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Hidden Family	By : vinsmouse Category: Harry Potter Crossovers > General - Misc Views: 17507 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Biggles, not making any money, just cheap thrills.

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Chapter XXXIV

3rd March, 1993

Mount Street Flat

“Algy get a cup of tea,” Biggles ordered. “Bertie floo Amelia tell her we need her here.” He didn’t know, of course, if that were strictly true but he suspected that anything which could put young Harry in this state would require official assistance.

While the others hurried to do as bid, Biggles headed for the liquor cabinet. If Dumbledore was in any way responsible for Harry’s state he would learn what a squib could do Biggles viciously promised.

“Shhh laddie, you’re safe now,” Ginger soothed. He hadn’t moved since Harry hurled himself into his arms other than to tighten his hold as he began to gently sway. He ignored the others as he tried to calm his grandson, all the while wondering what fresh horror could have put him in this state.

Algy returned with the tea which Biggles laced with a dollop of brandy. “Here laddie, get him to drink this,” he said as he handed the cup to Ginger.

Ginger nodded, “Thanks,” taking the cup he cajoled Harry into taking a small sip, then another, in this way a third of the cup had soon been taken and the boy finally began to calm. “Better?”

Harry nodded and took another sip.

It was into this scene Amelia walked, having apparated from the Ministry. Bertie had warned her not to attempt the floo. Seeing Ginger and Harry stood in front of the fireplace she now understood the reason for the warning. She opened her mouth to speak, ceasing at a shake of the head from Biggles.

“Can you tell me what happened Harry?” Ginger quietly asked.

Harry shuddered, burying his face against his grandfather. “Don’t want to,” he mumbled. He never wanted to think about it again.

“Harry, lad I,” a throat clearing had Ginger amending quickly, “we can’t help if we don’t know what’s happened.”

“It was horrible,” came the whispered response.

“I gathered as much,” Ginger said. When Harry said nothing more he sighed heavily. He couldn’t think where to begin, not with his grandson nestled in his arms sobbing softly.

“Harry where were you before you came home?” Biggles asked when he saw Ginger was at a loss.

“Hogwarts.”

The men and Amelia exchanged rueful smiles. “Where at in Hogwarts?”

“Professor Lockhart’s office,” Harry shivered. “Don’t make me go back there Grandfather, please,” he begged.

“Hush laddie I’ll keep you safe,” Ginger promised. This was apparently the correct response as Harry calmed again.

“Why were you in the professor’s office?” Biggles asked.

“Detention,” Harry confessed.

“Am I right in assuming this wasn’t an ordinary detention?”

“I thought there’d be pictures and fan mail but there wasn’t.”

“Why would you expect that laddie?”

“Other boys said they helped with fan mail in detentions,” Harry explained.

“What did the professor expect you to do during your detention Harry?”

“He locked the door and...” like water breaching a dam the story poured forth. By the time Harry had finished every person in the room wanted to travel to Hogwarts with murder in mind. “Please don’t make me go back.”

“I promise laddie, you won’t go back as long as that man is there,” Ginger swore. “Even then you won’t return if you don’t want to.” He would be quite happy to have Harry educated by private tutors.

Amelia kneeled next to them. “Harry, could I see your wand for a moment?”

“You aren’t going to snap it are you?” Harry fearfully clutched his wand to his chest.

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I attacked a teacher.”

“You defended yourself Harry there is nothing wrong with that,” Amelia assured him. “I just need to check your wand to see what spells you cast.” The wand was handed over and the necessary spell cast upon it. After making note of the results Amelia returned the wand to Harry.

“Why did you need to see?” Harry was curious.

“I believe you Harry, never doubt that,” Amelia began.

“But other people won’t?” Harry was familiar with this, nobody had believed him when he lived with the Dursley family either.

“Some won’t want to believe it or they may say you attacked the professor without reason or with a more serious spell than Stupefy. By checking your wand I can prove that the most recent spells cast comply with your retelling of events.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Now Harry I need to ask do you intend to bring charges against the professor?”

“What happens if I don’t?”

“I imagine your grandfather will remove you from Hogwarts while the Grangers do the same for Hermione. Unfortunately if you don’t pursue the case Lockhart will be allowed to continue teaching.”

“He could do this to other boys?”

“Yes Harry he could,” Amelia replied. She didn’t want Harry to pursue charges only to protect other boys but rather for himself. However, if protecting others would convince him to see Lockhart punished she could live with it.

Harry cuddled into his grandfather, looking smaller than his years. “Do you think he’s done it to other boys before me?” he asked in a small voice.

“I should think so,” was the regretful answer.

“Why didn’t they tell?”

“You said Lockhart mentioned obliviating you?” Amelia asked.

Harry nodded.

“He likely did the same to any other victims. If you can’t remember being hurt you can’t tell anybody.”

“Everybody will know if I tell, won’t they?”

“I would do my best to keep your name out of it Harry but with your fame it isn’t likely I’d succeed.” No matter the effect on the case Amelia wasn’t going to lie to the child.

“But if I don’t do anything then he’ll keep hurting boys.” Harry pulled away from his grandfather to look the man in the eye for a full minute. Moving on he let his eyes roam over the room, taking in the rest of his family, his heroes. Each looking as angry as the next, Harry was sure of what any one of them would do in his position. He knew what he had to do. “I don’t really have a choice then. I’ll pursue charges,” he decisively said.

“There are some steps we’ll have to take before I go to Hogwarts then.”

“What steps?” Ginger asked, protectively tightening his hold.

“We need to take Harry to St. Mungos to confirm that he was put under the imperious curse. I’ll also need to take a pensieve copy of his memory of events.”

“Anything else?”

“An official complaint will need to be filed. I have all the information and so Harry will only need to attest to the accuracy of the complaint. After that you can bring Harry back home while I travel to Hogwarts with an Auror to arrest Lockhart.”

“Are you up to this laddie?” Ginger asked. He wanted the man punished as much as any of them but he wouldn’t have Harry pushed into something he couldn’t handle. He had been hurt enough by the actions and inactions of the Wizarding world. It would stop now!

“I can do it Grandfather. I have to,” Harry added in a whisper.

Kneeling and placing two fingers under Harry’s chin, Ginger raised his head until he was looking him in the eye. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to laddie.”

Harry smiled shakily. “Thank you Grandfather but I do have to. How could I look any of you in the eye if I let him go on to hurt other boys? He seemed really surprised that I was able to fight off his curse, I think maybe nobody else could.”

Ginger had never been more proud of the boy. “You make me very proud laddie.”

Harry’s smile grew, becoming more sure as he stood just a little bit straighter.

“Harry is right about the rarity of fighting off the imperious curse. Most adults aren’t able to, I’ve never heard of a child having the ability,” Amelia put in.

No further discussion was needed. In short order the group left the flat, flooing directly to St. Mungos secure lobby. This was a special section of the hospital used for government officials and sensitive cases. No reporters, nobody in disguise, including animagi and no unauthorized medical personnel were allowed in this section. The exam was handled as quickly as possible, though the medi-witch was thorough. She had been horrified when told what she was looking for and was determined that the man responsible for such atrocious actions would not walk away because she wasn’t thorough during the exam. While the exam was taking place Amelia had seen to writing up the complaint. Harry read it over, confirmed the accuracy and his desire to pursue charges before signing the parchment. He and the others, sans Amelia, returned to the flat where Harry was given a dreamless sleep potion and put to bed.
3rd March, 1993

Hogwarts Headmaster’s Office

10 p.m.

Amelia had arrived at the front gates of Hogwarts in high temper, accompanied by Kingsley Shacklebolt. Biggles had wanted to accompany her but she had pointed out that as this was DMLE business his presence could well be counter productive. This was particularly true considering his status as a squib. Biggles had reluctantly agreed with her assessment. He did ask if she could inform Harry’s friends of events before they read about it in the paper.

Finding the gates locked she sent a patronus to Hagrid who as Keeper of the Keys could admit them. The half-giant had uncertainly allowed her entry. When he attempted to escort her to the Headmaster’s office she dismissed him, after obtaining the current password. That he didn’t want to leave was clear but the man did have enough sense not to argue with the head of the DMLE.

Upon entering the office Amelia was somewhat surprised to see Lockhart in conference with Dumbledore and McGonagall. She did find a small amount of satisfaction in the fact that the occupants of the room were equally surprised to see her. Lockhart though was the most satisfying as his eyes flashed with fear.

Albus sighed. “Amelia, I was just about to call you.”

“Oh?” She decided to wait for more information before getting to the reason for her visit.

“Yes, it seems we need to file a complaint, though I am hesitant to do so.” Albus sighed in a manner that clearly spoke of reluctance and regret. “I have been concerned for sometime about Mr. Potter. His friendship with the Malfoy boy is most disturbing; also I’ve been concerned that his grandfather isn’t up to giving the boy a proper upbringing.” Albus heaved another sigh.

“Oh do get on with it Albus,” Amelia impatiently demanded. Suddenly she was exceedingly glad to have convinced Biggles to remain on Mount Street. She had a very bad feeling as to where this was going.

“It seems I was correct to be concerned. Earlier tonight Mr. Potter viciously attacked Professor Lockhart before running away. We were just discussing whether or not to keep this an internal Hogwarts matter.”

Amelia glared at Lockhart. “Professor Lockhart I have just come from speaking with Mr. Potter. Would you like to amend your complaint in any way before we proceed?”

Gilderoy swallowed hard. He hadn’t expected to be confronted by the head of the DMLE. He had been sure the boy would keep quiet out of shame. The Headmaster had just been assuring him that the child would be punished for attacking him. Once the boy was found he would have obliviated him and his secrets would be safe again. “Headmaster I don’t believe we really need to involve the DMLE, do we?”

Before Amelia’s arrival Albus might have agreed. But now he saw the chance to regain control of the Potter boy; he wasn’t going to waste it. “I’m afraid we do Gilderoy.” He could understand the man’s reluctance. It wouldn’t do his reputation any good for it to become known he was bested by a child, at least the child was the boy-who-lived. It was well known he was a powerful wizard.

Gilderoy, looking very much like a rat in a trap, turned back to Amelia. “No Madame Bones I don’t believe I wish to amend the complaint.”

“Very well.” She turned to Kinsgley, “Auror Shacklebolt would you take Mr. Lockhart into custody please?” The room echoed with protests from the Hogwarts contingent, none of which were understood as they each spoke over the others in an effort to be heard.

Finally, desperate to regain control, Albus fired off a noisemaker. “I demand to know what reason you have for arresting the victim?”

“Oh I’m not arresting the victim Albus,” Amelia calmly informed him, “I’m arresting the suspect.”

“What fairytale has the lad told you?” McGonagall asked.

“Fairytale?” Amelia coldly asked. “I thought better of you Professor McGonagall. You have heard only one side of the story and yet you are certain that whatever the child told us must be the lie.”

McGonagall’s skin flushed but she refused to be backed down. “Children often concoct tales to excuse their wrongdoing.”

“Yes but Mr. Potter was examined and his claims substantiated. Would you like to continue assuming he lied or would you and your boss like to know just what the man hired to teach our children has really been up to?”

The silence was deafening. Into this silence Amelia explained, in the coldest tone she could manage, exactly what had been done to a child in their care. That the child in question was seen as the saviour of the Wizarding world only compounded the travesty. “I will of course want a complete list of every child who has served a detention with Professor Lockhart this year.” She glared at Albus. “Don’t bother to protest Albus, I will have the list. These children will be examined at St. Mungos for any evidence of abuse. Let’s get out of here,” she said to her Auror. She followed the tall man who had a tight grip on Lockhart to the door. At the door she paused, looking back at a stunned Dumbledore and McGonagall, “Oh and Albus I will be informing the school Governors of tonight’s events.”

Amelia accompanied Shacklebolt as far as the entrance hall. There she left him with instructions to see the prisoner into a ministry holding cell. He would be questioned when she returned, under the influence of veritaserum. In the meantime she had one more stop to make. Turning away from the entrance hall she made her way towards the office of Filius Flitwick.

“Come in,” Filius called. Looking up from grading papers he hid his surprise well. He had thought to find one of his prefects reporting a problem perhaps, not the head of the DMLE. “Madame Bones this is a surprise. What can I do for you?”

“Professor Flitwick,” Amelia greeted. “I’m afraid it isn’t going to be a pleasant surprise.”

“Something has happened?”

“Yes but before I go any further I need to see two of your students, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger.”

“Has something happened to their families?” Filius could think of no other reason for the request.

“No, their families are fine. If you could have them brought here you will soon learn the reason for my request.”

“Oh, of course. Just a moment.” Turning away from her he sent his patronus off to one of his prefects with a message. “Would you like some tea while we wait?” he politely asked.

“No thank you.” In all honesty she wanted a bottle of fire whiskey and the time to drink it. Unfortunately for Amelia such indulgence would have to wait.

“Could you tell me what this concerns Madame Bones?” the small professor asked. He wasn’t only curious about the visit but concerned for his students as well.

Amelia adopted a pensive look. “Perhaps it...” she got no further for at that moment a knock was heard.

“Come in,” Filius called.

“You wanted to see us Professor?” Draco asked as he and Hermione entered the room. He hoped this wouldn’t take long. He wanted to be in the common room when Harry returned from detention.

“Amelia what are you doing here?” Hermione gasped. “Oh no, has something happened to my parents?” she asked in the next breath.

“Your parents are fine Hemione,” Amelia quickly assured the child. “I do have something to discuss with you and Mr. Malfoy however.”

Hermione and Draco exchanged a confused glance. What could Amelia Bones need to discuss with them?

“Please have a seat,” Amelia invited. She waited for the children to sit down before continuing. “What I have to tell you will be upsetting but it was felt you should be told before the news breaks, likely in tomorrow’s Prophet.” Amelia took a deep, bracing breath. “To begin with you should know that physically Harry is unharmed.”

“Harry! What’s happened to Harry? Did Lockhart do something to him?” the two children peppered the adults with questions, their words often overlapping.

“Why would you ask about Lockhart?” Had there been rumours about the man? Rumours that were perhaps ignored by the staff?

“Only that Harry had detention with him so we thought...”

“Naturally so,” Draco interjected.

“Yes, we thought perhaps he had done something. I mean look at what happened last year with the defence professor,” Hermione pointed out.

Amelia nodded. “I’m afraid it does involve Lockhart.” As gently as possible she proceeded to explain the events of the evening to the children. By the end of the narration both children were in tears and holding each other tightly.

“Is Lockhart in custody?” Flitwick growled.

“He is.”

“I don’t suppose he could find his way into Goblin hands?”

Amelia smirked; she knew the goblins considered Harry a friend as well as a valued client. She could easily imagine the punishment they would mete out to the odious vile creature known as Gilderoy Lockhart. “It is a nice thought but no, I’m afraid his punishment shall have to come at the hands of the ministry.”

“Will Harry be returning to Hogwarts?” Hermione asked.

“Does my father know about this?” was Draco’s question.

“Harry is of course spending the night at home but I expect he will return,” Amelia responded to Hermione’s question first. “Your father does not know Mr. Malfoy but he will before the night is out, as will the rest of the board.”

“Are you going to see Harry tomorrow?” Hermione asked.

“Yes, I’ll want to update his grandfather on the case.”

“Could you tell him that I,”

“We.”

“We,” Hermione amended, “hope he’ll return soon but understand if he needs time.”

“I will be sure he gets the message Hermione,” Amelia assured the young witch. With that she took her leave. She had a long night ahead of her; the next step would be questioning their suspect followed by many owls being sent as the Hogwarts Board of Governors received official notice of events.

TBC...
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