Dumbledore called Harry to his office on Friday evening to continue their discussion, if you could call it that, on Voldemort’s rise to power and his family ties. Harry buried his true feelings behind walls of memories and let the subtle prods and suggestions flow over him without comment. Let him be forced to relive the basilisk if he wanted to read Harry’s thoughts.
He had no proof that Dumbledore shaped Riddle’s rise to power, but he certainly hadn’t tempered it. He had refused to offer the boy sanctuary from the orphanage, refused the young man a position at Hogwarts, and continually reinforced the House separation and favoritism, hurting generations of Slytherins and other students of every house.
Wizarding culture as a whole needed to change. Since Grindelwald and Dumbledore, wizards expected an easy life with the challenges long conquered and the old traditions abandoned. Dumbledore had certainly participated by removing vast swathes of education, ensuring only the subjects and books he approved were used, and using his position to force legislation to ban most of the old magics and rituals.
Between Dumbledore hiding away information and blaming the old traditions for Voldemort’s prejudices, the terrified public abandoned the old magic whole scale out of fear of accidentally corrupting their children. The Weasleys were a perfect example. They were staunch light supporters who had abandoned or excommunicated many of the older family members who refused to give up the old traditions.
Saturday came quickly, thankfully, with no more attempts on his life if you ignored whoever mailed him a batch of chocolates. He’d handed over the box without opening it to Professor McGonagall. This was probably the last time he’d be able to openly go to the bank until the next break, too many eyes were following his movements. It was a miracle he’d been allowed to go with the mediwitch to the bank, considering how Dumbledore was keeping him confined to the castle.
“The files Madame Pomphrey supplied might be what we need to start the case rolling. If the curse can be broken, she will be an important witness to the man’s corruption.” Gold Kris said, gathering up the paperwork he needed.
“If the purge doesn’t work, I can try and void the curse. I’d like to leave that to last so we have more evidence of tampering.” Harry said with a sigh, “Are the others gathered?”
“Ready and waiting, the twins are polyjuiced as two curse breakers, and one will guard the door while the other guards you.”
“Is the show of force necessary?”
“They will be able to submit an unbiased memory for the aurors of the process. One of the families spelled their Father and brought him under an illusion to the meeting. They were nearly killed at the door when the wards detected the spell work.” Gold Kris growled, “They will be fined most heavily once this matter is dealt with.”
“A sword at your back is never to be discarded,” Harry said in the goblin tongue.
“Two is even more auspicious.” Gold Kris replied in kind with a nasty smile.
“Are twins considered a good omen in goblin culture?” Harry asked in English out of curiosity. There wasn’t much public knowledge about goblin customs.
“Twins are one magical soul who exists in two bodies, independent but never alone. Twins are rare among our race.”
“Is there any other business before the meeting?”
“There is always more business to discuss,” Gold Kris smirked, laying out several stacks of paperwork, “Some paperwork to review for the Alley and the new trade agreements.”
“Is it possible to train someone to be a partial Metamorphmagus?” Harry asked as he read through the documents.
“There are stories of Houses gifting such abilities, but it involved some ritual that was never shared outside the powerful old families and their House.”
“It would be a useful ability for the twins. They are already bound to my House, giving them a gift of power would be fitting for their sacrifices.”
“Sacrifices?”
“They revoked their own House and lost the House magics they grew up with. That isn’t a small loss no matter how poor the House.”
“They did mention they wish to speak to you after the meeting if there is time.”
“If you do not mind extending the use of a room, of course,” Harry said with a nod, knowing how goblins thought of wasting time.
“The bank is indebted to House Potter, the use of a room is a small coin to remove from that debt. I will reserve a room and have tea waiting.”
“Thank you, Gold Kris. You have exceeded the requirements of your position.” Harry said, tendering a bow.
“Thankfully, such things are meant to be delegated. Do not worry, after this, I will check on the ritual’s progress and hand the necessary paperwork off to their respective managers before retiring for the evening.”
“I wish you rest before the coming battle, Gold Kris.”
“Fresh troops and sharp blades, Lord Potter.”
“I won’t be able to do many more late-night meetings. I think Dumbledore is starting to suspect something is going on. It’s too easy to have a house elf or portrait track me while I’m at Hogwarts.” Harry pointed out tiredly.
“We will need to figure out something; there is simply too much to be done to wait for the summer, Lord Potter. Perhaps acquiring a time-turner? Excessive use can prove exhausting, but once a week to allow time to sleep and deal with meetings would be to our advantage.”
“Would Gringotts know where to procure such an item without the ministry knowing?”
“We would, and as always, there is a cost for every service.”
“I would expect no less,” Harry agreed with a smile, at least that would solve some of his issues with making time for meetings.
*****
The next morning, the castle was a buzz with gossip, every head following Harry like usual. He hated that he was used to it; the papers were reporting crazy theories, and he would have to write something to publish in the White Quill. It would certainly increase the readership if the public knew that he was only offering interviews to that paper, he thought with a snort.
Breakfast was subdued, with many barely eating, not wanting to tempt fate. Harry got up and scanned the entire table for poisons before starting to dish out a small portion of everything he could reach.
The announcement was brief, saying much the same as the professor had last night. The kitchens were now warded and locked to students. Hogsmeade weekends were canceled until the perpetrator was caught.
Harry was already dreading how slow things were going to be for him. He’d have to cut back a lot of his after-hours research and work on the wards until this was over. Maybe he could spend more time in the library working in the open with disillusioned books.
He knew he was ahead of his classmates at this point, but there was so much he needed to teach them as well. The outdoor sessions with the DA would have to be canceled for a while. Not that more than a core group was going anymore, most were just not willing to do the work it took.
Perhaps he could have Poppy come in to do sessions with those unable to keep up with the physical class. They could at least learn how to heal and basic protection wards and attacks. Only really those in their sixth and seventh years seemed to understand what was at stake if they were attacked by death eaters. Not even having so many students refuse to attend this year seemed to have underscored the need for extra precautions for the student body.
The paper reported few death eater attacks, even looking outside of that, Harry heard little related to Voldemort. He appeared to be consumed with recruiting more members instead of attacking, for right now at least.
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Lord Malfoy was missing for weeks now, the rumor circulating that he’d been imprisoned by Voldemort after the details of his family’s escape came to light. Several heavily spelled letters tried to reach Lady Malfoy and Draco, but the wards on the property rebuffed them before they ever got close. There were unplottable wards on every property, so it was impossible to locate and untraceable for any occupants, so any mail had to go through the bank to reach someone.
Harry went through his classes quietly, watching for the next attack. The poisoner either was going to stop for a while until things calmed down or escalate in a frantic attempt to take out their target. He was betting on the latter if they were a student being pressured by someone outside the school.
****
Harry walked the path to Hogsmeade, trying to decide what else to pick up, it was too good a chance to stock up on a few things since he was in the village. McGonagall was finally forced to let him go to Hogsmeade alone when her schedule refused to cooperate with a trip. He wanted to call Mathis and get an update on the estates, but he knew too many people would watch him in the village. It was also tempting to change into his Thorburn persona, but he didn’t want anyone associating Thorburn with anything near Hogwarts or Harry Potter. He’d have to deal with being himself for a day, at least the self everyone else believed he was.
Hogsmead was fairly empty for a Saturday, with only a handful of older students out and about this early. Most would wait until lunchtime to head to the village if they were allowed off the school grounds. The apothecary was just opening up as he arrived.
“Good morning, you’re out early.” The older man said with a grin, waving him in, “I have the standard ingredient kits if you are interested, sorted by year in the rear.”
“I have a specific request,” Harry said, showing the shopkeeper his note, “I need a bezoar.”
“Not something most students bother with, but then most don’t bother with poison detection charms either," he said, giving Harry a long look.
“Never hurts to be prepared,” Harry said with a shrug, looking around, “What else would you recommend? I’ll be getting a sixth-year potions kit as well.”
“Any good at potions?”
“Not at the top, but I’m improving,” Harry said, heaving a tired sigh, “I practiced most of this summer and decided to keep reviewing while I’m at school.”
“Hoping for an apprenticeship?”
“I’m honestly not sure, the few potions masters I know wouldn’t take me." he offered with a grimace, “Do you have any copies of Potioner’s Monthly?”
“If you’re talking about Snape, he’s always been a perfectionist, not that he isn’t the best I’ve seen.” The man said with a knowing glance, starting to gather things together, “You should ask a few shopkeepers in the Alleys. They are more likely to need help making bulk purchases. Some will pay you in potions or ingredients as well if you are looking to experiment on your own.”
“Potioner’s Monthly Magazine is grand for experimentation, but if you want a solid foundation, try Home Brewers or Mortar and Pestle." he said, laying out a few magazines, books, and a small box of ingredients, “This is my version of a kit, it should compliment your sixth-year box with more healing ingredients and extra catalysts to experiment with. It’s a bit more expensive, I’m afraid.”
“I’m willing to pay,” Harry said, pulling out his moleskin purse, “Say one gold total?”
“Up it to two bezoars with an extra rack of vials, and you have a deal," he said, offering his hand for a shake that Harry accepted easily.
“Thank you, sir.”
“William, William Hollyfoot," he said with a grin, “If you are heading to Diagon Alley, ask for Richard Hollyfoot at the potions shop near Gringotts. He’s been looking for a shop hand and might be willing to take you on.”
“I will, thanks.”
Once outside, Harry headed to Honeydukes to pick up a few treats before he headed back to the castle. He was tempted to stay for lunch but didn’t want to push his luck too far.
“Oh, good, Harry,” Luna said, coming up to stand next to him, nibbling on a sugar quill.
“Luna, how are you?" he asked, gathering his purchases and heading towards the door.
“The snargurls are quite upset today, I’m afraid. You might want to wait a moment before heading out," she said, giving the shopkeeper a dreamy look.
“Dreams bothering you again?” Harry asked softly once the woman moved away to wrap up his items.
“Just whispers and rumors," she said, shrugging, “But Rupert was most insistent I catch you here this morning. We need to walk back together.”
“Then we will,” Harry agreed easily, “do you need anything else from the shops?”
“Oh, no, thank you." she said with a sweet smile, taking his arm, “I’ve explained to Neville that I’m allowed to be on your arm today. It was important.”
“I’m glad he doesn’t think I’m trying to affect your engagement. How are the exchanges going, if I can ask?”
“Very well, the last gift was this hair clip," she said, gesturing to the dark wood twisted through her pale hair. Her hair was steadily turning white as she reached her adult magical maturity, marking her as a seer, and the clip was warded to draw attention away from the change.
“A powerful charm,” Harry agreed with a hum, leading her out of the shop and along the lane, “the wards on it are braided beautifully.”
“I thought so as well,” she said with a beaming smile, “Most people just never think to look past the surface, it’s always wonderful to find a friend who understands that.”
“Yes, it is.” Harry agreed, laughing quietly.
In the distance, he noted a large group of students wandering in the other direction, members going in and out of every shop like they were looking for someone. Harry forced himself to keep strolling and chatting lightly as they headed for the road back to Hogwarts. Someone wanted to catch the Boy who Lived away from school, it seemed.
“Thank you for the lovely walk, Luna.” Harry said once they’d reached the great hall, waving to where Neville and Hermione were waiting at a table, “Did you want to join us for lunch?”
“Of course, Rupert wouldn’t forgive me otherwise.”
“After you, my lady," he said with a grin, showing her to the seat next to Neville.
“Everything alright?” Neville asked, watching them with concerned eyes even as Luna made sure his arm was wrapped around her firmly.
“Perfect, I got some good deals on potion ingredients and picked up a few treats for the study group later.” Harry said with a grin, “Thank you for the walk, Luna.”
There was a commotion at the head table as several elves popped in and spoke to the Headmaster and teachers. They were too far away to hear, but the teachers seemed upset, or at least Sprout did.
“I apologize for the inconvenience, but lunch will be served in the common rooms today. Please make your way to your common room. Prefects, escort your house.” Professor McGonagall announced as Sprout and the Headmaster headed towards the kitchens.
“Let’s go on up,” Harry said, gathering his things, “I’ll ask McGonagall what’s going on later tonight. Will you be okay, Luna, or should we walk you back?”
“You head back, Harry, Hermione, I’ll walk her back,” Neville said, watching the other students milling about with concern.
“I’ll help with the first years if you start getting the others moving,” Harry offered Hermione as the Gryffindors started to make their way up the first staircase.
It was close to curfew when the McGonagall came to the common room. Most of the students went to bed after both lunch and dinner of sandwiches and whatever snacks those who’d gone to Hogsmead managed to bring back before the teachers dragged them back.
“I need to speak with the prefects, please. Everyone else can go to bed. There will be an announcement at breakfast tomorrow." she said, shooing away the few students who had lingered hoping for news, “Mister Potter, you may stay as it concerns you as well.”
“Yes, Professor,” Harry murmured, settling on the arm of a nearby chair, he had a nasty suspicion he knew what it was about.
“As part of an attempt to catch the attempted poisoner, we asked the house elves to limit the number of staff in the kitchens and to ban all students from entering. One of the elves took it upon herself to taste all the dishes to double check nothing was added, she died this morning after tasting the dishes made for lunch.”
“How horrible,” Hermione whispered in shock while others reeled back, pale and frightened.
“We will be adding wards to the kitchen to catch intruders and to the tables to make a dish that was tampered with glow. The staff will be keeping a close eye on things, and we ask you to make sure everyone understands that any pranks right now will be treated harshly.”
“We will let everyone know in the morning and make sure they understand,” Hermione and the others agreed fervently.
“Mister Potter, if you have a moment. Thank you, everyone. Have a good night.” McGonagall said, dismissing the rest of the students.
“Another attempt on our table?” Harry asked with a frown.
“This time, it was randomly sprinkled through several tables, possibly in an attempt to hide the attempt on yourself," she said with a sigh.
“Using a house elf again?”
“No, we think it was an invisibility potion. The doors are now warded to track everyone who enters or leaves. I have the parchment in my office and will be keeping a list of those going in.”
“Right,” Harry murmured, biting back a sigh.
“Please take extra precautions, now that we have made it harder to access the kitchens, they may try something else. I’m afraid I’m going to have that you don’t leave the castle without an escort until this is sorted, no rambling the halls alone either.”
“Don’t worry. I have no intention of making things harder for the staff. Especially now that the poisoner is trying to hurt others as well.” Harry said tiredly, “You should probably know I was followed in Hogsmeade. I don’t know what they wanted, but I avoided the group wandering the town.”
“Did you recognize anyone?”
“They were a mixed group from the other houses,” Harry offered with a shrug, “Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. With most of our classes with Slytherin, I don’t know them very well.”
“No one from Slytherin?”
“Not that I could see, but they seem to be keeping their heads down this year.” Harry said, “Combining the houses in more classes might help with how low the numbers are.”
“I offered as much to Slughorn, but he refused." she murmured before turning back with a firm stare, “Enough, we can only hope to catch the poisoner quickly. Have a good night, Mister Potter.”
“You as well, Professor.”
“Anything I need to know?” Hermione asked, edging down the girl’s stairs once the professor was gone.
“I won’t be able to use the study room in the library or get away for a while,” Harry said with a grimace, “They want me in the castle where I can be seen until they catch this person.”
“We need a better way to send messages to each other." she said quietly, “It’s too easy to intercept an owl and too hard to run to the owlery right now.”
“What if we did bracelets like the coins? A message on one shows on all? That or a linked journal set we all use.” Harry suggested with a shrug.
“Let me see what the others think tomorrow. We’ve discussed it, but I think we need to start working on a prototype.” Hermione said with a determined nod, “Good night, Harry.”
“Night, Hermione.”