As Harry and Hermione walked through the dining room of the Three Broomsticks, they heard a feminine voice calling their names. Harry searched for the owner and saw Daphne Greengrass motioning him over with a hand. She was sitting at a table with Tracy Davis.
"Sit down, Potter," Daphne said, as Harry and Hermione approached; they sat down, "We need to talk. For starters, I guess we should formally introduce ourselves since we never have done so in the past three years. I am Daphne Greengrass and this is Tracy Davis."
Tracy smiled and waved.
"Nice to meet you both," Harry said, "I have a feeling I know where this conversation is headed. Can I do a charm to ensure our privacy? I rather not have it out in the Rumor Mills yet." Daphne nodded. "I'll show you a handy little charm that makes eavesdroppers only hear buzzing. Muffliato.'"
"Huh," Daphne said, "I'll have to remember that one."
"Do you trust Tracy not to tell anyone about this discussion?" Harry asked.
"Of course," Daphne said, "She is my best friend and girlfriend."
Girlfriend?" Harry echoed, "As in...?"
"As in the same way Hermione is your girlfriend," Daphne said, "Got a problem with that?"
"Nope," Harry said, "Though I must wonder how it will affect our Betrothal."
"I'm bisexual, Potter," Daphne said, "Attracted to both women and men. Tracy knows I am Betrothed, and I am not planning on getting married until after I'm seventeen. Are you?"
"Nope," Harry said.
"Then I'm going to enjoy my time with my girlfriend," Daphne said. "She's been my girlfriend since our first trip to Hogsmeade. Long before I discovered I was betrothed. Didn't know until Dad wrote to me about the Betrothal being active."
"I wrote to your parents yesterday and received a reply this morning," Harry said, "They said they'd contact me again when they wish to invite me for a meeting to discuss the Contract."
Daphne sighed, then her steely expression softened. "They know nothing about my sexuality or that Tracy is my girlfriend. Will you please not mention it to them when you meet them? I'll do it when I feel brave enough to."
Harry was surprised to find that she was showing her vulnerable side. He always heard she was a tough girl with a hard personality. She wasn't cruel like Pansy, much the opposite. However, she had obtained the nickname 'Ice Queen' for a reason.
"Of course I'll keep your secret," Harry said, "I guess I should mention – a couple days ago I became an Emancipated Minor and achieved my Lordship."
"Unsurprising," Daphne said, "The Betrothal Contract wouldn't be active this early unless you did achieve it. Usually happens when the husband-to-be reaches majority."
"Well, I also found I have two titles," Harry said, "Lord Potter and Lord Peverell. I will name you Lady Peverell if you are not taking the Line Continuance Option."
"My parents will probably give that option to my sister," Daphne said, "Do you already have a pick for Lady Potter?"
"Hermione," Harry said, "We aren't Betrothed or engaged or anything like that, but we believe we're in it for the long term."
"How do you feel about Harry being married to another girl as well as yourself, Hermione?" Daphne asked.
"It will take some time to deal with," Hermione said, "But I hope to be friendly with you and the other two girls."
"Wait," Daphne said, "There are two more?"
"Susan Bones and Luna Lovegood," Harry said, "Two other Children of the Great Alliance."
"I see," Daphne said, "That is quite surprising."
"I'm going to give you the same option I gave to Susan," Harry said, "I expect to move into the Lord's Quarters at Hogwarts starting next term. I fear once the news of the Betrothals get out, jealous girls might try to hurt my intended. I invite you to join me there."
"Can Tracy join us?" Daphne asked, glancing at Tracy who blushed profusely.
"I would do my best to make that possible if that is what you want," Harry said.
"I might take you up on the offer then," Daphne said. "Tracy and I have kept our relationship a secret, but once it gets out, we fear retaliation from fellow house-mates. Not to toot our own horns, but we're two of the more attractive girls in the house. Boys would feel like we're not appreciating them by being in a relationship with each other. They wouldn't care we're bisexual, just that we're dating."
"That is horrible," Hermione said.
"That is the Slytherin house for you," Daphne said. "I'm more scared for Tracy's safety than my own."
"As I am yours," Tracy said.
"You're not typical Slytherins, are you?" Harry asked.
"Nope," Daphne said, "We're the black sheep of the House. But your pal, Weasley, doesn't care about that. He hates us all just because we're Slytherins."
"He isn't our pal anymore," Hermione said, "I don't think he ever was. We rate him up there with Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson now."
"Good on you," Daphne said, "You're much better off without him. And he deserves whatever you did to him. Oh, don't look so shocked that I know you are responsible for what happened to him. You might have fooled the other students and staff, but you can't fool me."
"Yeah, well, keep that quiet, eh?" Harry asked.
"I don't tattle, Potter," Daphne said, "Besides, you only did what most of us wanted to do to him for so long."
"Well, you're welcome then," Harry said, "If that is all, we have a date to continue."
"Sure," Daphne said, "We'll see you around... Harry."
"I look forward to it, Daphne," Harry said, as he and Hermione stood.
They said farewell then walked out of the restaurant.
"I think I am going to like those two," Harry said.
"Me too," Hermione said, "Much can be gained through a relationship with them."
Harry agreed. Hand-in-hand, the pair resumed their date as they started off down the cobbled roadway.
Meanwhile, Amelia Bones stepped out of the Thestral-drawn carriage and made her way toward the large front doors of the castle. During the ride up, she had prepared herself for her confrontation with Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. She knew it would be a difficult discussion. She was about to accuse both of them of criminal behavior.
She was going to tear into Dumbledore especially. If he had told the Ministry about Sirius Black and the Godfather Ritual, Sirius would not have gone to Azkaban. This angered Amelia the most out of everything. She and Sirius had been Betrothed to wed. They had dated for three years prior to Sirius' incarceration. They had discussed marriage and family, and had decided to wait until the Great War was over before they would marry. Amelia had never dated anyone else aside from Sirius. She had always maintained his innocence, but it wasn't until now that she could do anything about it. She would spend the rest of her life making it up to him. As soon as Sirius obtained his freedom, she planned to meet with him in private and make up for lost time. She would not be against marrying him before the year was out. Hell, maybe before the end of the summer!
But first she needed to make sure he obtained his freedom. After she finished up with Dumbledore and Snape, she would speak with Keeper Ragnok at Gringotts to obtain a copy of James and Lily's Will. Then she would speak to Cornelius Fudge and present him with the evidence she had uncovered. If Fudge knew what was good for him, he would call for a trial before the day was over. After all, the evidence was incontrovertible!
Peter Pettigrew was alive, and according to Harry and Hermione, had apparently been hiding in his Animagus form at the Weasley residence for over a decade. This brought up some strange questions. For one, how did the Weasleys not realize that their pet rat was living three times its usual life span? They should have been suspicious after at least five or six years. Then there was the fact that Percy, then Ron had been able to bring the rat to Hogwarts. Students were allowed an owl, cat or toad. A rat wasn't on the list. Just one of the questions she would ask Albus Dumbledore.
Before Amelia left the village, she had been struck with inspiration. There was a chance that Dumbledore or Snape would do something cosmically stupid and attempt to Obliviate her of the knowledge of their criminal actions. So she went to the post office, and wrote herself a note about what had been revealed to her by Harry and Hermione, then she placed several enchantments on it to the point where only she could see the contents. Then she asked the clerk to send an owl out with the letter in two hours. This would give her plenty of time to get her business finished.
Amelia stepped through the doorway and into the Entrance Hall. Minerva McGonagall was making her way into the Hall from the neighboring Great Hall.
"Amelia, what a surprise to see you here!" Minerva said, "I was under the impression you were meeting with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. I gave Mr. Potter permission yesterday to meet with you."
"I just finished up with the meeting a little while ago," Amelia said, "It was an enlightening conversation. Could you tell me where Albus and Severus Snape are at this moment? I need to speak with them."
"I believe they are both in the Headmaster's office," Minerva said, "I can escort you there."
"I think it would be best if you joined in on the conversation," Amelia said, "You might be able to give some insight into the topics of the conversation."
"I will certainly do my best to be of assistance," Minerva said, as she and Amelia started off together up toward the Grand Staircase. "I do hope nothing is wrong?"
"That remains to be seen," Amelia said.
The two women trekked through the castle in silence. Soon, they were stepping into Albus Dumbledore's office. Albus and Snape were seated on either side of the desk.
"Ah, Madam Bones," Albus said, "Welcome. You may leave, Minerva. You as well, Severus, we can resume our discussion at another time."
"Actually I invited Minerva to join the discussion," Amelia said, "And Severus can stay too. I am here to speak to him as well."
"What can we do for you then?" Albus asked.
"Before I even begin to answer that question," Amelia said, "I will give you fair warning. I have already sent myself a letter that details everything we're about to talk about, so know that it will be unnecessary to even attempt to modify my memory. If that letter surprises me, both yourself and Severus will not like the aftermath."
"I doubt such a warning was necessary," Albus said.
"That remains to be seen," Amelia said, "I just finished up a meeting with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger in the Three Broomsticks."
"Mr. Potter was not allowed to be anywhere near Hogsmeade," Albus said, "He did not have signed permission from his guardians."
"I gave him permission yesterday, Albus," Minerva said, "He informed me that Amelia invited him to a meeting today and I thought it best that he was in attendance."
"What was discussed?" Albus asked.
"The first half of the discussion has nothing to do with his education or Hogwarts," Amelia said, "So as his Headmaster, you have no right to that information."
"Ah, and what about his Magical Guardian?" Albus asked.
"I am sure he will inform Sirius Black of what was discussed," Amelia said.
"I should have known he discussed Black with you," Severus said, "You can rest assured whatever Potter told you were fictions and lies."
"He volunteered to submit to an Honor Vow, Veritaserum and the use of a Pensieve," Amelia said, "If I asked you to take an Honor Vow right now, that you told the truth to Minister Fudge two nights ago, would you do it?"
"Lying to the Minister is not a crime," Severus said.
"It is when it impedes an investigation and threatens the life of an innocent man!" Amelia growled.
"Black is NOT an innocent man!" Snape hissed. "He was capable of murder at sixteen years old. Of course you would overlook such things as he is your Betrothed."
"Just like my department overlooked the fact that a known Death Eater has been teaching children for well over a decade?" Amelia asked, "I am not one of your students you can bully, Severus Snape! Do not cross me today!"
"Let us all calm down, shall we?" Albus asked. "Amelia, I have already given evidence in the past about Severus on the matter of his unfortunate past."
"Do you know what must happen in order to obtain the Dark Mark, Albus?" Amelia asked, "Rape and murder of a Muggle woman, or girl – the age does not matter – in front of Voldemort himself. Severus has the Dark Mark, this means he has committed at least two crimes in the past. I also know he is a Master Occlumens from a young age and is quite capable of blocking the Imperius Curse. I say the same to you that I did to him: you will not cross me today, Dumbledore. You wronged me, my loved ones and those I consider friends and family in so many ways."
"I hope you will refresh my memory on how I wronged you," Albus said.
"Oh, we will get to that," Amelia said, "But first we'll begin with the most recent stuff, then go back in the past, before we go even deeper. Minerva, Miss Granger told me that you and Albus were responsible for letting her use a time turner this year?"
"She wanted to take extra classes," Minerva said, "She is a very smart, highly gifted student. So we issued her a time turner."
"With express permission from the Ministry, I might add," Albus said, "Nothing illegal there,"
"I assume she was not allowed to use it for extracurricular activities?"Amelia asked.
"Of course not," Minerva said, "We gave her strict guidelines."
"Then I'm sure you'll be surprised to know that Albus gave permission to Miss Granger and Mr. Potter," Amelia said, being careful not to divulge private information about Harry, at least for now – unfortunately in order to complete her discussion, she would need to reveal things that Albus might use to come to the correct conclusion, "to use the Time Turner two nights ago?"
"Is this true, Albus?" Minerva said.
"Am I correct to assume," Severus said, "That you handed Potter and Granger the tool and plan to save Black?"
"I think I will let Amelia tell the story," Albus said, "If I am correct to assume that Mr. Potter and Miss Granger revealed the same to her."
Amelia then told the entire tale of what happened two nights ago, though she left out the couple's visit to Diagon Alley and Gringotts for now. Minerva gasped several times, and Snape glared at certain parts as well.
"The story is absolutely outrageous!" Severus hissed, "You expect me to believe that Potter conjured a Patronus strong enough to repel a hundred Dementors? On top of everything else."
"Aside from the proof of his story I revealed earlier," Amelia said, "He also showed me a very strong corporeal Patronus."
"I would have known Pettigrew was in that Shack!" Snape said.
"I doubt it," Minerva said, "It certainly sounds as if you were unconscious during Pettigrew's reveal. My goodness, Pettigrew alive, all these years!"
"For several of those years, he was inside this castle," Amelia said, "First as Percy Weasley's rat, then as his brother's. Correct me if I am wrong, but where does it say a rat is an appropriate pet to bring to school?"
"I gave Percy, then Ronald, permission to bring their pet to school," Albus said, "I had no idea the rat was an Animagus."
"Did you bother to ask how old the rat was?" Amelia asked. "Percy must have brought it to school seven years ago. And it was the same rat Ron brought years later. Common garden rats only live five to six years. We could ask Percy to come to the office and ask him how long the rat had been in his family. I am sure he would say the same rat was in the family for twelve years!"
"Parents have secretly replace dead or lost pets with identical ones for many years," Albus said, "My brother had a goldfish when he was a young boy. He never knew that it was in fact three different fish representing the same pet."
"That may be," Amelia said, "But this rat had a distinct injury – a missing finger. Are you telling me Arthur and Molly were cruel enough to cut off rats' toes?"
"They were undoubtedly foolish to have not noticed such a thing as a very old rat," Albus said.
"As you and your staff were," Amelia said, "But apparently it was not the first time you were negligent to students in recent years."
"More lies from Potter and Granger, Amelia?" Snape asked.
"Halloween, 1991," Amelia said, "Minerva, walk us through the events of what happened in the Great Hall during the feast?"
"Quirinus Quirrel came running into a packed Hall screaming about a troll in the dungeon," Minerva said, "Then he abruptly fainted. The students were terrified, it was chaos. Then Albus silenced them and -"
"And instructed the students to return to their Common Rooms," Amelia said, "Minerva, where are the Slytherin and Hufflepuff Houses located?"
Minerva's face turned pale. "The dungeons! Merlin, the students should have remained in the Great Hall!"
"Fortunately the troll was not in the dungeons," Amelia said, "Instead it was headed toward a specific bathroom. Which negligence would you like to admit to Albus? Did you know the troll was not in the dungeons, or did you instruct the students to leave the safety of the Great Hall knowing that half of the students were heading to where you heard a troll was at?"
"I knew the troll was not in the dungeons," Albus said.
"Hermione Granger has an interesting and believable theory," Amelia said, "Minerva, you said the young lady was basically a genius. So she did not lack in common sense?"
"I am sure she has an abundance of it," Minerva said.
"So why would she go to a random bathroom," Amelia said, "the same bathroom a troll appeared in. I will also add that Miss Granger said she would have planned to head to the safety of her dormitory. I will give you the answer. Someone placed her under an Imperius Curse and sent her to that bathroom then set troll lure on it. Someone wanted her dead."
Amelia looked at Albus, and found that he was frowning.
"Obviously Quirrel did it," Snape said.
"I doubt it," Amelia said, "He let the troll in as a diversion, not to kill a first year Muggleborn student. And where was Quirrel going? Why, to the forbidden corridor where a priceless artifact was guarded. Albus, explain to me something. Why did you use a school as a place to hide an artifact?"
"I decided it would be safest here," Albus said.
"Interesting," Amelia said, "Then why did you tell your students where to find it?"
"I did nothing of the sort," Albus said.
"Minerva," Amelia said, "Do the words 'a painful death' sound familiar?"
"Very." Minerva said, "Albus warned the students that the third floor corridor was off-limits to those who do not wish to die a very painful death."
"Albus," Amelia said, "I understand you were a young boy a very, very long time ago. Maybe you forgot exactly how curious teenagers are. You gave the students an open invitation to explore the dangerous location!"
"They would not be able to get past the door," Albus said.
"Wrong," Amelia said, "Hermione apparently was able to get past it. I imagine all she knew how to do then was a Basic Unlocking Charm. Minerva, walk me through the enchantments guarding the artifact."
"A Cerberus was first," Minerva said.
"Hagrid talks a lot," Amelia said, "A first year could get information from him about how to get past the dog. Next?"
"A patch of Devil's Snare," Minerva said.
"Hermione obviously knew to use fire or sunlight," Amelia said. "Continue?"
"Flying keys and broomsticks," Minerva said.
"Harry's a Seeker, a brilliant one if my niece is correct," Amelia said, "Easy for him to pass. Next?"
"My chess set," Minerva said, "A troll and Severus' riddles and Potions."
"Arthur once bragged to me how Ron is an expert chess player," Amelia said. "Harry beat a troll earlier that year, and... Hermione's common sense passed your test, Severus. Three first years got past your enchantments Albus. Something that was supposed to stop Dark Wizards from passing. Care to explain?"
"An old man's mistake," Albus said.
Amelia rolled her eyes. "The three kids broke dozens of rules. Did you punish them? Ah, I recall Susan saying Gryffindor went from fourth to first place that year at the Leaving Ceremony. It sounds like you were rewarding the kids for passing your test, Albus. Why? Was it something you wanted them to do?"
"We hand out points for excellent achievements at Hogwarts, Amelia," Albus said, "I recall you earning a fair share yourself."
Amelia huffed. "If I find out different, that you put together that obstacle course specifically for Harry Potter, there will be hell to pay. Next.. Albus, Minerva, Severus... would you say you and your fellow staff are capable of doing your job to the point where you are highly knowledgeable about several subjects?"
"Where are you going with this, Amelia?" Albus asked.
"How the bloody hell did none of you know a Basilisk was attacking students?" Amelia asked. "How many creatures Petrify, fear roosters, and cause spiders to flee from it? Salazar Slytherin favored snakes! Are you telling me none of you knew it was a Basilisk? That it took a genius thirteen year old Muggleborn student to discover what it was? Should I just write all of you up right now for incompetency? Because it does not sound like any of you are qualified to teach students when a second year student is smarter than the lot of you!"
Minerva covered her mouth with her hand and looked quite ashamed. Snape only glared at Amelia. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he looked at Amelia.
"Why the bloody hell was I not contacted as soon as the events began?!" Amelia demanded loudly, "Aurors would have been sent here to keep an eye on students, Unspeakables would find the creature's identity in a day, and roosters would strategically be placed around the school to crow at a single movement! No petrified students, no threats of shutting down the school! On top of that, the Chamber has been known for fifty years! A student died back then. Why was the mystery not solved in those fifty years?! Answer me right now Albus Dumbledore, or surrender yourself to my custody. You're already on my shit list. My Betrothed would have never gone to Azkaban if you had done your bloody job!"
Albus stared at Amelia. "Explain your last statement."
"Harry and Hermione went back twelve hours when you sent them back in time, Albus," Amelia said, "They left the school and went to Diagon Alley to research Sirius' innocence. And they found their answer. Harry went to Gringotts and uncovered his parents' will, and his Inheritance Test,"
Albus' eyes widened.
"You know what they found out, don't you?" Amelia said, "You were the witness of James and Lily's Will. He was never supposed to live with his Muggle Guardians. His parents named several Guardians including myself."
"Harry needed the protection of his mother's blood," Albus said, "He needed to be with his Aunt."
"That does not excuse the criminal action of ignoring a Final Will and Testament!" Amelia said.
"I told you we shouldn't have left him with them," Minerva said.
"We?" Amelia echoed.
"I was there with Albus the night Harry was dropped off at his relatives," Minerva said.
"What do you mean 'dropped off'?" Amelia asked.
"We left him on the doorstep," Minerva said, frowning.
"The doorstep?!" Amelia shrieked, "It was November! He was a baby!"
Minerva frowned and bowed her head. "I will never forgive myself for my actions that evening."
"Sirius Black was Harry's rightful guardian." Amelia said.
"Black betrayed Potter and Lily," Severus said.
"Wrong," Amelia said, "James and Lily's Will explicitly stated that Sirius was Godfather, through a Godfather Ritual."
Severus' eyes widened then he glared at Albus. "You knew?"
"He did," Amelia confirmed, "Pettigrew was James and Lily's Secret-Keeper. And Pettigrew being alive means Sirius is likely innocent of that crime. Albus was Chief Warlock even then and deliberately withheld information, resulting in Sirius going to Azkaban."
"Are you here to arrest Albus and myself, Amelia?" Severus asked.
"She cannot," Albus said, "Hogwarts is technically a sovereign nation. The Ministry frequently forgets that. Only Minister Fudge, the Wizengamot or the ICW can give her permission to arrest somebody on this soil. I doubt she went to Minister Fudge for permission before she came here."
"I can however place both of you on probation," Amelia said. "I am opening a full investigation on you, Dumbledore. Step one foot off this soil and you are a wanted man. As for you, Severus, I know all about your poor teaching habits thanks to my niece. You are a Death Eater, guilty of rape and murder whether you are reformed or not."
"I hereby resign from my post and give myself over to the Ministry willingly," Snape said, "I am also willing to divulge several pieces of information regarding Death Eaters and... other matters in return for a lighter sentence."
"Severus!" Albus said, "You cannot -"
"I can and will," Severus said, "You have lied to me for years, Albus. I do not need your sanctuary anymore."
"You will accompany me to the Ministry, Severus," Amelia said, "I will be seeing you soon, Albus. Goodbye."
"I would resign today if I didn't fear that doing so would leave the school in your hands," Minerva said. "And don't even think of attempting to modify my memory. I will be putting together fail-safes to make sure this does not happen."
Severus walked over to Amelia, surrendered his wand to her, then led her and Minerva out of the office. The Half-Blood Prince was leaving Hogwarts for the last time.