Chapter Text
Chapter 1 - The Summer
Harry woke on the last day of his time at Black Manor before heading to the Sanctuary. He was well rested and ready to visit with friends he hadn’t seen in years. He ate breakfast with his family, sent letters off with Hedwig and a few Black family owls. He wanted to remind everyone that he would be out of communication for a week to ten days and that he would see everyone at Potter Escape after the July Wizengamot session. Hedwig was upset at Harry for not sending all the letters with her. She nipped his finger hard before taking off, cuffing him with her wing on the way out the window. Then he spent the afternoon with Fleur who was still feeling very protective of her Harry.
Harry left after breakfast, changing into his Thunderbird form, to the delight of Gabrielle before he raced into the sky and headed south toward the Sanctuary. A few hours flight and he met with the first of the Phoenixes flying, enjoying the thermals in the protected area near the Sanctuary. Harry was welcomed by the group and guided into land in the reception area. Many of the magical birds Harry had spent time with his first time through the Sanctuary were excited at his return. A feast was prepared and Harry was welcomed back as an honored guest.
Harry spent most of the rest of the evening retelling stories of his exploits to his winged friends. His first years in Hogwarts, his training at the Temple and his opposing the dark forces. He also related his story of his first adult burning day to the Phoenixes. Harry spoke to the magical denizens of the sanctuary. Now that he was a fully trained wizard, he was able to do many things he hadn't been able to when he was but a child. He reverted to his human form and went about the Sanctuary making permanent transfigurations wandlessly to improve the area, smoothing out sharp rocks, sharpening other places to allow for scratching, making the area bigger and more comfortable for the group of magical avians. Harry also placed a series of wards and enchantments on the nest to strengthen the magic, keeping others away from the nest. That night he slept in the area he was first given and enjoyed the feeling of nostalgia at returning to the Sanctuary.
Harry spent the week reconnecting with the first people who treated him as family. It was wonderfully relaxing, no expectations, no prophecies just the simple life of a magical creature. In the evenings Harry worked on a runic array that would assist further in the Sanctuary’s safety and security for decades to come. In the mornings he played with and helped train and groom the Sanctuary’s young, including Ember’s youngling. Harry knew that this next year would be difficult and as such he didn’t begrudge himself the time to relax.
Even the upcoming vacation, his time on Potter Escape had the potential to be tense. He would almost prefer to take the summer and split the time at the island up in groups but there wasn't enough time over the summer for that. Harry felt that if the girls he was spending time with were going to help fulfill the prophecy about many loves, they needed to learn to interact with each other. Harry would be lying to himself if he didn’t worry about the weeks to come, but felt it was better to know now.
Harry, on the day of his departure, met with Garuda, Crackle and Ember as well as Ember’s youngling, Spark. They presented Harry with a sack of collected discarded phoenix ash, feathers and claws. “Fly away young Harry, may you master your headwinds and rise above the downdrafts.” Garuda said.
“When will you return. I want to fly with you like dad.” Spark asked.
“Young Spark, I look forward to watching you fly high, share the clouds and updrafts. I can always be reached if needed and if not, I will return next summer. Who knows, maybe we will see each other sooner than you expect.” Harry said to Spark.
Harry spread his wings and jumped out of the Sanctuary letting the wind catch them and began to fly back towards England and responsibilities.
Harry reached the clouds surrounding his friends and flew in the direction of the responsibilities he must return to. Harry flew at a leisurely pace, enjoying the freedom of flying. On the way he noted places that were already arid and dry, potential areas of wildfires. Harry brought rain to dry parts of the country quenching their thirst. Several hours later Harry was over the English Channel and could see the land of his birth. By nearly dinnertime, Harry could see the city of London on the horizon, and it seemed that only a few minutes later, Harry was finding an unpopulated area in a park to land and revert to his human form.
From there, he apparated into Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. Harry was welcomed back by Sirius, Remus, their girlfriends and Dorea. The group asked Harry about his time with the creatures and Harry relayed the relatively few changes in their home. Harry also asked if there were any major changes in British wizarding politics he should be aware of.
“Umbridge attempted to have you blocked again from further Wizengamot meetings. Several purebloods attempted to have harsher penalties put to werewolves which was laughed out of the chamber because there currently isn’t any left in Britain anymore thanks to your cure. They then pushed to have first generation magicals labelled the same as beasts.” Dorea and Arcturus who just arrived reported to Harry. Harry’s face darkened.
“Amelia and Augusta have continued to pressure the Department of Magical Education to acknowledge the findings you brought them and to move forward with educational changes.” Remus added.
“Are they making any headway?” Harry asked.
“More than you think but it seems only because of the moves we made last year. Bringing in new courses and Sirius exorcising Binns. Both DADA and History scores were the highest in decades. Even the Potions scores were higher than any time since Snape took over.” Melinda added.
“It seems as though we have turned around the school in a few short years. There’s some hope for Hogwarts yet. Next year, around the tournament, I’ll have to find and rid the school of the DADA curse.” Harry said.
“And with the gold made from the quidditch stadium improvements that other team owners paid us to adopt, we can pay to bring in further instructors. I think it’s time to increase enrollment. I’ll be proposing several new scholarships both for first generation magicals as well as some half and pure bloods that have fallen on hard times.” Harry continued.
“You keep this up and they’ll be voting you in as Minister before you graduate Sparky.” Sirius quipped.
“I’d be a better Minister then the pillock we have right now Pads. But I have no desire to run the country. I was already looked upon to solve the countries problems once and it wasn’t fun.” Harry replied.
“You wouldn’t need to go far looking for an executive council, what with that quidditch team of girlfriends.” Joelle teased.
“Well, apparently, I need to eventually re-populate the entire British wizarding society. One of those seven positions is Black. You could always help out and make an honest mutt of my Godfather, ‘get a leg over’ and start bringing honest and good Black’s back. Ouch!” Harry jumped and put a hand over his backside.
“Harrison James Potter” Dorea started scandalized, Joelle was blushing but giggling. “I know I taught you better than to use such rough language. Apologize to Joelle right now.” Harry looked sheepish, as he looked to Joelle, mischief could be seen in his eyes though.
“I’m sorry Jo, I shouldn’t have been so crass… about Sirius’s lack of morals towards family duty.” Harry said with an impish smile.
“HEY!” Shouted several voices at once.
Harry jumped out of the way before he could get zapped again.
“You cheeky little sod.” Joelle said still chuckling as Sirius began chasing Harry around the house.
Harry was laughing so hard he was having a hard time speaking, “Dobby, help me!”
Dobby popped in between Sirius and Harry, slowing the man for a moment. “Dogfather, Young Master Harry wants some space.” Dobby had conjured a piece of glass which Sirius ran into, stopping the man cold. Harry stopped and laughed at Sirius, his face pressed against the glass.
“Kreature, help!” Sirius said smugly.
Another pop was heard in the room and Kreature stood on Harry’s side of the glass, snapping his fingers Sirius had his clothes changed to pajamas, his shoes into slippers and a cup of warm milk conjured into his hands. “Kreature must help master, oh yes. Master looks tired from all his activity. Kreature has helped master Sirius get ready for bed.” Kreature winked at Harry, Sirius was gobsmacked. “Master didn’t say what kind of help he needed.” Everyone roared with laughter.
“Harry, you turned my elf against me.” Sirius whined.
Harry patted Kreature on the shoulder and thanked the little aged elf. Harry had Dobby dispel the glass and hugged his adopted father. “Please make an honest woman of Joelle. I want a bonus mom and a little brother or sister to drive Mini and Snivelly nuts with in a few years.
Monday 18 July 1994 - Wizengamot
Harry and family arrived at the Ministry of Magic the next morning, ready for the Wizengamot session. When they arrived, Harry noticed dark looks from several people including Lucius Malfoy and Dolores Umbridge. Albus Dumbledore arrived at the last moment as it seemed to be his regular way to operating. He brought the meeting to order and the minutes of the previous meeting were read. The meeting continued through some minor trivial items until it moved to the provisions for the Quidditch World Cup and the “other major event of the year” happening at Hogwarts.
“The plan for the World Cup final match has already been distributed last month. Does anyone have any questions about it?” Fudge brought up deferring to the Department of Games and Sport.
Harry stood and waited. “The chair recognizes Lord Potter.” Albus said.
“Thank you, Chief Warlock. I have reviewed the documents and find they seem to be missing several important items. Where are the security teams, the fire suppression teams and the event medical staff?” Harry looked at Fudge and Ludo Bagman in turn.
“Well, we felt they weren’t needed and the budget for building the stadium ran over so we….” Ludo began.
“So, we decided to cut into the safety budget to ensure there is money left to be swallowed by the bureaucracy? I say cut into it, but I don’t see ANY people allocated to it. Were they present originally at all or is this all ‘a massive oversight’?” Harry asked as several people squirmed in their chairs.
“You can’t tell me that an event with one hundred thousand seats selling at the prices they are doesn’t have budget for emergency services. This is supposed to be our stage. Our chance to showcase that magical Britain is a top-notch country to be taken seriously and can handle world events. As opposed to the actual opinion outside our borders which seems to be that we have become stuck in time and are falling behind the rest of the world. Becoming a racist and backwater country refusing to progress with the times.” Harry accused.
Harry’s word immediately raised the ire of many in the room. A dozen voices were shouting in all directions at once. Dumbledore had to fire off several cannon blasts from his wand to get the room back under control. “The room will hold decorum and speak one at a time. Currently it recognizes Lord Malfoy.”
Lucius Malfoy unnecessarily straightened his robes. “Young Lord Potter loves to point out our many faults while still in school. He has no idea how to run a country or a major sporting event. What pray tell does he expect to have happen at the World Cup?” Lucius sat stiffly. Harry rose again.
“For starters, Lord Malfoy, considering I just had a stadium built at Hogwarts, with my own galleons, completed on time and on budget, I do have an idea of what goes into a major development or event. I have also run the mid year and Graduation Balls at Hogwarts since first year. As I know that you attended your son’s match at the end of the year you should have noticed that there were many improvements to the stadium beyond the projection screens and a sound system.
I would not be surprised a man of your ‘distinction’ looked past several items. I will forgive you if you didn’t notice, but there was a few security wizards checking tickets at the entrance. There was also a medical area under the stands in case someone was hurt during the game from errant flyers like your son last year. How did that end again? The stadium was built with flame and fire retardant material. It was also warded against magical fire. Security, medical and fire.
That is for a stadium with seating for fifteen hundred at a school. Events at the school quidditch stadium do cost some money now for non students or staff and the stadium recoups those costs with the additional tickets, advertising and concessions which are charged nominal fees. Any additional proceeds go to the school budget you stated last year couldn’t afford the additions to staff or raises that my family generously donated. All this was done while employing a team of near twenty for the few events in a part time capacity” Harry spoke strongly and confidently.
"As for what I expect to happen, I truly hope nothing, considering this glaring oversight. But then I hope every morning to wake up and have breakfast with my mother and father. Every morning I’m left disappointed, thanks to Voldemort.” Many people jumped or shuddered at the name.
“I know that wizards like to show off when they meet in large numbers and that many have no idea how to dress to pass as non-magical. The pitch was built on a field owned by a non-magical near a non-magical town. A magical reversal squad will be necessary. Tens of thousands camping, potentially with open fires. If one percent of those have a fire that gets loose that’s over one hundred fires. Should be easily handled by magic right? And if it isn’t? One hundred thousand revelers, sports fanatics, alcohol, recreational drugs. Are we expecting no fights? Merlin forbid some of old Vold -eyes boot lickers show up to cause mayhem for sport.” Harry said this while looking at pointedly at Lucius.
Harry noticed a slight narrowing of the Death Eaters eyes at the barb.
“We’re a country that did little to fight him last time until a Mother’s protection on her toddler ended him. If either of these worse case scenarios happens, mass panic ensues, people run, trample others, injuries occur. Are we to trust in basic healing spells from our mother’s and father’s. I hope not, seeing as how mine were killed.” Several people were scrambling and writing furiously.
“How exactly are we to pay for all these suggestions Lord Potter?” Fudge asked now worried. Every time this boy opened his mouth it was trouble for him, Fudge thought.
“By finding the I’m sure vast amount of funds that seemed to have hopped on a broom and flown away.” Harry said
“Even if that was the case, the World Cup is only a month away. Surely there isn’t the time to procure the right people to employ for these positions.” Harry opened his portfolio, duplicated the documents and levitated them in all directions.
“Potter and Black Events has nearly two thirds of the projected group required for an event this size under contract already. You’ll note the price quoted for the event.” Harry spoke to the group at large.
Fudge, Bagman and a few others goggled at the price as well as the forethought that went into the planning.
“You must be mad if you think we will pay these prices for this. This is outrageous.” Fudge blustered.
“I’ve already contracted them and provided accommodations on site for the group. The group will be watching from the outside set in strategic locations. I expected that this august body of corrupt politicians would not wish to engage in the proper running of this event. You can cover the bill if you wish. Otherwise, I will be paying out of pocket for their attendance. I truly hope that they aren’t needed and can tailgate throughout the weekend, enjoying the festivities." Harry said lightly before his voice gained strength and gravitas.
"Mark my words though Minister, unlike the first ‘Blood War’ I refuse to be left ‘holding the bag’ if they are needed. If they end up working in the way I hope they aren’t, I’ll send you a bill at twice their rate and torch this administration in the media, all media, around the world and will continue to do so until I’m paid in full.” Harry said in a voice the brook no argument.
“Hem, Hem. It seems to me, Mr. Potter that you are making threats to the ministry and to the Minister.” Dolores Umbridge piped in.
Harry stood again. “The chair recognizes Lord Potter.” Albus said with a twinkle in his eye while his lips tightened and narrowed in consternation.
“Thank you, Chief Warlock. Firstly, Madam Umbridge, one such as yourself, in such a position as yours, a position we can’t possibly forget as you remind us all the time, could not possibly forget the procedure and decorum that even a fourteen year old remembers and stand to be recognized." As Dolores was in fact standing several people chuckled as she had a flush begin to creep up her pouchy neck.
"Secondly, you are neither a Lord or Lady of this Wizengamot, you are a glorified paper shuffler. An errand person, so you should not be speaking here at all. You’ve already made your opinions heard far too often in these halls based on what I’ve read of the past minutes, attempting to make policy and again trying to have me removed from my seat here. Something you have no authority to push. If it wouldn’t end up with another pureblood traditionalist jumping up ready to die for you, I’d challenge you again.
Lastly, I am not threatening the Minister or the Ministry. I have saved them again from the potential embarrassment of being caught with its robes down for not properly planning an event of this magnitude and even fronting the galleons.” Harry said his gaze murderous on the toad, he sorely wished she would challenge him.
“History has shown me, too often that this body expects too much from others and leaves them holding the bag after. I pre-planned for the problems that should have been planned for. I provided the solution as much as I can for it and advised the Ministry that they can choose to pay the market value now for the services or an inflated price after it’s been used. All common business practices. Failure to do so will result in me airing the dirty knickers of this meeting to the world and how I was forced to save you all again.” Harry finished and sat down stiffly.
Dolores puffed herself up and was about to say something when Fudge told her to sit down quietly. She glared at the boy before doing so. “We will find the funds to pay for the services you graciously have prepared Lord Potter.” Fudge concluded resignedly. It seemed he would not be getting that vacation house in Spain this summer after all. Maybe he could seek further funding for some favor from Lucius.
“Are there any further items to speak of on the World Cup or can we move to the other large topic for the next fiscal year?” Albus asked the crowd.
Harry stood and was recognized, “Chief, if you are speaking of the Triwizard Tournament, you need not be so cloak and dagger about it. I already know of the plans and if asked will not speak of them and steal your thunder at Hogwarts. Please proceed without dancing around the issue. I am too young to compete and will publicly say here that I have no interest in doing so.”
“Very well Har- Lord Potter.” Again, the Headmaster was bothered with the enigma that was Harry Potter.
How did he come by the information he has? How is he better prepared for events and so well spoken. Harry moved with grace and gravitas even beyond that of a regular pureblood, it couldn’t just be from his family. Even they were not that good or well informed in their prime.
When they were done speaking of the Triwizard tournament, Harry knew they were bringing in Dragons like they had the previous time. Harry also brought forth the allocation of additional funds to bring in a new teacher for a subject that was previously cut from the school. They would debate on which subject at future meetings. Additional scholarships for three first generation magicals and three half bloods was granted under the ‘Lily Potter fund’. Another fund was created to bring three promising students from all wizarding families that attended the local magical trade school to Hogwarts in the name of James Potter.
The next few hours dragged on as the Wizengamot argued over the events and animals used. Harry ended the discussion by declaring, “My team of emergency witches and wizards will also be available for the Triwizard Tournament as are my drone cameras and projectors for the events. For a fee of course.”
As the proceedings finished up, Harry and his retinue packed up and left quickly. Harry was about to step into the floo when they were stopped by Albus Dumbledore. “Harry, may I have a quick word?” Albus asked.
“Al, you old goat, you truly are losing the plot. I can’t even begin to remember how many times you’ve been asked to respect my title and proper decorum. You expect respect and yet you give none. You ask for favors and leniency, you provide nothing in return. Please, spare me the half speak and riddles, I am leaving for vacation and just sat through several hours of stuffy blowhards speaking nonsense while posturing like peacocks.” Harry answered.
Albus, finding himself on the back foot again was a moment before regaining his composure. “Harry, thank you for the series of generous offers. While I agree the need is valid, I fear the Wizengamot will not see past your youth and accept it lightly. You have made some powerful enemies today. I wished to know what your plans are for the remainder of the summer holidays. I notice each year you come back to Hogwarts with more skills and are better prepared to take on the rigors of the school year than any other student.” Albus was lightly scanning the group.
Albus still had not figured out what had happened to the Elder wand. He felt like he could feel a trace of it’s magic on Arcturus, but that long since faded to near nothingness.
“Albus, with due respect, what my family and I do over the holidays is of no concern of the Headmaster, the Chief Warlock or the Supreme Mugwump. Were we friends or peers maybe we would discuss such plans over an age-appropriate drink. As we are not, I have no desire to speak of my plans for the summer.
In deference to your many positions, I’ll say I intend to be at the World Cup, the next Wizengamot session, and to spend some quality time with family and friends. All things that would not have been possible, had I still been housed with my abusive aunt and her family as you originally intended. Good day sir.” With that, Harry turned and floo’ed away without pausing further, leaving Albus Dumbledore to contemplate the riddle that was Harry Potter.