Chapter 38 - Fifth Year (Part 2)

Ministry of Magic, Court Room 10 - July 27, 2005

The day had finally arrived for Lily's trial. It was taking James everything he had not to bounce into the court room. Even Sirius, who had never even sat in his seat in the Wizengamot, was wearing his lordship robes. He had decided there was no way he was missing this so had decided to be there. Severus was also there, wearing the Prince crest and ring publicly for the first time.

All three made their way up to the seats. Both James and Severus would both be restricted from voting since James was the victim, but Sirius would be able to vote. For this meeting Hadrian had even transferred his proxy votes to Sirius just to give him that much more power.

Hadrian was sitting with Remus in the heir area. This area was warded so that no one could identify the heirs. This was done so that the heirs could attend the Wizengamot to learn their duties without having to deal with the press. But just to be on the safe side Hadrians hair was a soft brown and his eyes were a light blue.

Amelia took her place as prosecutor. She could feel something was off about this trial. After everything that had happened in recent years she had started to trust Dumbledore even less than she already had. His attempts at stopping this woman from facing trial was more than a little suspicious.

Now she was going to get the answers she craved.

Ms. Mathews barrister took the seat at the other table as the woman was brought in and placed in the accused's chair. Over the past week Amelia had had plenty of visits from the man who was trying to keep his client from being tried.

Amelia knew that, although it hadn't been even implied, Albus Dumbledore had been the one to arrange for the man taking the woman on as a client. She really didn't understand the mans weird obsession with the woman. Amelia had figured she was just another employee, but this was odd. Maybe the man just didn't want to admit he had once again made a mistake and hired another criminal, the Lockhart situation still bothered many people.

Everyone settled into their seats as Lord Greengrass called the trial to order. He, like many others, knew that this wasn't going to be easy. Dumbledore and his sycophants already looked ready to start objecting.

Like they had thought almost as soon as the trial started the objections began. Amelia had requested the use of veritaserum. Many of Dumbledore's people didn't want it to be used, but it was clear that they weren't exactly sure why. Since they were just following Dumbledore's orders they objected, but they didn't have any legal reason to stop the use of a truth serum.

Amelia had to withhold a smirk as she offered a compromise. Rather than using veritaserum, they would be using a less forceful truth serum. This actually worked better for her in the long run.

While veritaserum forced the speaker to tell the truth, they only answered the direct question. With the lighter truth serums, while the person was still forced to tell the truth, it also allowed them to think and expand on things. When asked a question they would have to tell the truth, but they could also go off on tangents.

It was one of the reasons they always tried to use veritaserum in their trials. It allowed them to go faster. But Amelia figured it was better to have the woman speaking openly rather than in a trance like state. So long as she asked the right questions she could learn a world of truth.

Once everyone settled down again Amelia watched as Rose Mathews was given the serum. Getting up she went to start the interrogation.

"I will start with the basic test questions." Amelia announced as she moved closer to the bound woman. "What is your name?"

"Lily Evans."

"What?" Amelia gasped in shock.

"My name is Lily Evans. But I have been using the name Rose Mathews for the last few years."

Albus sighed heavily. This wasn't good. He had known it was going to happen, but he had still barely withheld his flinch when the woman spoke.

Amelia glanced at James. He had to have known something, but she wasn't angry about it. He had given her plausible deniability. If she had known this was Lily before hand she would have had to recuse herself from this trial, and she really was glad to be involved.

"Why don't you look like Lily Evans?"

"My ring has an ancient glamour woven into it." Lily answered without a care in the world. Inside she was screaming at herself to shut up.

Amelia had one of the unspeakables come forward and remove the ring. This left Lily looking like herself again. Although many were shocked, the years hadn't been kind to her.

The ancient glamours had fallen out of use for a reason. They actually damaged the body as they were worn. Dumbledore had only chosen to use those glamours on Lily because most of the detection spells were newer and didn't catch the older glamours. Even Mad-Eye's eye couldn't see through them.

Since Lily had been wearing the glamours non stop for years they had done extensive damage. Her skin was like wax paper with discoloured spots where her freckles had once been and covered in deep lines. Her once gleaming red hair was now dull and brittle. She looked much older than she was.

Amelia knew she needed to start off focused on the love potions, but if Lily mentioned anything about how she had survived she could expand her questions.

"Let's continue. What is your date of birth?"

"January 30, 1970. But I've been telling everyone it was June 1, 1975 so everyone would think I'm younger."

Amelia smirked slightly, Merlin this woman was shallow.

"Did you attempt to use love potions on Sebastian Prince-Peverell?"

"Of course."

"Why?"

"Because I should be Lady Peverell-Gryffindor. Severus doesn't deserve to be married to Sebastian. He should be mine."

"What potions did you use and for what purpose?"

"Aeternum amare, to make him completely in love with me. Aeternum submittere to make him submit to me. And aeternum studium to make him loyal to me."

"You do understand that all three of those potions are highly illegal?"

"Yes, but I wanted to use them."

"Even though you knew that using even one of those potions is worth a life sentence in Azkaban?"

"Yes."

"If you knew why did you use them?"

"Because I'm Lily Evans. I'm celebrated as a hero. No one would dare send me to Azkaban."

"Where did you get the potions?"

Lily stayed silent.

"Ms. Evans, what do you remember about where you got the potions?"

"I have no memory."

"Unspeakable Topaz, would you check the accuseds memory?" Amelia addressed the Unspeakable in the room.

After a twenty minute examination the Unspeakable turned to address the court. "The memories have been removed. It is common when dealing in illegal goods to remove the memory of where they were acquired. It is a way to stop prosecution of the suppliers."

"Do you know when the memories were removed?" Amelia asked.

"There is no way to determine when the memories were removed."

"I call for the dismissal of this case due to the fact that my clients memories have been altered." Lily's barrister jumped up, seeing this as his only chance to get his client off.

"What is your expert opinion in this matter Unspeakable Topaz, was she operating under her own control?" Gerald asked the unspeakable, he didn't want to let this woman off.

The unspeakable did another check. "Her memories weren't tampered with, only removed. There is no evidence of coercion. It is most likely that the black market dealer she worked with removed the memory of their identity in an act of self preservation. Everything she did before and after that point was done with her own free will."

"Thank you Unspeakable Topaz. Motion for dismissal denied. Please continue with your questioning Madame Bones." Gerald announced.

Albus let out a slight sigh of relief.

"Have you ever used love potion before? And if so who on and when?"

Lily tried to force herself to be quiet, she didn't want to admit this, but the potion forced her to speak.

"I started using weak love potions on Severus Snape starting when he was 12 after I learned how to get them over the summer before our second year. I started using the same basic potions on James Potter at the same time. During that time I started to randomly dose others in Gryffindor, I didn't know who was getting the potions. I started using the stronger love potion, amortentia, on both when we were in our fifth year after I learned how to brew it myself."

"Why did you use love potions on all those people."

"Because I deserved their love and adoration."

Everyone was a little startled at Lily's answer, even Albus. She really was self centred.

Amelia knew that she was running out of time. The truth potion only lasted for so long, and the agreement that had been made was that she could ask any relevant questions until the potion wore off. Given the amount of potion that had been administered she had only about 10 minutes left. She needed to ignore everyone else and just focus on her interrogation.

"Did you use love potions to make James Potter marry you?"

"No. We were never married."

"Then why has everyone been informed you were?"

"Objection, relevance." Lily's lawyer jumped up as he shot a silencing spell at her.. This trial was not going the way he had hoped. When Albus had come to him to defend his employee he had sworn she was innocent. Then when he had interviewed her to work up his defence strategy she had told him she hadn't done anything and that she hadn't had anything to hide, that was why he had even allowed them to use truth serum.

If she had have told him the truth he would have recommended that she plead guilty. At least if she had done that she would only be punished for the potions. He might have even been able to negotiate her time down from life to only a few decades. But now there was pretty much nothing he could do to help her.

"She has already admitted James Potter was one of her victims. From that information it would only be sensible to further examine that situation due to its impact on our community." Amelia said as she looked to Gerald who overruled the objection and motioned for her to continue. "I ask again, Lily Evans why was the magical community led to believe that you were married to James Potter?"

"Because I wanted to be Lady Potter but James was being difficult. No one knew who he was involved with when Hadrian was born so I started lying and saying that I was his mother. Everyone just assumed that we were married."

"Why didn't James ever contradict your story?"

"Because he was under multiple love potions, compulsion potions, loyalty potions, and mind alterations to make him believe that we really were married."

"You said you started informing people that Hadrian Potter-Black, James Potter's son, was yours. Are you saying you are not the mother of Hadrian Potter-Black?"

"Yes and no. I did not give birth to Hadrian but I blood adopted him just before his first birthday after kidnapping him and James from their home and moving to Godric's Hollow."

"Was the blood adoption done legally? Did you get the proper permission from both parents without any coercion?"

"No. I forced the boy to drink the potion while he was unconscious from being moved."

"Did you do anything else to Hadrian Potter-Black after you kidnapped him?"

"I placed blocks on his abilities and magic like his metamorphmagus gift and his wish magic, along with a few various curses." Lily could feel the potion starting to wear off and so was able to limit what she said slightly.

Amelia knew that she was almost out of time and she made a quick decision about what her last questions would be. "How did you survive the attack in Godric's Hollow on October 31, 1991? What happened to James Potter?"

Although the potion was wearing off, Lily still felt compelled to answer, but she was able to limit what she said, but not enough. "I wasn't there. Before that night I took James and left golems in our place. I kept James in a magical coma and…"

Amelia knew when the potion was completely gone and Lily snapped her mouth closed and refused to continue to answer. Then and only then did Amelia start paying attention to the voices of the rest of the Wizengamot. It was obvious they were furious as they demanded answers.

Lily just shook her head refusing to look at anyone. There was a defeated look in her lawyers eyes, he knew this was going to end very badly for his client.

"I wish to amend the charges to include two counts of kidnapping, a forced blood adoption, illegal blocks and enchantments placed on an underage child, and child abuse." Amelia announced loudly over the noise.

Gerald went through the adding of the charges allowing the Wizengamot to vote for or against adding the charges. Each was approved. Then he called for a vote on guilt or innocence. It was unanimous, guilty. Even Dumbledore knew he had to vote for conviction.

Then came the decision on sentencing. After a lengthy debate Lily was sentenced to four life terms in Azkaban in the high security wing with round the clock presence of dementors, she would serve the first 50 years and then it would be brought back before the Wizengamot to vote whether she be returned to the prison to continue being punished or shown the mercy of a swift execution. She would only be granted the execution if the Wizengamot felt she had adequately paid for her crimes and felt true remorse, if they didn't then she would have to continue her punishment. Everyone knew that death was preferable to long term exposure to dementors.

With the sentence given the Wizengamot members went back to demanding answers about the fate of James Potter. Lily's lawyer saw this as his last chance and started to try and negotiate a reduction in sentence in exchange for answers.

Amelia wasn't going to let that happen. "There is no need for that. I know of the fate of James Potter."

Everyone turned to Amelia. Most were curious about what had happened, while two people in the chamber started to panic. Both Albus and Lily were terrified.

Albus couldn't figure out how Amelia could have figured out what he had done to James, his body was still hidden in the basement. There was no way Amelia could have found the cottage, could she?

Lily, while afraid, was also confused. Like with where she got the potions from, Lily had no memories of what had happened to James. Since she didn't have any memories of what had happened to him there really wasn't anything they could do to her, but she also knew that they might try and force more information from her with more truth serum and that just wouldn't end well. She never wanted that again, she still had far to many secrets to risk it.

"An anonymous third party learned that James Potter had survived and arranged for his rescue. He was privately treated for the potion and spell damage. After he was released from the private healers his first concern was for his son.

The third party that rescued him was only concerned with his survival and so had not bothered to collect any evidence or determine who it was that was holding him prisoner. Their only concern was his retrieval. As they had no evidence there was no way to determine who was involved in his kidnapping.

With no evidence of who was involved with his kidnapping James chose to go into hiding and focus on his family. To do this he went to the goblins at Gringotts. They assisted in legally changing his name and abdicating his title in favour of his son, as a result of this James Potter ceased to exist and Hadrian Potter-Black gained the ability to claim the title. He also got a powerful glamour that would allow him to continue to live his life without fear of his kidnappers returning and targeting him and his son.

He eventually came to me and gave me the basic outline of what had happened to him and what he knew. Unfortunately, as I had no evidence of who was involved and there was no evidence there was little I could do until today."

James was pleased with how Amelia was laying things out. She was telling the truth, as far as she knew, but slanting it in a way that would limit any fallout for him. Now people would think that he hadn't known who had targeted him and had simply been protecting his son.

Then people started demanding to know where James Potter was. Amelia gave him a subtle glance. James had known this was going to come out. He had had Ragnock remove the stronger glamour and instead now wore a glamour ring that kept his appearance up. It was time to face the world, with his true face.

Amelia watched as James stood up. Seeing where she was looking a majority of the people in the room turned to see a Lord that they all thought they had known well take off a ring on his little finger and changed to look like James Potter.

It was like someone set of a dozen canons.

Everyone was shouting.

James held up a hand and waited until it was relatively quiet, which happened surprisingly quickly. "I would apologize for the deceit, but I really don't regret it. Changing my name and face allowed for me to protect and raise my son."

"But you can't do that." Fudge sputtered. "All of your votes are invalid as you are required to use your true name when sitting in this chamber."

Albus sat up a little. Although he was struggling to figure out how James was here, this could help him. He might be able to get everything James had done in the past years revoked.

"I have been using my name." James smiled. "I legally changed my name, both in ministry records as well as magic. I am Sebastian Prince-Peverell, lord of both the Peverell and Gryffindor family. Everything I have done has been within the law."

"He is correct." Amelia added, not wanting Fudge, or worse, his sycophant, Umbridge, to make fools of the Ministry. "I have looked over everything he did and it was all legal and above board."

"So who is Hadrians mum?" Came a confused voice.

"He doesn't have one." James replied. "Hadrian is my son with my husband."

"Are you saying that the-boy-who-lived is the son of a death eater." One of Dumbledore's light fools demanded.

James narrowed his eyes. "As has been repeatedly covered, my husband was a spy. I am proud of what my husband did and anyone who says differently needs to reevaluate their thought process."

After that James only gave clipped responses. These people had no right to question his husband. Severus was the best man he had ever met and many of those light fools condemned him even though he had risked his life every day for years to protect their worthless lives.

It took another hour before the meeting broke up after it was decided that everyone was just to worked up to accomplish anything more that day. James and Severus made their way out quickly along with Sirius and met up with Remus and Hadrian.

James knew that he was going to have to speak with the reporters, but he was going to let the furor die down a bit. Since they had known that this would be the outcome they had already made arrangements to spend the next week in France so Hadrian could spend some time with Dudley. He would contact Tamsin only after his return.

Macmillan, Smith, and Boot Law Office

Albus sat silently in the office of Kyle Smith, uncle of one of his current Gryffindor's. He was less than pleased. When he had gone to Kyle, who he had assisted in helping pass his NEWTs after the man had chosen to party rather than study, he had been assured that Kyle would do his best to get a minimal sentence.

"I think we need to speak Mr. Smith." Albus all but hissed as Kyle made his way into the office.

Kyle jumped and spun when he heard the voice. He had spent the last few hours being berated by multiple people. First had been Lily Evans as he escorted her to where the aurors would meet them to escort her to Azkaban. Then had been his brother, who was furious that he had taken on a case without first speaking with him about it. Then had been the rest of the partners of the law firm about taking such a high ranked case and losing. Thankfully he had managed to hold them back with the fact that his client had lied to him about everything, even her name, so he couldn't have been able to prepare a proper defence or known the importance of the trial.

"H…Headmaster Dumbledore." Kyle stuttered out.

"Can you explain to me what happened today? You assured me that you would do your best."

"I… I did." Kyle knew better than to anger this man. "I did everything I could, but she lied to me. If she had given me information, even just the truth about her name, I might have been able to stop the use of truth serum, but she lied. She swore to me that she wasn't guilty so I set up the defence for a false arrest.

If I had known the truth I could have helped her plead for a lesser sentence and kept everything else secret. She still would have gone to Azkaban, but I might have managed to keep it to only a few decades rather than multiple life sentences. I did everything I could."

Albus sighed, he had specifically told Lily to keep her secrets close, but he had hoped she would at least have the intelligence to give Kyle the information he needed to properly defend her. This was one of the reasons he hadn't used Ted Tonks, he knew Ted wouldn't have a problem raking him over coals for withholding information.

"I'm sure you did your best my boy." Albus sighed, it wouldn't do to let Kyle feel that he had repaid his debt. Kyle had to force himself to remain calm over the next ten minutes of talking with his former headmaster. He knew that he had made mistakes with the trial but he still didn't like feeling so guilty. He was sure that he would be able to repay the headmaster but now he felt like he owed him even more.

Lion's Den, Upstairs Flat - July 29, 2005

Arthur sighed as he made his way up the stairs that had been added to the back of the restaurant. They were just finishing off the first month of summer and he was bringing Ron and Ginny over to Molly's for their second weekend with her. He was not looking forward to this. Molly had tried visiting a few days prior, but the wards had blocked her out, so she had ended up sending a very nasty howler explaining her moving.

After knocking they were called to come in. Arthur prepared him self for what was to come.

"My babies." Molly rushed forward, pushing Arthur out of her way, to envelop the two teens in a hug. She was acting as if she hadn't seen them in years rather than two weeks.

"Molly, there are a few things I think we are going to need to speak about." Arthur said in a forced calm voice, he knew Molly was going to start shrieking soon.

"Oh what is it Arthur, can't you see I'm spending time with my babies." Molly snapped.

"Like I said, there are things we need to speak about."

"Oh fine." Molly huffed and went to sit at the small table in the room. "So what is it that is so important."

"I'm not sure if Ron and Ginny told you, but they decided to start learning the family magics at the beginning of the summer so Fabian, Gideon, and I sat down and explained things to them before we allowed them to start reading the family grimoires."

"Yes, yes, what does that have to do with anything."

Arthur withheld a growl. "I know you wouldn't understand as you never bothered to learn the Prewett magics yourself, but there are some very strict secrecy spells on the books. It would seem that despite all the warnings they were given, Ron and Ginny decided to ignore what they were told and tried to betray the family secrets."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Molly huffed.

"They tried to tell Hermione the different spells they read about. Since you never bothered to learn, you probably don't know that to even be able to open the books you have to sign a secrecy contract. Any attempt to betray the family secrets is punished."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Molly demanded as she rushed over and started checking for injuries, but couldn't find anything.

"Since they tried to tell someone the secrets the family magic punished them by taking their voices." Arthur shrugged. "From what the twins and I can figure they should regain their voices by the end of next week."

"What?" Molly shrieked.

Both Ron and Ginny just kept glaring. Ron tried to yell they hadn't done anything wrong, but nothing came out. He just went red in the face and he flung his arms around and stomped his feet, but nothing would come out of his moving lips.

"You will fix this, and you will fix this now." Molly shouted at Arthur.

"There is nothing I can do Molly. They made a magically binding agreement. They broke it, now they pay the price they agreed to." Arthur had been explaining this fact for the past few days every time Ron and Ginny threw a silent fit.

Things quickly devolved into an argument. Molly was sure that Arthur could fix the problem and was just refusing to because he was being cruel. Arthur just kept saying that there was nothing he could do, they had broken a magically binding agreement.

"I have had enough of this." Molly screamed. "My babies are staying with me from now on. I refuse to let them stay with you and those disgusting freaks you call husbands. I will not allow you to corrupt my babies any more."

Ron and Ginny both started nodding. They hated having to stay with their dad so much.

Seeing the way the kids were reacting Arthur sighed. "Do you know what… fine. You two aren't little children anymore so you should have a say in where you live. If it is what you both want then we will just reverse the custody agreement. You will live with your mother and come to the Burrow every other weekend.

But you do understand what that means. This isn't something you can change every time you don't get your way. If we change the agreement then that is it. It is changed and you can't go back. It also means I will no longer be giving you your allowance, that will instead come from your mother."

Ron and Ginny just nodded. They wanted to be with their mum.

"Alright then, I will have the papers drawn up. Molly, I will expect them at the Burrow every other weekend starting next weekend. I will chip in 10 galleons for their school supplies each. That should more than cover what they need.

I will also keep paying for their mind healer appointments, but they will have to go and be on time. If they are late more than twice or miss more than 2 appointments without a valid reason then I will stop payments and you can cover the cost yourself."

"Fine." Molly was thrilled that her babies were coming to live with her. "There is just the matter of child support. Since they will be living with me full time you will need to start paying."

Arthur smirked. "I will pay the exact same amount of child support you have been paying."

Molly glared. Sure, she had never paid a single knut in support when her babies had been living with Arthur, but she shouldn't have had to. Arthur and the twins had all been working so of course they had had more than enough money. She deserved support since she was going to become a single mum.

"Don't start Molly. All we are doing is reversing the agreement that we had, not adding anything else. I think I am being more than kind given that I am willing to assist in paying for their school supplies, something that you have never done. I will even continue to cover their school tuition, unless you would like to start." Molly just kept glaring. "I think that look says everything that needs to be said.

I will see you two next weekend. I hope you like this arrangement and it doesn't turn around to bite you."

With that Arthur walked out. He was sad that things had come to this, but he really had tried everything he could think of. There was nothing else he could do. Maybe this was for the best. He would still get to spend time with them, but it wouldn't be so much that they got angry with him. Maybe absence really did make the heart grow fonder.

Hogwarts - August 1, 2005

Albus Dumbledore was furious as he was forced from his office at spear point and under threat of having all his gold seized.

The goblins had arrived bright and early just like Sebastian…James had said, Albus still couldn't believe that. He had gone to the cottage in Godric's Hollow to try and figure out how he could have the body of James Potter yet the man have been walking around for years. What he didn't know was that as soon as they had all walked into the Wizengamot court room a goblin contingent had gone to the cottage and removed the body.

Albus had found an empty basement and that had just made him more confused. He knew that he had had a body there. But it wasn't like he could tell anyone that he had lost track of the body of a man that he had both kidnapped and killed.

Before he could even start to try and work out what had happened he had been woken up by goblins demanding that he leave for the next week. There was no way he was going to willingly do that. He didn't want the wards to be examined or changed. He had done a lot of work on them over the years to make them how he wanted them and he didn't want those disgusting creatures to have any involvement in his school. He needed the changes he had made to remain.

Since they needed the school to be empty of all witches and wizards Albus had just planned not to leave. He knew that he was going to need to make up some kind of excuse to tell the stupid governors because they were so demanding about the update but he was sure he could do it. And even if they didn't accept his excuse they would have to wait until the next summer anyways and by then he would have found another way around it. He had managed to keep a lot of secrets just by putting things off that way.

But things hadn't worked for him. The goblins had stormed into his private chambers and demanded he leave. They completely refused to listen to him and just kept saying they had a job to do. Eventually he had gotten sick of them and he had pulled his wand only to have more than a dozen weapons aimed at him.

The stupid goblin that had previously been demanding he leave told him that if he cast a single spell at them he would be treated as an enemy of the goblin nation. That meant that any assets he had would be seized, but more than likely he would be executed before that happened. That didn't seem like a good idea so he had no choice but to allow himself to be escorted out.

The goblins were all almost pleased once the annoying old wizard was gone and they could get on with their work.

Hogwarts - August 9, 2005

Albus was finally back in his office and still completely furious. Those disgusting goblins had made a mess of his wards. Over the years he had edited and changed the wards so that he could do what he wanted, but the goblins had had the original ward scheme information and had updated from there.

The new wards blocked dangerous artifacts from the school, which had caused the destruction of multiple priceless artifacts that he had collected over the years, he had already started work on removing those. There were also new wards that would alert the closest professor in the event of bullying turning violent and also freeze the aggressor. He knew over the years it was more often than not a Gryffindor that would be the one attacking, but he had used the fact that there weren't witnesses, but if it was the aggressor that was the one that was frozen then there was no way he could say that it was the other persons fault. There were now multiple other wards that would protect the students and make the grounds less dangerous and he didn't like that, he used the danger to keep control.

Then there was the removal of the wards he had added. It had taken years, but a few decades ago Albus had managed to integrate a ward that would allow him to identify and track all children with a dark core and all students in Slytherin. He had also added a low level leaching ward in recent years. The ward had to be low level because most of the older students would notice if their magic decreased by too much. As it had been he was able to syphon off 2% from every student, not enough for anyone to notice, but a great deal of power when added together. He had been using that magic to supplement what had been lost from the prison, but it still hadn't been enough. And now that magic too, was gone.

There wasn't even words for how much he hated all this meddling in his school and his plans. He was supposed to be the one in control. He needed to find a way to start to regain his control.

He had been writing different ideas on a sheet of parchment. Once again getting frustrated he balled up the sheet and threw it into the fire, that he had burning even though it was the middle of summer, when Minerva's cat patronus came dashing in to tell him that he needed to get to the staff room so that they could select the new prefects. Normally they did that earlier but everything had been such a mess with the trial and then the wards had made him put it off, but they needed to get it done now if they wanted to get the letters out so that the students could get their supplies.

Severus was more than a little annoyed by the time Dumbledore managed to finally make it down to the staff room. They had already been sitting there for over half an hour. Whenever any of the others just tried to do their job Minerva would interrupt and demand that they wait for the headmaster.

This could have been handled on time if Dumbledore wasn't such a control freak. The man had been so distracted by the trial that he kept moving the meeting back even though the school should have come first, and it wasn't like they even needed him there. The heads of house were responsible for selecting their prefects and either the headmaster, or deputy headmaster could approve it. Then there had been the period of the warding, they could have held the meeting at any point during that week, just not at the school, there were many private rooms at the restaurants in Hogsmeade that they could have used, but again Dumbledore refused to allow it.

"Sorry I'm late, I was busy with some pre term paperwork." Albus twinkled at those in the room.

"Yes, well… Let's carry on now that we're all here." Severus sneered.

Minerva snarled slightly at the look her colleague sent her.

"Yes, yes. Let's get to work." Dumbledore took his seat.

"I guess I'll start." Pomona Sprout said. "I will be keeping my upper year prefects the same and I was thinking of making Susan Bones and Neville Longbottom my 5th year prefects."

The others all agreed. Albus and Minerva didn't see a problem with that. If anything it was helpful since both Susan and Neville had powerful and influential family members that they might be able to convince to see things their way if it meant the advancement of their children.

"We discussed it and have also decided to keep our older prefects." Lucien Zarno said as co-head of Slytherin.

Aurora Sinistra nodded. "Our new prefects will be Daphne Greengrass and Draco Malfoy."

This lead to a bit of a debate. Albus and Minerva had absolutely no problem with Daphne, but both objected to Draco. Neither of them wanted to elevate a Malfoy but couldn't give a good reason for that so both were approved.

"Filius?" Albus looked to the small charms master.

"It goes without saying that the upper years will be keeping their positions. For the 5th year choices I want Padma Patil and Terry Boot."

"I figured you would select young Hadrian." Pomona said in slight confusion.

"I watched the students over the past year and even spoke with my top choices about it to see if they would be willing." Filius sipped his tea. "Both Hadrian and his roommate Theo were both in contention for the spot but selected to withdraw themselves since they are both Lords. Nox currently sits as the top student of their year and said he felt that being prefect would take too much time away from studying. Of the remaining boys Terry Boot is the best qualified."

"Yes, I spoke with Hadrian about it." Severus added when he saw both Albus and Minerva getting ready to add their opinions. "While he can't take his seat in the Wizengamot until he is 16, he is planning on taking more responsibility for his seats over the year so that he can begin to get ready for the position. Given that he is expected to hold the responsibility of his lordships for years to come, and the role of prefect only lasts for a maximum of 3 years, Hadrian has chosen to prioritize his grades and lordship."

"That is quite sensible. I know that Blaise Zabini has taken the same path. He has already written me to let me know that he will even be attending a few of the Wizengamot sessions over the coming year so that he can know what to expect." Aurora added.

"Yes, Hadrian has spoken with us and will be doing the same thing, but he is going to wait until the school year starts so he can see what his schedule is like before he starts making plans so that he doesn't miss anything." Severus said.

"Are you sure that's a good idea Severus? Harry really should be focusing on his school work." Dumbledore said. He really didn't want Harry to get involved in the Wizengamot. There were too many people that would follow the boys foolish ideas, it was why Albus had wanted to hold proxy over those seats.

"Hadrian is currently ranked second in his year just behind Mr. Cross." Severus raised a brow. "He knows that his grades come first. Don't worry Albus, I have every intention of keeping a close eye on my son and will not hesitate to intervene."

Albus wanted to scream at that reminder. How could he knot have known that Severus and James had been involved? He was supposed to know everything that went on with his people yet he had some how missed two of his people that he had spelled to hate each other were married and had had a child.

If he had known that he might have been able to make better plans. He could have forced Severus to sign over guardianship rights while he had had the man under his spells before he had gone to work for the bank. Another missed opportunity.

"Now that that's out of the way…" Sirius broke in. "To the Gryffindor's. I don't know about who Minerva has selected, since she has refused to discuss it with me, but I think the older prefects are doing fine, and for the upcoming 5th years… I was thinking Autumn Quinn and Dean Thomas. They are both well liked, have decent grades, Dean has had the fewest detentions of the boys in his year, and Autumn has had none, and they are both good leaders."

"I think not." Minerva snapped. "Ron and Hermione are going to be this years prefects."

"Have you completely lost your mind."

Everyone was more than a little surprised to see that it was Pomona that had spoken and was looking at the woman like she had two heads.

"Now Pomona I'm sure Minerva knows what is best for her house. Her decisions are the ones that matter." Albus twinkled.

"Actually Albus, as Sirius is her co-head their opinions carry the same weight. And I fully support Pomona's reaction." Severus drawled.

"I must agree. Hermione is a middling student and Ronald is one of the worst. Neither can follow instructions or have shown any leadership qualities. Not to mention just how many detentions they have had. I don't think they managed to go a single week without at least getting detention or losing points for breaking the rules." Lucian agreed.

"There is also their problems with bullying. How can we trust those two to be in a position of authority? They would just use it to abuse their fellow students more." Aurora added having had to deal with those two for years.

"It has just been a slight misunderstanding. I'm sure Ronald and Hermione would never abuse their position or the other students." Dumbledore popped a lemon drop in his mouth to try and stay calm.

This ended up leading to an argument that lasted another half an hour. Only Albus and Minerva were arguing in favour of making Ron and Hermione prefects, but neither was willing to back down or even listen to reason. Sirius glanced over to Severus and could see the vein throbbing in his temple. He himself was getting a headache. This needed to end.

"Enough." Sirius shouted over the bickering. "It is clear neither side is willing to back away from their positions so I am going to propose an idea that might be our only chance of getting home before we have to come back to start setting up.

I propose that we give Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger a chance. But it will come with caveats. They will be on probation for the first term and any detentions they give, and any points they give and take will be reviewed by all heads of house for legitimacy. If they are found to be abusing their badge then they will lose them to the students I selected. Alongside this, their grades and detention records will be watched. If their grades drop below a low EE average, or they get more than three detentions a month then they will have their badges removed. However, if there are any incidents of a physical attack or hexing that results in the victim going to the hospital wing they will be stripped of their badges immediately.

Rather than sending out their letter like usual I will personally deliver them so that I can be sure to impress upon them the rules that they will need to follow."

"I do wonder why you would even agree to allow them the positions in the first place?" Severus said thoughtfully.

"This is a chance for them to grow up." Sirius shrugged. "A chance for them to rise to the occasion. I know from seeing it with James, when he was given the head boy badge and the responsibility it involved, he stepped up. Maybe these two just need that same push. At least, it is what I hope."

"And just why are you the one that should deliver the letters? I can do it just as easily as you." Minerva snarled.

"Normally I would just allow you to do it Minerva, but I have my doubts that you would be able to make sure they understand that there is no way they are getting around the rules. You have always made excuses for their behaviour so they will not see you as someone not to cross.

They know that I will not change the rules for them. When I give them expectations and consequences they know that I will follow through." Sirius gave her a bland look.

"Now surely there is no need for this probation idea. They are good children, they have just made a few mistakes. They will do just fine with the responsibility." Albus smiled. "They will get the badges without the probation."

"No." Of all people it was once again Pomona that spoke up. "I have my doubts that they will be able to rise to the occasion, but I am willing to accept Sirius's idea. That is the only way I will agree with those two getting the badge.

Honestly, it is an insult to the other students that have worked hard and not gotten in trouble to give those two a badge, but it is not my choice. But, if either of you, Albus or Minerva, attempt to change the parameters that Sirius just laid out I will demand this decision go to the board."

Albus forced down his anger. He knew for a fact that if it went to the board there was no way his pawns would get the badges. Oh how he hated being questioned, by a 'Puff no less. "Fine. Sirius, you will deliver their badges and impress upon them the rules." Albus motioned for Minerva to stay silent.

As soon as all the others had left Minerva followed Albus back up to his office.

"Why did you let them do that?" Minerva demanded.

"Please take a seat Minerva." Albus sighed. He knew she was going to be angry. "I did what I had to do to ensure we got what we wanted.

Yes, I do wish we could have gotten them the badges without the probationary period, but it is the best we could get."

"But Albus." Minerva practically whined.

"No Minerva." Albus snapped, he had enough issues, he didn't need her behaving like a child. "There was no other option. Either we agreed to Sirius's proposal or they wouldn't have gotten the badges. It is better to make a small sacrifice rather than lose everything we had been working for.

We need those two to be prefects. It will allow us to speak with them more. It will also allow them to establish their position as one of authority over the rest of the school, it will even make it easier for them to become head boy and girl. We need the other students to look to them and the only way we can get that is if they are prefects.

You will have to speak with them once they are back at school. They can not lose their positions. I don't care what they want, they have to follow the rules… At least for the first term. Once they are no longer on probation they can start to relax their behaviour, but until then they need to be perfect."

"Don't worry Albus, I'll take care of it." Minerva was determined not to fail.

Granger House - August 12, 2005

Hermione was sitting at the table working on one of the assignments her parents had given her under the watchful eye of her mother. She was sure there could be no worse summer than this.

She had thought that just being denied the use of her magic had been bad enough, but apparently not. Now she had to work too. Then there were the assignments that her parents were making her do to earn visiting her friends. So far she had only been aloud to visit Ron and Ginny once that summer, and that hadn't even been worth it since as soon as they started to tell her about the family magics they were learning they both lost their voices and had had to go home.

Right now she was going to use this assignment she was doing to get her parents to let her go do some shopping in Diagon Alley. It was now just about convincing her parents to accept it. So far they had rejected all but one of her papers. Her mum had even made her sit down and write out a point form list of what she wanted to include in this paper before going through the list and scratching out everything she said should not be in the paper. It was more than a little annoying, but she really had no other choice but to do it her mothers way.

The only thing she was waiting for now was her letter telling her which books she would need for the oncoming year. It was odd because the letter usually would have come by now, but she was willing to overlook the lateness. But only if the extra she had been offered was there.

Before leaving for the summer the year before Professor McGonagall had assured her that she would be getting the prefects badge. Hermione knew that she deserved it, but she had her doubts that she would get it. Professor Black was now co-head of house, and he clearly didn't like her, most likely because she was muggle born she knew, he was a Black after all. But Professor Black had just as much power as Professor McGonagall so he might just be able to stop Hermione from getting the badge, hopefully Headmaster Dumbledore would be able to put the man in his place.

Just before dinner there was a nock at the door. Jean Granger led Professor Black into the living room, calling her husband and daughter in. Professor Black had told her that he needed to speak with Hermione, but he thought both parents should be there.

"Professor Black?" Howard questioned.

"I decided to bring this personally." Sirius handed over Hermione's school letter.

"Why is it so late, and why did you bring it?" Hermione was confused.

"The school was being rewarded, but that isn't what I'm here about." Sirius really didn't understand why this little girl thought everyone should have to answer to her. "What I am here about is this."

Hermione grinned as the professor held out the shiny prefects badge that she had been hoping for.

"Now, there are a few strings that come attached to that badge." Sirius said seriously.

"And what sort of strings are those?" Jean questioned. She was happy her daughter had gotten the badge she had wanted so badly, but she was confused since Hermione's behaviour didn't show any evidence of deserving or earning this elevation.

"She will be on probation. The badge can be removed if she does not prove herself worthy." Sirius looked between the two adults. "This honour has been granted to Hermione in the hopes that it will encourage her to prove herself worthy, not because she has already done so. It is a chance for her to rise to the occasion.

But, you must understand Ms. Granger, you will be monitored. Any points you give or take, as well as any detentions you assign will be evaluated every month. If you are caught taking advantage of your badge then you will lose it. That means you have to have a valid reason for all actions you take.

Along side that both your grades and your own behaviour will be evaluated each month. If you receive more than three detentions a month, if your grades drop below a low EE average, or if you are caught physically attacking, or hexing, another student you will lose your badge. That means you have to stop hitting your fellow students."

"I don't hit anyone." Hermione glared, incensed at everything she had just been told. She deserved this badge, and they had no right to hold it over her head for the type of behaviour they wanted.

"Yes, you do Hermione." Jean sighed. "It is why you now work in the filing room rather than at the front desk with Emma. You kept hitting her when she was trying to teach you what to do."

"This is a list of what we will be monitoring and the basic outline of the minimum requirements to maintain her badge, although I would hope that she aims higher than minimum expectations." Sirius said as he got up to leave. "I really should be off, I still have another meeting to get to."

"Allow me to escort you out." Howard got up and left his wife and daughter to their staring contest. Reaching the door Howard turned to his daughters professor. "Thank you for allowing her another chance, though I don't know if it will help. She is just so sure she is always right.

We have been trying to change things alongside her mind healer appointments, but she just refuses to accept it. Her hitting is going to get her into real trouble soon. I really don't think she even realizes she hits. It's almost like it's unconscious."

Sirius took a moment to think through his next words, he didn't want the other man to take this wrong. "I think one of her major issues is that she has more than likely never been hit before. I'm not saying you need to have been hit to understand why it is wrong to do it to others, just that with her inability to see things from others perspectives she might truly believe that it isn't wrong so she doesn't pay attention to when she hits.

But… There is something that might help. I'm not saying it is the path you need to take, but it is just an option. There is a potion called a karma potion, though that's just the common nickname, not the real one. The potion is often used when treating patients with problems of pathological violence.

The potion allows the one who takes it to feel the result of their actions. It would mean that Hermione would feel the same pain she causes every time she hits someone. It might be something to keep in mind as an option of last resort."

Howard nodded. "I really don't want her to get hurt, but she just isn't getting it. I'll speak with Jean and her healer. We probably won't do it now, but it is an option I guess.

Either way, good evening Professor Black. Have a safe trip."

Sirius walked out of the house and went into a dark alley a few houses down and apperated away.

Lion's Den, Upstairs Flat

Molly was up in the flat making dinner for Ron and Ginny when Sirius arrived. She was already starting to get frustrated. It had been two weeks since her babies had come to live with her… and they were starting to drive her crazy.

When she had first been forced to move out by Arthur she had been so dreadfully lonely and missing her kids, but she had gotten used to it quickly. She had gotten used to the no screaming arguments at all hours of the day and night. She had gotten used to things staying where she put them. She had gotten used to not having others around making messes that she then had to clean up. She had gotten used to not always having someone else underfoot. But most of all she had gotten used to only being responsible for herself.

Ron and Ginny expected her to take care of everything for them. She had to make all their meals in the upstairs flat because if she didn't they would either make a disaster in the kitchen when they attempted it themselves, or worse, they would come down to the restaurant kitchen and just start taking any food that looked good. Somehow they managed to make a mess everywhere they went and didn't clean up. She knew that Arthur had always made them clean up after themselves and take responsibility for themselves, but she didn't want to be mean like him, Ron and Ginny always told her how mean he was. That was the reason she had gotten rid of all those stupid rules Arthur had given them.

There was no more bed time. There was no more time they had to be up by. And there were no more rules about when and how often they needed to study.

All these things led to a slightly frazzled Molly Diggle letting Sirius into her place. "What is it that you want Sirius?"

"I came to deliver these." Sirius held out the two Hogwarts letters.

"Why?" Molly was confused. She didn't trust this man and didn't know why he was here to deliver the letters personally.

"Mum I'm hungry." Ron whined as he came into the kitchen.

"Me too." Ginny whined louder as she followed him. "What are you doing here?" She demanded as she saw one of her heads of house.

"He came to drop off your letters." Molly said, her confusion and suspicion clear in her voice.

"There is another reason." Sirius pulled out the badge and Molly shrieked while Ron puffed up his chest and grinned.

Both then went on to spend the next ten minutes completely ignoring him while they were lost in their own little worlds. Molly was thrilled. She had known that her baby boy would get the prefects badge. After all, there was no one more deserving. Ron was happy. He had wanted a badge of his own ever since Bill had gotten his. Now he had one of his own. He just needed to get on the quidditch team and then he could show up Charlie too.

"Just wait, I will finally be able to start getting those disgusting snakes back in line. I'll make sure they know where they belong." Ron grinned viciously.

"And that is exactly what will get you in trouble at school." Sirius said, he had known the boy wouldn't be able to with hold his own prejudice. At least he wouldn't be embarrassing his house for too long.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Molly snarled as she whirled around to stare the man down.

"There was a rather large debate about whether Ronald would get the badge." Sirius shrugged as if he didn't have a care in the world. "In the end it was agreed that he would get the badge, but he would be on probation and could have his badge stripped if he got into too much trouble.

Here are a list of the guidelines." Sirius handed over the list. "The basics are that a remark like that one you just made Mr. Weasley, is completely unacceptable. If we had been at school just now that remark alone could have you stripped of that badge. You are not aloud to target one group over another, you must apply the rules equally amongst all houses.

As it states on that list, every action you take will be monitored and evaluated to ensure that you are living up to this honour you have been given. I want you to understand Mr. Weasley, you have been given the badge in the hope that you will live up to it, not because you have already done so. This is an opportunity to put the past behind you and grow up, I hope that you take it seriously."

With that Sirius turned and quickly left, he could see Molly building up steam and wanted to get out before she blew her top.

"Just who does he think he is? How dare he act like he is doing you some great favour? You deserved that badge. You and Ginny are the best students at that stupid school. These stupid rules are just ridiculous. They aren't even real, neither Bill or Percy were ever threatened like this. I will just write to the Headmaster to get him to put that man back in his place. I will not have him threatening my children like that."

With that Molly plated the kids dinner before turning to go and write up a letter to send to the headmaster.

Ron and Ginny both just sat down to eat their food. They really weren't concerned with what their mum was muttering about. Ginny, because she really didn't care about whether or not Ron was a prefect, although she could see the benefit of him being able to protect her and give her extra points. Ron just didn't care.

He was sure that Black was just being dramatic. There was no way they would take his badge away. He had never even heard of someone having their badge removed, and if it had ever happened surely Hermione would have told him about it.

No, he wasn't going to let Professor Black stop him from doing what he knew was right. Those snakes were going to learn just where they belonged. And maybe Potter might just have to learn a thing or too as well. All he could hope was that he would be able to catch Potter breaking the rules and use that to threaten the other boy into telling others they were friends.

Hogwarts, Headmaster's Office - August 17, 2005

Albus sat in his office and fumed. This year was already proving it was going to be a bad year.

Ever since the final task he had been trying to get everyone ready. Voldemort was coming back.

But no one was listening to him.

Just this morning the Daily Prophet had written about him trying to regain past glory. They had implied that he was just trying to scare people so that they would look to him for answers since more and more people were going elsewhere to look for ways to solve their worlds problems.

It might be partly true, he did want people to look to him once again, but it was for the greater good. He was the one that knew what was best. What about that didn't they understand?

Just look at what leaving those little fools to govern themselves had lead to? Creatures now had equal rights. Children were being taken from their families just because they were strict. And there were even dark classes in his beloved school.

No, he couldn't let things go any longer. He needed to regain his position, and if it took a dark lord killing a few people then so be it.

Ministry of Magic, Minister's Office

As Albus made his plans Cornelius Fudge was doing the same. He was absolutely furious at the other man.

How dare Albus undermine him by claiming that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was back? It was all just to make him look bad he was sure. Albus was just trying to regain power and he knew it.

Over the last few weeks he had been speaking with Delores and they were both convinced that Albus was just trying to destabilize the ministry so that he could get himself elected minister. They both knew how much the old man liked power.

They needed to do something, that old man was going to destroy what power they had left. James Potter and his little group of supporters had often stood in their way, but they were nothing compared to the damage Albus could do if he put his mind to it.

"Delores." Cornelius called as he pulled out the paper work they had been working on to get Delores into the school so she could keep a closer eye on the old man.

Platform 9 ¾ - September 1, 2005

Once again Hadrian and his family ended up arriving at the platform before the train. After Lily's trial and James subsequently having to reveal himself the press was more of a problem than ever.

As soon as the trial had ended James and Severus, along with Sirius and Remus, had taken their kids to Black Island. Over the next few weeks none of the kids had been aloud to leave. Originally they had wanted to take Hadrian to France so that he could visit with Dudley, but it had been decided to invite him and the rest of his family to the island instead so that they could have privacy. They had even gone so far as to owl order Hadrians school supplies. The only contact they had had with the outside world had been the few times James, Sirius, and Severus had left and when their friends portkeyed in to visit, even for Hadrian's birthday they had stayed on the island.

Sirius had, of course, had to leave for the meeting about the prefects but other than that had remained with the kids. Both James and Severus had ended up leaving a few times to give different interviews, but all interviews were scheduled well in advance and privacy was ensured.

For the most part, the interest in Hadrian's parentage had started to dwindle. It was probably one of the only benefits of the fact that most witches and wizards lacked the ability to focus for any length of time. By now the masses were being distracted with the slandering of the beloved headmaster by the press at the insistence of the ministry and the latest society gossip.

Hadrian knew that he was going to have to deal with the rest of the students gossiping about it for the first few weeks, but he was sure that they would move on after that. It wasn't like it was the first time something like this had happened to him. He had been through this all before.

His family once again escorted him to his compartment, and after smothering him in hugs, made their way home. It was still hard for them to say goodbye to him, but they were slowly getting used to it. Hadrian just worried about how his dads and uncles would react when his sisters started. Sure, both his papa and Siri worked at the school, but he knew his dad and Remus were going to be distraught.

Sitting on his own, Hadrian worked on mentally preparing himself for this year. This year was another one that was going to be unknown this time around. Originally he knew that he had had to deal with Umbridge and the newly returned Voldemort all while teaching defence to almost half the school and enduring torture from a blood quill. But this time he might actually get a calm year, at least he hoped, but being honest he knew something was going to happen, it was just his luck.

Thankfully he already knew that Umbridge wouldn't be teaching defence this year, his dad had made sure of it. She had applied, but his dad had told him Ragnok had made sure that the contract was given to someone else. It was easy to do since she didn't have a masters and it was one of the requirements.

The thing that Hadrian was most worried about was Voldemort. Both he and Barty Crouch Jr. had escaped and Hadrian knew beyond a shadow of a doubt they were working on some new way to return Voldemort to a body. And given the fact that Fudge was trying to stay in control and denying any danger to do so, plus Voldemorts abundance of allies it was more than likely to happen sooner rather than later.

Leaning back in his seat with Nem curled up in his lap Hadrian waited for the others to arrive so they could get this new year started.

It was just after Hadrian's family had left that Hermione and her parents arrived. She was determined to make sure everyone knew just how serious she was taking her position as prefect. Her parents had spent the past few weeks going over and over the rules she needed to follow, like she was some idiot child or something.

Hermione had reread Hogwarts: A History and there wasn't a single mention of any of those stupid rules that Professor Black had given her parents so she knew they were just made up. There was no way they would take away her badge. It wasn't like there was anyone that could do the job as well as her.

Making her way to the prefects compartment Hermione had her dad store her luggage for her before she said goodbye to her parents. Finally she was going back to the magical world. There were times she really didn't understand why she returned to the muggle world, it just wasn't the same.

Molly rushed Ron and Ginny towards the train. She just couldn't understand how the time had gone so quickly. She had made sure to get the two of them up by 10, it really shouldn't have taken them that long to eat breakfast and floo to the platform. She had just forgotten that Ron never really bothered to pack and Ginny generally had a meltdown about wanting to wear a different outfit. Through all that Molly was pleased that they had gotten there with 6 minutes to spare.

Ron huffed as his mum pulled him into a bone crushing hug before he could head to the train. She was acting like he was a baby and she was never going to see him again. Didn't she understand, he was a prefect now, he didn't have time to waste on long goodbyes.

When it was Ginny's turn for a hug she ended up making a big deal about not messing up her hair. Although Molly didn't really see how she could mess up her daughters hair since it was just laying flat, but woe betide anyone who messed with a girls hair she knew.

After their hugs both teens got onto the train, dragging their trunks.

Ginny shoved her trunk into one of the compartments before wandering off. Now that she was 14 she was ready to get a boyfriend. Harry would be so jealous if he saw her with someone else, maybe she should see about dating one of his friends, but who? There was no way she was getting involved with Malfoy or Nott, they were death eaters. Maybe Neville or one of the other Ravenclaws. Yes, that might just be the way to go. If all else failed she knew she could use Zacharias.

Ron slowly worked his way towards the prefect compartment. The letter he had gotten with his badge, and the letters he had exchanged with Hermione in the last few weekends, all said that he needed to go to that compartment, There was supposed to be some kind of meeting that Hermione had told him would give him a more detailed view of what he was supposed to be doing over the next few weeks.

Halfway to the compartment Ron ran into Hermione who had come to get him to make sure he actually did what she told him and came to the prefects compartment. Ron groaned as Hermione started to escort him, lecturing him the entire way about responsibility and how they needed people to perceive them.

Prefects Compartment

The new head girl, Hufflepuff Daisy Rivers, looked around the prefects compartment just as the train started to move. They still had another 5 minutes until the meeting was supposed to start, but pretty much everyone was there. Doing a quick head count she found that only 2 were missing. It didn't take her long to identify the older prefects she had worked with before, that meant it was fifth years. Looking at the three pairs she saw that it was the Gryffindors. This was perfect.

"Can I get everyone's attention for a quick premeeting announcement before the others get here?" When everyone looked to her she continued. "I'm just going to warn you all now the new Gryffindor prefects are going to need watching. For some stupid reason McGonagall insisted on Weasley and Granger."

Their complaints were instant. Every single prefect had had to deal with those two in the past, and the other fifth years had had to deal with them in class. Everyone felt insulted that those two had been honoured.

"I know, I know. I met with Professor Black and he assured me that it was going to be ok. This was an attempt to make them grow up, but there will be boundaries. They are both on probation this term so if you have any issues with them go to Professor Black and he will deal with them. Now, let's start getting ready. The meeting starts soon and those two should be on their way."

As Daisy had said the two Gryffindors arrived less than a minute later.

"Alright everyone, let's get down to business quickly." The head boy announced. "I'm Kyle Hagman, and I'm a Ravenclaw. Obviously, I am this years head boy. Our head girl is Daisy Rivers and she's a Hufflepuff. Now, Daisy and I have already worked out the basic schedule for patrols and rounds. On the train we only need to do rounds every half an hour, there are enough of us that each of you will only be doing 2 rounds, Daisy and I have the rest, but we will also be working with our new fifth years to show you the ropes.

When we get to school the time of rounds will be the same, but the schedule will be different. Fifth years will have rounds from 9-10 every other week. Sixth years have 10-11, and seventh years have 11-12. After that the teachers take over.

During each of these times you will be working with a team of four teachers so you will need to meet with them before your rounds officially start so you can decide who is walking each area.

Now just cause I say every other week doesn't necessarily mean it will be every other week. There are always problems that pop up and we're just going to have to work through it. You might get your weeks swapped so you can work with a different house from time to time, or there might be an illness or accident. We also take into account any major homework assignments.

I understand that this might be a little surprising since we used to do it every other night rather than a week on a week off, but we decided to try something new this year. As the older prefects could tell you when it's every other day it really messes with your schedule, whether it be sleep or homework. We were hoping by doing it every other week it will allow you to manage your time better."

Daisy stood up as Kyle sat down. "If you have any issues with your assigned times just let us know and we will try to work with you, but that might not always be possible. Everyone needs to realize that by accepting the badge it means accepting the responsibility. You will have to do rounds. We will not change the schedule around all the time just cause someone didn't manage their time properly and is behind on homework. We are not here to coddle you.

A good rule of thumb is that we shouldn't have to change your rounds more than once a term barring unforeseen circumstances.

For our new prefects, during your first month you will never be on your own, a teacher or Kyle and I will be with you just to make sure you fully understand what's what. It also helps having the teachers there because they've generally seen everything so they can tell you how to handle different situations, which can be anything from a fight to a lost pet.

Also, having this badge means that younger years can come to you with any issues. More than likely you will have first years coming up to you in-between classes asking for directions until they get more comfortable with the castle. It is your job to help them. Never turn away someone who is asking for your help, that is why you have the badge."

After that the schedules were handed out and they asked for questions. Hermione of course started asking questions right away and tried to change the schedule to something she had created, but she was cooly shut down in a way that she couldn't argue with.

With that done everyone went off do do their own thing and some started their rounds.

The train was less than an hour outside Hogsmeade when Hermione and Ron joined the head boy and girl to do their second round of the evening. The first time round had just been the basics, Kyle and Daisy had just told them what to do and how to handle the students. This time Ron and Hermione were going to be responsible for doing things and the others were just there to intervene if their were any issues or they had any questions.

About half way down the train Ron saw Ginny sitting with one of the girls from her dorm and it suddenly hit him. "Hey, I haven't seen my brothers yet. Did they miss the train?"

"You're right, I don't remember seeing Fred and George." Hermione added. "Do you think you should send a letter to your dad to remind him that he was supposed to bring the twins to the train today?"

"There isn't a need." Daisy told them. "The twins are in one of the secure compartments."

"Secure compartments?" Both Ron and Hermione said in confusion.

"Yes, in recent years it has become common to ward certain compartments for high risk students. Fred and George are in with Hadrian Potter-Black. As you know he was kidnapped and almost killed last year, and he has always had threats to his life. The train isn't the most defensible position with the students spread out the way we are and with a limited number of adults, so high risk students like Hadrian, and those with titles, tend to be placed in secured compartments.

You can only see and/or enter the compartments if you have been invited in. Other than those that are invited only the head boy and girl, the conductor, and the lady that pushes the trolly can enter the compartments." Daisy explained.

"Generally you don't need to worry about them unless you become head boy or girl, other than that we just ignore them."

"But why do they get extra protection?" Hermione demanded. She didn't like that she didn't have the same protections.

"Because many of them are students that have received death threats." Kyle said like she was an idiot. "It isn't some great privilege. They are stuck in their compartments for the entire ride, they can't go see their friends or just walk around. It is only natural to add some extra protections for them. I mean, no one really thinks the train will be attacked or anything, but it would be stupid to take unnecessary risks.

Come on, let's finish this."

Hermione growled slightly at the unfairness, she was going to have to do something she knew, but Ron really didn't care. Ron had finally come to the conclusion that he didn't really care about the precious boy-who-lived all that much. Sure, it would be better for him if everyone thought they were friends, but he was done chasing after the ponce.

A years worth of potions and mind healer meetings had finally started to teach him not to obsess over the other boy. He was still incredibly jealous of everything he had, he just had better things to do with his time he was sure. He was still going to lord his position over the other boy, especially since he saw that Harry hadn't gotten the badge, but he wasn't going to seek him out to do it, they had plenty of classes together after all.

Hogwarts

Hadrian grinned as he and the twins got out of the carriage and entered the school. After lots of conversations on the topic they had decided that they were going to take their relationship public. It wasn't going to happen over night, they had planned to let it out in stages to hopefully get others used to it, but they were planning on everyone knowing about them before they went home for next summer. He was more than happy about that.

As he was walking into the great hall he froze causing the twins to run into his back.

"What's wrong Hadrian?" George questioned worriedly.

Hadrian just stared at the head table. There, sitting next to Dumbledore in a slightly smaller thrown sat a smug looking Delores Umbridge. What in the seven hells was that toad doing at the school? He knew she didnt have a contract with the board. Looking further down the table he saw both his papa and uncle had furious looks on their faces but they were trying to hide it. Hadrian could only see it because of how well he knew them.

"Umbridge. She's the toad in pink."

"What is that doing in our school?" Fred growled, disgusted just from the colour.

"The bitch with the blood quills?" George questioned in a falsely calm voice.

Hadrian nodded. "We're gonna have to keep an eye on her."

"We will."

"Don't worry love."

"We won't let her hurt you."

"Or anyone else."

"We should go and sit down. More than likely she will make some stupid speech so we can figure this out." Hadrian looked to the twins. "I'll meet you after the feast in the ROR."

The three then went to their tables, none of them taking their eyes off the toad.

The sorting was finished and Dumbledore was introducing the new staff members when he turned to the one Hadrian really wanted to know about. "And lastly allow me to introduce you all to Delores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. She has taken up the position of High Inquisitor here…"

"Hem hem." everyone turned as the pink toad interrupted.

Dumbledore sat as the toad stood. McGonagall looked like she was ready to scratch the womans eyes out from her position on the other side of Dumbledore.

"*The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction.

The ancient skills unique to the wizarding community must be passed down the generations lest we lose them forever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching. Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts have brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay.

There again, progress for progress's sake must be discouraged, for our tried and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance, then, between old and new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation because some changes will be for the better, while others will come, in the fullness of time, to be recognized as errors of judgment.

Meanwhile, some old habits will be retained, and rightly so, whereas others, outmoded and outworn, must be abandoned. Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effectiveness and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited.*

Minister Fudge has personally assigned me to conduct a full review of this honoured institution and bring it back up to standard. You will be seeing me in many of your classes as I evaluate your professors to ensure that you are getting the best education we can possibly provide in a safe risk free environment. If any of you have any issues do not hesitate to seek me out."

Hadrian wanted to scream. Of course the stupid minister would put this woman at the school. Dumbledore had drawn a target on himself and now the students were going to pay for it, again. He was going to have to talk to his dads and uncles to see if this was even legal or if there was some way they could force her out before she made more of a nuisance of herself.

Over at the Hufflepuff table Fred and George glared at the woman. This woman had tortured their soul mate last time, they would kill her if she tried it this time. Normally they were more relaxed, but nobody got to hurt their Hadrian and live.

ROR

After the feast Hadrian and the twins went to the ROR. They weren't surprised when they were joined by Severus and Sirius.

"I know, this was a surprise to us too." Severus sighed as he drew his son into a hug. He knew Hadrian was a little old to be cuddled, but he also knew Hadrian would never ask him to stop given his past.

"This was apparently kept top secret by the minister and Dumbledore. They are going to have some stupid big announcement in the Prophet tomorrow morning."

"Can they even do this?" George demanded.

"How could they get her here without going through the board?" Fred questioned.

"Is it legal? Can't we just have her kicked out." Hadrian added hopefully.

"Your dad is going to have to be the one to figure out the legality, but I do think it is legal." Severus wiped his hand down his face, it had been a long day already and it still wasn't over. "Although Hogwarts is a private institution we are still answerable to the Department of Education which is part of the ministry.

They used that department to create this new position. Her contract is through the ministry, so she is answerable to them and not the board. I honestly don't think we can stop this right now. Albus signed off on it apparently."

"But she's out to get him?" Hadrian was beyond confused.

"Yes and no." Sirius said thoughtfully, although he wasn't involved in politics to the level James was he was still raised a Black, and all Blacks were taught how to use politics to their benefit. "Yes, she and Fudge are after him due to the Voldemort issue, but he might see her as useful.

Looking over many of the anti-creature laws that she pushed you would see that most of them were supported or co-authored with members of the light faction. Over the years Albus has used her to get through bills he wanted passed without having to look like the bad guy. He might be trying to do that here.

He's lost much of his power because of us, this might be a way to try and get it back. The DoE can actually overrule the board if they find cause. They may try and use that to change the school to the way they want it. There is plenty of common ground.

Albus and Umbridge both want to keep the students dumbed down. They want to take control out of the hands of the governors. There are plenty of teachers that teach classes they don't approve of. This could be very dangerous."

"You three are going to need to stay out of her line of sight." Severus smirked at the three disgruntled looks. "I'm not saying don't mess with her, I know better than that, just make sure you don't get caught. Always make sure you have an alibi, especially you Hadrian. Albus has repeatedly tried to say you were supporting him in his claims Voldemort has returned, your dad and I have been able to keep it out of the papers so far, but both Fudge and Umbridge know what he has said."

"Self righteous idiot." Hadrian muttered.

"Yes." Sirius nodded. "But it doesn't change the fact that he's still dangerous. I know none of you are little kids, but this is our job, not yours. Hadrian you have your OWLs this year, and Fred, George, you have your NEWTs. You guys need to stay focused on school and not a toad. You can prank her all you want, we won't stop you, but leave the big stuff to us."

"Ok." Fred said as George and Hadrian nodded their agreement. They knew Sirius was right.

"Then we shall take our leave." Severus hugged his son again. At the door he stopped and turned back to the others. "But don't make the mistake of thinking that just because we aren't here you can do whatever you want. I'm still keeping my eyes on all three of you."

Hadrian sighed in annoyance as his papa and chuckling uncle left. Fred and George just looked between each other in slight fear. They had spent too much time with Hadrian's family over the years to think that was just a joke. As much as they loved how well their little soul mate was protected, there were times it was just terrifying.

"Oh will you two relax." Hadrian huffed as he pulled them both towards a couch that had just appeared. "They all know that we've been snogging ourselves breathless for months. They just want to harass you a little as is their fatherly, and god fatherly, duty."

Hadrian didn't give either of them a chance to respond as he sat in George's lap and pulled Fred in for a deep kiss.

High Inquisitors Room

Delores grinned as she looked around her room and it's connected office. It was perfect.

It had taken her the better part of the evening but she had finally gotten things the way she wanted them. Those stupid house elves were practically worthless. They hadn't been listening to her and when she went to correct their failures with a swift smack they had all popped away. A note was left on the desk that said by order of the school governors the elves were to protect themselves. If anyone tried to hurt them then the elves would not answer their call. After that Delores had had to do all the work herself since none of the elves would answer her. Who did they think she was, some kind of mudblood?

But in the end she got it done. Thankfully the elves had gotten the rug down, the walls papered, and the furniture in the room. But she had to do all of the arranging on her own, and then she had even had to hang all of her plates by herself. Although she was glad for that, she didn't want those creatures grubby little fingers on her precious plates.

With all that done she looked over her list one last time before she went to get ready for bed. She was going to have to get up bright and early to make sure she was at breakfast before the students. She needed to observe them to see who she was going to need to deal with.

Smiling she cuddled up under her soft pink duvet, oh yes, soon enough this school was going to be unrecognizable. And Albus Dumbledore was going to have no one but himself to blame for it. She would show him, and that Potter brat with him.

She and Cornelius had seen him leaving the Headmaster's office last year and they both knew that he was at the heart of all this. Dumbledore might have too much power, but it was the boy that could prove to be the real danger. There were just too many people that idolized him for what happened at the end of the last war.

Deloris herself hated him for it. While she had never taken the dark mark, she had agreed with getting rid of the mudbloods. They were nothing and deserved to be stamped out. After they were gone she was hoping that the Dark Lord would move on to the half bloods and creatures that were also polluting their world with their continued existence.

Hogwarts, Potions Class - September 5, 2005

Hadrian was happy as he listened to his papa give them a lecture about what this year was going to be like and how he was going to help prepare them for their OWLs. He knew that this was going to be a tough year, but he was excited for the challenge.

The first month of this year was going to be focused on reviewing everything from the past four years to remind all the students about what they had learned earlier before they started working on new information. That way they would have already reviewed the older information so when they started studying for end of year exams they could focus on the newer stuff more since all five years worth of information would be on the exams.

The thing that made Hadrian the happiest was that now that he was in fifth year he was in classes with his papa and Uncle Siri. He knew it wouldn't really change anything about how he learned and what he was assigned, but he liked that he could be with them. Just being around his family always made him happy.

High Inquisitors Office - September 19, 2005

Delores Umbridge was exhausted. Over the past weeks she had just been looking over the school. Honestly, why did the stupid place have to be so big? There was a part of her that really wanted to move the school.

The ministry could easily build a new, better, school. Once the new school was up and running then they could sell this drafty old castle and use the profit to benefit the ministry. What made it even better was the fact that since it would be a ministry school they would have more control over what was taught and how it was taught.

The only thing that was standing in the way of that was tradition. And Delores did so love her pure blood traditions. It was something she was going to need to think about some more.

Then there was the behaviour of the students. They were complete monsters. Who had let those miscreants think that their behaviour was acceptable? They were loud, disrespectful, arrogant, terrible little demons. One of them had even charmed her favourite pink cardigan to be a disgusting lime. If she ever found out who had done that she would have them expelled, maybe even put in Azkaban if she could arrange it.

As for the classes, she was going to be starting her evaluations during the next week. Her plan had just been to sit in on a few classes with the Slytherins, being a Slytherin herself she knew she could trust them, but that had been stopped. Sirius Black, one of the biggest disgraces of a pure blood, had pointed out that if she was to evaluate a class she had to sit in on multiple classes, with multiple years, and multiple houses. It was apparently some old rule of the DoE from a long time ago that no one had paid much attention to.

Now she was going to have to spend months going to different classes rather than just a few weeks. She had hoped to finish her evaluation quickly and start getting rid of any teacher she didn't approve of and start restricting the curriculum. Once she had the evidence that Dumbledore was incompetent, or more likely plotting to overthrow the ministry, she would have him removed and have the minister appoint her as the new head mistress.

The original plan she had worked out would have had her in charge before yule, but now it was going to take longer. But she had no intention of stopping, she was just going to have to work harder.

There were going to be some big changes starting this year or her name wasn't Delores Jane Umbridge.