Deliver Me | By : Aresgodofchaos Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 15669 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2 |
Disclaimer: Of course I don't own Harry Potter. If I did I would not be a struggling college student. I would be somewhere in the sun drinking Cristal. |
Chapter 5
Four hours later….
Cornelius Fudge and his entire cabinet were in his office along with the heads of the MLE, Dumbledore, Janis Fergold, the head of Children's Supportive Services, and the Honorable Florian Deffold, a Gringotts lawyer with a private practice which only handled very wealthy clients. They were in the middle of a heated discussion.
"I agree with Chief Warlock Dumbledore. Harry Potter cannot possibly be able to take care of himself. His long stay in Azkaban would have been detrimental both to his physical and mental health. I think it would be best to revoke his adult status for the time being," said Fergold.
There were voices of agreement from all except from Florian Deffold. He cleared his throat.
"As Mr. Potter's lawyer I cannot agree to those conditions. There is no possible way to determine his state of mind from this office. I would remind you that certain matters must be rectified before you meet him in Azkaban. Even if he is seen to be less than capable in his mental facilities he will not be placed in the care of CSS. He should be placed with his closet blood relation. According to the wills of the late Lord and Lady Potter and Lord Black Harry James Potter is the sole heir of two pureblood family seats, which bring me to my next issue. ," said Deffold before he was interrupted by Dumbledore.
"I have known Harry since he came to the wizarding world. He has no living family. I think it would be wise to have him recuperate with people he knows. Having him with strangers might push him farther away from reality. I have already prepar….," said Dumbledore before he was interrupted by Deffold.
"Pardon me, Chief Warlock, I did not know that you already had plans for Harry Potter. However you are correct. He has need of a proper guardian until he is shown to be of sound health and mind. I have the trial transcript in which you talked about your previous choice of guardians for the future Lord Black.* Let me see if I can find the transcripts. {a few seconds passed} Ah, here it is. Lord Polk asked you about the home conditions for Harry Potter. You said 'The Dursleys were a bit harsh to Harry. They were muggles and although Harry's Aunt Petunia had a witch for a sister she still found wizardry a bit discomfiting. I admit there might have been a few incidents when the Dursleys may have been overly hard and perhaps had forgotten to give Harry a few kindnesses but it did not warrant the deaths of the Dursleys. First of all, Mr. Potter should never have been placed with the Dursleys according to the will of his parents. I realize Mr. Potter needed to be there for the familial wards to work however those wards can be transferred in cases when the family refuses to accept responsibility as I am sure you are aware off unless you wanted very poorly formed wards. Secondly I have already contacted the proper person into whose care I will release the future Lord Black and it will be with one who befits his station. Remember 'family and tradition first' and foremost," said Deffold with cool glare.
The Honorable Florien Deffold was the third son of a lower middle class pureblood family (all purebloods were not titled or rich). Although he did not have much money growing up his parents made education key which led to his great standing among wizarding lawyers. Within society, particularly pureblooded society, there were many levels and classes. However one thing was key and the unofficial motto of all families in the wizarding world regardless of blood status: Family and tradition first. Deffold agreed wholeheartedly with this mantra. As far as he was concerned Harry Potter should never have been raised with muggles particularly when he had living wizarding relatives.
Dumbledore looked as if all the lemon drops of the world had disappeared. However, all the members of the Cabinet and even his ally, Janis Fergold (although reluctantly) was agreeing with the upstart lawyer. Dumbledore, of course, had to grudgingly agree. Damn it. This means he must have already notified her. I had told her after James' and Lily's death that she was not mentioned in the will and then I gave her that made up reason to avoid contact with Harry. How will I handle this? I no longer have her grandson at Hogwarts, so what actions can I take?
"Excuse me, lawyer. Did you say future Lord Black? How on earth could Potter be the heir of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black? That should be quite impossible. You must be funning," said Umbridge with a slight tinge of disgust. She hated that blasted halfblood. Using that blood quill on him over two years ago was a way to put the proud wizard in his place. The Potters were a very rich family; however the Black name has both money and a good amount political power. Oh dear, if this is true… my dreams to become Minister of Magic after Cornelius…dear Merlin. Umbridge soon began to pale a bit as she went over her thoughts.
"Madam Undersecretary, my name is Florian Deffold not lawyer. I also never joke about situations concerning inheritance especially of two prestigious families. As you are not an employee of Gringotts nor do you have security clearance from the Chief Goblin of Gringotts, Horak the Direct, you are not privy to the various inheritance procedures within families. However, I can say this. I said future Lord Black because the Potter name, although titled and important, has always historically taken the inferior position due to the fact that Blacks were more active in politics. Both names however occupy equal standing in society. It has only been in recent years that the Black name has been embroiled in scandal and we all know some of the lies that was based on. Harry James Potter is heir of both houses," said Deffold with a calculating glare that actually made Umbridge feel small.
"Yes, I remember when I first took my hereditary seat in Wizengamot as a young man many years ago. Orion Black was a sight to behold and a political powerhouse along a few others. If he wanted he could have easily been Minister of Magic. However, I remember one day he said, 'The Blacks have no need for the title when I belong to the power behind the man.' If I may be so bold to ask, who is the person who will be receiving the future Lord Black?," said Ignatius Gallden, a kindly older man who was had shocking white hair.
Deffold looked at the group in front of him. He knew Fudge was certainly looking for a way to salvage the sinking ship which was his political career. If he sunk it served him right. Deffold knew quite a few of Fudge's Cabinet members, including Gallden, were oftentimes ignored by the self-serving Fudge.
There was a knock on the door and Percy entered with Lady Augusta Longbottom. He introduced her then went back out the room and closed the door.
Lady Augusta Longbottom was the picture of the older pure blooded witch. She was wearing a purple dress and tasteful jewelry. However she was not wearing one of her hideous hats. They had fallen out of fashion with her generation in society a little over a year ago. At 110, she was still a witch very much in her prime. Her salt and pepper hair was piled on her head in a fashionable coif. After the deaths of her son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Alice, she finally came out of mourning. After mourning for them for so many years their death actually came as a sweet release for their tortured souls and then the Potter trial happened. Life had changed after that.
Augusta walked towards the small crowd of people. Immediately Deffold stood, bowed and then kissed her hand.
"My dear lady, thank you for coming here in such a timely manner. Your name was just on my lips. I am about to negotiate the reparations for your charge. Please take my seat," said Deffold in a charming manner.
"Thank you Mr. Deffold," said Augusta.
"Rep...reparations?," sputtered Fudge.
"Yes, Cornelius, reparations," said Augusta as she sat down.
"Excuse me, Augusta. I hope you are having a good day. If I may ask, why are you here?," Dumbledore. Of course, he already knew, however, he needed to get on her good side so he could have access to Harry and make sure he returned to Hogwarts.
"Mr. Dumbledore I seem to remember during our last conversation you were informed that you would not address me in the familiar. The reason why I am here is that I am Mr. Potter's closest living wizarding relative as you already know. In the past you have made a mess of things, Dumbledore, I would remind you to remember the power behind the Longbottom name. We have never been much for politics; however, remember your place if you would like to show your face in certain circles again. I would hate to accidentally say something that would hinder you in life. Mr. Deffold move onto the negotiations as time is of the essence,' said Augusta with a hint of malice in her voice.
The others (beside Deffold) sat shocked at Augusta's statement as she was known for seeming intimidating but was really a soft-spoken woman. Dumbledore shifted a bit in his seat as he became suddenly uncomfortable.
"First of all, according to Gringotts Blood law: 'All monies, personal effects, hereditary heirlooms, newly formed heirlooms, and all other objects whether cursed or not cannot be taken from Gringotts vaults by the Ministry in cases of death, dismemberment, cursing, petrifaction, transfigurement into an inanimate object, severe obliviation, chronic poisonings, imprisonment regardless of guilt or innocence, etcetera cannot be removed from a person's vault. When said person dies the closet blood relative will inherit.' However, the Ministry circumvented this law by using Mr. Dumbledore's status as Harry Potter's magical guardian. Since he was magical guardian he had control all vaults except family heirlooms due to Mr. Potter's incapacitation in prison. The goblins are not pleased at all the circumventing of the law in that manner, however, that is neither here nor there," said Deffold before he was interrupted by Fudge.
"Hold on a minute, Ministry did nothing wrong at the time," shouted Fudge.
"Cornelius, please shut up. Remember you might not have a job next week. Mr. Deffold, continue please," said Augusta.
"Thank you, madam. I was saying that we have not come to debate that loophole in the law at this time. However, the goblins are asking for reparations for their client. The money within the Potter accounts at the time of the trial was 500,000,000 galleons. The goblins are asking for complete restitution. They also want you, Minister Fudge, to rectify the matter of the loophole by paying thirty percent of the original value of the accounts on top of the restitution," said Deffold calmly. He waited for the outburst.
"Thirty percent of 500,000,000 galleons? Are those filthy animals mad?," shouted Umbridge as she stood.
"Ma'am I would remind you that goblins are not filthy animals and that they are my employers. If that is your opinion of them I would suggest keeping your money in a teapot somewhere," said Deffold in deference. Umbridge had the decency to look ashamed and sat.
"Thirty percent that is rather steep. However, Cornelius we have wronged the boy greatly and I am sure the goblins could have asked for much more," said Ursula Appleton, a Cabinet member. There were murmurs of agreement. Fudge looked as if he aged ten years.
"I agree with the matter of payments set according to the goblins. Are we finished here?," said Fudge in a tired voice.
"Cornelius, you have agreed to reparations set by the goblins in reference to the malfeasance of Harry's funds. That is quite separate from Ministry reparations for false imprisonment and destruction of property," said Augusta.
"Another set of reparations?," said a tired Fudge.
"Cornelius, Augusta is correct. We have not touched upon Azkaban yet," said Gallden.
"Thank you, Ignatius," said Augusta with a smile. Gallden simply bowed his head.
"According to the Ministry laws concerning mistaken imprisonment, the innocent person will be awarded one million galleons for every year and 2739 galleons per day. The familiar, Hedwig, was destroyed after the verdict was handed down as was Mr. Potter's wand. Restitution laws call for reparation of 750,000 galleons and 800,000 galleons for the destruction of the wand and the familiar, respectively. Due to the public humiliation that Mr. Potter went through, which includes the stripping of his name and libelous accusations, reparations are called for in the amount of 30,000,000 galleons since the law gives no cap in such circumstances. Lady Longbottom wishes you to pay the full cap on the medical care clause which is 900,000 galleons. The grand total is 46,052,580 galleons which includes posthumous restitution of the late Sirius Black. Lady Longbottom will accept this on behalf of her charge, Harry James Potter, although she knows much more can be gained. In return for settling for this pittance, Lady Longbottom will receive unbreakable vows from all present that you will not actively seek out Mr. Potter for any reason. If you wish to contact with him you can talk to me or send an owl or elf to Lady Longbottom or her grandson, Lord Longbottom. If Mr. Potter seeks you out you are absolved of the vow," said Duffold.
Fudge and his entire Cabinet readily agreed and completed the vow. They had enough damage control to contain and did not want to anger Harry's guardian, who was a powerful woman in her own right, and be plastered as complete idiots by the press.
However, Dumbledore did not agree.
"Lady Longbottom, are you sure you are going about this the right way? How will Harry keep in contact with all his friends from Hogwarts?," asked Dumbledore. In truth, he did not want Harry out of his sphere of influence.
"Have you had a leave of your senses you candy sucking fool? Friends? What friends? The two friends Harry had at Hogwarts were driven out by one particular house led by blood traitors and their few allies. Albus, don't tell me you have forgotten those events already? I know I have not forgotten and will never forget. Need I remind you the statute of limitations has not run out?," said Augusta in a saccharine voice that was full of disdain.
"No, Lady Longbottom. I have not,' said Dumbledore without a hint of a twinkle in his eyes. Lady Longbottom had played the ace she had in her hand. Dumbledore resignedly completed the vow.
"What events?," said Cornelius. He needed to know. It was rare one saw the long-named and powerful Albus Dumbledore backed into a corner. Obviously Augusta had some serious dirt and he wanted to know. Some event obviously had taken place at Hogwarts and it had most likely taken place after Umbridge left Hogwarts since he did not know about it.
"No need to worry yourself, Cornelius. Since we are done here Mr. Deffold and I will like to be on our way to Azkaban and you are not invited Mr. Dumbledore," said Augusta as she stood.
"Lady Longbottom I think…," began Dumbledore.
"I don't care for what your thoughts might be and remember the vow. It would be a shame if you lost your magic and died, dear," said Augusta with a smirk that Lucius Malfoy would have been hard pressed to repeat.
"Minister Fudge you can accompany us," said Mr. Deffold as he shrunk his briefcase as it could fit into his pocket.
Harry was on his wooden board. He had been unable to move for the past two days which led to him relieving himself where he lay. He had noticed green spots on all over his arms but he had no idea what was wrong.
I am dying. I would rather die this way than being kissed. Thank Merlin. I'll be with Padfoot and Moony and finally meet Mum and Dad. No one will miss me here.
Harry was so tired and decided he would go to sleep. However he heard his door being spelled open.
He opened his eyes.
Dear Merlin. They are giving me the kiss early.
Augusta Longbottom, Minister Fudge, Mr. Deffold, and Healer Mintworth, personal mediwizard of Lady Longbottom followed the warden down the hall. They were in the maximum security area of Azkaban. Screams and moans were heard along with the various disgusting noises which the mad make.
"I have not seen the boy since he came here, my lady. I was just following orders from the Ministry itself," said the warden. He had heard the news about Harry Potter on the WizardNewsNetwork. He felt saddened by the events. Veritaserum and other forms of revealing the truth were used so events like that would not happen. He just hoped the young man was still alive.
They group stopped outside of a door marked XXVI.
The warden did several complicated spells and the door creak began to open. A foul odor crept out the room.
A blood-curdling scream was heard.
The group rushed inside and saw the frail body on a wooden board in a corner stiff with fear. Augusta ran toward the figure on the board. She cried out aloud into her mouth when she saw the condition of Harry. Harry looked like an Inferi because he was a living skeleton who just had skin. His eyes were sunken in and they were glazed with fear.
"Forty five years has not passed yet!," a hoarse Harry screamed.
Fudge paled at the condition of boy-who-lived. He felt regret deep in his soul. It was feeling he had not felt in years despite all his other underhanded dealings with others.
Healer Mintworth knelt beside Augusta and began running diagnostic spells..
"I am Augusta Longbottom. Harry, we are going to take you away from here you are free. We are going to my manor. Don't' worry Dumbledore or the others won't be there. I will always be on your side Harry," said Augusta in a comforting voice as she ran her hand through the grimy matted hair that was on Harry's head. Tears began to run down her face. She had severely failed him in the past by putting blind faith in others. Her Neville and Harry would be protected and she would use all her resources to accomplish that goal. Woe to the person that stood in the way of Lady Augusta Longbottom, dowager of the Strong and Worthy House of Longbottom, and her family.
"Free? But how…?," whispered Harry with hope.
"Don't worry about that now. We need to go home first," said Augusta with a genuine smile that warmed Harry's heart. Healer Mintworth then gasped.
"My lady, he has dragon pox. It seems he was never inoculated. His condition is grave when you include the host of other health problems he has. It is a good thing I recommended the Pegasus drawn carriage. He is in no condition for portkey or side along apparition. If we came a week or so later you would have had to prepare a funeral," said Healer Mintworth, as his usual sunny disposition vanished from his face.
"Augusta, I am so sorry," murmured Fudge.
"It is not me who deserves your apologies," said Augusta softly as she looked down at Harry as he now slept.
Healer Mintworth picked up the small form off the board and then stood along with Augusta.
"Mr. Deffold, you can go with Cornelius and finish and any remaining legal issues. I leave them to your excellent judgment. I must return to Longbottom Manor," said a weary Augusta, who seemed as if she increased in age.
Deffold simply bowed his head in agreement. The party along with their precious bundle left cell XXVI and walked through the various corridors in order to reach the outside of the prison.
Harry awoke. Something smelled different. He slowly opened his eyes but closed them back because the sun was too bright.
The sun. Great Merlin, I am outside. I am free. Really free. Neville's grandmother saved me? I thought he hated me. Then again he wasn't at the trial and has never said nothing bad about me. She said no Dumbledore or the others. She is safe I suppose. Oh the air smells so good. So fresh. So clean. I am finally going home.
With these thoughts Harry's frail body which had been starved for months and never relaxed finally gave up as he entered a well deserved sleep.
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