughed. "We can head to Petunia's now if you wish. I am sure she is eager to hear from you as I believe the goblins would have already visited." Mincer had left as soon as Dumbledore was escorted out and Severus was aware of how quickly the goblins moved when it came to increasing their gold.

_________Meanwhile:___________________________________

Petunia had been cleaning the kitchen since she got up this morning. Vernon had gone to work but had called almost hourly hoping for an update. Dudley and Harry were off at school. Dudley wouldn't be back home until Yule but Harry would be home tonight. She was glad to have at least one of her boys home. She didn't get much sleep last night because of worrying about Dumbledore, Harry, and anything weird her mind imagined happening because of magic. Yes, she was aware a lot of it was her imagination but it was also magic, anything could be possible with magic. Right?

Petunia heard a knock on her door, dried her hands, and headed to the door. She worked on keeping her hopes from rising as she did so as well as her fears. She opened the door and Ironclaw was with some other goblins. "Come in. Tea?" She stepped aside.

"We won't be long enough for tea." Ironclaw and Mincer entered but remained in the small hall as she shut the door. "Mincer had a very productive day."

"The sitting room is through there, please sit where you desire." Petunia wasn't sure if they had good or bad news. She hoped the productive day meant it was good news. She followed them. Mincer placed a small pouch on the table and proceeded to pull out a lot of paperwork. "I would love one of those."

Ironclaw grinned. "We sell them for 10 galleons, the fee can be removed from your nephew's vault and it would be legal as you are his guardian as well as your older brother, Robert."

"I would love it." Petunia grabbed her head as something cleared in her mind. She had felt the pressure building but had thought it was a release of the stress she had been holding onto. "Robert, I have an older brother." She felt a bit dizzy as memories flooded through her mind. Memories of Robert playing with them, memories of her parents using magic, and the memory of her being adopted but never feeling unloved in her family. She finally realized what Ironclaw said. "We won?" She was expecting the case to drag on. Dumbledore and his cohorts making it harder for them to keep Harry.

"Do you need anything?" Ironclaw recognized the release of a memory charm. It had to be painful for a muggle.

"No, no, I'm fine." Petunia dismissed his concerns, she wanted more information. "We won?"

"Yes, and more." Mincer pointed to the scrolls. "I just need you to sign these forms and no more worries about Dumbledore. I am sure your brother will be here later. We do have some other interesting news." Mincer informed Petunia of everything that happened as she signed things for him.

Petunia was flooded with relief as she heard that Dumbledore was sitting in a cell. She was in shock. "He did all of that? Will he be charged? May I hire you to make sure he is charged for what he has done to Harry?"

Mincer was going to make sure of it for free but profit was profit. "I will do it at a reduced rate of 50%."

"You're hired." Petunia wanted Dumbledore to fry.

________________________________________________

As soon as the goblins left, Petunia called Vernon at work and informed him of the details. Vernon would pick up Harry on his way home from work and they would go out to celebrate tonight. She just put down the phone when she heard a knock on her door again. She opened the door and Robert was standing there with Severus. "Oh, thank-you, Severus for showing him where we live, come in, come in. I just got off of the phone with Vernon, we are going out to celebrate. No excuses from either of you, you are coming. I want my brother to meet his nephew and Severus, none of this would have happened if you hadn't helped."

"A bit excited, Petunia?" Robert laughed. He hadn't seen his sister this excited about anything since she was very young.

"Yes, yes, I am. Dumbledore memory charmed me and now I remember you, our parents, everything. It's amazing." Petunia felt lighter, started to guide them into the sitting room, and stopped short. "That vile old man put a personality charm on me."

Severus wasn't surprised and it appeared that Robert wasn't either. "He added a forget charm to my name. I will love to have a celebration dinner with my family."

"He has done a lot of things and will be held accountable for them. However, yes, I would love to join you tonight." Severus smiled.

Chapter Text

Severus had been smiling until he arrived back at Hogwarts. He had thoroughly enjoyed his evening with the Dursleys, Robert, and Harry. Most of the conversation had been informing Petunia and Vernon about Dumbledore's reaction. Petunia and Harry were overjoyed at the idea of having more magical family and Dudley did too once Severus and Robert explained some of the different things the magical had to offer via a telephone conversation. Petunia, Severus, and Robert shared stories about accidental magic. Vernon's only concern had been Black and Lupin. They would deal with the pair when it came time.

Severus landed just beyond Hagrid's hunt. He should have thought of a different spot but he was just used to apparating to that spot he didn't think anything of it. Hagrid was waiting for him and very distressed. He should have remembered how small the magical rumor mill was. He wondered what Hagrid had heard versus the truth. Hagrid was very much a Dumbledore fan. "Hagrid." Severus gave a quick bow of his head in acknowledgment.

"Severus, tell me it isn't true?" Hagrid's arms were moving as if he wasn't sure what to do with them. The half-giant didn't seem to know what to do. He was moving a bit as his arms were swinging around. He couldn't decide if his hands belonged in his pockets or not.

"What?" Severus was very aware of how much Hagrid believed he owed Dumbledore and Severus never had the heart to inform the half-giant of the truth. Hagrid was going to take the truth hard. The half-giant was the one Dumbledore relied on to spread all things great and amazing about Albus Dumbledore. Any deed that needed to be spread, Dumbledore would inform Hagrid.

"Dumbledore was arrested." Hagrid had trouble saying the words. He was sure it was a plot or some lie being spread about. There was no possible way that such a great man as Albus Dumbledore could have been arrested.

"Yes, it's true. He is facing a lot of criminal charges. Madam Bones is working on figuring out which ones. Most of them are regarding child abuse." Severus started to walk to Hogwarts. He had hoped it would be the end of the discussion. He had a feeling it wasn't.

"No, he would never do that. Albus Dumbledore is a great man." The last part was almost a roar.

Severus sighed as he stopped walking. He wasn't sure if Hagrid did a roar of denial or rage but he figured he was the only one who would give Hagrid the truth. The rest of the staff would attempt to sugarcoat it and Hagrid would never learn the truth. "Hagrid, here is the truth. I am not sure if you will believe me or not but there was a boy named Tom Marvolo Riddle. Do you remember him from your school days?"

"Aye, I do." Hagrid was trying to figure out what his school days had to do with Voldemort.

Severus pulled out his wand and showed the anagram of I am Lord Voldemort from Tom Marolo Riddle. Hagrid looked surprised. "Tom Riddle became Voldemort." Severus paused to let that information sink in. He saw Hagrid's eyes grow a bit big. "Albus knew exactly who opened the Chamber of Secret and was aware you were innocent. It was how he was able to get you released. He knew you didn't open it nor cause the death of your school mate. However, he never informed anyone nor did he step in and stop Tom from becoming Voldemort. He claimed it was because he had no proof but you were charged without evidence and he let you almost go to Azkaban for it. Dumbledore returned Tom to an abusive orphanage despite Tom asking to remain in our world. Dumbledore has done the same thing to numerous other children. He could have gotten you your wand returned but he is the one who led the charge against dark creatures. There were never any bans on them until he became the deputy." He wasn't sure if Hagrid would be able to hand the idea of Dumbledore knowing Grindelwald.

Hagrid looked stumped. "No, Albus Dumbledore is the greatest man. He would never do so."

Severus could see the half-giant wasn't completely sure. There was some doubt forming. "Go to Gringotts. They can provide you with plenty of evidence to show otherwise. I am not here to debate the truth with you. It will be up to you to discover it if you so desire." Severus turned around and headed to Hogwarts. He had a feeling Minerva would be waiting for him as well as several other staff members. Minerva would be the easiest one, well, he hoped. She was aware of how many students requested not to be returned to an abusive home. The other heads were also aware of it as well as Poppy. It was the rest of the staff that would be hard. They never dealt with Dumbledore on major issues and most of the magical world believed his grandfather act.

Severus wasn't looking forward to the students asking questions once they saw the morning paper. Thankfully, he had Slytherins who weren't so impressed by the headmaster as the rest of the student body was. They would have some questions but nothing compared to what he expected Gryffindor would have. Minerva was going to have a rough week or longer.

"Severus! Please tell me it's not true?" Minerva was already speaking as she exited the front doors of Hogwarts.

Severus wished he had apparated directly into his quarters. "Yes, it's the truth." He wondered if he had a headache potion strong enough for what was incoming.

"Everything?"

"I will need more information regarding what you mean by everything." Severus had strongly resisted the urge to answer with an affirmation but didn't want to push Minerva over the edge as he did like her, generally speaking. The tabby was good to have in your corner. "If you mean regarding what occurred today during the Wizenagatmot session and the arrest of Albus, yes."

"Robert Evans?"

"Is also true." Severus was thankful he hadn't celebrated too much. He had found Harry Potter to be interesting and they had discussed a few different comparisons between chemistry and potions. "Minerva, he has hidden many of his crimes. However, everything always catches up and it has with him. He caused this mess today with his desire for a special session. It caused everything to be revealed."

"Merlin, let's have some tea."

"You are going to need something stronger than tea," Severus warned her. "The goblin, the different family members, and even those who attended were all a bit shocked."

Minerva turned and headed back into Hogwarts. "I will break out the scotch."

___________________________________________________________________________________

Petunia and Vernon were sitting in their living room. Everyone was gone and Harry was in bed. "I do believe that has to be the fastest custody hearing."

"I will give the magical world extra points on that aspect. I thought it was going to take months. I did hire the goblins to look into other matters for us." Petunia put her feet up on the footstool. "Mincer is doing it at half-rate."

"Interesting. Dumbledore does have a lot of enemies. We also seemed to have gained a lot of relatives. I am just thankful that the holidays won't be held at our home every time because based on what Robert and Severus said, we wouldn't have space."

Petunia laughed. "Darling, every single one of the families mentioned is rich. Harry is a Lord many times over as well as an heir to numerous titles in the family. Dudley would have been eligible if he had some magic. We do need to take him to Gringotts and get him tested for some of the non-magical titles."

"Oh, I married up did I?" Vernon smiled at his wife.

"Yes." Petunia laughed as she lifted her head up so that her nose was pointed upward. "You peasants should be grateful."

Vernon wiggled his finger at her. "Yes, your highness." Vernon closed his eyes. "I expect sign language lessons will be incoming for all of them?"

"It seems so. Severus and Robert mentioned them earlier. I passed on our favorite tutor." Petunia closed her eyes. She loved being able to relax at night with her husband. The pair of them just sitting, relaxing, talking about their day, no telly, no phones, no one bothering them.

"I am sure my cousin will appreciate the extra funds. Marge signed up for becoming an interrupter. She had to hire another trainer for the dogs." The sign language skill had enabled Marge to increase the training and sale of her dogs. Her dogs were able to do endurance courses faster and easier than many of the other dogs due to sign language.

"Good." Petunia thought for several moments. "Do you think we should have a gathering for our new family members someplace? A bit of a meet and greet."

"I am sure one of our new family members will host one. I expect a few. Severus and Robert mentioned how eager they were to get to know Harry. We know it wouldn't be for his money or fame since they have it. Robert was informing me of some of the different things each of the magical families were famous for. The Blacks, Peverell,-" Vernon waved his hand. "I am not sure if you heard."

"True and I half-listened. I was too busy regaling Harry with stories of when Severus, Lily, and I were younger. Robert was also adding his own colorful versions of the stories." Petunia had enjoyed talking about her sister. It wasn't often she was able to do so. "It was fun."

Vernon opened his eyes. "Yes, it was. You don't get to speak about your sister, parents, or the past very often. Shall we head up to bed?" Vernon saw his wife open her eyes. "We can finish off a great night of celebration."

Petunia smiled. "I do like that idea. Race you?" Petunia was up and out of her chair before Vernon could grasp what she said. "Turn off the lights, slow poke."

Chapter Text

The months passed by fast. Dumbledore was still trying to get out of the charges but each day more and more were added onto the list of charges. He was still in a holding cell where he held conferences with those who supported him. Molly Weasley and his old friend Doge were the only ones who visited him. They attempted to spread the truth but it was failing.

Hagrid had visited Gringotts and spoken to a barrister. Hagrid had taken a few days off to process the truth. The half-giant had nearly destroyed his hut in his rage. He hired the goblins to get him cleared to carry a wand as well as getting a tutor once he was cleared. He decided he wanted to continue working with animals but he didn't want to remain at Hogwarts if Dumbledore returned. It had taken Minerva and Filius several hours to calm the half-giant down enough that they could rebuild his hut. No one had ever seen Hagrid so upset or angry. Also, since Hagrid couldn't keep a secret, everyone learned the truth regarding his time at Hogwarts and what happened to Myrtle Elizabeth Warren. Her remaining family filed charges against Dumbledore.

Lupin was willing to support Dumbledore until he learned the truth from Minerva and Hagrid. Lupin thought the stories in the Daily Prophet were wrong until Minerva and Hagrid told their tales. Lupin had visited Madam Bones and discovered she had scheduled a trial for Sirius. The trial was one of many that were up for review since the Ministry wanted to make sure that Dumbledore didn't hide any other secrets. Most of the trials were ones that Dumbledore presided over. Black's trial was scheduled as one of the last ones since Madam Bones was asking for a full investigation regarding the events around Black's imprisonment. Dumbledore's was scheduled for after the new year due to the list of pending charges based on the forthcoming trials.

Lupin was shocked to learn the truth of the events surrounding Harry's life after the death of his parents and had hoped to be able to see Harry. It was denied by Petunia, Vernon, Robert, and Harry. Harry didn't like bullies and didn't want anyone who was a follower of Dumbledore's near him for fear of the old fool doing something to him via the follower. Lupin had tried to get Minerva and Severus to interfere but Minera reminded him that she had no say over Harry's life. Severus just slammed the door in the man's face.

Petunia and Vernon took Dudley one weekend in October to Gringotts. They wanted an Inheritance Test on herself and Dudley.

Petunia Melody Dursley nee Evans
Birth name: Baby girl Malfoy (declared dead 11 November 1957/kidnapped and place with muggles 11 November 1957)
Birth father: Abraxas Lucian Malfoy
Birth mother: Serana Morgana Malfoy nee LeStrange
Adopted father: Michael Herbert Evans
Adopted mother: Rose Mary Evans nee Jugson (Squib 2)
DOB: 11 November 1957
Adopted: 12 November 1957-not blood adopted

Magic level: Squib 3

Titles:
none

Property:
Ekrizdis Island (AKA Azkaban)

"What does Squib 3 mean? Does this mean I also own the wizarding prison?" Petunia was going to have to show Robert and Severus the results as she wasn't sure who the family names were and how she might get in touch with them. She did remember Severus mentioning Lucius Malfoy. She wonder if they were siblings?

"Very interesting." Ironclaw looked at the results. "Squib 3 means that if you had married another squib of equal or higher rank, like a 4 or 5, your child would have been declared a muggle-born. If you married one of a lower rank, you had a fifty percent chance of having a magical child. If your son marries a squib, he will have a magical child. Now, regarding Azkaban, I will need to pull the contracts and charter for the island. It will only take me a second to do so. While we do it, your son should take his Inheritance Test."

Dudley wasn't sure about this but he was finding it interesting. He was learning a lot about the magical world from his new relatives. He held out his finger for it to be jabbed with a needle and three blood drops dropped on the special parchment.

Dudley Vernon Dursley
Father: Vernon Herman Dursley
Mother: Petunia Melody Dursley nee Evans
DOB: 23 June 1980

Magic level: Squib 4

Children if magical might be eligible for inherited titles

Petunia looked at Dudley's results. "If he marries another squib they will have magical children?"

"Indeed." Ironclaw opened a big, thick, old leather-bound book. He had laid a scroll down on his desk next to the book. "Now, in reviewing the deed to Ekrizdis Island, you are the half-owner with your brother Lucius Malfoy. I am sure he is unaware of the situation as the contract dates back to the early 1800s between the remaining family members of the Ekrizdis family and the Ministry. The Ministry has been providing the rental fees into a vault that you and your brother share. The funds haven't been used but wisely invested since the opening of the account."

"I believe I need to meet my brother and we need to have a discussion regarding this new situation." Petunia felt elated realizing she had a blood family. Yes, she loved her adoptive parents, her adoptive brother and sister but it wasn't the same as realizing she could learn about her blood family. She could learn her history. She was going to have to speak to Robert and Severus regarding this newest development.

"We can set up a meeting or if you wish, you may use one of our Eagle Owls to send a message to your brother providing him with your muggle address. He is your older brother by three years. I am sure he will welcome another family member." Ironclaw was aware of how dwindling the Malfoy family members were and Lucius had wanted to adopt children but Dumbledore had prevented a lot of dark families from adopting children.

"Thank you, Ironclaw." Petunia took the parchment and quill provided and wrote a very sloppy message to Lucius Malfoy. Ironclaw seeing the mess on the parchment, waved his hand and fixed the parchment. "Thank you. I never used a quill before. Please message me if you need anything." Petunia and Dudley headed out of Gringotts and headed home.

"Mum, is our family increasing again?" Dudley wasn't used to having so many people in their lives. He had to admit he loved the attention the new family members were giving him and Harry. It was also a bit strange to have so many people interested in his life at the same time. He had been aware his mother had been adopted and she always wanted to find her biological family.

"Yes, Dudders, it is." Petunia smiled at her son. They were walking around Diagon Alley looking at the displays. They weren't in a rush to get home. Harry and Vernon were at a Science Fair and wouldn't be home until after 8.

Dudley shrugged. More family meant more presents as well as more people asking about his life. He didn't seem to mind that much. The ones he met so far had been interesting and would answer his questions. They also had shown him some magic after they put up a lot of something called wards that he couldn't see. "Where are we going to have Christmas this year? I don't think everyone will fit in our house."

"At your uncle Robert's house. He has already offered. We will be staying there for the whole holiday and he has an indoor swimming pool." Petunia started to inform Dudley about what they had planned for the Christmas holiday including learning about Yule.

Chapter Text

Lucius Malfoy reread the Gringotts' letter he received twice. He was a bit surprised to learn the news. Harry Potter was his nephew. The sister he thought had died at birth was Petunia Dursley. She had been kidnapped as a baby and given to muggles. His father and mother had been broken by the news of his sister's death. He remembered the funeral and how depressed his mother had been. She had died shortly afterward. His father never recovered fully from their deaths. Lucius had been finished with Hogwarts and almost finished with law school when his father caught Dragon Pox. The man lingered long enough for him to finish law school, tell Lucius how proud he was of him but said he was happy to be joining his wife and baby daughter.

"Darling?" Narcissa had been watching her husband as they ate breakfast. The house had been quieter with Draco at Hogwarts but they still spent their mornings sharing breakfast.

Lucius opened his mouth and closed it again. He just handed the letter to Narcissa. "I have to speak to Severus. He will know where they are."

Narcissa read the letter. She read it again. "Dumbledore?" She wondered if perhaps some of the old Black family magic might be used to punish Dumbledore. She would have to review her family book to check as it had been a while since she needed such spells.

"I believe so. He would be the only one who would be able to do it. However, I am sure there will be no evidence of it since it's been so long." Lucius wanted to kill the old fool. At least his sister was alive. "He must have done it with Lily Potter too. He was always too interested in the Potters and Lily."

"I do agree. Well, she was adopted but it does not change the fact she is your sister. It does make us connected to her new family as well as Harry Potter's family. Oh dear, the light side will not care for that aspect."

"I believe that is why Robert Evans kept it a secret. He refused to mention who her family originally was. He mentioned Lily's. She was a Black and Rosier making her connected to us connected in another way as well as another connection to the dark faction. It might be a way to unite the factions even more so now. So many are learning the truth about Dumbledore and Harry's connection to the Rosier and Black family was mentioned." Lucius felt a bit of relief that his sister wasn't in the magical world as he feared that Dumbledore might have killed her if she had been magical.

"Yes, I was figuring it out using the family tree. I am Lily's third cousin, we had the same great-great-grandfather. I had already written a letter to Petunia Dursley but I hadn't had time to send it. Perhaps a personal visit would be best? I can invite them for tea." Narcissa was already adding the new family members to their annual Yule, New Year, and holidays list as well as their yearly ball during the holiday season.

"Let me speak to Severus first. It doesn't sound like the Dursleys are limiting anyone as family from what I heard during the session. Robert was very open to Cygnus and Drusella visiting." Lucius would write a letter to Severus to set up a time to meet. He wasn't concerned about visiting Hogwarts since Dumbledore was still in the holding cells at the Ministry.

__________________________________________

Severus was a bit surprised to get a letter from Lucius but quickly responded that he could meet with the man on Saturday for lunch. He had a letter from Petunia earlier in the week where she included the copies of the Inheritance Test she and Dudley had taken at Gringotts. She had a few questions regarding her family history and wanted Severus' input regarding the Malfoy and Lestrange families. Robert and Severus had spent a few hours explaining the family history of each family. Petunia had been fearful when she learned the history of the families until Severus explained about Lucius, Lucius' father, and Lucius throwing the party at the realization that the Dark Lord was no more.

Lucius only became a Death Eater because of his father. Abraxas had been friends with Tom Riddle during their school days and while he didn't force Lucius to join, Lucius was pressured into doing so. Lucius was more of a politician and lawyer. He enjoyed a battle of wits over brawn. Yes, Lucius could be dangerous to cross wands with but so was Severus.

The Lestrange family was a bit different seeing as how the only Lestrange family member not dead or in Azkaban was Petunia and Dudley. He suggested that Petunia might look into the Lestrange family charter and see if they could claim any of the estate and think about removing the three in Azkaban from the family lines. Petunia was going to make another trip to Gringotts to discover if it was possible. It would certainly cut down on any magic Bellatrix had especially since they were discussing doing it with the Black line regarding Bellatrix.

Severus picked up his next letter. He smiled a bit as he realized it was from Harry. He had been surprised to receive a letter so quickly but horrified by the grammar. When he spoke to Petunia regarding it, she mentioned that deaf people do not use a lot of useless words like the, is, are, and their writing reflected it but Harry was now enrolled in full English composition classes instead of just the basic one he had been taking in the lower levels. The basic ones were more focused on the students understanding they needed to make sure people understood what they were writing and conveying a point since they were younger. Severus had noticed an improvement in Harry's writing between the first letter and now. Harry had endless questions regarding potions, ingredients, and even harvesting. Severus had sent Harry a list of recommended books regarding the vast areas of potion making. It was delighted to have another student interested in potion making and was now looking forward to Draco and Harry meeting since they were cousins with Harry being a Black and Petunia being a Black and Malfoy.

"Uncle Severus?"

Severus looked up from Harry's letter to see Draco standing in front of him at the Head Table. "Yes, Draco?"

"I got this weird letter from my parents. Is it true?" Draco held the letter out. He wondered if his parents were playing a prank or something on him. He had an aunt who was married as well as two new cousins. His aunt was a squib as well as her son and Harry Potter was also his cousin. He had tried to speak to Harry but Harry never responded. He felt bad when he realized Harry was deaf. He had read the truth and he was very aware many of the students had been shocked about the truth regarding Harry and what Dumbledore had done. The only ones who supported Dumbledore were those in Gryffindor but as more and more stories were released, Dumbledore's supporters had dwindled.

Severus didn't bother to take the letter. He did add a quick privacy spell. "Yes. Your parents will be meeting your aunt soon and I am sure they will provide more information." Severus wasn't about to have the staff have any more gossip regarding Harry and his family than what was already exposed. "Why don't you write to your cousins and aunt. I am sure they would love a letter from you. I do know that Harry is very interested in potions."

Draco's eyes lit up. He smiled at his godfather. "I will. My owl will be able to find them despite the fact they are muggles? Well, I know Harry isn't."

"Yes, your owl will since your aunt is a squib." Severus wishes Draco had spoken to him in his office or quarters but he understood why Draco was confused. He was going to look forward to when Draco got the full truth as he was aware that Lucius wouldn't put much detail into the letter but would alert his son to the latest development. He removed the spell and pocketed the letter from Harry and Lucius. He would respond when he had some free time today.

Severus was enjoying this year at Hogwarts. Less stress, less bullying by Gryffindors since Minerva could and would enforce the rules, unlike Dumbledore who would give Gryffindors a lemon candy of some type and send them off to bed. His Slytherins weren't being targeted since Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger had been in detention almost nightly and their behavior started to improve. He had wondered if the house rivalry would diminish each month a bit since Dumbledore wasn't around to push Gryffindors being good and Slytherins being evil. He hated being called up to the old fool's office once a month with dire warnings about watching his snakes, making sure no snake would being reading anything dark, or practicing any of the pure-blood traditions.

There wasn't much changed in the formal policies as Dumbledore was still considered the Headmaster but Severus was aware that Minerva would not be offered the position of Headmistress as many figured she would. The Board had already spoken to him regarding the position and why they believed she would be unsuitable. Most of the reasons were valid. The woman was overworked, barely paid attention to her lions, followed Dumbledore's policies too easily, and never sought to separate the three positions she had to ease her burden. Filius was the next in line but because he was half-goblin he refused the position due to family ties as well as his dueling career. Severus figured the old fool would have a heart attack once he learned he was fired if he got the charges against him dismissed and they wanted Severus as the Headmaster.

Yes, finally, after all the years of listening to Dumbledore's plots and plans, things were working out in his favor. Karma did work, who knew?

Chapter Text

"Dumbledore!" Severus threw the letter he had just read. It didn't go far but he was so angry the letter sizzled as some flames burned the edges. The letter was from Madam Bones. It seems that Dumbledore was attempting to bargain his way out of the holding cell and his crimes. Dumbledore's bargaining chip was the lives of the children at Hogwarts. Dumbledore was claiming he had placed a charm that would destroy any child registered in the Book of Names that was attending Hogwarts. Everyone would do anything to protect the magical children including permitting Dumbledore to escape free of charge. He wondered if Dumbledore had a safe house he would be able to go. He certainly hoped the old fart didn't expect to return as Headmaster of Hogwarts with a threat hanging over the children. He was sure Molly had been part of this plot. He was trying to remember if Molly had been at Hogwarts since Dumbledore was arrested. He growled as he realized she didn't have to be. She had children here and could have sent them anything and they wouldn't have any idea what their mother was attempting to do.

"Severus?" Minerva had entered the staff room and saw a very angry Severus.

Severus summoned the letter before thrusting it toward Minerva. "Read it." Severus was trying to review what type of spell, potion, or ward would be able to do something like what Dumbledore was planning on doing. He hadn't read anything being able to do but that didn't mean it didn't exist. He would have to research and see if he could locate what might have been used so they could have an idea of what to look for. A potion would be easy to detect if it was something that was able to do that much damage as there would be numerous potion vials. So Severus dismissed them. Spells and wards, those were the tough ones and most likely answer.

"Merlin, as he has gone insane?" Minerva looked paled. "Do you think it's the truth?" Minerva had seemed to age since she learned the truth. The doubt had been there when she learned about Harry, the arrest just seemed to age her more as her faith in Dumbledore began to dim.

"I am not sure. I am willing to bet that Amelia sent you a more detailed letter as well as requesting access to Hogwarts." Severus was hoping the DoM might have some answers. They specialized in magic that was long forgotten and Dumbledore relied on old forgotten magic often.

"Let's go and find out. We have to make sure everyone is safe."

Minerva was shaking a bit. Severus wasn't sure if it was in fear or anger. He had a feeling it was a bit of both as he felt the same way. He held out a calming draught. Minerva didn't question it and Severus took one himself. They headed to the Headmaster's office and found an owl waiting for them. The owl had a thicker letter.

Minerva read the letter before handing it to Severus. She headed to the fireplace and using floo powder called out for Madam Bones' office. She was a bit calmer because of the potion but her anger was just below the surface waiting for a reason to lash out. "Amelia?"

"Minerva, oh thank Merlin. I tried to floo call you but I got no answer so I sent a message. Is it possible for me to bring some members of the DoM, Aurors, and Ward Breakers to search Hogwarts?" Madam Bones looked a bit tired but it wasn't surprising given everything that was happening in their world. People's perceptions were being torn apart and it was creating a lot of confusion.

"Yes, yes, of course. Perhaps bring a few from Gringotts too. I believe their ward breakers are more familiar with Hogwarts." Minerva hoped they would locate the source of whatever Dumbledore did and fast. She thought about sending the children home but Dumbledore said all children in the Book of Names.

"I have already and Ragnak is just waiting for my word to send them over."

"Very good." Minerva looked a bit relieved.

"One other problem we have is Sirius Black. He was never given a trial as you are aware and we discovered that Peter Pettigrew is still alive. He is a brown rat Animagus who will be missing a toe. Sirius is at St. Mungoes and will be until a mind healer clears him." Amelia looked at Severus. Severus got the message. He was going to have to warn the Dursleys and their family members.

"A rat?" Minerva frowned for a second. "Severus, how long do rats general live?" She knew of one fat, lazy, old rat.

"The average lifespan of a pet rat is 2 to 3 years, but some rats may live up to 4 or 5 years." Severus' eyes went big. Pettigrew was here at Hogwarts. He was the rat that Percy had since he was a child and passed it to his brother. "Weasley's rat." He should have wondered why the rat was still alive. He hadn't thought about the thing since he heard Percy during his first year explaining that he had found the rat as a child.

"Yes, his rat. Albus had to have been aware of it since he has his master's in Tranfiguations and has been over to the Weasleys at least twice a month. It's been over a decade."

"Wait, you're saying that Pettigrew is at Hogwarts. He might run if he sees us. Can you catch him and secure him?" Madam Bones quickly flashed to Molly Weasley, Harry Potter, and Dumbledore with his plans. "You don't think Molly was aware, do you?"

Minerva and Severus exchanged a look. "I want to say no but frankly, I wouldn't be surprised. It screams of a plan that Albus would use. He would want to keep Pettigrew close to him so he could get Black released if he felt Harry was slipping away." Severus was going to find out the truth before the Aurors arrived. "We will retrieve him." Severus wondered what other plans Dumbledore had hiding just waiting to spring them on the magical world.

"Yes, we will." Minerva was tired of the games. Dumbledore's crimes opened her eyes to the other areas that Dumbledore had ruined. She hadn't realized how blind she had been.

"I will be there in an hour." Madam Bones turned her head and spoke to someone else. "I need to go. I will see you in an hour."

"Very good." Minerva closed the connection. She looked at Severus. "Let's catch a rat and learn a bit of truth before they arrive."

"Minerva, you sounded almost Slytherin." Severus grinned.

"I am finding it difficult to be a Gryffindor when that man has destroyed so much. I used to think You-Know-Who was the evilest but Albus is giving him a run for his money."

"True."

Chapter Text

Minerva entered the Gryffindor dorm. She saw the rat she needed curled up on the bed, sleeping. She narrowed her eyes as she was tempted to kill the rat but with great restraint, she stunned the gastly man-rat. She didn't bother to pick him up but used her wand to almost throw the stunned rat into the cage. "Merlin, Minerva, I almost thought you were going to kill him."

"I was tempted." Minerva put her wand away as Severus picked up the cage she had set down on the floor. "If he wasn't needed by Amelia, I might have."

Severus understood the frustration. They had some big issues they needed to have answered including what Dumbledore might have done to the Book of Names. "They should be here by now." They headed out of the Gryffindor dorm and many of the lions were wondering what was going on as the two professors left their common room. "I am wondering if it might be best to send the children home?"

"I am not sure. I am afraid if we do, the curse he claims he placed might begin. I would rather wait to decide until the goblins and the Unspeakables can provide us with some answers." Minerva felt as if her world had spun out of control. She would have never had imagined Albus Dumbledore threatening children or using them as a way to escape charges. He was attempting to hold the magical children hostage to get his way. "Severus-"

Severus stopped walking. He looked around before pulling Minerva into an alcove. "Minerva, none of us would have imagined what Albus is doing currently. This isn't our fault. It is on his shoulders and those who have assisted him in being able to do this scheme." Severus held up the cage. "I am sure this rat will be able to provide some answers."

"Have we been so blind?" Minerva had thought Dumbledore stood for what was right not what was right for Albus Dumbledore to keep his power.

"I want to say yes but honestly, the last war was two generals with huge egos battling for control. Each one of them with charisma and charm. I am not sure what happened to the Dark Lord but I am sure we will discover that the man's descent into insanity has a bit of assistance from Albus."

"I want to deny it but I fear you are correct. Tom was never as Albus painted him out to be in the meetings. I dismissed most of his tales because Albus always claimed it was to rally the Order members. Tom applied for a job here at the same time I did. Albus denied him the job. Tom tried it policiatelly but Albus ruined his reputation before he could even claim his seats in the Wizenagamot." Minerva wondered what else Dumbledore had done to keep control.

"Minerva, let's get the facts before we start wondering what else he might have done. He has had over fifty years as headmaster and almost fifty years before that to get things in place. No stressing yourself out until we have more information. I am sure Amelia will be waiting for us. So deep breath, focus on your breathing, and let's make sure we keep the students safe."

"Yes, yes, you are correct." Minerva inhaled deeply. She focused on what needed to be done. The students needed to be protected. "Shall we?"

"We shall." Severus picked up the cage. He shook it a bit. "He is still alive, sadly."

"We do need answers or I would encourage you to experiment on him." They stepped out of the alcove and continued to the Headmaster's office. Severus placed the cage on Dumbledore's desk. "Tea?"

"Yes. I believe we shall need it." Severus opened his potion pouch and removed three bottles of Veritaserum. "I might need more unless one of the Unspeakables brings a bottle or two."

Minerva looked at the rat. "I am sure there are other ways once we can't use truth serum." Minerva thought of a few spells she would love to use on the rat. She didn't get to pick which spell before the floo came to live. She permitted DMLE, the DoM, goblins, Bill Weasley as an apprentice ward breaker, and a few Board members to enter the office. It was a bit crowded. "We got him." She indicated the cage on the desk.

"Where is the Book of Names?" One of the Unspeakables asked.

"We need access to the Ward Stone as well as the wards." A goblin said.

"We need to look through the records and archives." An Auror spoke.

Madam Bones sighed. "I am sure we can accommodate everyone. Stonegrinder, do you know where the Ward Stone is? Will it permit you access to the wards?"

"I do. I have been trying to gain access to the Ward Stone since he took charge." Stonegrinder turned and started issuing orders in gobblygook and then pointed to Bill Weasley. Bill followed the group of goblins as they marched out of the Headmaster's office.

"Wards handled. Book of Names?" Madam Bones looked at the head Unspeakable. "Do you need a secure place to work?"

"Yes, we can move the book to outside of Hogwarts, set up a protective warding area with some runic-" Madam Bones held up her hand. "Yes, yes, I do apologize."

"Minerva?"

Minerva walked to the back of the office. She opened the top drawer of the file cabinet. The Sorting Hat jumped out of the drawer. "It's about time someone opened that drawer. The Headmaster crammed me into it when I refused to sort Harry Potter into Gryffindor. Now, what is going on?"

"Dumbledore is using the Book of Names to threaten the lives of the students if he isn't released from the Ministry holding cells. He kidnapped Harry Potter, charmed Robert Evan's name with forgot him charm, and threw the Mutt into Azkaban without a trial." Severus summed up the problems they were dealing with.

"It is about time someone woke up to what that old fool has been doing. Honestly, he has been placing students in the houses he wants, always casting compulsions on me and the students. He wasn't even meant to be the Headmaster. Hogwarts didn't want him and Armando Dippet didn't want him to be the Headmaster either. He got to be Headmaster by using Imperio on Armado." The Sorting Hat flew into the air and landed on the desk. "Ah, Peter, finally got caught. You will find he is Dumbledore's second cousin. Dumbledore's mother and his grandmother were sisters. Dumbledore used him to control the Marauders. Pettigrew is the one who got James and Sirius to do that prank that broke Severus and Lily apart because Dumbledore was afraid that Severus and Lily would become couple. James wanted Lily. Dumbledore decided to make sure it didn't happen. He needed James and Sirius to be his pawns to keep control. It was originally designed to be Eileen Prince and a child of the Potters. However, James' parents didn't have him until much later. Dumbledore arranged for Eileen to run away with the muggle. He is the one who arranged where they lived. He didn't expect Severus and Lily to become friends."

Severus was trying not to go and kill Dumbledore. "It gets worse, doesn't it?" Madam Bones felt sick. The rest of the remaining people were also feeling disgusted by what they were hearing.

"Much worse. He has been matching people up since he became the deputy. He was the one to set Tom on his path and made sure he would become his rival but he wanted to defeat him and keep his fame. Harry Potter wasn't to live. He went there that night to kill Tom and claim victory again. It was why he wanted to keep Harry away from our world, isolate him from any family but the muggles who he hoped would abuse him so he could play savior. He wanted to fulfill the plan he started when he was a teen. Grindelwald broke away from his plan and that is why the duel occurred, if you want to call it a duel. It was their normal date night, he drugged Grindelwald, placed him in a field, summoned the wand to him before he called the Aurors."

"It's been a complete lie." Minerva was white as a ghost.

"Yes. He is the true Dark Lord but he needed a scape goat to kill those who opposed him. It was why Frank and Alice were attacked. Pettigrew gave them the address. Dumbledore had gotten it from Frank at the previous Order meeting. The LeStranges were upset with Frank because they believed it was Frank who cursed Bellatrix and Narcissa into losing the children they were carrying but it was Dumbledore using polyjuice. He didn't want any more pure-bloods. He has been slowing killing their families either by death or having them disowned as he did with Andromeda Black. He is aware that the magical skills come back into the family lines if they accept new blood. However, he wants control over those skills."

"He wants Harry to fight Tom. He wants to be seen as the mentor of Harry before he arranges Harry's death. Once Harry dies, he can claim the Potter, Black, the founders seats, as well as the LeFay seats. Severus has the Prince and Ravenclaw seats and if Severus tries to leave or change the course Dumbledore has set up, he planned on sending him to his death via Tom or Azkaban. He was the one who had Black send Severus after Lupin that night. Dumbledore cemented Lupin, Black, and Potter as supporters while distancing Severus. It opened Severus to the likes of Malfoy and other dark followers. Lucius needs to have a complete purge. His father and Dumbledore placed so many compulsions on the man, I am sure no one would know the real Lucius. Lucius has been controlled by his father since the day his mother died. Dumbledore started planting the compulsions as soon as he entered Hogwarts."

"I believe everyone is going to be checked." Madam Bones was trying not to get sick as she listed to the hat speak.

"The deaths that people wonder about, they are his kills. Molly Weasley has been his biggest asset. Her baked goods as well as some skillfully placed suggestive compulsion have caused numerous deaths. There are a few caves where they left the bodies. One of the caves has Regulus Black in it. He set it up to use when Harry was to fulfill the role he crafted for him."

"As anyone been recording this?" One of the Unspeakables asked. He had the Book of Names in his hands.

"Yes." Several Aurors held up recording orbs.

Madam Bones closed her eyes. "I am sure there is more information. However, we need to protect the children. Let's work on the Book of Names then we can establish a secure area to speak to the Sorting Hat as well as record everything we learn."

"Agreed." Severus had a lot of review. He needed to speak to Lucius as well as rest of the families involved.

"We will need evidence as well." One of the Unspeakables ran a scan over the Sorting Hat.

"Let's start with the Book of Names." Madam Bones nodded at the Unspeakable holding the book. "Shall we?"

The group headed out of the Headmaster's office and toward the Forbidden Forest. Minerva and Severus remained by the stone wall as the Unspeakables indicated they would work on the other side of the wall. Madam Bones and her Aurors set up recording orbs. Minerva and Severus watched them establish some protective wards as well as a runic boundary line. They began to scan the book. After about thirty minutes, the Unspeakables started laughing.

"What is so funny?" Madam Bones hoped they weren't going to say that the book was a fake.

"He did place several nasty curses on the book that would activate if he wished but the problem is, he didn't link the book to the names. The names aren't cursed. The curses on the book could only be activated if he link the two together. He had the skill with charms and transfiguation but he didn't have the skill required for the runes to be active. The runes are there but he has misaligned the order of runes as well as transposed some of them. It's almost as if two different people did the work."

"Molly nor Albus took runes but Peter did. He barely passed his OWLs. I remember because Dumbledore had tried to get him accepted into the NEWT level class. He did have Lupin teach him over the summer holiday in the hopes of getting him a better grade. Ronald is exactly the same type of student Molly was and the words out of his mouth remind me exactly of his mother." Minerva thought it explained so much.

"Are the students safe?" Madam Boens wondered.

"Yes. They wouldn't have been if Dumbledore had gotten his hands on the book." The Unspeakable closed the book. "We will need to remove curses before we return it."

Severus and Minerva felt their tenson leave their bodies as they heard the students and anyone in the Book of Names was safe. "Next is the wards." Severus didn't want to take a chance of Dumbledore having other ways of hurting the students or staff.

"Thank you, Unspeakable Tinton." Madam Bones ceased the orbs recording. "Shall we join the goblins?" Madam Bones and the Aurors headed back to Hogwarts. Minerva and Severus followed.