MetaFic

Dumbledore turned away from the man and looked at Harry. "Harry, do you wish to go with these gentlemen?"

"Not particularly, no."

Dumbledore stood and smiled at Brunt. "Very well, then. Good day, gentlemen."

Harry thought that Adrian Brunt was either very brave or very stupid as he watched Brunt step forward and reach into his robes. The four Aurors fanned out in the room. Harry took a step backward toward Dumbledore, who had stepped forward and to Harry's left. Harry reached into the pocket of his trousers and withdrew his wand. He held it loosely at his side, keeping one eye on the two Aurors to his right.

Brunt withdrew a piece of parchment from his robes and handed it to Dumbledore. "You'll see everything is in order. This is not a request, sir. This is an order from the Minister himself. Now please step aside." Brunt looked down at Harry and spoke in tone that reminded Harry of his Uncle Vernon. "You, boy, put that wand away and come with me."

"I don't think I'll be going anywhere," Harry said, bringing his wand to the ready.

"Well," Dumbledore said, "Everything does seem to be in order." He folded the paper and tucked it into his robes. "However, I cannot in good conscience turn Harry over to a Ministry which has more than once engaged in biased assaults on his character."

Brunt pulled himself up fully and reached into his robes again. "You, sir, have no choice in this matter."

Dumbledore spoke softly. "We always have choices, young man. Are you ready to fight us?"

"Minister Fudge thought you might attempt to engage in threats. I believe myself and four fully trained Aurors perfectly capable of handling one old man and a little boy."

Harry laughed aloud. "Really? Because this old man and little boy have both fought Voldemort numerous times." Harry's face lost all expression as he turned on Brunt. "How many times have you fought Voldemort, Mr. Brunt?"

The four Aurors shifted nervously, obviously uncomfortable with the situation. Beads of sweat started to form on Mr. Brunt's head. Harry held the man's gaze while Dumbledore remained serene and relaxed.

"You lads had best go now," Mad-Eye Moody growled from the doorway. Arthur Weasley stood next to him, his wand out and pointed at the Aurors. "You boys know good and well who I am, so you know how this will play out if you decide to do something -- rash."

"I think, Mr. Brunt," Albus Dumbledore said in a pleasantly dangerous voice, "that you should take these men and leave. Please tell Minister Fudge that the final line has been crossed."

"Are you threatening the Minister, sir?" Brunt asked, trying to regain some of his dignity.

"No," Dumbledore said calmly. "I'm merely asking you to inform him that I believe he has made his last mistake as Minister of Magic, and that many in the community feel it is time for new leadership. Now, good day to you sir."

Adrian Brunt stalked out of the Headmaster's office, the four relieved Aurors in his wake. Once everyone was sure they were out of earshot Dumbledore looked at Moody and Mr. Weasley curiously.

"I've still a few friends at the Ministry," Mr. Weasley said. "I received an owl just a few minutes ago from someone I trust telling me of Fudge's plan to take Harry."

Dumbledore turned to Harry. "I need to speak with Professor Moody and Mr. Weasley about preparations to move to the new headquarters. I promise we can speak at length later."

"I understand, sir," Harry said, putting his wand away. "I'll know where the new headquarters are soon enough anyway."

"Yes, true, very true," the headmaster said. "And Harry? Would you please inform Professor McGonagall that today's meeting is canceled and ask her to let everyone know."

"Sure," Harry said, leaving the office.

Moody stumped in and sat in the chair Harry had recently vacated. Arthur took the low divan off to one side as Dumbledore settled behind his desk again.

"That boy's scary sometimes, Albus," Moody said, settling in. "His little speech there had those five quaking in their shoes."

"Indeed," the Headmaster nodded. "It was Harry's second inspirational speech of the day."

"Harry seems to have an intuitive grasp of psychological warfare," Moody replied.

"It's just a shame they've all had to grow up so quickly," Arthur Weasley said wistfully.

"It is," Dumbledore agreed, "one of the great tragedies of our time that these children have had so much responsibility placed on them so early." Dumbledore waved his wand and three cups of tea appeared. He sent one to each of his guests. "Arthur, how is you family holding up?"

Arthur Weasley took a sip of his tea and considered before answering. "I think it's the hardest on Molly, bless her. The Death Eaters killed her brothers and now they've destroyed her home. Add all of her children being in the thick of it, and well--" Arthur shrugged. "Percy's recovering well enough."

"That's excellent news, Arthur," Dumbledore said.

"The lad's information probably saved last night from being a total disaster," Moody said softly.

"Well, Ginny gave him a solid piece of her mind before she started crying on him."

"How is your daughter?" Moody asked.

"You mean beside fighting with her mother and being worried about her family?" Arthur Weasley shook his head. "After the -- the Chamber incident we thought she needed more protection, more shielding from the evils of the world, but I don't think we can keep her out of trouble anymore than we can the boys."

"Your daughter is a singularly gifted young witch," Dumbledore said quietly. "To have survived what she has, well, if any other had been gifted with Tom Riddle's diary, the outcome would have been much different."

"She'd better be gifted if she's going to be part of Potter's circle of friends," Moody said, ignoring his teacup and drinking from his hip flask.

Arthur Weasley chuckled. "Oh, I think she may end up more than just part of Harry's circle of friends. I've seen that look on a woman's face before. I'm not sure Harry realizes just yet what's happening, poor boy."

"You're okay with your daughter and Potter?" Moody asked. "I'm just asking because that boy attracts trouble like gold attracts Nifflers. Are you sure you want your daughter in the line of fire?"

"Of course I don't want Ginny in the line of fire, but she's made her choice. I couldn't stop them now if I wanted too. Ginny's chosen Harry, even if Harry hasn't realized it just yet."

"An excellent match, in my humble opinion," Dumbledore added. "Now, how are preparations going for the move?"

Moody grunted. "It will take two more days of hard work to get the defenses set up. In the meantime I've sent Tonks to Privet Drive, to shift through the ashes for anything of Potter's that's salvageable."

"Molly and I plan to go the Burrow tomorrow, though I doubt after what Bill described there will be much left," Arthur said.

Dumbledore nodded his agreement, "I'm sorry, Arthur. I would suggest you have Charlie and that wonderful creature of his assist you."

Arthur chuckled. "Molly almost fainted dead away when she saw him on the back of that beast."

"Yes, well, Hagrid was happy to see his old dragon again," Dumbledore chuckled. "He keeps saying how Norbert's simply an overgrown puppy."

"Yeah, an overgrown puppy who breathes fire and will devour anyone who gets close to him except Charlie and Hagrid," Moody put in.

"Professor?" Arthur Weasley's face took on a concerned look. "What will happen to Harry?"

Dumbledore sighed. "There are several things that must be seen to before we will know what is to happen to Mr. Potter. For the moment, it is enough to hide him until school starts. Once school begins, he will be safe at Hogwarts."

"As safe as that boy ever is, anyway," Moody added.

Arthur Weasley's parental instincts were now in full swing however, and he refused to be put off without some kind of answer. "But Harry's legal guardians in both the magical and muggle world are dead. The Ministry's not going to give up easily. I don't suppose Sirius had the foresight to assign someone to be Harry's guardian in case of his death?"

Dumbledore looked steadily at the two men, "Sirius did leave a will concerning the disposition of his personal property and responsibilities. However, I've been keeping it secret until I'm sure that none of the remaining survivors of the Black family can challenge it."

Arthur nodded in understanding. "Because we wouldn't want the Ministry to give Narcissa Malfoy custody of Harry."

"Yes," said Dumbledore, "and the Ministry's handover of the Black Family fortune to her shows us how the Ministry would approach any will left by Sirius."

"Could someone please explain the subtle nuances of the legal standing of Sirius Black to this old field Auror?" Moody growled.

Arthur Weasley turned in his seat. "It's quite simple actually. Sirius Black inherited the Black Family estates and fortune before his arrest. The Ministry has no provision for stripping a criminal of his property, mostly under the idea that if the Head of House were to commit a crime, it would be unfair to punish the other members of the family, such as a spouse or child." Arthur took a deep breath. "However, upon Sirius' death, the remaining survivors of the House of Black are entitled to take over the fortune and estate. The fact that the Ministry gave everything to Narcissa instead of splitting it up tells us where sympathies lie within the Ministry."

Albus Dumbledore took up the narrative. "However, traditionally, a criminal is still allowed to bequeath his personal property to anyone he chooses upon his death."

Moody nodded, understanding dawning, "But the family could still challenge that will, claiming that the family member was of neither sound mind nor body after their imprisonment, and didn't understand what they were doing."

"And since the Ministry simply handed the Black Family Estate over to Mrs. Malfoy, it stands to reason that should she challenge Sirius' will, they would find in her favor," Arthur finished.

"Damn," Moody hissed.

"Well, if that's all, I need to make my way to the Ministry before Mr. Brunt arrives at the Minister's office."

"What are you planning, Albus?" Moody drawled.

"A change, Alastor. A long overdue change. Would you please coordinate everyone's efforts for the next two days?" Dumbledore asked one of his oldest friends.

"Of course," Moody said, standing and motioning to Arthur to follow him out.

Albus Dumbledore waited until they were gone then drew his wand. With a tap of the tip, he opened a small wooden box on his desk. He withdrew a scroll marked Harry James Potter, and with a muttered incantation a three dimensional representation of planets, moons, and stars swirled around his office. He looked the planetary map over carefully, then rose from his chair. Walking to the file cabinet, he opened it and, after a few minutes of rummaging around, withdrew a scroll marked Ginevra Molly Weasley. He sat back down at his desk and muttered the incantation a second time. A second set of planets, moons, and stars swirled about his office. With a flick of his wand, the two different representations became one.

Albus Dumbledore studied the scene before him carefully, taking note of each subtle nuance. With a satisfied smile, he took out his watch. Time was short, he realized. Things were moving fast now, soon they would be moving too fast for him to control or anticipate. With a wave of his wand, the planets, moons, and stars vanished. He placed the two scrolls in the box, then placed the box in his robes. He looked at his watch again. Still enough time to finish some important business. With that thought, Albus Dumbledore vanished from the office.

***

Harry Potter dutifully passed Professor Dumbledore's message to Professor McGonagall, then went searching for his friends. He found Hermione sitting by herself in the Gryffindor common room.

"Hey," Harry said, walking through the door.

"Harry!" Hermione leapt up and hugged him. Tears formed in her eyes.

Harry was a bit taken aback by this behavior. While he knew that Hermione was typically the more demonstrative of his friends, this outpouring of emotion seemed almost too much.

"Hermione, are you all right?" Harry asked.

She pulled away and gathered herself, "Yes, yes I'm fine." She took a deep breath. "Ron and Ginny are still with their family in the infirmary."

"That's good. Mr. Weasley was speaking to Dumbledore when I left."

"Yes, Harry, what did Dumbledore want with you? Is it Voldemort? Is your scar bothering you again?

"He wanted to ask about the Dursleys."

"Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry, your only family, dead."

"Sold me out more like."

"What?" Hermione asked, her eyes wide.

"Didn't anyone tell you?" Harry's voice took on a bitter edge. "They sold me out to the Death Eaters."

Hermione gave him a look of horror. "Where will you live now?"

"I don't know, and honestly, I don't want to think about it right now. The Ministry sent a man to bring me in, telling Dumbledore that he was here to pick up the orphan."

"What did Dumbledore do?" Hermione asked.

"Asked me if I wanted to go with them. I told him no. Dumbledore told the man to leave. For a minute it looked like we were going to have to fight four Aurors–"

"We?"

"I wasn't going to go quietly."

"Harry! You can't go around picking fights with Ministry officials! They'll take you away!" Hermione's complexion was alternating between pale and red.

Harry looked at his friend in confusion. "They were going to take me away anyway. Then who would protect me from Voldemort?"

Hermione started to shiver and shake. "The Ministry would!"

"Are you mad? I wouldn't trust the Ministry, half the time they hate me. And they let Voldemort walk right into their building."

"But Harry, the Ministry, they're the proper authorities; you have to pay attention to them. You can’t just keep running off willy-nilly into danger! You need to do what the Professors and the adults tell you, can't you understand that?! This isn't a game! People are getting hurt! People are dying!" she shrieked, then turned and ran up the stairs to the girl's dorm.

Harry sat on the couch, dumbstruck by his friend's outburst.

"She's not really angry at you, Harry," Professor Lupin's voice came from the portrait hole. Harry turned to look at the former Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. "It's the stress. She was injured at the Ministry, then was forced to go into hiding. Then they encountered Voldemort at Grimmauld Place and watched him cut down a fully trained wizard. And of course, the battle at the Burrow. You understand?" Lupin walked around the couch to sit by Harry.

"Yes. Yes I do."

"Hermione has always placed her faith in the authority figures in her life. She, unlike you, has trusted them to do the right thing and protect her. Recent events have called all that into question." Lupin patted Harry's knee. "She'll be fine."

"Are you sure Professor?" Harry wanted to know.

"As sure as I can be about anything these days. So, how are you Harry?"

"Honestly?"

Lupin nodded, "I'd prefer that, yes."

"I don't know. Ask me again in a couple of days."

"Very well, I'll do that. Now, tell me about yourself and Miss Weasley."

Harry smiled, "Not much to tell yet. I'm not sure where things are going, but I'm going to let them go where they may."

"A wise decision, very wise indeed."

The portrait hole opened behind them and Ron and Ginny entered the room.

"Harry," Ron said, "guess what? Neville and Luna are here. They're waiting for us in the Room of Requirement." Ron looked from Harry to Lupin. "Where's Hermione?"

"Um, upstairs," Harry said.

Ginny nodded. "Right, I'll fetch her down," she said, then went up the staircase.

Ron looked at Harry. "What happened?"

"Well, Ron, we were talking, then she, um, well–"

"Came a bit unstrung?" Ron asked.

"Yeah."

"She's been doing it all summer. Mum says to give her time."

Lupin stood. "Good advice, but remember not to leave your friend alone with her demons overlong, either. Well, I'll see you four later." Lupin smiled at the boys and left just as Ginny started down the stairs, Hermione in tow.

The four walked quietly down the halls of Hogwarts. They entered the Room of Requirement to find Neville and Luna sitting close together, leaning over in conversation, their heads touching. When Harry and his friends entered the room, Neville and Luna both looked up and smiled.

Ginny reached out and squeezed Harry's hand. Harry realized this was it. After everyone finished catching up, he knew what he would have to do.

He would have to tell his friends the truth about the prophecy.