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Death Becomes Him

Summary:

Dumbledore tries to kill Harry, it doesn't work

Chapter Text

Several Death Eaters were roaming around waiting for the Dark Lord, Lucius, and Severus to finish a meeting. The Elites were taunting the minor Death Eaters out of boredom. Narcissa was working on keeping Bellatrix under control. They weren't expecting Draco Malfoy to come dashing out of the floo with George and Fred Weasley who were carrying a body between them (think Weekend at Bernie's). "They killed Harry!"

"Draco?" Narcissa was up and heading toward her son. He was too pale and shaking.

"Granger and the two youngest Weasleys killed Potter!" Draco pointed to the body the twins were carrying. "They just entered the room, made sure he was alone and green light flying at Harry."

The twins had Harry's body hanging between them. You could see some streaks of tears. "Granger AK'ed him." It was silent for several seconds as people processed what the twins announced.

"Ding Dong, the brat is dead." Bellatrix cheerfully started to clap and dance. Chaos filled the room as many were shocked by Bellatrix's words as well as the actions of those who were thought to be Harry Potter's friends.

The Dark Lord, Lucius, and Severus exited the office when the loudness reached them. "What is going on?" The Dark Lord sent a few curses to some people to get everyone's attention.

"My lord, Harry Potter is dead by the wand of Granger with the assistance of the two youngest Weasleys." Narcissa had her wand out with the scan results still attached to the end. "It shows he was killed within the hour."

"Severus, Lucius, Draco, Weasley twins, bring Harry into my office." The trio moved forward as Lucius and Severus headed to the office. "The rest of you dismissed, NOW!" The Dark Lord sent a curse to Bellatrix as the woman started singing her song about the death of Harry Potter. "Bellatrix, be grateful I am not using the Killing Curse. Lestrange, get your wife out of here." Narcissa handed the results to the Dark Lord. "Narcissa, come with me."

"Yes, my lord." Narcissa followed the Dark Lord into his office.

"walked into the -" Draco was pacing back and forth as George and Fred were sitting on the couch with Harry's body propped between them.

"Start at the beginning please." The Dark Lord walked to Harry's body. "Place him on the table." The twins had tears running down their faces but obeyed as the Dark Lord cleared off the table.

"We were in an unused classroom off of the Defense Hall. Harry had been using it to train and escape Granger and the two Weasley as well as Dumbledore." Draco looked at his father and godfather. "He isn't what you think. Anyways, the twins and I usually join him on Fridays to train since no one will notice the twins arriving or me missing."

"Yes, Dumbledore doesn't want to train Harry and has been using my brother, sister, and Granger to keep him from learning what he needs to learn."

"Harry just learned a few months ago that he was an heir. He never got the muggle-born books, and didn't even know about magic until he got his letter." Draco shook his head. "Anyways, Harry set up some wards in parseltongue to alert him to when the annoying trio is close so that they can't report what he is doing to Dumbledore. The wards went off and he had us hide under a parseltongue invisibility spell since we weren't sure if Dumbledore or it was just them."

"Yeah, they opened the door-" Fred placed a hand on Harry's arm.

"made sure Harry was-" George was leaning against his brother.

"alone. Granger pulled out her wand-" Fred started to choke up.

"She cast the AK." Draco finished up. "The three of them were happy about it. Ginny stated it was about time."

"Our brother laughed as he said he had tried to poison Harry a few times." Fred looked at the Dark Lord.

"Granger admitted to doing it too." George stood up straight.

"We want to get even." The twins announced. "We want to make them pay."

"I do too." Draco's face was determined. He was going to make their lives hell and he had the best accomplishes to do it too.

"How long has he been dead?" The Dark Lord walked to his bookcase.

"We had to wait a few minutes for them to leave but as soon as we did, we exited Hogwarts using the secret tunnels, and I used my port key to go home, then we used the floo to come here." Draco looked at the twins. "Maybe fifteen minutes?"

"Yes, about." The twins agreed.

"I think there are a few rituals we can use. Lucius, Severus, Narcissa?"

"I can think of one or two that would require a few potions which I have crafted in my potion lab." Severus was a bit pale. He had been sick as he listened to what happened to Harry Potter. Granted, he had to pretend to not like the boy and had for many years but he had realized during the boy's fourth year, he wasn't like his father. Harry was more like his mother.

"I believe research is on order." Lucius joined the Dark Lord at the bookcase. The twins and Draco started to search as well. Soon there was a pile of books on a long table with several chairs that the Dark Lord summoned when he banished a couch. Each was reading and discussing anything they located.

Meanwhile:

Harry blinked a bit as he opened his eyes. The light was very bright. He sat up. He wondered where he was. He looked around and noticed the twins, Draco, and what---wait...Severus Snape, Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy, and Voldemort? They were around a table with a lot of books on it. Harry stood up, stretched a bit, and worked a few kinks out. He hated dying. It always made him stiff. He guessed Dumbledore and his goons must have gotten tired of using poison. Harry shook his legs as he walked a bit to get the stiffness out. He walked and stood between Voldemort and Severus. "So what are you reaching? Oh, that ritual won't work, you need a fresh corpse. I could summon one for you but I am not sure why you want to bring it back to life." Harry laughed a bit as everyone freaked out except for Severus Snape who pinched his nose as he lifted his head to look at Harry. "Hi, I am guessing they got tired of using poison." Harry tried to breathe as the twins and Draco hugged him. "Need to breathe."

"Potter, the Boy-Who-Can't-Be-Killed?" Severus arched a brow at Harry.

"What do you mean tired of poisoning you?" Lucius exchanged a glance with his wife.

"How many times have they tried?" Narcissa was thinking of some very creative ways to the ones who are guilty pay dearly.

The Dark Lord looked at Harry. "How many times have you died, Brat?" He leaned closer to Harry. "You know how you are returning, don't you?"

"Why should I tell anyone? Each side wants me dead." Harry looked directly at the Dark Lord.

The Dark Lord inhaled deeply. "He does have a point." Draco didn't want to be cursed but he wanted Harry to be on their side.

"Yes, he does. How about a truce?" The Dark Lord held out his hand. "No attempting to kill, curse, or maim anyone in the room while we discuss this. Does that meet with your approval?"

"Yes, and I agree." Magic passed between the two. Harry grinned as the Dark Lord and the others wondered how. "Wandless. Death likes me." Harry wandless summoned a chair and sat down. "I am a necromancer. It was his gift to me after the Dursleys killed me before Hogwarts. He couldn't provide much information before Hogwarts because he was a bit afraid Dumbledore might take a stroll through my head and see something." Harry yawned a bit. "Sorry, dying makes me hungry and tired."

"How about you explain why the Killing Curse never works on you?" Draco arched a brow at his friend. "I mean, you survived as a kid and I don't think it was because of love like Dumbledore likes to spout off about."

"Death can explain it better but it was partially because of a ritual my mother used that when Ding Dong there asked her to move aside three times provided me with her protection that was requested by Severus Snape. It transferred to me, protecting me. However, normally, it wouldn't save anyone from the Killing Curse as you well know. I am heir Slytherin via the Peverell line and heir Gryffindor via the Peverall line from what I have researched so far. The Potters and Gaunts are direct descendants and my mother was a Gaunt thanks to her great-great-grandmother. I discovered that information when my aunt decided she wanted a family tree done. The two things combined and protected me a bit more." Harry looked at the Dark Lord. "Dumbledore set you up so that I would be the Slytherin Lord and when I died, he would be able to take control of everything."

The Dark Lord closed his eyes. "I should have realized once it was revealed you spoke parseltongue."

"I am afraid I am confused." Narcissa was sure she wasn't the only one.

"In the Slytherin line, one parseltongue can not kill or harm an underage parseltongue especially if they are an heir." The Dark Lord wondered why he didn't think of it sooner. It had to be because of the blocks and binds Dumbledore had on him before he died and before he regained most of his sanity.

"Hence Dumbledore's desire for Harry to die at the correct time. My lord, I do not believe Dumbledore is aware of these attempts because Harry won't turn eighteen until July unless he has a marriage contract lined up and plans on having your sister claim the titles because of an unfilled marriage contract." Severus looked at the Weasley twins.

The twins looked at each other and had a silent conversation. Fred nodded his agreement before facing everyone. "We believe you are correct. She has been bragging about being Lady Potter as far back as we can remember."

"She creeped me out when at ten she announced to me she was going to marry me one day. I don't think she realized I heard her but it was the first time I met her at King's Cross." Harry shook his head. "Sorry, but she doesn't do it for me. She is just the wrong everything for me."

"What do you mean?" Lucius wondered what Harry was talking about.

"She is too loud, too bossy, too crass, too easy, too deceitful, and the wrong sex." Harry shuddered at the idea of going anywhere near the girl. "Not to mention the murder attempts."

Severus looked at Harry before he looked at the twins. "They must be looking to locate the body. We could use this."

"Agreed. Enough Death Eaters saw and heard the twins and Draco. The news will spread and with his missing corpse, Dumbledore will have to find a way to cover this up. Severus?" The Dark Lord looked at Severus before turning to Lucius. "What legal problems might this cause? Does it interfere with anything Harry could do?"

Lucius was thinking as Severus answered. "The Order will believe whatever he spouts out. They didn't see the twins or Draco so I believe if we take the memory from the three of them and send them to Madam Bones, it will cause a lot of problems for Granger and the two youngest Weasleys. While they are busy with it, we have Harry take control of his seats and vaults as well as get his NEWTs."

"I agree. Madam Bones would be able to pursue charges based on the memories and their admittance. However, Harry should get a full Inheritance Test at Gringotts. If his real name is Harry James Potter, perhaps change it a bit to come back to life. We can arrange for his exams to be taken under whatever name he uses. Harry, under family law, because they attempted to kill you, you can get the contract invalidated if it is a legal contract. I do not believe it is or it would have been announced when you turned seventeen." Lucius looked at the twins. "Has anything been said about it at your home?"

"We don't live at home since we opened the store." The twins spoke as one.

"I do know Ginny and our mother has-" Fred was feeling a bit sick at what his siblings and mother were willing to do.

"been working on wedding robes and other items-" George was with his twin with feeling sick.

"but when no one is around. We found-" Fred glanced at Harry. He felt guilty for what his siblings did to Harry.

"the robes and other items-" George couldn't look at his friend and business partner. He felt Harry touch his hand in reassurance. He hadn't realized Harry had moved.

"in our mother's hidden potion closet." The twins finished together. George and Fred felt reassured by Harry. Harry squeezed their hands one more time before heading back to his seat.

"She is obsessed with him. The poem in her first year should have gotten some reaction from McGonagall but it didn't." Draco thought the girl was a stalker of the worst kind.

"She tried but Dumbledore and Molly didn't think it was a big deal. They didn't mention a contract but I wonder what else Dumbledore and Molly have hidden." Severus never paid attention to Molly. He found her annoying. Her daughter was just like her mother. "I am wondering if Molly is using the same policy she followed to get Arthur to marry her. She hounded him throughout Hogwarts until he agreed to go out with her and then they got married."

"It explains so much." The twins said.

"I am going to have to visit Gringotts to see if I have a place to live without Dumbledore becoming aware I am still alive. It will have to be a place he can't gain access to." Harry frowned a bit. "How is he still able to use the Order headquarters?"

Severus looked a bit interested in the question too. "He told us he had permission from Sirius." The twins responded. "When he died, they were afraid that Draco might be" they looked at Harry. "You are Lord Black!"

"I am?"

"Yes, you are. Why didn't you-" Severus pinched his nose. "You didn't go to the will reading did you?"

"I was forbidden from attending." Harry had been furious. "Granger and the two Weasleys went in my place and told me that Sirius didn't leave me anything except for some books about the Marauders' pranks."

"Lies, lies, and more lies." Lucius shook his head. "Draco, you need to return to Hogwarts. We need to discover what is going on."

"I can have Dobby get my important things but leave the rest since we do not want them to know I am alive."

Severus ignored the planning as he thought about what he had learned. The Dark Lord was also quiet and Severus looked at the man. He was wondering what the Dark Lord was thinking. Draco could explain his absence easily enough as he could sign a note for him. He was wondering if or when Dumbledore would call for an Order meeting. He was wondering how Dumbledore was going to cover a missing Harry Potter corpse while looking for it at the same time. Dumbledore would believe the corpse was still in Hogwarts.

"I will give my map for Draco to use."

"Map?" Severus perked up at this.

"Yes, it's a map of Hogwarts. It shows everyone no matter what form they are in and where they are."

"It's a masterpiece. Draco would be able to watch what they are doing without revealing himself." The twins wanted to protect their Draco.

"Let me get Dobby to gather everything. My cloak, my map, and my photo album are the only things I need and everything else is replaceable." Harry summoned Dobby while the twins explained how the map worked.

Dobby appeared. "Oh, Master Harry Potter, they be lying about you. They be claiming you are dead! They searching for your body. They claiming Slytherins did kill you!"

Harry smiled a bit at Dobby. "I am fine as you can. I need you to do something for me. You can't let anyone know I am alive, especially them." Dobby eagerly nodded his head. "Dobby, I need you to get my map, my cloak, my broom, and my album. Leave everything else. Replace my broom with a fake so they think it is mine. I think you can charm one of the brooms in Hogwarts." Harry ordered. "Make sure you aren't seen."

"Dobby do. Dobby be right back." Dobby popped away.

Severus looked at Draco. "Draco, go to my potion lab and pick up the fresh ingredients I have on the table. You were with me gathering ingredients."

Draco left the room and headed to the lab. "The twins need to get to their store so that people will see them and Dumbledore won't have a reason to suspect them." Narcissa stood up.

"Yes, I agree. Lucius, head to the Ministry after Severus removes their memories. We will do Draco before he leaves." The Dark Lord began to plan. "Harry, we are heading to Gringotts right away. We don't want to give them time to make a problem."

"Agreed."

Chapter Text

Harry was tired. It has been a rough few weeks. He had been studying for his NEWTs and he just finished taking the last one. The people on the Dark Lord's side had a vast array of knowledge and Harry took OWLs that weren't offered at Hogwarts and would take the NEWTs on them later. Harry learned the Dark Lord was as harsh as Severus when it came to teaching. Harry was eager to learn what they were teaching him. There were days he thought his head would explode from what felt was being stuffed into his head. Severus, Lucius, and the Dark Lord showed Harry how to study and how to organize this study time to be more efficient. Harry showed them Granger's organizational school study they were a bit shocked.

"Harry, there is a reason she called it a revision schedule. It wasn't about making the most of your lessons. This is about just rereading old material which for someone like Granger would be a great way to study but you are more visual. It is why you do so well in classes like defense." Severus was trying not to think of ways to kill Dumbledore. After listening to what Harry had endured during his Hogwarts years, Severus agreed with Lucius and the Dark Lord to wait to discuss his past.

"I believe doing the spells more as well as flashcards, perhaps?" The Dark Lord had suggested.

Harry had been a bit surprised to discover the flashcards and doing the spells had worked much better for him. Yes, he could read and understand what was written but he had a hard time putting what he read into action. However, if he read the information and then used his wand to apply it to what he read, he was able to progress faster. Harry learned some shortcuts regarding math and how to diagram a sentence to improve his English and writing. Harry was a bit anxious to get his results but he was also anxious about what they were planning on doing. Severus had attended a meeting after Harry's body was discovered missing but only those involved were aware of the issue.

Memory:

Severus felt the Order coin heat up. "Dumbledore is aware."

"I wonder how long it took Granger and Weasley to explain what happened? Dumbledore didn't waste any time summoning you." Harry pulled out his Order coin. It didn't heat up. "Must be only a select few attending."

Severus looked at Harry's coin as his coin was still lit up showing he was being summoned. "New option to the coins?"

"Granger designed them so she could have set it with two different code words." Harry tossed his coin onto the table where everyone was still sitting around. The twins pulled out their coins which had not been activated either. "I wonder who the select group is?"

"I am sure I can guess." Severus had thought for a few years that Dumbledore had been using pawns to control Harry. Now, he was going to discover the truth.

"It should be an interesting meeting." Harry looked at the twins. "Any new potions that might be helpful?"

"No, our new eavesdropping potion-"

"Still has a few bugs-"

"We need to work on." The twins pulled out a few potion bottles.

"Anything else?" Harry prodded.

"We do have a new potion that can make you disappear and reappear."

"It worked out, Fred?"

"Yes, it did."

"How do you know he is Fred?" Severus had spent many years trying to figure out the differences between the Weasely twins.

Draco smiled. "Fred always speaks first. George is a bit more cautious about what he says. It's minor things but if you watch them enough you can hear the differences."

"Except Harry-"

"He always knew who was who-"

"It's part of his magic."

"Their magic is a bit different. Fred is a bit bluer than green around him while George is greener than blue."

"Death Magic?" Lucius wondered.

"I am not sure. I can see the magic around each of you. At Hogwarts, I had to tone it down as there were too many people and it was so bright.

Severus growled a bit as the coin heated up again. "I better go. I don't think it will take long. While I am gone, I would recommend getting as much done as possible. He won't link anything to me if I am with him."

Severus POV:

Severus arrived at Grimmauld Place. He was going to have to remember to mention to Lucius that Harry could close down Grimmauld Place forcing the Order to relocate their headquarters to either the Burrow or Hogwarts. He made his way inside and wasn't surprised to be greeted by Molly Weasley. "Good, good, we are waiting in the library for you. I was getting some tea for us, do you fancy a cup?"

"No." Severus headed to the library. He opened the door and wasn't surprised by those who were present. Granger and Weasley looked as if they had been fighting while the youngest looked a bit drained. Lupin was asking Dumbledore why he had been summoned. "Yes, why have we been summoned? I do have other things to do."

"As soon as Molly returns, we can get started, my boy." Dumbledore smiled at them. Molly returned carrying several mugs filled with tea. Severus was grateful he didn't want a cup of tea since she was using tea bags. "Ah, Molly, perfect, perfect, let's get started."

Severus sat down. Dumbledore put up some privacy wards. "We have a bit of an issue." The Annoying Trio looked grumbled but didn't say anything after a stern look of warning from Dumbledore as Molly told them to hush. "Hermione discovered Harry dead earlier and when she came to inform me, we discovered the body was missing."

Severus was a bit impressed by the lie. He wondered how Dumbledore would explain Harry's death after the truth was revealed. "How exactly did he die?"

"We are unsure. It is why we need to locate the boy. It might also be a plot by the darker faction to replace Harry with someone who will support them." Dumbledore ran his hands down his beard. "We must locate the body to prevent anyone from replacing Harry."

"Do we know how Harry died?" Lupin was choking back some tears.

"I am afraid we do not know as of yet." Dumbledore continued to run his hand down his beard. Severus thought it was a sure sign the man was lying. "We can determine the cause once we locate the corpse."

Severus was willing to bet the real corpse would have disappeared and Dumbledore would use a fake Harry to prevent anyone from learning the truth and he was willing to bet that was the true plan once Dumbledore learned his pets killed Harry. Dumbledore didn't want Harry to die until Dumbledore determined when Harry needed to die. Judging from how the Annoying Trio was acting, Dumbledore must have reamed them out before coming up with a new plan. "Where was he killed?"

"Some rotten Slytherins did it in the dungeons," Weasley growled out.

Severus was about to retort but Dumbledore held up his hand. "Now, Ronald, we don't know that for a fact. We must locate Harry and fast. Severus, do you know any potions or spells that might assist us in locating Harry's corpse?"

"No, any type of magic that would be able to do such a deed has been classified as illegal as it is Death Magic." Severus wasn't about to have Dumbledore get him charged with illegal potion usage.

"Indeed." Dumbledore seemed a bit upset to be denied by Severus but only for a few seconds and Severus recognized that Dumbledore was going to ask him to do so anyway. "Perhaps we could turn a blind eye since it would be for the greater good."

"I want it in writing. I am not getting arrested for crafting a potion or using an illegal magic spell." Severus was going to protect himself so he didn't get into trouble if or when Dumbledore decided he wasn't needed any longer.

"Yes, yes, of course, if you would get started straight away."

"I will not until I have the letter." Severus was already planning on what he would need to order but he was going to make sure they did locate a corpse. They might have to change their plans but Dumbledore would get into trouble as well when this memory was also used. The memories Madam Bones would get wouldn't show what happened to Harry's corpse but it was going to be fun ruining Dumbledore.

"I will get it to you."

Memory ends

Severus returned to Malfoy Manor that night and they had to slightly revamp their plans. The Weasley Twins knew exactly how to help create a corpse for them to use as well as wanted to assist Severus with the potion.

Chapter Text

Flashback still:

Harry was staring at his corpse. It was a bit freaky to see himself dead. He looked peaceful but he could see the damage done to his body by his relatives and adventures. He was very impressed by the lifelike aspect of his corpse. Well, dead-like aspect? Fred and George did an amazing job. "I think a note should be included."

"A note?" Draco frowned as if trying to understand why a note should be included. "Most of the employees at the Ministry are idiots but I don't think a note would be needed for them to realize you are dead. Granted some might need a detailed map just to get out of a box."

"Yes, a simple note to explain why my corpse disappeared and appeared in the Ministry." Harry grinned at them. He did like Draco's analogy.

The Dark Lord, Lucius, and Severus laughed. "Our little Harryikens is such a snake." The twins ruffled Harry's hair as they admired their handiwork. Since Granger used the Killing Curse, they didn't have to worry about creating a cause of death. They did include the past trauma from Harry's years at Hogwarts as well as what his relatives did to him.

***small flashback****

"Harryikens, we need to know where you were hurt during each year at Hogwarts as confirmation." Fred could see that George was adding their growth potion to different organs so they would be the size a human would have in their bodies. The Dark Lord and Lucius had been transfiguring different items into different aspects of a body.

Severus was using an anatomy book to place the different transfigured objects into the boy. Harry had donated some of his blood, hair, skin cells, and magic for the twins to use as they transfigured one of their prank dolls into a human-like dead Harry. The twins had started a line of toys for children that had minor surprises in them based on the muggle toy called a Jack In The Box.

Harry was sitting down as Severus ordered him. Harry wasn't thrilled at the order but recognized he had expelled a lot of magic coming back from the dead and for his corpse. "Well, the first year, I had burned my hands because of Quirrell." Harry quickly explained his first year.

Lucius looked at the Dark Lord as Harry moved on to his second year. "A Basilisk?" Severus pulled out his wand as he moved toward Harry and ran a scan of him. They watched as a piece of parchment was produced and kept growing. No one was happy as they watched the parchment grow. "We will be reviewing this list to fix you later." Severus began to scan the list. He stopped at one point and looked shocked as he said, "Phoenix tears, Basilisk venom and it is still in your system."

"How are you still alive? The venom should have killed you." Draco since he was interested in potions was very versed in potions.

"Parseltongue. It had to be why the old fool sent his bird." The Dark Lord was thinking as he was reading the scan Severus did. "Make sure each of these injuries shows up in the doll. Dumbledore will have to explain everything including the massive number of concussions."

"Indeed." Severus was trying to process that he had been in danger of dying for failing to fulfill the Vow of Protection he had taken. Dumbledore was the one that forced him to make such a vow and Dumbledore had been the one who had been endangering the vow. He buried the anger he felt building. He was going to make that lemon-loving headmaster pay dearly.

"We need to get the Basilisk too. We can sell the parts and Dumbledore won't like the connection to the selling of parts and the results of my corpse having Basilisk venom. He will believe Tom-" Harry ignored the small growl the Dark Lord made at his muggle name "entered the school and most likely believe that he is using the funds to fund the war he wants."

"We can plan that later, let's finish this first. We don't want to delay too long. I believe placing the body in the Ministry before the start of the day would be best, many will see it as they enter and lessen the chances of it being covered up." Lucius looked at Severus and the Dark Lord. "I was thinking of the fountain. Harry, the twins, and Draco grinned.

***end mini flashback***

"A note saying how Harry's body was to be automatically delivered to the Ministry after the various poison attempts by the three annoying lions." The Dark Lord wanted to eliminate as many of Dumbledore's supporters as possible while removing as many followers or believers he has while showing the masses that Dumbledore wasn't Merlin.

"Oh, it will have as well as the name and address of my muggle relatives," Harry was looking forward to hearing about how they would pay for what they did to him. He had always hoped his cousin would break free after the Dementors but he had a feeling because his uncle had drilled into Dudley it was fine to bully Harry and those who were different at such a young age, Dudley had been lost to the hatred his parents taught him.

"We can always retrieve them from wherever the Ministry places them for their crimes to make them pay." Lucius exchanged a knowing look with Severus.

"Yes, Dumbledore won't want them to go to Azkaban despite me believing should be placed there." Harry thought for a second. "The court of public opinion will put pressure on the Ministry and prevent Dumbledore's theory about how families love each other and would never abuse family members. Perhaps a certain reporter could leak out the letter. It just happens she has a grudge against Granger and I am sure she will be willing to do it."

"The story of the beetle in the jar?" The twins remembered their brother talking about Granger losing it because she had insisted that she had Skeeter in a jar and would let her go once she realized to keep her poison quill to herself. Ron thought Granger was mental and had dismissed the bug in a jar.

"Yes." Harry had never realized how much he let escape his notice until after the first poisoning. (Yes, I will tell you about them.) It was when he had his eyes opened and began to research, review, and start to question Dumbledore and the Order.

Draco, Severus, Lucius, and the Dark Lord were aware they were missing something important regarding Rita Skeeter. Harry saw their confusion. "Let's just say she broke the law the same way the Marauders did and Granger decided to punish her by keeping her in a jar." Severus immediately understood what Harry was telling him and agreed.

"We would need her to register immediately or perhaps cover her fine for failing to do so. I am sure Lucius would be able to represent her to keep her out of Azkaban."

"We could also have the registration misfiled and suddenly discovered with the correct magical spell." Lucius was very aware of how much was misfiled in the Ministry for a variety of reasons. "While we do this, Fred and George will need to get Harry to Gringotts for a new identity, protection for his lordships, and his vaults."

"Excellent, let's get this finished so we can get it done by the morning which is about four hours." The Dark Lord was aware of how tired everyone was but this was important.

Once they were finished, Severus headed back to Hogwarts with Draco. The Dark Lord used a house elf to move the body to the Ministry. Lucius contacted Rita Skeeter with the news and explained what they wanted to do if she would write what they needed her to write.

Hogwarts:

Dumbledore groaned as he heard the first bell of the day ring. He had been up all night researching how to locate Harry's corpse. He had tried a few slightly dark magic spells but had no results. He didn't want to use the darker once inside Hogwarts because the wards would register what was cast and who cast it and would alert the Ministry since it was Death Magic. Once he had the corpse, he would decide what needed to be done. He needed it to look as if the Death Eaters had killed the boy. Since the corpse wouldn't have a mark on it, it would be harder to show that the Death Eaters killed the boy. Yes, placing the corpse in the dungeons would work for some to believe that a dark faction member killed Harry but he needed to build on the fear.

He will admit he was a bit upset that the trio killed the boy with the Killing Curse. There was a reason he wanted poison to be used. It would have taken a mild word of denial before agreeing that Severus must have done it to get people behind the idea. He would be able to say things to people about Slytherin House being evil and push the fear of Tom linking Severus to him. He would be able to state truthfully that the Sorting Hat wanted Harry to be in Slytherin. He would leave off being a Horcrux for a bit and produce that bit later if he needed. Always good to have another way to push fear.

Severus and Harry were becoming unreasonable in resisting his need for them to blindly follow him. He, also, needed the funds in the Potter, Black, and Prince vaults. Once they were out of the picture, he would have no one inside of Hogwarts who would protect the brats in Slytherin and he could continue to mold the rest of the students into good little light worshippers of him.

Dumbledore popped a lemon candy into his mouth at the pleasure of having more worshippers. He closed the book he was reading and stood up. He needed to make an appearance in the Great Hall. He needed to hear the latest rumors and wanted to make sure the three idiots didn't blow his plans up again.

Chapter 4

Summary:

still a bit of a flashback since Harry has already taken some of his NEWTs and the Dark had been teaching him.

Chapter Text

Lucius was staring at the image of the corpse of Harry Potter. The Ministry had been shocked when it opened this morning and discovered the corpse in the fountain. It caused a lot of panic among the employees and Lucius was sure the Daily Prophet would have it blasted in their headlines. He wondered if a certain beetle was in the room. If she wasn't, he would make sure she got the information.

After several attempts to remove the corpse, it was finally moved to the DoM for testing and to decide what to do with the corpse. Lucius learned it had taken several attempts to move the corpse due to the variety of Aurors, examiners, and Unspeakables trying to ascertain how the corpse arrived and if it was truly a corpse and not a prank. Many were hoping it was a cruel prank as they wailed about who was going to protect them from the Dark Lord.

Lucius had been summoned to the Minister's office after the arrival of memories via Gringotts in a certified box. The memories were from Draco, Fred, and George as well as several from Harry including his time with the Dursleys. Lucius was wondering if Dumbledore had learned of the information and when he would make his grand entrance.

Currently sitting in the office with Lucius were Madam Bones, Unspeakable Roof (aka Rookwood), Minister Fudge, Auror Dawlish, Auror Scrimgeour, and Auror Robards. "The memories are certified and frankly a bit shocking." Madam Bones was leading the meeting because it appeared the Minister was still attempting to recover from the news. He reminded Lucius of the women in the classic fiction books where the women had vapors. "Oh?" Lucius hadn't seen the memories.

"Yes, included were memories from Harry Potter that had been stored at Gringotts. It shows a long history of him being poisoned by the same three people as well as being dosed with love potions. The memories of three people who witnessed the killing. There were three separate letters signed with a Blood Quill stating the facts of what happened." Madam Bones swallowed. "Hermione Granger fired the curse with Ronald and Ginevra Weasley with her when she did it. It also shows their happiness with the death."

"Wait? His three friends did it?" Lucius' face showed the appropriate shock and dismay.

"Yes, and the memories don't get better," Dawlish muttered.

"The other memories show it was them who poisoned him also. One memory shows them waiting for him to die from the poison." Unspeakable Roof opened a file. "I ran tests on everything. No signs of tampering, no signs of magical interference, no signs of any type of false images, and the signatures on the letters also passed every test as well. I ran the tests because Dumbledore will claim everything is faked."

"It also shows a long history of abuse with the muggles and his attempts to get help from Albus and being rejected each time. The memories also show his request and receiving food from Molly Weasley. The memories show a rescue from the muggles' house by Fred, George, and Ron Weasley. There were bars on his window and the memory shows only one room had bars. The memories show how Molly and Ron Weasley dismissed the concern about the barred window with the twins demanding their mother do something to protect Harry from the muggles. There are also memories of his room, the locks on the door, and what they fed him if you want to call it that. There are also earlier memories showing him living in a cupboard and his Hogwarts letter reflecting the cupboard as his room." Madam Bones had felt sick when she viewed the memories.

"Why haven't they been arrested?" Lucius wanted to be present when Dumbledore and his trio of idiots arrived.

"I have the warrants already but we foresee several issues." Unspeakable Roof glanced at the Minister.

"Dumbledore will use his power to claim everything is faked despite the variety of tests and confirmation we have." Madam Bones wanted to be able to nail the old fart. "We will need to remove him as Chief Warlock which is legal since he is the one being charged but it will only be for his trial. If we wait to do the murder trials first, he will be in charge as Chief Warlock."

"We can get around that aspect since I do believe Potter has numerous lordships and Dumbledore had been using his seats in proxy, we will be able to claim bias and get him removed from each case given that murder trials take priority." Lucius looked at Robards. "We will need to know the exact titles Potter inherited and if can provide any insight into his lack of care. It is an old outdated law but it is still on the books. It hasn't been used in almost two hundred years." The Dark Lord and Lucius discovered the law when they were searching for ways to prevent Dumbledore from controlling the outcome of the trials.

"True, true. It would work. Would you be able to provide me with information regarding the law?" Madam Bones was going to also do her research to prevent Dumbledore from slipping his way out of any charge.

"I will send it right over." Lucius already had the book. "I believe I will be able to copy it and send it to you."

"Good. Dawlish, Robards, take who you want except for Tonks, Kingsley, and Mad-Eye, and arrest them." Madam Bones handed the warrants to Dawlish.

"With pleasure." Dawlish stood up as he took the warrants. Robards was already heading out the door.

late last night almost early morning:

Harry yawned as he entered Gringotts with Voldemort. They had already sent a letter warning the goblins they were coming and what they needed to have done since many of the account managers didn't work at night. They were to meet with Ironclaw, the Potter Account Manager. They checked in with the tellers before being escorted to Ironclaw's office.

Ironclaw had everything ready for when they arrived. Harry sat down on the right chair while Voldemort sat on the left chair. Harry could see a Verde marble mortar and pestle as well as several bundles of herbs. Some scrolls were on the right side of the desk. On the left were some files and in the center were several sheets of parchment. "A full Inheritance Test?"

"Yes, for Harry and myself. I will also require a new identity based on the results. I am aware that since I was declared deceased I can not be charged for any previous crimes and I have a clean record since I have returned." Voldemort didn't kill Diggory, Pettigrew did that despite his warning about not killing anyone. "Harry will need one as well since he was declared deceased as well."

Ironclaw looked at Voldemort before turning his attention to Harry. "I am wondering why you haven't been in to see us regarding your parents' will as well as failure to attend Sirius Black's. We have sent many massive requesting your presence."

"I never received anything regarding my parents' will or your messages to me. I was informed I couldn't attend my godfather's will reading because of Dumbledore."

Ironclaw muttered some gobblygook under his breath. He pushed the mortar forward. "Mr. Potter, ten drops of blood for your full inheritance as well as any blocks or compulsions." He handed Harry a silver knife.

Harry and Voldemort stared at the results.

Harrison James Sirius Fleamont Potter
DOB 1 Aug 1980
Death: 31 Oct 1981
Horcrux 31 Oct 1981
Status: Pureblood

Father: James Fleamont Potter
Bearer: Sirius Orion Black-Potter
Adoptive mother: Lily Ann Evans

Title:
Master of Death
Slytherin-Heir
Gryffindor-Lord
Peverell-Lord
Potter-Lord
Black-Lord

Vaults:

Title vaults see folders
Donation vaults--St. Mungos
Letters-scanned, read, and replies or destroyed-Gringotts

Compulsions:
Loyal to Albus Dumbledore, Hermione Granger, the Weasley family, Order of Phoenix -broken
Submissive to family-broken
Submissive-broken

Potions:
Intelligence suppressor--Albus Dumbledore and Hermione Granger issuers
Personality suppressor-variety-Albus Dumbledore issuer

Binds:
Magical 85% -35% broken
Glamours- James Potter

Marriage Contract:
Ginevra Molly Weasley-signers Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley 31 July 1995

Emancipated:

31 October 1994

Harry buried his anger as he read the results again. "I need this fixed. The marriage contract isn't legal, is it? I didn't sign it and was emancipated before it was signed."

Ironclaw started looking through the files on his desk. "I have already made notes while I was waiting for you to arrive. There are a variety of issues that have been done regarding your accounts." He pulled out some contracts. "Let's begin with the books regarding your life."

Voldemort pinched his nose. He had a feeling it was going to be a long night if they wanted everything in order before Harry's corpse was discovered. "Why do I have a feeling there is a lot worse going on with my accounts than just this book contract?"

"You would be correct and we do not have much time to get everything fixed and create an heir. I already started on a new identity using the Potter family lines and now I can finish it with some of the Black family members."

"I will make it simple. I had no knowledge of any contracts, any type of withdrawals from my accounts, or anything beyond my first and only visit during my first year. Molly Weasley and Albus Dumbledore had my key and took funds to cover my school supplies but nothing beyond that."

Ironclaw grinned. "Excellent. I will process the return of funds while our healers handle the binds and other issues. When you are finished, I should have your new name."

"Include OWL and NEWT results for each of us as well. I am aware that you haven't taken your NEWTs as of yet but we do not want him to use the lack of NEWTs to gain guardianship or force you to attend Hogwarts."

"True. How much?" Harry was tired and could feel his anger starting to build as they were discussing what to do. He forced it down with a mental promise to himself to go and blow up a few training dummies later.

"Ten Thousand the complete package."

Harry was a bit puzzled. "It's not the first time they have had to do it. Dumbledore and the Ministry have made it very hard for anyone in the dark faction to remain out of Azkaban. I will need the same deal as I have a feeling that Dumbledore has done the same thing since I never received a full Inheritance Test."

Ironclaw nodded his acceptance. "Remove it from the funds you get returned. Since my muggle relatives weren't my relatives, I want to make sure they don't get a cent from me or have in the past. I will give you memories from when I resided with them as well that need to be delivered to the Ministry." He was going to make those muggles pay for what they did to him and it was clear they did it because of Dumbledore. Dumbledore placed him there for a reason.

"It will be included." Ironclaw made a note on some parchment. "Now, Mr. Riddle."

Voldemort stared at his results

Tom Marvolo Riddle
Father: Thomas Martin Riddle, Jr.
Mother: Methrope Louisa Riddle nee Gaunt
DOB 31 December 1926
Death: 31 Oct 1981
Rebirth: 24 June 1995
Soul connect: Harrison James Sirius Fleamont Potter

Title:
Slytherin-Lord
Peverell-heir
Gaunt-Lord

Vault:
15
31
1982

Compulsions:

Insanity-Albus Dumbledore broken upon death
Create Horcruxes-Albus Dumbledore broken upon death

Potions

Binds:

Dark Magic obsession-Albus Dumbledore broken upon death
Magic 25%-Albus Dumbledore

"I need a complete purge." Voldemort was going to kill Albus Dumbledore.

"It will be included in the fee." Ironclaw summoned the healers. "I have summoned the healers. Once you are finished, I should have everything finalized and the paperwork will just need your signatures."

"Excellent. Thank you, Ironclaw."

"I expect a return visit this week to handle the finances regarding your vaults."

"It will be done." Voldemort followed the healers once they arrived. It was a very busy night for the goblins.

Chapter 5

Summary:

still in flashback mode

Chapter Text

Voldemort was staring at Harry. Harry could pass for Regulus. Harry's hair was curly but not wild like Bellatrix's. He had grown a few centimeters. He was extremely skinny but the healers were certain once Harry had a steady diet as well as completed his potion regime, he would fill out nicely. Voldemort thought Harry looked like a walking skeleton. One of the goblins tried to adjust Harry's clothes but the sleeves and legs were still short. "I feel Death is going to enjoy this look."

"You do look different. I do not believe we will need to glamour you as no one would recognize you as Harry." Voldemort was going to have to research the soul connection they had because of the Horcrux. A Horcrux was designed to keep the soul anchored to the plane of existence. Harry's numerous deaths had to have forged the connection but he wasn't sure if it anchored him as well.

"I will escort you back to Ironclaw." The healer looked down at the scans he had run on the wizard. "I do hope you plan on handling the humans responsible for the damage done to the child?"

"Yes, they will be handled." Voldemort was going to enjoy making Harry's relatives pay for the damage they did to their nephew.

Ironclaw was waiting for them. "I see we won't need to be concerned with regards to using a permanent glamour regarding the former Lord Potter. I have used the Black family charter as well as the family tree to create your new names. Harrison James Sirius Fleamont Potter's accounts will be inherited by Orion Regulus Black. Tom Marolo Riddle's accounts will be inherited by Phineas Arcturus Black. We used the soul connection to create a family bond. You are his first cousin. Dumbledore will not be able to gain access to the Black family tree since the only two members of the Black family that he associates with were disowned and do have access to the information. The rest of the Black family members are your supporters and I do not believe they will object since Harry is the true Lord Black. The name has already magically changed on the tree with a star regarding the death of Harry Potter."

"Has anyone seen the family tree?" Harry had never heard of the family tree from Sirius. Dumbledore had to have done something to prevent Sirius from looking at the tree as it would have shown Harry under Sirius Black and James Potter's names. "Dumbledore or someone had to have hidden it or Sirius would have realized I was his son."

"I believe Lady Black hid the family tree at the Black home. After the former Lord Black passed away, Lady Black was aware she had a grandson but she wasn't sure where he was. She hid many things in the hopes of keeping the information from Dumbledore. She did hire some wizards to search for her missing grandson. She believed that you were that child and tried to get information out of Dumbledore." Ironclaw had a feeling that Dumbledore had many secrets he didn't want others to know. He was going to speak to the King as this pair was going to be Dumbledore's downfall. "I must comment on the interesting way to have the body be located. The memories were delivered and our messenger was eager to report the Ministry was a mess due to the discovery. Lord Malfoy was present."

"I am sure it will make interesting news. We must prevent him from claiming Harry isn't deceased. I am sure he will attempt to discredit the memories." Voldemort wasn't about to permit the evidence to be dismissed. The muggles would be paying as well as Harry's three former friends. Dumbledore would need a different plan of action if they wished to remove him from power. The man's name would guarantee most would believe whatever he spouted.

"Is there a way for me to make sure Dumbledore gets into trouble for his treatment of me as well as the handling of my accounts?" Harry couldn't have been the only child from the last war he returned to abusive relatives. He wondered about Neville as well. His great-uncle let him fall from a window to see if Neville was a wizard. "I am aware there is nothing we can do about outdated crimes except linking them to his current ones."

"The hardest part of linking him to any crime would be the evidence. Memories are solid evidence but it wouldn't be enough to discredit him. The best option is to locate evidence. The archives located inside Hogwarts might be a good place to start as Hogwarts records everything that occurs in the school."`

"Getting into Hogwarts will be impossible." Voldemort had already tested the wards for Hogwarts. Dumbledore changed them after Harry's first year. He could gain access to the Chamber of Secrets since the access from the outside is in the Forbidden Forest but it didn't help to get to the archives inside of Hogwarts.

"I know three beings who would be interested in assisting." Harry smiled. "Two house elves, as well as Death, would be able to gather information for us."

"Regarding the issue of your title, Master of Death, there is a vault set up for your use. Death arranged for many things to be included in the title and the information is in the vault. Also, as the Master of Death, there is a seat on the Wizenagamot designed for the position. It can be assigned to your titles without anyone being able to gain access to the information and carries ten votes per each title associated with your other titles but only regarding the formation of laws requiring Death Magic. In regards to other laws, it assigns you ten votes as the Master of Death."

"Harry could return Death Magic to the United Kingdom?"

"Yes, as well as other sub-branches including soul magic, life, and healing. Any aspect that death has an impact on, Harry can return. The Peverell titles grant you access to Hogwarts. Dumbledore can not forbid you from even residing at Hogwarts since you are the owner of the castle. Hogwarts will give control of the wards to Harry. You will not be able to fire Dumbledore as the Board and Ministry controls the educational part of the school but you can remove or add classes as you deem because you have positions on the Board with Harry's titles granting him the majority of control over the just the educational aspect but not the staff nor students."

Ironclaw handed them a scroll. "A copy of the Hogwarts charter. The founders didn't want anyone to be able to fully control everything in Hogwarts. They feared anyone having complete power over every aspect of our world. Dumbledore controls every branch of power in our world and we see what is happening." Ironclaw handed them copies of the paperwork for their new identities. "A word of caution, do not move too fast. He will be searching for the new Lord Potter-Black. He will be getting notices today regarding the removal of the seats. I would also recommend that Severus Snape visit as we have been attempting to get him to claim the Prince seats."

"I do not believe he is aware of the situation." Voldemort was positive that Severus wasn't aware he could claim the Prince title. His mother had been disowned. "Has Dumbledore been attempting to gain access to those seats?"

"He appeared for the will reading claiming Professor Snape couldn't attend."

"Same plan as he did with Sirius." Harry shook his head. "He has a very clear pattern if anyone looks but if anyone complains about him, they are deemed dark. If anyone stands up against him, they are evil and dark. He has done it to the Slytherin just based on the house they were sorted into. It is why he wanted to make sure I went to Gryffindor. He is aware that most abused children learn how to be crafty, wear masks, and present themselves as people deem them to be."

"Harry, he has been crafting your image since the day he placed you with those muggles." Voldemort had read the books. "The books have been on the top seller list since the first one was printed."

"I haven't read them but I have heard the tales from them. I was asked how could I be fearful of dragons during my fourth year if I rode one when I was eight. Needless to say, the first year wasn't happy when I informed him the books were trash." Harry had also listened to Granger telling him about his life. "Granger informed me when I first met her that she knew everything about me since she read those books." Harry thought for a moment. "No, she said all about me then mentioned Dumbledore and how great he was. She said it was Professor McGonagall that visited her. So how would she know Dumbledore?"

Ironclaw and Voldemort were equally puzzled by that bit of information. "Perhaps it might be worth looking at the Dumbledore family tree. His mother was a muggle-born. There would be a fee for us to search for this information."

"Do so. I will gladly pay for the information. Also, research his past. Something has always bothered me about the duel with Grindelwald." Voldemort remembered when the news had spread about the duel. Dumbledore had the same status that Harry Potter had for a long time. "I know he tried to get me to duel him during the last war a few times. It never happened as something would happen to prevent it."

"He has told me you won't attack Hogwarts because he is there."

Voldemort laughed. "I won't attack Hogwarts because there are students present. He is full of himself."

"We will look into his past." Ironclaw opened the accounting books on the desk. "Some unpleasant news regarding your accounts. I will be able to get the funds returned due to your statement. In reviewing your accounts, we will need to rework the investments. Your fathers followed Dumbledore's advice. The accounts haven't been growing because they didn't invest but did provide funds for the last war."

"Great, I swear if they were still alive, I would have them tested for potions." Harry was aware that his fathers would have learned how to handle their accounts since they were heirs. "Let's begin."

Ironclaw went down the list of investments that would increase the profit margin for the accounts. Harry asked questions about some of the new and growing muggle tech companies as well as some of the modern things he noticed were missing from the magical world like charge cards. Ironclaw took some notes regarding the companies that Harry mentioned. Once the money situation was handled by setting up some companies for the investments to be covered without alerting Dumbledore, things went a bit smoother.

Harry yawned as they were finishing. It had been a long night. "I need a place to crash."

"You are welcome to remain at my home. I do believe I could get some of my Death Eaters to assist in your education to obtain your NEWTs despite the marks under your new name as well as several that Hogwarts doesn't offer. My home will offer better wards as well."

Harry thought about it for several seconds. "As long as you don't try to keep my friends from visiting. I believe we will need their assistance in getting rid of Dumbledore."

"I agree. The twins had some interesting ideas."

"It is why I invested my wins from the Triwizard Tournament with them." They bid goodbye to Ironclaw and left Gringotts without worrying about anyone recognizing them since Voldemort wasn't bald, noseless, and didn't look like a snake.

Chapter 6

Summary:

back to the regularly scheduled program...ie flashbacking has ended.

Chapter Text

The death of Harry Potter set the magical world on fire. Many were demanding answers and the Ministry was full of rumors and leaks. Rita Skeeter was making a lot of money with the different articles she was able to write daily. She had storylines in the morning and evening editions of the newspaper. Of course, the newspaper was publishing the letters the magical world had written to them demanding answers. Some letters were demanding Granger and the two Weasleys be given the Kiss while a very few were attempting to defend the trio but the memories of them killing Harry Potter had been leaked out.

Hogwarts:

Severus was attempting to ignore the Order members in Dumbledore's office. Grimmauld Place had been sealed shut and the Order was frantic about a new Lord Black. Tonks had no idea who it was since she wasn't a member of the Black family and didn't have access to the information. Granger and the two youngest Weasleys were hiding at Hogwarts and had been assigned private rooms because the rest of the students were targeting the trio. Severus wasn't sure how Dumbledore was able to get the three released after they were arrested. Severus wasn't sure how Dumbledore and Molly were escaping from being arrested as well.

Madam Bones had been to Hogwarts a few times and arrested the small group on separate charges and each time the Annoying Trio and Dumbledore would return the next day. Molly would arrive later to bemoan their fate. According to Lucius, Dumbledore was using every favor he had to keep them out of the holding cells and Azkaban.

Dumbledore was very angry with his three pawns and wasn't above letting it be known. He hadn't been removing detentions the trio obtained nor had he been offering them protection beyond their private rooms. Minerva had to assign several students to protect the Annoying Trio when they were attending classes but it didn't last long as more and more information was released and the students refused to protect the Annoying Trio. The trio was forced to stay in the private rooms and get their assignments via house elves.

"I do have some news. Lord Orion Regulus Black and his cousin, Phineas Arcturus Black, will be visiting Hogwarts for a few weeks. They might select to reside here during this time. The cousins own Hogwarts and are entitled to reside here permanently if they desire as well as change anything regarding the courses offered. They can not fire any staff or me. They can, however, bring back any classes or books they desire." Dumbledore gave each Order member a concerned look. "I am sure we can guide the two men down the path of the light and encourage them to keep Hogwarts as it is."

Severus arched a brow. He had a feeling there was going to be a special meeting with the Annoying Trio. "What do you wish us to do, Albus?" Molly had been very vocal about her support of Dumbledore and how her children were innocent. Arthur, however, believed the memories. Severus could see the divide in the Weasley family despite their appearance of appearing united. The twins and the oldest two boys had strongly voiced their opinion of their younger siblings.

"I wish each of you to voice your support for keeping the school as a safe and caring place to learn. How we do not encourage anything dark." Dumbledore smiled reassuringly at the Order members. "Also, work on getting them to believe those memories are fake. There is no way Hermione, Ron, or Ginny would have killed their best friend."

Severus wanted to roll his eyes. He watched Lupin glare at Dumbledore. He had noticed the wolf had been distancing himself from the Order since the death of the Mutt. Perhaps it was time to feel out the wolf and get someone who was included in the special meetings to switch sides. While he didn't care for the wolf, it might be handy to have another set of ears. As if aware he was being watched Lupin turned his head toward Severus. Severus raised an eyebrow. Lupin didn't frown but nodded his head. Well, that was interesting. Lupin was more aware than he thought. Yes, it was time to see where the wolf stood.

"When do they arrive?" Minerva had been a bit stiffer and more formal since the death of Harry. While she supported Dumbledore in his agenda, Severus felt she didn't care for his methods. He wondered if she might be another one who might break away from Dumbledore if more information was leaked. He would have to see what Draco had seen on the map as well as if the twins had some of their more creative listening potions developed as of yet.

"Next week. They haven't taken their seats officially as of yet. I am unsure of which titles they have but aware that each of them has separate titles. I am hoping to gain access to the information within the next few days."

Severus was going to mention this to Lucius. Dumbledore had another spy in the Ministry they could get removed. They had already removed several from other departments and were working on the Auror department. Madam Bones had already placed Kingsley and Tonks on desk duty and banned Mad-Eye from entering the department.

"I don't think you will." Kingsley wasn't sure what exactly was going on as everything was restricted by Madam Bones. He wasn't sure if the stories Rita printed were fully truthful but he was aware there was some truth to each article. "They have been looking into everyone in the Ministry as they are tired of the leaks."

"They started in the filing room after discovering a lot of misfiled reports including one where Rita Skeeter filed her Animagus form." Tonks faced Granger. "They had a report from Hermione about Rita's skills and Rita claimed she filed the report. Madam Bones had the Unspeakables handle the situation. Your claims will be dismissed and the charges of you kidnapping her will remain."

"She-"

"Shut up. We -" Ginny rolled her eyes as she glanced at her brother who was going to start his rant about how they were innocent.

Severus counted to three before Ron and Molly joined in on how they were innocent and doing everything to protect Harry. Severus tuned the sound of the debate out as he studied each of the Order members. He noticed most were tired. They were tired of the Annoying Trio, Molly, and Dumbledore's defense. Severus could see most wouldn't have been present if they didn't feel they had to be there because of the oath Dumbledore had the members of the Order take. Minerva looked as if she wanted to curse the Annoying Trio.

"Perhaps if we could skip over this routine, we could move on to something important?" Arthur Weasley was standing between Granger and Dumbledore's desk. "I am tired of listening to this. You have provided no evidence to show you didn't kill Harry." Arthur looked at his wife. "No Molly, they did it. I am not going to defend them. They killed Harry out of greed and jealousy. If you think I haven't heard how you four spoke about Harry, you are incredibly naive. I am not sure what part you played, Albus, but I am aware you are involved somehow. As of now, I am removing my family from the Order. I am also going to be releasing the disownment of Ron and Ginny from the family. Molly, you will be getting the divorce decree in the morning." Arthur threw the Order pin on Dumbledore's desk. "I am sickened by your actions." He looked at his two youngest. "You put money and fame over a life. You willingly attempted to poison your friend and then killed him when the poison didn't work. You make me sick. I will always love you but I loath your actions and deeds." Arthur walked out of Dumbledore's office.

Bill had risen while Arthur was speaking. He held the Order pin in his hand. "I am also quitting for the same reasons. You need to reassess your priorities. I realize you are preparing for war but when you ignore lives and permit the deaths of children, you should ask yourself, does that make you or us any different from what we proclaim we are fighting against? What my former siblings did as well as the actions of my former mother, I can not express how dismayed and sickened I am by those actions." Bill tossed the pin onto Dumbledore's desk. "My wife and I quit. Charlie said don't even think of asking him for assistance." Bill walked away.

Severus watched the shock on the faces of those in the Order. No one would have expected Arthur to act as he did. Bill didn't surprise him but he did surprise the rest of the Order including Minerva. Severus glanced at Lupin, he wanted to see what the wolf was doing and he almost laughed at seeing the look of joy in the wolf's eyes. The wolf enjoyed the show as he did. Dumbledore was a bit pale and the Annoying Trio and Mollly were loudly voicing their dismay. Severus watched as several minor Order members tossed their pins onto Dumbledore's desk and left. Minerva had her pin in her hand.

"Enough." Dumbledore's words came too late in Severus' mind. The old fool had lost the most valuable members of his Order and hadn't realized it as of yet. He could see the lack of respect in the eyes of those watching. He could see Kingsley and Tonks would be joining those leaving the Order. "We have more important issues and can deal with the criminal charges later. Right now, we have to deal with the two new Black members coming to Hogwarts. I am sure we can convince them the memories are fake and everything else is being misunderstood."

"Honestly, Albus, enough. I am tired of the misunderstood line." Minerva held up her hand. It held the Order pin. "I want to throw this onto your desk but at the same time, I am aware of what you're attempting to do. I do not condone the actions of Granger and the youngest Weasleys or yours, Molly. Albus, I warned you about those muggles. I should have heeded my words. I am guilty of ignoring the abuse of Harry and I have already submitted a report regarding the abuse as Poppy has done. I can't describe how disappointed I am in your actions and your continued belief what was done was a misunderstanding. They killed Harry. Those memories weren't faked and you know it. I am sick of how you used whatever pull you had to get them released from the holding cells because of who they are. You are very aware that they should be in those cells as well as you and Molly."

"I agree." Kingsley stood up. He tossed his pin onto the desk. "It is a sad day when you make excuses for them while condemning others for lesser crimes."

"What he said." Tonks tossed her pin on the desk. "I agreed to help the Order because I believed in what you were doing but their actions are no better than what we are to fight. I am not going to side with killers."

Severus watched the rest of the minor members join Kingsley and Tonks in leaving Dumbledore's office. Severus could see Lupin wanted to toss his pin onto the desk but like Minerva was holding onto it. Yes, he would be able to convert them. It wouldn't take much. He would have the twins speak to Lupin since he didn't want Dumbledore to wonder why he was speaking to the wolf. "If the meeting is over, I do have a potion I need to finish brewing."

Dumbledore looked at the Annoying Trio and Molly who were still arguing under the silencing spell Dumbledore had erected. Minerva stood up. "I have some essays I need to grade. Perhaps you should speak to those idiots." Minerva walked out of the office.

Severus arched a brow at Dumbledore. "Well?"

"I will work on getting the members to return. Perhaps you might be available to join me when the owners arrive. It might be helpful to have a staff member not angry with me present."

"I am beyond angry at you, Albus. You promised me he was safe. You promised me he was protected. He wasn't from the moment he was placed on Petunia's doorstep. Did you forget I know Petunia? I am very aware of her personality. However, the only reason why I haven't done anything yet is that I don't need a madman ruling our world." Severus was looking at said the madman.

"Thank you for your support Severus, I feel I will need it in the coming days." Dumbledore let out a rather long sigh as he looked at the arguing group. "Perhaps a permanent silencing potion for them?"

"Nothing would work." Severus turned and walked away. He had a memory to share with the Dark Lord as well as a letter to write to the twins. Draco would be able to deliver it to the pair for him. He wondered if he should warn Lucius about the relationship between the three. No, it would be more fun to watch Lucius' face go ten shades paler.

Chapter Text

Dumbledore was reviewing the memory of Harry's death. He was attempting to figure out who could have been in the room with Harry when Hermione killed him. There was nothing he could see that led to the identity of who was in the classroom. He had tried a variety of angles and using reflective surfaces. There was nothing he could use to defend his three Gryffindors.

The memories of the previous attempts weren't helping either. He needed to figure out who provided the memories. He needed to find out what they might have against him in the future. He needed to know if there was more evidence against him and his followers. He needed his followers to help him push through his ideas for the greater good. Why oh why didn't the three of them listen to him versus Molly? Molly was too impatient and could never see the future. Molly wanted Harry in her family and the money it would bring. Once the marriage contract was signed, she didn't care if her daughter married Harry. The money and prestige it would bring to the family were more important.

Dumbledore pulled out of the pensive and returned to his desk. He was aware that there was nothing he could use legally. Lucius Malfoy would demand Veritaserum. The variety of memories would require the use of Veritaserum as well. The darker members who hated him would push for it to make sure there would be no way the three Gryffindors would be released. There was nothing he could do to stop the use of it because it was a murder trial and one of the biggest they would have since the death of the Potters ended the last war.

Dumbledore wasn't sure how to recover from this. He had warned Hermione, Ron, and Ginny about being careful. He had warned them, repeatedly, how important it was to make sure it looked as if someone who hated the light or Harry would be blamed. He wanted to use poison as a way to handle Severus and make everyone believe that Slytherins were evil. He needed his spy but he needed the funds and prestige of the seats that the Potters would give him more. He needed to have the Weasleys move up their social standing.

The Weasleys lost their social standing centuries ago when one of Arthur's great aunts eloped with a muggle instead of marrying into the Malfoy family. The Weasleys lost almost everything including their seats on the Wizenagamot. When Cantankerus Nott published his Sacred Twenty-Eight book the name of Weasley was in the book but the Potters were. Many were confused at the time but it didn't decrease the Potters standing in their world nor did it increase the value of the Weasley name. The Potters were famous for creating new potions and it was theorized Nott did it because the Potter name was viewed as too muggle.

Dumbledore sighed deeply. It seemed every plan he had for the Potter and Weasley family was ruined. He spent so much time building the Weasley family's social standing. Bill was one of the leading Gringotts Curse Breakers. While Charlie didn't follow his plans he was making a name for himself with dragons. Percy kept on his plan and worked at the Ministry. The twins, another failure as far as he was concerned, were making themselves known as businessmen but they rarely listened to him. Ron and Ginny were the ones Molly was to groom. Ron to be Harry's best friend and Ginny to be his wife.

Dumbledore's thought turned to Hermione. He had recruited her as he hoped she would curtail Ron's impulse control and keep Harry from asking questions. Dumbledore wasn't sure why the girl killed Harry. He wondered if it was because of Hermione's desire to belong. Molly welcomed the girl and Ron desired her as his wife.

Hermione was a bookworm, a know-it-all, and loved authority figures. Dumbledore was attempting to understand why the girl didn't follow his plan. He had told the girl repeatedly to stick to poison for a reason. Merlin, this was a mess.

Dumbledore glanced down and saw his chessboard. He glanced at the Severus piece. He had to find a way to pacify his staff and assure his potion master that he wasn't attempting to set him up for Potter's murder. He had to pacify the Order members who remained and find a way to get those he needed to return.

Severus:

Severus was sitting in the blue sitting room of Malfoy Manor. He was reviewing some of his potion notes for future potions. He was attempting to redesign one or two to test. Lucius was referring to law books in readiness for anything Dumbledore might attempt to do. Lucius had forwarded some copies of the books to Madam Bones. "What do you believe he will try?"

"There isn't much he can do beyond trying to avoid the use of Veritaserum. He doesn't have a legal standing but I am betting that he will attempt to evoke some of the older laws to get the memories declared invalid. The Unspeakables and Madam Bones are working on preventing it but I also want to be prepared." Lucius had a few ideas he would employ if he needed to. "You do realize he was attempting to set you up for the death of Potter?"

"I am aware. I realized that as soon as Potter mentioned the numerous poison attempts." Severus held up his notes. "I have a few ways to pay the old fool back before he meets his demise."

"I am wondering if he might assist in their escape and craft new identities for them. I am certain he couldn't afford the Gringotts package but he does have supporters who will do whatever he wants without asking questions."

"True. They don't attend Order meetings so they won't be aware of anything that has happened at the meetings. They will believe whatever the old fool tells them. The Daily Prophet hasn't been known for its truth in reporting for decades. Cornelius saw to that aspect rather well." The Daily Prophet was the Ministry's mouthpiece. No one read the Quibbler except for a select number of people who were willing to put up with the weird animals Lovegood published stories about. "We will need to get Harry's voice out to the public without exposing that Harry is still alive."

"We have a plan. It has been decided that the Black cousins will be Harry's mouthpiece. Harry is currently creating journals that will be released about his past. The journals will be part of Harry's belongings they received. The twins created some different inks for Harry to use that will aid in passing any time of time test regarding the journals. Draco and the twins are helping to make sure the journals look as if he started writing them as a younger child." Lucius looked at his friend. "Should I worry about the demon twins and my son?"

Severus didn't comment for several seconds as he pondered the question. "I believe the two of them would control Draco's impulse issue while also encouraging Draco to remain true to himself. They would do anything to protect those they care about as we have seen already. While they may be Weasleys and I loathe to admit how much I like their pranks, they are crafty and smart. They have been making a success of their business despite their mother's yelling about how much of a disappointment they are. I also believe after this is over their names will be in a higher social standing due to their association with Potter."

Lucius thought about Severus' answer. He may not care for the Weasley family because of the old feud but what Severus said was the truth. He had seen how the twins and Draco interacted while they were working on creating Harry's body. He had watched the memories and he could see the interaction between his son and the twins. "As you would say, indeed."

Severus smirked as he returned to his notes.

Harry:

Harry was attempting to review his notes. The Dark Lord was pacing as he was thinking about the upcoming trial. "Wearing a hole in the floor won't help the issue."

"Oh, do be quiet. I am attempting to plan what we might need to do to counter anything Dumbledore might attempt to do." The Dark Lord didn't like this flaw of pacing being pointed out. He returned to his seat behind his desk. "How is your journaling the past going?"

"It is mostly done. We are waiting for the ink to age for the next part. The twins and Draco have been making sure I don't appear older than I would have been during my pre-Hogwarts years." Harry frowned a bit. "We have been using my memories to write about the events. I hadn't realized how bad they truly were until then. I had to hold the twins and Draco back from going after them. The twins think I have buried most of my time with the Dursleys. I have to agree with them especially with Dumbledore pushing me to be a Gryffindor over my Slytherin abilities."

"Since I have been in your mind, I find I agree. We will need to work on keeping Dumbledore out but he doesn't do more than surface scans so it will be easy to keep the old fool out." The Dark Lord got up and headed to his bookcase in his study. "I have a few books you will need to read on the subject. We will need to work on mediation as well."

"We have been working on it already. Draco mentioned how to start training against Dumbledore's trips through people's minds." Harry wasn't having an easy time learning how to meditate. It just wasn't in his nature to sit still for long. He preferred to be more active. "Do you think he will attempt to try while we are in the Wizenagamot?"

"I am not sure if he will during our session but he will try to speak to us and try to assess what we are attempting to do. He will want to know if we will be friends or foes. He will also want to discover if we have any information regarding Harry Potter and what might be released by us." The Dark Lord didn't return to his desk. He walked to the window and looked out. "Dumbledore will be unpredictable in some ways since his plans have been ruined. Severus will be able to spy on him but Dumbledore did attempt to frame him for your murder."

"His greater good. Perhaps it's time for it to bite him in the butt." Harry didn't notice the change in the Dark Lord as he was reviewing his notes. "He had to have a reason for creating the saying. Perhaps a time into his past is the answer."

The Dark Lord turned and stared at Harry. "A trip to his past. Yes, that might be a good idea." The Dark Lord went to his desk with a new train of thought. He began to write down everything he knew about Dumbledore. He would need to have Lucius find someone to investigate the old fool but it would be possible. You do not get to where Dumbledore was without making enemies.

"I would start with Godric's Hollow. There had to be a reason he wanted my parents there."

The Dark Lord was aware that Harry was smirking despite not looking at him. "What are you hiding?"

"Nothing but it was something Sirius and Remus debated. They wondered why my parents didn't go to Potter Manor. My grandparents were still alive at the time and would have been able to hide them. The wards were ancient and would have protected them. Dumbledore was the one to suggest Godric's Hollow and he had a house there. There was also a letter written to Sirius that mentioned that Gellert Grindelwald was friends with Dumbledore when they were teens." Harry over to the Dark Lord. "I am sure you can guess where Sirius led that discussion."

"Interesting. Do you still have that letter?"

"I believe it will be discovered when we have my official will reading." Harry was looking forward to the will reading of Harry James Potter. "Gringotts will be sending the invitations out tomorrow."

"The trial is at the end of the week if Dumbledore doesn't manage to stop it." The Dark Lord was back to pacing as he thought of what Dumbledore might attempt to do.

Chapter Text

Voldemort and Harry were already sitting in the conference room at Gringotts. They didn't expect anyone else to attend the reading of Harry's will outside of the Weasley Twins, Lupin, and Severus Snape. "Want to bet Dumbledore will appear?"

"I am not taking that bet. I do not appreciate the odds." Voldemort was sure Dumbledore would learn of the date and time. It wouldn't take much to discover the truth of the date and time. The will readings were always published in the legal section of the Daily Prophet.

The group of goblins in the room was the account managers for Harry's different titles and the Prince manager was also present. Dumbledore was going to be a bit surprised. Everyone was eager to see who could give Dumbledore a heart attack.

Severus arrived with Dumbledore and Lupin. Lupin looked annoyed by Dumbledore's presence while Severus looked resigned to the man coming with them. Dumbledore stopped when he noticed Harry and Voldemort already seated. "You are not invited, Dumbledore." The Black Account Manager grumbled at the Headmaster.

"I am sure I will be needed." The old fool sat down next to Voldemort. "After all, I was his guardian."

"Not legally," Harry muttered under his breath, getting a look from Voldemort, who was seated on Voldemort's other side.

The Weasley twins entered the room next. They glanced at Dumbledore before sitting on Harry's other side. Lupin didn't know that Harry was still alive, but judging by the looks Harry was getting from Lupin, he had to be wondering. Harry and Voldemort had handled the scent issue by doing a blood adoption of Harry.

Legally, Voldemort was also Harry's adopted father. The package included misfiled forms and information. The goblins figured the cousin angle would be a better way to handle Dumbledore. They filed the fake information in the general information area of the Ministry that could be viewed by anyone. Severus agreed with the goblins. They figured Dumbledore would try to divide and conquer the cousins. Still, if Voldemort was listed as the father of Harry, Dumbledore might get the Ministry involved to separate the ties and gain control over Harry.

"Let's get started." Ironclaw, the Potter Manager, glanced around the room. He pulled out an orb. "We will be recording this." He paused as he looked at Dumbledore and started the recording. "Present are Lord Orion
Regulus Black, Lord Phineas Black, Professor and Potion Master Severus Snape, Remus Lupin, Frederick and George Weasley, and uninvited Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. At this time, we request Headmaster Dumbledore leave as he has no reason to be present at this reading."

"I was Harry's legal guardian." Dumbledore wasn't about to let this chance slip through his fingers. He was already planning on filing an injunction to have Harry's will declared invalid. He needed the Potter and Black funds.

Steelwielder, the Black Account Manager, sneered at Dumbledore. "The will of Harry Potter has been declared valid and filed at the Ministry. It was finalized on the 3rd of August, 1996. Legally recognized and accepted by Lady Magic and Gringotts."

Dumbledore frowned a bit. He had been hoping it was just a quick letter or note or something that Harry might have written. Getting control over the Black vaults wasn't going to happen. He needed the Potter vaults. He needed the funds to fight against Voldemort.

Axgrinder pulled out some scrolls. "First order of business. Potion Master Severus Snape, why haven't you answered our summons regarding the Prince title?"

"What? My mother was disowned." Severus wasn't sure why he would get the title. He had a few second cousins who should have inherited the title. Didn't Dumbledore tell him that his grandfather didn't leave him anything? Dumbledore had tried to get his grandfather to pay for Severus' Hogwarts education. Well, that is what Dumbledore claimed. "Albus, is there something I should know?"

"No, my dear boy. Your grandfather was very specific." Dumbledore resisted the urge to glare at the goblins. Axgrinder had been after him for decades to get Severus to the bank. He hadn't been able to gain access, but that didn't mean he wanted one of his pawns to have any power.

Severus didn't bother to confront the old fool regarding this issue since Axgrinder already informed him that Dumbledore hadn't been able to gain access to the vaults or the seats. "I am assuming I am to become Lord Prince?"

"You are correct." Axgrinder pulled out the ring box. He laid it in front of Severus.

Dumbledore was already making plans to have Severus turn over the seats to him. He was sure he could force the issue by preventing Severus from leaving Hogwarts. Severus would obey him and he was already figuring out what laws he could pass with the new seats.

"Second order of business. The ring includes a port key to the sessions. If you can't make the session, it will automatically summon you. I can not inform you of the family magic connected to the ring. Your grandfather left a few journals for you to read before the first Wizenagamot session." Axgrinder placed a shrunken chest on the table. "A simple reversal spell will work."

"Third order of business, I have scheduled a time to meet with you regarding the vaults and money management." Axgrinder pushed a letter toward Severus. "You are dismissed. Ironclaw?" Severus stood up and left. He was sure he would learn what happened later.

"The will of Harry Potter is straightforward." Ironclaw faced Lupin. He placed in orb in front of Lupin. Harry's face appeared in the smoke and mist above the orb. "Remus, I thought long and hard about you. For a decade, I waited for someone to save me from my relatives. I wanted someone, anyone, to love me. I was so excited to learn you knew my parents. However, after you left, I barely heard from you. It was as if I were an afterthought. You gave me a ton of excuses as to why you couldn't see or even write. They were just that, excuses. You listened to Albus Too Many Names Dumbledore and forgot about my parents and me. I have decided to leave you with a few books about gaining a backbone and how to treat those you are to love. I have also had the goblins move the funds my parents left you into your vault since Dumbledore never honored their will."

Ironclaw placed an endless pouch in front of Lupin. "The books are in there. The funds have been transferred. Here is your copy of the receipt." Ironclaw handed the teller receipt to Lupin. "You may leave now."

Lupin looked at Dumbledore, who nodded his approval. Dumbledore would have to discover how much money his pet werewolf got and get some of it funneled into his account.

"To Forge and Gred, I have made special arrangements for future investments into your business. There are some conditions. The funds can only be used for your business. No giving the funds to your family." The twins hid their grin. They were very aware that their mother and Dumbledore would demand money from them. They communicated between themselves that Harry was taking care of them, and they would have to thank Harry later. "Your account manager has the details." Dumbledore looked upset at the fact that he wouldn't be able to get the funds from the twins. Their mother would have demanded it and turned the funds over to him.

Ironclaw handed a letter over as well as a receipt. "The funds have been transferred and a meeting with your account manager is already scheduled. You are dismissed."

The twins stood up and bumped into Harry as a note was slipped down Harry's shirt. Harry didn't acknowledge the note but he felt it. The letter the twins had would include how to get in touch with Harry without mentioning who it was for.

The rest of the group glared at Dumbledore. "It was your hint to leave, Headmaster." Voldemort didn't want the old fool present. They did have it set up for if the old fool didn't leave. The orb was stopped with Harry's face frozen.

"Something is very wrong. Harry would have left his friends something. He would have left them a letter at least." Dumbledore was sure Harry would have. He had limited Harry's friends and connections for a reason.

Ironclaw continued Harry's will orb. "For everyone else, nothing unless you are either of the Lord Blacks. They have their private will reading separately. If Dumbledore and his clowns didn't take the hint by not being invited, I will lay it out for you clueless wonders. I know. I have known for years that you weren't what you pretended to be. I have already submitted evidence of the repeated poisoning and I made sure to have surveillance cameras up in any room I was in."

Dumbledore cursed. He should have prevented Harry from learning that spell. He didn't check the spells that Hermione was teaching the idiot duo of Ron and Harry. Granger should have prevented the boy from learning those types of spells.

"I look forward to the day you will be arrested. I hope Granger and the rest of your clown car of followers realize how dangerous you truly are, and if they aren't arrested, will realize how dangerous you are. I hope you don't expect anything from me. You used me enough when I was alive. I won't let you use me in death. I want nothing to do with you. It will be released in the Daily Prophet. It is already arranged."

Dumbledore paled at those words and got up. He quickly left. Harry and Voldemort laughed. "I hope Rita will get the memory of his visit to the Daily Prophet." The Harry orb was turned off. "It is a shame he didn't listen to the rest of the orb." The orb informed Dumbledore that the Peverell line was active and would be absorbing the Potter vaults. "I wanted to see his face when we mentioned it. I am sure my father would have thought it was a great prank."

"One way to get rid of the old coot. Threatened his cash flow and revenue. I should have thought of that aspect decades ago. I would have avoided a war and being insane."

"Let's get going, as I am sure Severus will give us insights into the Order meeting and Dumbledore." Voldemort stood up. Harry joined the man after bidding the goblins goodbye.

Once they left, Ironclaw let out a laugh. "I can't wait to see what they will do next. Did you see the old fool's face?"