Chapter 226
"We've also confirmed that he's replaced his familiar as we learned at theGaunt place." Bill said. "He's travelling with a snake."
"He's gained some form of a body – whether a child or a homunculus inwhichto house what remains of his soul." Dumbledore chimed in. "But not one that I
believe Voldemort intends to remain within given the theft of the bones of hisfather."
"Yes," Sirius said dryly, "I noticed you and Bertie got very excited about that." Bertie nodded. "There are two main rituals that can be used to restore Riddle'sbody because he used the particular objects he did as the method of
immortality. One of these involves the bone of the father, flesh of the willingservant and, if I remember correctly, blood of the enemy forcibly taken." Sirius was angry enough that he couldn't speak.
"And neither of you thought to inform us so we could, I don't know, replaceRiddle's bones with some other person which would screw up the ritual?" asked Remus, stepping in when Sirius remained silent. Bertie and Dumbledore looked abashed.
"My apologies," Bertie said formally, "you're quite correct; I should have
informed the Council. I just didn't think to."
"I'm afraid I also have nothing but apologies to make." Dumbledore saidhurriedly. "My main focus on that ritual was around the assumption that it
would give Harry an anchor to life rather than…" he twirled his finger to silentlysay 'bring Voldemort back from the dead.'
"That's true," Bertie said excitedly, pointing at Dumbledore, "and it wouldgiveus a link, a connection although I'm not sure how that would manifest itself, not to mention that…"
"That it's NEVER going to happen if I have anything to do with it!" growledSirius angrily.
"And me!" Remus snarled, his entire body vibrating with fury.
"Thirded," said Bill coolly.
"Just what potions have the two of you taken?" asked Amelia caustically asshe turned on Bertie and Dumbledore. "You're talking about a dark ritual that
will require Riddle to take Harry's blood by force! I assume you do realisethat
in such an instance, Harry would no doubt be in dire straits and probably insevere danger of losing his life if such an event were to occur! You talk asthough that doesn't matter at ALL! For once, pull your heads out of your ivorybloody towers and THINK!" Bertie and Dumbledore both looked thoroughly chastised. Sirius was tempted to burst out laughing as the two men hastily made another
apology.
"Now," Amelia said, "it appears that we know the ritual he intends to use." Her
eyes narrowed on the two sheepish old wizards avoiding her eyes. "Is there
anything else about this ritual, something say that may give us a tactical
advantage?"
"Summer solstice," Bertie blurted out under her hard glare, "the ritual is best
performed on the eve of the Summer solstice."
"Renewal, rebirth," Bill said quietly, "I can see why."
"Well, this is an alarming coincidence." Dumbledore stated, the twinkle inhiseyes definitely absent.
"What?" asked Sirius impatiently. Dumbledore looked around the gathering. "The final task of the Tri-WizardTournament will be held on the eve of the Summer solstice." There was a sudden silence as they absorbed the news.
"Who came up with the dates for the tournament?" Remus asked bluntly. Dumbledore frowned. "In all honesty, I cannot remember. The tournament hasbeen discussed off and on for over two years. I will review my memories andsee whether I can track down who it was."
"That's a long time for You-Know-Who to wait," Cornelius commented, speaking up again, "and why gather the, uh, bones now if he isn't going tousethem straight away?"
"The ritual takes nine months for the majority of its preparation." Bertie
answered. Nine months, Sirius mused; nine months being the usual gestation periodfor
a baby.
"The bones of the father will need to be sanctified first, and then preparedbysoaking in amniotic fluid for nine months. Then the majority of themwill thenbecome the base of a potion that is required," Bertie continued
dispassionately, "and the servant who gives his flesh must spend the vast
majority of nine months ahead of the ritual truly serving their Master. If it isachild or a homunculus then Pettigrew will be tasked with seeing to its security, bodily and nutritional needs."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 227
"And the enemy?" asked Sirius tersely.
"Is to be tested and challenged for the majority of the nine months thus livingin fear of his life." Dumbledore said gravely.
"The tournament," Remus said, jumping ahead to the obvious conclusion, "if
Harry was entered into the Tri-Wizard Tournament, it would provide the
perfect arena for such a condition to be met."
"Harry is NOT entering the tournament." Sirius could feel his chest start totighten, panic building sharply.
"There are safeguards, Sirius." Dumbledore assured him. "Entrants must beseventeen and over. There will be tight security around the goblet, I promiseyou."
"I think whatever security you have planned, you need to triple it." Ameliasaidbrusquely. "If I was Riddle, I would be seeking to place Harry in the
tournament."
"I will review the security measures with Alastor, Ludo and Barty." Dumbledorepromised. Cornelius raised his eyebrows. "I thought he was still sick? Barty, I mean."
"He is but he will return and Percy Weasley is doing an admirable job of beinga go-between." Dumbledore said. "I'm certain he will relay a message andreturn Barty's thoughts on the matter." Sirius glared at him. "Albus, if Harry is entered into this farce and Hogwartsfails to protect him from that, I will remove him from the school."
"While I understand your position, Sirius, we're getting ahead of ourselves," Amelia pointed out, "if we assume Riddle is working on this ritual then firstly–let's work on a way to keep Harry out of the tournament." They all nodded.
"Secondly, I'd like a briefing document for the teams." Amelia said. "Fromthesound of it, Riddle is going to have to kill a pregnant woman to get the
amniotic fluid. We can issue safety warnings – a pretend muggle serial killer
perhaps and if there is a killing help use that to track down Riddle's location."
"Good thinking, Amelia." Sirius said, regaining his own balance in the faceof
her determination and steadfastness.
"Did Wood or Cambridge mention luggage?" Remus asked suddenly. Amelia shook her head.
"You don't think they were intending to stay?" Sirius questioned Remus. "Youthink their base is elsewhere and they were only at Little Hangleton
temporarily to get the bones so we would have lost them anyway?"
"It's a theory." Remus offered, spreading his hands.
"A good one," Amelia commented heaving a sigh, "and one that will helpCambridge. Thank you, Remus."
"We should probably kill the snake when we get an opportunity." Dumbledoresaid. "I fear Voldemort may have accidentally made another…object throughthe death of the caretaker. No doubt Voldemort has spent time possessingthe snake prior to his new…home. It would be susceptible."
"I don't agree with your reasoning but better safe than sorry." Bertie said. "Shall we move on to the Treasure Team unless Amelia has something elsetoadd?"
"The rest of my report can wait." Amelia sat back and picked up her
abandoned drink. Cornelius shifted restlessly, a frown on his face.
"I think we should revert to the agenda, if that's OK, Bertie?" Sirius askedsmoothly. Bertie nodded and gestured at Cornelius who smiled smugly at his successintrumping Bertie.
"Operation Power Play is on track and probably if I'm honest a little aheadof
schedule. Let's see: the Potter alliance has approached the Order of Merlinrecipients. The nine muggleborn recipients have already confirmed their
willingness to join; the others are still contemplating their various alliancesbut we expect to have them all by the time the September Session sits." Cornelius said with delight.
"That's excellent news." Amelia said. Sirius could see she was genuinely glad someone had something positivetoreport even if it was Cornelius.
"Augusta has been a boon," Cornelius admitted, "we couldn't have done it
without her."
"She does seem to have gained a new lease of life." Bertie said with a nod. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 228
"The neutral bloc has also made many overtures in the last few weeks." Cornelius continued, gesturing with his glass of iced mint tea. "Lord
Greengrass has agreed an alliance with the Houses of Potter and Black. Zabini, Goldstein, Rickett and Smith have all invited Lord Black and I to variousevents over the next couple of weeks so I expect they will have alliances inplace by the time of the next session."
"And with the neutral Ancient and Noble houses ostensibly taking a side, therest of the neutral minor houses are likely to fall in line." Sirius said. The minor
houses always sought the protection of the Ancient and Noble.
"What about the pureblood alliance?" asked Dumbledore. He stroked his beardthoughtfully. "Any news on that front? The alliance with Lord Nott was a
surprise."
"According to my latest communication from Malfoy, Selwyn and Wilkes arecontemplating a similar alliance arrangement with the House of Black as
Nott." Sirius replied. "However, I expect that to be last minute."
"And similarly to the neutrals, if the Ancient and Noble Houses declare a
position, the majority of the minor houses will follow." Cornelius said gleefully. "So, alliance wise, we expect to be in a strong position by the October
session."
"Which is when we can start to make the major inroads on the legislativefront." Sirius added.
"It's a remarkable achievement," Dumbledore said quietly, "you have
systematically changed the power dynamic within a few short months." Cornelius glowed with the praise even though it had been Sirius who
Dumbledore had been looking at when he'd commented. Sirius gave a sharp nod to the old wizard.
"The other small problem I know the House of Potter is dealing with is
responding to the numerous requests to join the Potter alliance Heirs in
swearing fealty to young Harry." Cornelius said with a teasing glint in his eyeas he turned to Sirius. Sirius grimaced. "Harry got inundated with requests following the Prophet
article, mostly from children including his school mates." Amelia smiled at him sympathetically. "I'm not surprised. Most of our childrenhave been raised on stories of the Boy Who Lived. The prospect of swearingfealty and following him must seem like a wondrously adventurous lark tomost youngsters."
"What does Harry think of it all?" Dumbledore asked pointedly. Remus chuckled. "Mostly he's embarrassed at the attention." Sirius hid his smirk at the indulgent looks that crept over the others' faces. Remus had known exactly what to say to dismiss any concerns that Harry
was thrilled at the prospect of being able to raise his own private army –which he was a little bit – although Remus was right; Harry was mostly
embarrassed. Sirius could quite happily torture the Dursleys for hours for thedamage they had done to Harry's self-worth.
"He and the rest of the Heirs are sending replies back thanking people for their
interest and providing more information about fealty including the fact that
their parents would need to swear alliances with the House of Potter andbe
well known to Harry and myself before any vow of fealty could be accepted." Sirius continued. "There are a few families in there who we'd quite like toallywith…so we'll see what comes of it."
"I believe those are our highlights." Cornelius said pompously.
"Amelia, why don't you finish your report and then we'll cover the TreasureTeam?" asked Sirius.
"One last thing to report then," Amelia said briskly, "namely, the OperationQuidditch is proceeding nicely. Avery has dropped out of the suspectedDeathEater attack because of an invitation to go abroad on some junket –we
believe Malfoy was behind it."
"He's probably protecting Avery's vote." Cornelius commented. "Avery doesn't
have a mind of his own."
"Agreed," Amelia said dryly, "Travers and the others are on board. They'veexchanged few owls but have met on three occasions to plan. Thanks tothehelp of Albus's spy, we cracked their code very easily to learn the details. They're planning a disruption the night after the game during the celebrations. Their main targets are the muggle family who own the campsite. Two of themwill play with the muggles while the others wreck havoc among those stayingat the campsite, targeting muggleborn families. The attack will begin at
midnight. Rufus and Barty have been made aware that there is an imminent
threat of something happening and will plan the Auror details around that. TheRat Squad will deal with the specifics."
"Are we sure we wish to specifically intervene beyond the Aurors
acknowledging an anonymous tip? We risk revealing our surveillance of theremaining Death Eaters." Dumbledore pointed out.
"Politically, we need to ensure that the perpetrators are caught." Corneliusresponded before Amelia could. "We need to make this a statement that wewon't allow such activity."
"I have faith in Rufus and his team, Albus, but the Rat Squad will be there asaback-up to ensure that we don't let the buggers get away." Amelia said
forcefully. "The Aurors and Bagman are being told that the Rat Squad will bethere on the lookout for Pettigrew."
"Sounds like a good plan," Sirius commented firmly, feeling happier about
allowing Harry to stay for some of the post-match celebrations, "and I guessthat brings us onto Bertie?" Bertie sighed. "Unfortunately, my news isn't as positive as Cornelius's andAmelia's World Cup report. As you all know we investigated the Chamber of
Secrets and as fascinating an intellectual exercise as that was," he teasedAmelia who rolled her eyes at him, "it was fruitless in turning up the object wehoped for."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 229
"Unfortunately, anything of value was taken and nothing of value left." Bill saidsuccinctly. "Wherever Riddle stowed the object, it wasn't in the Chamber."
"Which means we're faced with a systematic search of Hogwarts." Sirius
sighed, rubbing his forehead, a twinge of pain signalling the onset of a
headache.
"How long did he take from crossing the wards to appearing at the foot of theoffice staircase?" Remus asked. "Perhaps if we know that, we can theorisetheroute he took?" Dumbledore nodded sagely. "I can review my memory."
"Well, that gives us two possible approaches." Bill said. "Unfortunately, Hogwarts is going to be a nightmare to search either way between movingstaircases, corridors and rooms."
"Ah, yes," Dumbledore agreed, "indeed rooms have been known to appear anddisappear. I myself came across a chamber pot room once and…"
"Albus," Amelia broke in sharply and he subsided with his eyes twinklingmischievously. She turned back to the others. "You will need a cover story for
being at Hogwarts."
"Additional security for the tournament?" Bill suggested immediately. "That
way we have a legitimate reason to search rooms and be about the castle."
"I think that's a splendid idea." Dumbledore said with a nod at Bill.
"What about Godric's Hollow?" Cornelius asked. "Anything there?"
"Caro and I are almost finished with the cleansing." Bill confirmed, foldinghisarms. "We'll start shifting through the house after the World Cup." He pausedand looked over at Sirius regretfully. "We'll pack up as much as we can for
Harry."
"Thank you." Sirius said, a lump in his throat. He was aware that Dumbledore was looking half-ashamed across the room;
he should be ashamed, Sirius thought fiercely. He should have ensured thehouse was properly looked after rather than acquiescing to the Ministry
simply placing it in a stasis charm as a horrifying memorial.
"Will Harry want to take a look at the house itself?" Bill asked.
"Maybe," Sirius shot Remus a look because they'd already had the discussion, "we were thinking of going at Christmas. The house will be dealt with andwecan…" his throat closed up.
"Harry wants to visit his parents' graves." Remus explained. "That is he wantsto but at the same time, he's said he's not ready yet."
"None of us are." Sirius muttered and determinedly changed the subject. "So, the treasure hunt is on-going but stuck on slow for the foreseeable future." After that, it didn't take long to wrap things up, the attendees heading for thefloo and their usual Friday activities except for Bill who left for a date withAlicia Doge. Sirius privately thought it might be a good match but kept hismouth shut. Remus stayed back to deal with correspondence and Sirius went home toGriffin House by himself. Dobby popped into the hallway as Sirius absently
vanished the floo powder from his robe.
"Harry Potter is with his Professor McGoggles in the basement." Dobby
informed him.
"Thank you, Dobby." Sirius said warmly; he'd grown quite fond of Dobby whoseadoration of Harry knew no bounds it seemed. "Supper in the dining roomtoday, I think."
"Yes, Harry Potter's Paddy, sir." Dobby said and popped away again. Sirius shook his head. The elf clearly believed Harry was his master despitebeing nominally free and being paid. He made his way to the basement andwatched unobserved from the doorway as Minerva continued to put Harry
through his Transfiguration paces – non-verbally.
"Again, Harry." Minerva instructed, placing a hedgehog in front of him. Harry's face crunched up and Sirius could see the way he bit down on his liptoprevent himself mouthing the incantation. He knew non-verbal casting tookmore concentration and focus; more control. It was a wonderful way tobringHarry's power under control which was why Dumbledore had suggestedit andSirius had to admit he had been right. The hedgehog transformed into a beautiful purple coloured pincushion withits spike, sparkling silvery metal pins. It remained still.
"Excellent work, Harry!" Minerva praised him warmly, clapping her hands.
"Excellent work, indeed." Sirius said loudly, drawing their attention. Harry's face lit up at the sight of him and Sirius felt his heart leap with gleeat
the sight of that. He would never get used to it. He was sure that Harry lovedhim even if he had never said anything. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 230
"How was the meeting?" asked Minerva, starting to collect her teaching
paraphernalia and pack it away, absently turning the hedgehog back to itself.
"Informative. There's been a sighting of Voldemort and the rat." Sirius said, leaning a shoulder on the door jamb.
Harry frowned. "Where?"
"Little Hangleton." Sirius said tersely. "Not the Gaunt place but the Riddle
Manor. They were seen but they've gone again and it looked like they hadnointention of staying." He debated with himself about whether to tell Harry about the ritual anddecided against it. He didn't like keeping information fromHarry but maybeRemus had been right; Harry didn't need to know every single thing especiallysomething as disturbing as a ritual that would call for Harry to be testedandchallenged for nine months before his blood was forcibly taken. Sirius
shivered violently. He'd wait; if Amelia turned up any sign of pregnant womengoing missing then he'd warn Harry but until then…Harry was only fourteenand deserved to spend the rest of his Summer having fun rather than worryingabout a ritual that may or may not take place.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked concerned. Sirius shook himself in a vague parody of how he did it as Padfoot. "Just…disturbed at the confirmation they're in the country."
"Yeah," Harry grimaced, "but at least we know. Knowing's better than not
knowing, right?" Sirius felt a twinge of guilt for the decision he'd just made about keepingthe
ritual secret but smiled at Harry as though in agreement.
"There's no clue as to their base of operations?" asked Minerva, zippingupthecarpet bag loudly.
"No, although we know he's not staying with any of the listed Death Eaters." Sirius said. "Remus thinks there's a possibility that Wormtail had a bolthole."
"A good probability if he was a spy." Minerva said crisply. "Did Remus comeback with you?"
"Correspondence." Sirius explained succinctly. "We've a few newbusinessdeals in the works." He winked at Harry. "Something about Potter and
Longbottom Supplies?"
"Oh?" Minerva looked to Harry for an explanation. Harry grinned at her. "Neville and I worked out that two properties we're
managing are perfect for growing and sourcing the ingredients to variouspotions. He's growing the plant ingredients and I'm housing the animal. We'rehoping if we can supply the ingredients cheaply, we can get potions like
Wolfsbane produced more readily."
"That's wonderful, Harry." Minerva said. "Remus must be delighted."
"After quizzing us for hours about whether we were doing it just to pleasehim." Harry admitted with a smirk. "Neville told him it was just good businessand it follows our political agenda on werewolves."
"Neville is a little political monster." Sirius commented dryly. He'd evidently
picked up a lot from Augusta. Minerva raised an eyebrow.
"He really is." Harry agreed happily. "Hermione thinks he's going to be Minister
of Magic one day."
"Chief Warlock." Sirius countered and refrained from offering a bet in the
presence of his former Head of House.
"Well, I am delighted to hear of Mister Longbottom's political prowess." Minerva said, with a small smile. "We should talk about your animagus
training before Remus arrives back." Harry immediately gave Minerva his attention. She had surprisingly
acquiesced to his request for the same deal as James with a speed andalacrity that worried Sirius until she explained that she fully expected that if
she didn't, Harry would find some other way.
"Now, have you read the material I gave you?" asked Minerva, falling intoher
teacher mode. Harry nodded briskly.
"Tell me the three different ways you can find your form." Minerva instructed. Sirius went back to leaning in the doorway as he listened to Harry recite thevarious methods: a potion that induced a trance-like state, meditation, or aforced animagus spell. The Marauders had used the first since James andhehad been OK at Potions even if they hadn't been top of their class.
"I'd like you to try meditation first." Minerva said. "It is the least painful andthebest way of finding your truest form."
"The book said we could have more than one form." Harry said. "Howis that
possible?"
"Different combination of traits may lean more to one animal than another but
your total traits never leave you. When you begin several different forms maybe open to you but ultimately once you've learned one, it is difficult to achieveanother." Minerva said. "I had three possible forms when I meditated: a cat, ahorse and a dolphin. I was drawn to the cat form above the others primarilybecause I thought it was the most practical. I've only ever managed to
transfigure the hooves of a horse but I haven't been able to complete thetransformation fully."