Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Shades of Grey	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 103925 -:- Recommendations : 6 -:- Currently Reading : 21
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter nor do I make any money off this dance in the realm of strangeness and smut

Chapter List
- 55
- 56
- 57
Chapter 56

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi. You're the best, woman, and thank you!

With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Just a reminder of what's on my profile: reviews complaining or whinging about the lack 'o sex in stories will get deleted. If you want a smut-filled romp, you need to find another story to read.

“Have you thought over my offer?” Amelia asked, leaning back in her chair after the two settled in. Remus and Sirius had set up a meeting with her, saying they had much needed information, so she had them meet her at a small safe house the Ministry had for various reasons. As she was using it as an office and residence at this time, she thought it perfect. However, she wanted their leanings on the job offer she tossed out during the last meeting they had. The Ministry was in desperate of help and these two would be perfect, ones she could depend on.
“We did, long and hard,” Remus told her with a nod and smile. Then he added, “We've decided not to take you up on the offer.”
When Amelia started to say something, Sirius cut her off before she could go further and added, “We think we can do you more good with what we are doing now than joining the DMLE.” Then he listed the reasons why, most of which he told Harry. When he finished, he added, “We can refer you to some people who would be good, though. They will probably jump at the chance and are what you need.”
“I don't suppose I thought about it the way you laid out,” she admitted after pondering what he said. With a nod, she then agreed, “Yes, you can do me more good where you are. Leave me the names and we'll put out feelers to them then go from there.”
“Now, what do you have for me?” She asked, looking intently between the two. “You said this is big and will take time.”
“Plenty,” Sirius told her honestly. “We'll start with the easiest first; the Diadem was destroyed. Hogwarts' house elves found it in a hidden room and Albus took care of it. We saw the end result and it's gone.”
After Amelia gave a pleased nod and said 'good', Remus pressed on, “And we can pass on to you Albus isn't long for this world. He made the rather foolish choice to put it on. While he had checked it for curses, and found none, he didn't realize there was something hidden on it. He was infected by a curse and might have six months. As it went on his head and infected him from there, we were told there isn't much anyone can do for him. Several managed to trap the curse and hold it in one place, but he's now dying from it.”
“Wonderful,” Amelia groused, shaking her head. “This means we have to press harder for what he knows before he's so heavily affected it's lost. Any suggestions there?” She then asked, looking between the two. As they were close to Albus, they tended to know what they were talking about when it came to the old man. Hopefully, they had something she could use.
“Don't bother,” Sirius told her, trying not to grin. “What he knows won't be worth anything.”
“We haven't found all the Horcruxes.” She told him pointedly. “To find the rest, we need what he knows, Sirius.”
“They're all gone,” Remus told her softly, smiling a tad as he did. While he and Sirius were upset by Albus being terminal, despite having lost a great deal of respect for the man, he was pleased to put this part in action.
“And you know this how?” She asked, looking between the two.
“This is the part we need kept in the strictest confidence,” Sirius told her, leaning forward and gazing at the woman intently. “It can go no further. We're also not going to give up everything we know on the matter. You'll understand shortly.”
“Right,” she nodded, brow furrowed. “Is this what I needed the Pensieve for?” She then asked.
“It is,” Sirius said, pulling out the small jar with the memory he needed in it. “Once you view this, we'll start explaining part of what we know then the bit with the Horcruxes.”
“Just so it's out there,” Remus started, holding out his hand, “this is a memory of a memory, so it’s not something anyone can use legally. However, it's accurate and the truth, not tampered with.”
After levitating the Pensieve onto her desk and making certain it was ready, she held out her hand for the jar. She was sure, with what she knew of the two, it was big. She was now highly curious with regards to what it was about.
Sirius handed it over then leaned back and waited. It was going to end up a touchy dance, as he was sure she would become angry over parts, but they'd manage. Lucius and Severus agreed to this finally, figuring it could only help, so they were going to press on and hope it would.
With another look between the two, Amelia then took a deep breath and plunged her face into the liquid, wary about what she was going to see.

Complexion mottled, Amelia huffed as she sat back down after passing the memory back to Sirius. Teeth grinding slightly, she asked, looking between the two, “How sure are you this is accurate? The two people in the memory aren't exactly trustworthy, after all.” If it was even part of the truth, Albus—oh, she wanted words with that old man before he died.
“It's entirely accurate from what we know,” Remus told her softly, shaking his head. “We can put parts together with other clues we have, something you'll understand in a bit.”
“We were wondering, until we were shown this, just what he was up to when it comes to Harry. There was just a feeling there as you know there was plenty wonky with him. Since then, we've learned plenty more which shores up what was in the memory.”
Amelia took in what they said, thought it over, then gave a slow nod. “You have proof, I take it?”
“Plenty,” Remus assured her. “We need to walk you through some of what we know to make you understand part of it, though.”
“Before we do, we want your assurances we won't end up hexed for keeping it from you,” Sirius then chuckled, shaking his head. Then he sobered up and added, “I think you'll understand why we didn’t tell you once we explain it.”
“My wand will stay on the desk,” Amelia assured him. Now she really wanted to know what they did and how it related to this whole mess.
“Keep in mind, we aren't going to tell you everything,” Remus tossed out there softly. “You'll understand why as we explain. We'll give you plenty to help, though, including information Albus doesn't have or has no way of knowing.”
“Understood,” she nodded, eyes flitting between the two. “What do you know?”
Elbows resting on his knees, Sirius then began to walk her through part of what they knew, making sure to do all he could to ensure Snape and Malfoy were protected. Also, making certain it was as clear as he could make it they didn't know until quite some time after Harry was abducted where he was.

Though angry over some of what she heard, Amelia kept her cool then looked over the objects which were the remnants of the Horcruxes destroyed. A quick test told her what they had contained and it was authentic. Putting them down, planning to send them to the right department the following day, she asked, color still slightly high, “That's all of them then?”
“All of them,” Remus confirmed with a nod. “Albus is still looking for the Locket and isn't sure about Nagini. I think everyone assumes she's dead, of course. We told you the Locket was gone, but hadn't mentioned her. Harry was the final Horcrux. Which means it can now end, something Albus doesn't know.”
“Only Snape knew about the Horcrux in Harry. It's been tended to, as you can see. The people protecting him managed to get it out and destroy it,” Sirius explained. “Albus doesn't know this. He's pressing on to get rid of all of them. While he hasn't mentioned the bit with Harry, we assume he's hoping to destroy all of them then intensify the hunt for Harry to make the two face each other to get rid of the one in his scar.”
“Damned old man,” Amelia hissed, eyes narrowing. “If he had told us long ago, it would never have managed to get this far!”
“No arguments from us there,” Remus told her with a shrug and sigh, shaking his head sadly.
“Cornelius didn't help either,” Sirius added. “If he had just listened, we could have prepared.”
“That too,” Amelia agreed, looking plenty upset. Then, eying the two, she asked, tone slightly icy, “Why didn't you tell me some of this after you became informants?”
“We are desperately trying to protect Harry,” Remus told her honestly. “You were focusing on the right area, not the hunt for him. He's safe, as those notes said. We just wanted to make sure he stayed that way.”
“Understood,” she told him with a stiff nod. “Are you sure whomever it is taking care of him is doing so and it's not a ploy?”
“Damned sure,” Sirius told her. “We've seen him and are in regular communication since we learned about it. It—we thought it best. The less who know what's going on, the safer he'll be. Amelia – you now have the shot you need. Albus and the other side doesn't know they are all gone. We're sure the evil idiot suspects most are, but I doubt he knows all have been destroyed. The ones protecting Harry are helping all they can. Most of the research we've brought you they did for us to free up our time to deal with other matters. This isn't a joke. I know you don't like it, but they've given you what you need; the means to now end this.” He hoped it was enough because she looked plenty mad over what she was told. It was his hope it was more the situation than them as he didn't want to end up on her bad side.
While fingering the small objects which had been Horcruxes, she thought over what was said. Though she didn't like the fact that they had hidden something so big from her, she understood why now. It was to protect a teenager from two men who wanted him dead. Yes, she could appreciate why as she had a niece the same age as Mr. Potter. “Understood,” she said, quietly. Then, tone firming up as she sat up straighter, she added, “We have some planning to do. Tomorrow I'm going to announce we let off the hunt for your godson and focus on this mess. It's time this ended. We now have the means. Let Albus continue to plan for whatever, but we're going to try to draw You-Know-Who out and take the fight to him. It won't be easy as he's so powerful, but we can end this.”
“We can, which is why we wanted you brought into the secret,” Remus told her gently, smiling a little. This was the Amelia they counted on dealing with, one who could see beyond to what it could mean for all of them.
“With what we know from sources, it's doubtful you're going to have to draw him out,” Sirius told her with a shake of his head. “He's going to do something as we're all sure he knows most of the Horcruxes are gone. From speculation with the ones helping with research, we think Hogwarts is in his sights, Amelia. The Diadem is probably what he wants to get his hands on. Well, and make a strike that can only help him. The school is a big catch. Since everything else he's tried hasn't worked well, it might be the one he attempts.”
“Yes, true,” she told him distractedly, brow furrowed. “Which means we can trap him, maybe. I don't know.”
“If you play it right, you might manage,” Remus told her. “One of the Hogsmeade visits is approaching. I'm sure he knows it as well. Those kids—they would be perfect hostages and a way to draw out plenty.”
Now sitting ramrod straight in her chair, she huffed, “We'll—yes, I think this is something we need to plan for. I don't want those children hurt or used as a bartering tool. We'll get something in place now, or the start of it.”
“Albus is already planning for the Order to be in town that day to help, so you'll have extra bodies to assist,” Sirius told her. “The Order might answer to him and ignore the Ministry in many matters, but they'll help you all they can in areas like this. You have my word. Which means you'll have plenty more backing you than what you bring.”
“Good,” she nodded, already scrawling notes on what she wanted to tend to so it could be set up as fast as she could manage. “We'll be there to help, you have my word. And do what we can to end this. It's time it's over, past time, and I want it done.”
“We have a couple bits to help you Albus doesn’t know about,” Sirius told her, pulling out a couple mirrors like what they used to communicate with the other lot and a map they made up of Hogsmeade. “Back in school, they were something we came up with to aid in being up to no good. Since then, we've tweaked them to help you. The ones protecting Harry helped. We thought they could give you a hand like no other.”
“Just so you don't sell the template,” Remus told her with a small smile. “We have no issue with the Ministry having them, but we did invent them with the help of James. Peter assisted, but not much.”
“My word,” Amelia told him with a nod. “I'll sign a binding document to that effect to protect you. Now, what do you have for me?” She asked, looking between the two, hoping it was something which could aid in the mess.
After passing over the mirrors and map, the two explained to her what they were and how to use them. When they finished and she looked plenty pleased, Remus said, “I'm sure you have some who can duplicate them or make them work even better. These were something we thought could help you immeasurably and put plenty off kilter as they don't have the same sort of communication.”
“Oh, yes, they can!” She told them emphatically as she looked over what she was given. “We'll use these and I'll ensure you're compensated. We'll sign the document before you go making sure.”
After putting them down, planning to call in plenty tonight so they were functional as fast as they could manage, she asked, looking between the two, “About Mr. Potter—you're certain he's being cared for properly?” While this was a minor area, she wanted it clear. When this mess ended, she would judge from there what to do. “And he wasn't the one who set the fire?”
“No, Harry didn't have anything to do with burning the house,” Remus assured her with a shake of his head. “And he's better cared for than he had been since James and Lily died.” He told her honestly.
“They've gone above and beyond, trust me,” Sirius told her. “He's far ahead in his schoolwork and doing better than he ever did at Hogwarts. Part of it has to do with the unbinding of his magic. Another has to do with the ones helping him. From what we know, he'll actually be done with this year's coursework at what would be winter break. He's even chosen a career he's excited about. They've helped him plenty.”
“The unbinding of his magic—any issues? We know there are some when it comes off, especially if it was on for longer than normal,” she asked, looking between the two. This was mostly to get a feel for what would come when he came out of hiding. If he was being taken care of properly, she wasn't going to look too much in that direction.
“There were problems, big ones,” Sirius admitted with sigh and groan, scrubbing both hands through his hair. “The wand was the biggest. He has a new one and it works fine. The other was physical. It—you'll understand when you see him next. It was tended to properly, though, and he's fine from it. It was just a huge problem.”
“And when it manifested, we were called to help, so we're certain it was taken care of. Harry's fine from it, though still dealing a little from what it caused,” Remus assured her.
“And he's happy,” Sirius added quietly. “He's—well, he knows he's safe and those he's staying with are doing it for the right reason. One of the bits he told us was he knew what could come if he turned back up and he would be in danger from more than the evil git. We tend to agree with him.”
“Very true,” Amelia sighed, shaking her head over the memory she saw.
After sitting quietly for a few moments pondering the whole mess, she said, “I do believe I now understand why you hid it. While not pleased, I do understand. And I won't say a word. He—yes, he needs to stay where he is. Let him stay safe and under protection which is obviously working. It's better than someone drawing him into this mess for whatever reason.”
“We are just doing what we can to protect him, Amelia,” Remus told her softly. “That's all. If he was being mistreated or used, we would have come straight to you. He's not. In fact, he's thriving in a way he hasn't before, even at Hogwarts.”
“Understood,” she nodded. “When this ends, I'll take what you said and meld it with what comes out then go from there. It's all I can promise you.” Looking between the two, she asked, “Was he kidnapped or was this a stunt?”
“It wasn't a stunt,” Sirius told her with a shake of his head. This was the most delicate part of the whole matter and he had to tread lightly because of what could come of it. “He was kidnapped. The rest—we won't get into it. Let's just say he's fine now. It's all that matters to us.”
“As long as it wasn't a stunt on his end,” Amelia told them.
“It wasn't,” Remus assured her. “Harry wouldn't have known how to do what happened on Privet Drive. The magic done was far more advanced than anything he was familiar with.”
“I thought so as well when we investigated. The Dark Mark alone was telling with that,” Amelia agreed.
“Right, let's see what else we can manage here,” she told them, focusing back on the war. “I want those names, gentleman. The more bodies I have, the better I'll be. They might only get the basic of training, but we need them.”
“No problem,” Sirius told her. “The ones we're thinking of come in from other careers and know plenty, like curse breaking. You won't have to train too much for some of it as they know what they're doing.”
“We can desperately use those coming in from other careers and having life experience,” she nodded, preparing to jot down names.
“These have plenty and are ones we know will follow what you want, not Albus. They might be in the Order, but they'll make the right choice,” Remus said, pulling out a sheet of parchment and handing it over. “We wouldn't give you names of those we know would ignore what you want in favor of following Albus' edicts.”
Slipping her monocle in, Amelia looked at the short list and nodded at the names. She knew all of them but never thought to try to recruit. With a snort, she smiled and added, “The goblins might not be happy if I poach one of their workers, but Mr. Weasley is one I think I'll try to get my hands on. He has the experience I need in this.”
“Bill was the first one we thought of,” Sirius told her. “He's good, Amelia, damned good, and knows just what he's doing. You can train him as you go instead of sending him through the standard. He brings in plenty you can use and knowledge which can only help.”
“I'll get with him in the morning,” Amelia nodded then began to ask about the others on the list. Though she wasn't happy with plenty she heard, she was with the rest, so she wouldn't say a word. Besides, she understood why they went about it this way. In the end, she'd deal accordingly and press on from there.

After downing the headache potion from Poppy, something he desperately needed as the headache associated with the curse was almost unbearable, Albus sighed at the relief which came immediately. Oh, it didn't kill it completely and wouldn't, but took it down to a level he could handle. After he vanished the bottle, he leaned back in his chair and sighed softly, eyes going shut. Once more, he kicked himself for being so foolish and putting so much in jeopardy over a mistake. However, he didn't allow himself to dwell there. No, he had no time for such foolishness. Too much needed tending to before he passed on to the next life.
Harry…
Yes, he needed to find a way to handle the situation there. He was now pressing Minerva to do all she could to find him, but there were just no clues where he might be. While he pressed on with finding the Horcruxes, this nightmare couldn't end without Harry. Severus was the only one to whom he was comfortable passing what he knew. There was no one left to do so with. While he would write out what he knew and how to handle the situation, including the memories needed, it wasn't the same. Tom would come back again if the Horcrux in Harry wasn’t gone. As he was sure there was a confrontation of some kind coming, he needed to do something. After all, his own time was now limited.
Thumbs twiddling, he tried to think. He needed this sorted out now as he knew the curse would start affecting his cognitive abilities soon. With all at stake, he had to come up with a plan and get it in place before it grew worse. The issue came in he didn't know what to do. While they were at war, he was certain he had the time he needed. Now he didn't. And he had nothing to work with beyond the idea of the letter.
This wasn't what he needed. The plans had been laid so carefully all these years and were gone. The ones he counted on were gone. Others—no, they couldn't help. It was left up to him and he was mildly panicked at the thought since there was nothing. While he was sure Harry was alive, he didn't know what he could do to ensure poor Harry did what was needed. After all, he had planned to tell him slowly and give him the base to help. He couldn't now. Even if Harry turned up the following day, it was too late to get it all in now. So, he had to come up with something. He just didn't know what.
With a heavy sigh, he shook his head. He would think on it over night then go talk to a couple people in the morning. There was a solution, he just had to find it, nothing more. He would, especially as urgent as it was.
Then, with a groan, he rose to find his bed. Sometimes he received the information he needed in dreams. He hoped he would this time as he was at a loss for once in his life. Maybe Providence would help him with his problem. After all, it was about all he had left.
- 55
- 56
- 57
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Shades of Grey