AN: There is a bit about wards that gets technical.

Also... Amelia disarmed him and is now the master of the Elder wand. ^_^

Betaed by the benevolent Dainemalfoy

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

They told the group everything that happened over tea.

"Good thing Harry and I have been going over schools while you were away." Ms. Masefield said sitting down her tea cup.

"To think that that man was controlling so many people and no one noticed." Mary said in shock.

"From the sound of it, he would probably make anyone that found out disappear." Tiffany added with a grin face.

"More likely erase their memory." Johnathan said. "There is a spell that can make you forget anything. If your family hadn't been in contact with me and goblins so often your minds may have been wiped to forget about Harry and him about you."

Harry's face darkened. "No one will take me away from my family." His said in a tight voice.

"Of course not and once this is all sorted I'd like to begin teaching you how to protect your mind. As a barrister I have to be skilled in Occlumency to protect my clients' secrets. I'm not a certified master though, so I cannot test your defenses."

"I'm sure Snoutlout can find a trained master once Harry is at that level." Tiffany said, "Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves?"

"I don't know if the training with help a muggle but you are welcome to try. If not, I know Harry has the funds to buy you protective charms you can wear. Actually now that you mention it all of you, even Harry and Bill, getting charms until your defenses can block a certified master would be a great idea."

"Alright Johnathan," Lou said with a grin, "You just talked yourself into a new job. Since Mr. Black is going to be free much sooner than anyone planned."

Johnathan smiled at him. "James was like a very protective big brother to me. The Potter's have been like family to me since I can remember. I was so excited when Harry was born. I remember Lily when she was carrying you. James mistakenly said something about her being fat one time when she was about seven months along and she broke his nose throwing the sugar bowl at him." He said with a sad smile. "So you see Harry is family, like my own little cousin or nephew and I would do anything in my power to help him and keep him safe."

Mary wrapped her arms around him and kissed his temple. "You are such a good boy." She said.

"I'm twenty-seven." He protested lightly.

"You are still younger than us and there for a boy when I want you to be." She replied kissing him again as everyone else chuckled.

"Let's get back to the schools." Tiffany said coming in to save the now blushing lawyer.

"Well we have narrowed it down to three schools." Ms. Masefield said. "Though I don't like the idea of Harry being so far from us for so long."

"Ms. Masefield with portkeys and the floo getting to Harry regardless of where he is in the world would only take a few minutes if there was an emergency." Bill reassured her.

"I like the sound of Beauxbatons." Ms. Masefield said, "If I must choose one. It focuses on business and politics which, while I dislike those subjects, they are practical for Harry. It is also the closest."

"Yes but Dumbledore revealed a prophecy about Harry that could have enemies coming after him. Beauxbaton is not very well hidden and has the weakest protections out of the three." Bill countered.

"It also sounds more like a girl's finishing school and not something Harry would enjoy." Mary added.

"The equestrian classes sound like fun though." Harry said, "It says they let older students ride the Abraxan."

They smiled at him. "It's not like you don't have the cash to buy a whole stable with any kind of magical or normal horse you want." Mary countered.

"Actually about that. Harry already owns a very lucrative horse farm and track. The Entwhistle family made their fortune in horses. The occupied property they own in Derby is a muggle and magical stud farm which breeds, raises and trains some of the finest race horses in all of the United Kingdom. The race track and agility fields are the only Entwhistle business." Johnathan informed them.

"So can we take that one off the table?" Mary asked. Harry nodded. "So now we're down to mine and Lou's favorites."

"Ilvermorny is the best option for Harry because it is a well-hidden castle that is heavily protected. They offer great classes and are the most tolerant." Lou argued.

"They have some interesting creatures and I like the idea of getting some say in what house I'm in." Harry said.

"I don't like the idea of houses at all." Tiffany said. "Dividing the students only creates infighting and tension. I also don't think Harry would be accepted there if they found out he can speak to snakes." They had learned that skill while visiting a zoo when Harry was younger. He had spent most of the day in the reptile house chatting with all the snakes and lizards, which he said had weird accents.

"Harry can talk to snakes?" Johnathan asked looking at him.

"Yeah is that a problem?" Harry asked looking up at him.

"Well no." Johnathan replied, "However there are several people that fear the ability because Voldemort also had the ability."

"The only dark part of Harry is his hair color." Mary replied defensively.

"No need to go mother bear on us." Bill said with a smile holding up his hands, "We know Harry is a sweet boy that wouldn't hurt a fly. Other people don't and fear is bred from ignorance. I have met several parslemouths in my travels. They are actually sought for healers and ward crafters in Africa. If Harry had the dream message from Uagadou that would be a great school for him. No one knows where it is, not even the students. They use mostly wandless magic so he could never be disarmed."

"But I haven't had the dream they mention in the pamphlet." Harry said.

"We can look into it if we cross out the other two schools." Tiffany said diplomatically.

"I don't like that he can't bring his wand home from Ilvermorny. What if Bill is right? Anyone with half a brain would attack during the summer when he is defenseless." Ms. Masefield said.

"We can come back to it." Johnathan said. "Mary why don't you plead your case for Castelobruxo."

"It is in a beautiful rain forest and allows families to visit once a month if they want. They offer special classes in plants and animals both Harry are interested in. The protections on the grounds are as good as Hogwarts with the addition of mischievous magical guardians that I think Harry would get on with smashingly." She told them.

"I have to agree." Bill said, "Now knowing he's a parslemouth I think Uagadou would be better than Castelobruxo which was my first pick. Castelobruxo does have a very diverse selection of classes and often do exchange programs with students from all ten of the other major schools. I'm a bit biased though because one of my good friends, who has been a pen-friend since we were in second year, is the head of their Charms department. His daughter Sam is going into her fifth year like Percy."

"Castelobruxo is also the only school likely to take the flock of students that will want to follow Harry." Johnathan added.

"I think the only thing left to ask is, Harry which school do you want to go to?" Tiffany inquired.

"I... I don't know. Can I think about it for a bit?" Harry said looking at the schools before him.

He didn't know if he wanted to chance the people at Ilvermorny hating him because another person that could talk to snakes tried to kill their founder. Or if he should try to contact the African school that would train that ability farther. Lastly was the school in the middle of the rain forest which sounded cool.

"Of course Harry. So long as you tell us by your birthday. The 31st is the cutoff date for all three schools." Bill said.

He stood and went up to Hedwig's room. He petted his owl and talked over the options with her. She didn't answer but sat giving comfort while he made a choice that would no doubt shape the rest of his life.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

While Harry was thinking over his choices change was sweeping the nation. Many people woke the next morning with the headlines featuring Dumbledore and Pettigrew's arrest and upcoming trial. That attention grabbed was forgotten by almost every reader by the smaller headline right under the article telling about William Weasley claiming the Potter title and telling the whole body that Harry Potter refused to attend Hogwarts. It speculated that Dumbledore had done something to scare the boy of and over half the population were ready to become a lynch mob to keep their young hero in the country.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

It wasn't until night fall that the news reached the only missing Weasley and caused him to call home.

"Charlie are you alright?" Molly asked when her second son made the expensive international call.

"I'm fine I just got the news about Dumbledore. Are you and Dad alright? What happened?" Charlie asked a bit pale and worried about his family.

Arthur's face was flushed red and tight with anger as it had been since he came home and told Molly what had happened. "No things are not alright. Dumbledore is worse than Voldemort. He has poisoned and obliviated countless people to make this utopia world that only exists in his head. Worse is that he wants to turn Harry Potter into a living weapon for his cause. He let murderers and Death Eaters loose as pawns to shape the boy into a dark killing machine of some kind. I felt sick ever calling him my ally." He said all this pacing and waving his arms in anger.

"We are pulling the twins from Hogwarts since all the teachers are under some kind of mind control." Molly said. "We are also talking about Percy going to another school or being home schooled for the year."

"Where is Percy?" Charlie asked

Molly shouted for him. Of course all five of them came.

"Charlie!" They shouted coming over and offering greetings to their missing brother.

"Hey guys. I need to have a chat with Percy." He said after saying hi to everyone.

They nodded. Charlie rarely asked for anything. He had the patients of a saint and almost never got angry, or frustrated.

When Percy was the only one in front of the fire and the others were all sitting on the couch or in chairs he spoke. "Percy what do you want to do with your life?"

Percy looked down at his hands. "I don't know. I thought politics was the only way to get who I think is my mate interested, but Bill said I had to be happy before I could make my mate happy."

Charlie smiled. "Bill is very smart and has a way with people. He's right that you have to be happy with yourself before anyone else can be truly happy with you. How old is this possible mate?"

"Sixteen. He'll be in sixth year this year."

"Since he's between OWL's and NEWT's his family will likely pull him." Percy nodding having thought of that when Dad told them about it. "With all this trouble and Bill becoming Harry Potter's guardian I'm going to take a two year transfer to the Welsh preserve. I want you to look into whatever school Fred, George and Ron attend. If you don't like it I will get you an internship with me. I know you took Care and have nearly perfect grades so that won't be any trouble. That way you can get some training. You can try out all the different jobs on a preserve and see if any of it interests you. Bill and Dad can then teach you about politics since you will be the heir to the Prewett family when you come of age. Then after the OWL's if nothing ignites your passion you can go back to a regular school."

Percy looked back at his parents wondering what they thought. "That sounds like the best plan we've heard." Arthur said calmed by having one issue worked out. Molly wasn't able to speak she was just crying over all her babies being home once again.

"I think I'd like to try the internship. None of Hogwarts classes really interested me. Unless there is a different one offered at their new school I want to work with you." Percy told him smiling shyly.

Charlie grinned. "I won't be in till the first week of August at least. It takes a while to set everything up. I'll definitely be there before school starts though."

They talked catching Charlie up on everything that had happened since he left over a year ago.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Friday morning one of the house elves woke the Thomson family.

"Titi sorry for waking mistresses and master but muggle Aurors be looking for yous at yous muggle house. Titi be watching and they be knocking and knocking." The little elf looked like they were about in tears.

"It's alright Titi. Did they leave a note or anything?" Lou asked patting the elf on the head in comfort.

"Yes sir." it handed over the notice to come into the police station as soon as possible.

"Titi, go wake Bill please we need his help." Tiffany asked.

With a nod it popped away.

Soon Bill was coming down in only sleep pants and a half tied robe rubbing his eye and stumbling. Tiffany thought it was the cutest sight she'd ever seen.

Lou handing over the note and got Bill up to speed.

"Something probably happened to the Dursley's I did give out their address." Bill said.

"Can you fix our passports to show we have been vacationing in Wales for the past week?" Mary asked

"I can. Why?" he replied

"Well who would they suspect first? Us, we took Harry their victim." Lou said picking up his wife's train of thought.

Bill nodded still a bit slow having just woken. "Anything else you need?"

"Yeah we need paperwork showing we hired people to take care of the house and lawn. The elves have been doing all that and it will look suspicious if there is no proof of payment going out." Tiffany's smart mind provided.

"You are sexy when you act all smart." Bill said with a sleepy grin.

Lou let out a loud laugh that startled Bill fully awake causing him to join Tiffany in blushing. Mary was giggling as well.

"Sorry I'm not much of a morning person." He said rubbing the back of his head.

"It's fine I think you look every cute when you're sleepy." She smiled shyly, fiddling with her hem, not use to flirting.

"Alright flirt latter prove we didn't attack people now." Lou said into the silence causing the pair to blush once more.

By the time they had everything worked out and their story straight, Harry and Ms. Masefield was up.

After breakfast, they took the portkey to Diagon and the train down from London so they had more time dated proof of where they had been. Ms. Masefield didn't join them as she had put in her resignation and put her house for sale in the last few days before moving in. After insisting, Bill had finally agreed to go visit his family as planned and was staying with them for the day.

As they had predicted, the police were looking for the Thomson family in connection to the destruction of the Dursley home. The family were missing and presumed dead. Lou and Mary told them how they wanted to get Harry away from his tormentors once they were officially his family. They had gone to a family home in Wales to relax and get to know one another better.

"We were on our way home to pack up when the gardener we hired to look after the place called." Tiffany said.

"Pack up where are you going?" Frank asked. He knew them and the Dursley's so was put on the case as he was the most familiar with it.

"Harry loved the old family home so much we've decided to move there." Mary said with a smile. "Too many bad memories of this area."

He nodded in understanding. "Is there any way I can contact you if there are any more questions?"

"Sure you can call my work number." Lou said, not saying that one of the house elves was now acting as secretary and forwarding him messages. "It's the best way to get in contact. The old house doesn't have a phone yet and not hearing one ring for a week we're thinking of just leaving it out."

Frank chuckled. "I know what you mean. Sometimes I think the phone was the worst invention anyone ever came up with."

They all nodded. A few more moments and they were walking out without a problem. They did go and put the house on the market. With Harry having so many their little three bedroom was nothing special and not worth keeping.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Saturday and Sunday passed by with Bill teaching them about the magical world and the children tales everyone knew. He told them history with the help of the paintings and made plans for Harry to come to the Burrow, meet his family and try flying. One of the bedrooms, had almost a dozen different brooms in it. Bill had asked one of the elves to get them flying fit for Monday when they would go over.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

On Monday, they took a portkey over about an hour before lunch was to be served to the Burrow.

Molly once more greeted him like she hadn't seen him in years. Well it was a little toned down but his cheeks were still matching his hair when she let go. All weekend Bill had been flirting with Tiffany, with varying degrees of success. Typical come on lines were met with a blank faced stare that told him she was not amused while simple compliments had her blushing like a school girl.

Having his bad boy look killed, stomped on then sliced into pieces by his mother cooing, literally cooing, over him made Bill very uncomfortable. He wanted to impress her not look like a baby.

"Muuumm." He whined.

"And to think you looked scary the first time we met." Tiffany said between giggles.

He groaned. Lou laughed at him. "Don't worry Bill, mothers are meant to embarrass their children."

Molly finally pulled back. She and Mary shared a secret mischievous look that made Tiffany laugh out right.

"Well William where are your manners?" Molly asked mock angry but her eyes still looked puckish.

"Sorry." He said rubbing his head awkwardly. "Mum, this is Harry Potter my ward." He began, "Lou, and his wife, and mate, Mary adopted him as their own. This is their daughter Tiffany. Guys this is my Mum, Molly."

"Nice to meet you Mrs. Weasley." Mary said taking her hand, "You have to forgive poor Bill his mind's on Tiffany's assets not his manners." She winked at the other mother where no one else could see.

"Well if he makes us grandmothers out of wedlock we'll have to castrate him." She returned the wink.

Bill yelped and looked at both of them betrayed. That was till he finally say the laughter dancing in their eyes and just glared at them. "You two are cruel and I don't think either of you should be left alone with the twins."

They chuckled at him. "Oh come now Bill we have to have a bit of fun."

"Yes we do Molly. Or else we'll start getting old and it doesn't do for such fine ladies as ourselves to go doing a thing like that." Mary added linking arms with the slightly shorter woman.

"Such lovely figures growing old?" Lou mock questioned with a hand to his heart. "Perish the thought."

All the adults chuckled at his antics. Harry stayed half behind Tiffany not liking new people.

"Come in come in and let me introduce you to the rest." Molly said leading Mary by the arm that was still linked with hers

Once they were inside, she called the other five children down. There was a bit of a standoff as they looked at these three new people. The kids couldn't see Harry, he was being blocked by Bill and Lou.

"Kids these are the Thomson's, Mary, Lou and Tiffany, they are Harry's family. Harry?" Molly questioned when she didn't see the boy.

"He's shy." Bill said stepping to the side where they could see him. With all of them now looking at him, Harry blushed and ducked his head.

"So what are your names?" Tiffany asked after a moment stepping in front of Harry.

"I'm Percy, the oldest after Bill and Charlie. The twins are Fred and George. Ron's the youngest boy, he's Harry's age and Ginny is a year younger." He said taking charge, "It's nice to meet you all."

"Way to take charge." Mary said with a smile "Being a good leader will take you far."

Percy pinked but smiled.

"Come on then guys." Bill said, "I brought some brooms we found at the house for us to teach Harry on." He held up a broom case that was much bigger in the inside. Right now it looked like a wide rolled up yoga mat.

The others looked excited and began heading outside even Percy joined them.

Once they were in the field where they played pickup games, Bill unrolled it showing seven of the safest brooms they had found. "Alright everyone grab a broom. Fred, George, Percy I know you are good fliers already but go along with me please."

The three nodded. They took brooms and lay them on the grass as Bill instructed. He showed them how to make the broom rise and to mount it safely. Bill smiled. Ginny and Ron already knew that as well but weren't the best at flying yet. The broom responded to Harry better than he had expected.

"Alright now that everyone's in the air, let's go once around the field to make sure you have the feel of it. Fred you lead no funny business." He nodded.

Fred had been quiet and nervous since they had arrived and Ginny hadn't stopped blushing. Bill really hoped today would be drama free but from the looks of it... not gonna happen.

Once they had made the circuit smoothly with no trouble, Bill let them go and fly how they wanted for a while.

The twins began putting the new brooms (new to them) through their paces loving the faster models than what they were used to. Percy rose to a nice height and just cruised around the field lazily doing small maneuvers every now and then. Ron raced through an invisible obstacle course.

Harry sat there watching the others for a bit before turning to Ginny who was hovering nearby. "Hi." He said shyly.

She just giggled leaning closer.

Harry leaned away not wanting to be touched. When she didn't back off, he leaned too far and ended up flipping upside down. Bill moved over to help him but at the same time Ginny tried to grab him and help him back up.

Not liking the look she had given him, Harry tucked close to the broom and shot off still upside down. A few meters away, he corrected and flew over to chase Ron hoping that would get the weird girl to leave him alone.

"Ginny." Bill said in a scolding tone once he saw Harry was fine. "Leave Harry alone. He is not interested in finding a mate right now." He knew just what his sister was after. "I brought him here to make friends not be harassed by a fan girl. Don't pout. I'm not trying to hurt you Ginny but Harry snubbed McGonagall for trying to make him do something. Being pushing will only make him dislike you."

She looked up at Bill still pouting but nodded. Bill wouldn't lie to her. She took off over by the twins and tried some tricks she knew how to do.

Everything was going fine, Ron and Harry laughing as one would follow the other then the follower would catch up and take off another direction becoming the leader only for the cycle to repeat. The twins soon joined the fun diving at the two as they did chasers on the other team. The young boys split laughing before sharing a look and a nod then taking off chasing the twins.

After a while Ginny joined them. Percy looked down from where he was cruising and watched the play. He didn't like to speed so had no interest in joining.

Bill came up and joined him. "Come on down, I want you and me to double up with Mary and Tiffany."

Percy nodded and followed him to the ground. Mary looked like an excited child as she climbed on behind him. He couldn't help smiling at how happy she was to be flying. He could see why Dad was so interested in muggles if they were all this excited over something so simple.

He looked over at Tiffany and Bill. He snickered because his brother was definitely playing it up and loving having his mate wrapped around him. Her head was on his shoulder and they were whispering as Bill flew her about.

Everyone in the air groaned when Molly called them in for lunch. Harry was holding Ron's hand and chatting about everything that came to mind. They had become fast friends in the air. Ron was talking about Quidditch and how he hoped the school they were going to had a good team he could join. Harry talked about all the weird junk people had sent him as a baby. Ron laughed about Mary using baby food as jam.

Bill arranged it so there was a seat open on either side of him. One between him and Fred and the other between him and Ginny. Harry noticed when he and Ron came back into the room. They were the last to wash up so the last to sit. Harry narrowed his eyes at Bill.

Bill mouthed 'trust me'. Harry stared for a bit longer before sitting beside Fred. Ginny pouted and Fred pinked.

"So Harry dear how do you spell your name?" Molly asked noticing the interaction and like Bill hoping to avoid as much drama as possible.

"H-A-R-R-Y." He replied with a questioning look. He glanced at Fred who looked away turning darker red. Then at Ginny who squeaked.

"How else can you spell Harry?" Ron asked after swallowing a big bit, "And who cares anyway?"

"Harry is with an I not a Y." Ginny protested. Just this year, the I had been added completing the name of her prince... or so she thought.

"That's only for a longer name such as Harriet or Harrison." Tiffany said, "Harry is not short for anything that is his legal name."

Mary got a dangerous look in her eye as she watched the young girl. "Harry does not have Ginny written on him if that's what you are after." She said with a bit of a bite. She'd seen how Ginny had tried to cuddle up to him and how Harry had panicked.

"It would be Ginevra." She replied still pouting.

"My letters are F-R-E-D-R" Harry told them softly continuing to eat even though his ears were red.

Ron looked at Fred who had stopped eating just to blush and Harry who was trying to ignore people looking at him. "Might not even be our Fred." He said getting everyone's attention, "It's a common enough name. We won't know till the words start which will take a bit as Fredrick is a long name."

Harry looked at him and gave a grateful smile.

"Ron's right." Fred said even though he was still red. "Doesn't matter anyway since we are still in school. I'd like to be friends though."

Harry looked up to him. Blue and green eyes met for a long moment before Harry smiled and nodded.

"Hey you can't have one of us without the other." George said. "We're a match set you know."

"I hope you're as much fun as Stephan and Silvia." Harry replied.

"Who?" Ron asked

They told them about the paintings.

"Wicked." Ron said. "I'd like to meet them."

"Sure." Harry said with a smile. "You can all come over. Even you so long as you don't try to hug me or anything." Harry added to Ginny.

She glared. "I hope he blows you up!" She shouted before storming out of the room.

Molly went after her.

"Don't listen to Ginny." Percy said. "She's been telling herself she was going to marry Harry Potter since before her letters started appearing."

"So she's one of those fan girls." Tiffany said with a frown.

"I don't want a boyfriend or a girlfriend. Watching Bill and Tiffany try to make each other blush is funny but I don't want anyone playing that game with me and grown up kissing is gross." Harry told them.

Bill and Tiffany both turned bright red while Lou choked trying to laugh and swallow at the same time. Mary was giggling and Ron leaned forward to agree with Harry.

Molly soon came back but Ginny was still absent.

"I'm sorry for causing trouble." Harry said to Molly looking down. There was a lit coming to his voice that only Tiffany recognized.

"Harry Potter," She said sternly, "You have done nothing wrong and nothing said here today has been your fault. No one blames you for Ginny being a Potter fan or for you rejecting her."

"Of course not dear who would blame you for such a thing?" Molly said. "If anyone is to blame it's me and Arthur. We never thought any harm would come of her fantasies. There were so many babies named Harry after the dark lord was gone. We just assumed Ginny and Fred were mates to one of them. Forgive me."

Harry tucked his legs up to his chest heels on the edge of the chair and put his head on them.

Tiffany came around the table and wrapped her arms around him causing him to jerk. "Harry dear we love you and will never let anyone hurt you. Do you believe me?"

Harry nodded leaning into her.

They stayed still and silent for a bit before Harry looked up at Molly. "It's not your fault either. No one can control the marks."

"Exactly no one." Tiffany said. "Not even you." She kissed his head when he let his feet down then took her seat again.

Once the kids and men were sent out to play Molly asked Mary and Tiffany about Harry's reaction at lunch. They explained about the abuse and being blamed for things as ridiculous as the weather. Molly wanted to hex those people up one side and down the other.

The ladies continued chatting while the boys played. Harry and Ron had played chasers trying to score against Fred and George. Bill played keeper for the younger boys to even the odds. The four brothers were surprised at how good Percy was in the hoops. Ginny stayed in her room the rest of the visit.

Bill and the Thomson's left as the sun was setting.

PPPPPPPPPPP

The next day Bill began teaching Harry about the wards. It was easier than he feared. Harry had a good memory and a keen eye for detail. He was a long way from understanding the runes but was able to copy them with little difficulty. That chore done the floo connection was open. So far they only connected the Burrow and Johnathan's home. With the fan girl in his office, they didn't want any chance of danger to Harry and his family.

Setting up apparition approval would take a while. Bill had Harry copy the ward scheme that the house was using. It was so far beyond his skill level Bill felt like a trainee again.

"Why don't you ask the family?" Harry suggested as Bill turned the paper around not even knowing which way was up.

Bill sighed he hadn't even thought about them. "Thanks Harry. Surely one of them knows how it works." He headed off.

They didn't see him again until dinner.

"Did any of them know about the wards?" Harry asked.

He laid his head on the table. "Did you know that magical paintings are animated by rune schemes that work similar to wards?" He said. "I had no clue. I've been studying to be a ward master for two years and never once thought about it."

Tiffany chuckled. "Well many things have multiple uses. It just takes one person to think up a new way to use something."

"Well according to Anabel, who was born a Hufflepuff, Hogwarts ward stone is connected to every magical painting and animated object in the castle. The doors, the great hall, the staircases even the boats in the lake. The whole castle is literally alive and as sentient as those paintings upstairs. It can think and learn."

"Then why was Dumbledore allowed so much control?" Mary asked. "If the castle is alive and smart then why hasn't it done anything?"

"My guess is someone is stopping it." Lou said. "Someone got into the control center and is stopping the school from running itself."

"I agree because Anabel and Alford both agree that the founders made the school that way so that the Headmaster was little better than a secretary passing on news and information to the castle from her blind spots. The budget, the house elves and the school guardians are supposed to be controlled by Hogwarts the Headmaster is just her eyes, ears and voice."

"Guardians?" Tiffany asked, "There was no mention of them in Hogwarts: a History."

"Well each founder was supposed to bind a willing member for their favorite creature or beast species to the castle. They would then be used as extra surveillance and protection in case the enchantments fell. She couldn't remember what Rowena chose as her guardian but Godric brought a baby fresh water kraken for the lake, Salazar added some kind of snake to the underground chambers and her distant aunt Helga found and convinced a phoenix to join them." Bill said.

"That's a fascinating story. Maybe I'll go ask them some more about the history of the school and the wizarding world." Ms. Masefield said. "I might just publish a book. The Real History of Hogwarts." She chuckled happily.

"I'd love to help you, but Bill what did you learn about the wards on the house?" Tiffany said.

"This house was layered in more wards than you could shake a stick at before the attack. Charles actually dropped the wards at the end to save the paintings. They are tied into it the same as the Hogwarts wards and would have been destroyed if they were broken. The wards are only loosely tied to the owner through the magic in the lord and heir rings we wear. The rest of the power comes from the three natural ley lines that cross the property. It took years of research and experiments to get these wards right and only an army, like the one Voldemort brought, had any chance of bringing them down."

They nodded. The adults glad the house was so safe.

"Charles, Damion and Samuel were all rune masters and explained how to have Harry add me and Johnathan to the wards. We'll need Johnathan here and use a detection spell that reveals a single line of the person's rune name and then that phrase is placed in part of the ward sequence."

"Rune name?" Mary asked
"Yes everyone has a rune name, it's the most dangerous thing to know about a person. Every one that studies runes knows about it but this is the first time I've ever heard of there being a spell that can tell you what it is. If you know a person's rune name you can force them to do anything. It gives the used complete control over that person. There are many people, the master I train under included, that believe somewhere hidden in the words that make up your mate is their rune name."

"Do we have rune names even though we don't have magic?" Mary asked.

"Yes you do. Everything does. People, animals, trees even rocks have them. The best rune stones have the rune written on them in their rune name."

"How long is a person's rune name?" Tiffany asked looking excited about the new knowledge. She'd been reading about runes and wards since she moved in. It was a fascinating subject.

"Damian said that a person's full rune name was as thick as a book." Bill replied. "The spell I'll be using on myself and Johnathan only tells what would be considered their rune initials. Like WW instead of William Arthur Weasley. It will only be between three and 227 rune characters."

"227? Why that number?" Ms. Masefield asked.

"227 is the 49th prime number, that's the square of seven, which is considered one of the most magical numbers in the world, along with two, three, four and thirteen." Bill replied.

"Alright, then invite him over to lunch after the trial tomorrow." Mary said

Bill nodded. "Harry, I'm sure people are going to ask what school you've chosen to go to what should I tell them?"

"Can you just say it's down to Ilvermorny and Castelobruxo? That will half the crazy fans that follow me to either school."

Bill chuckled. "Sure I can do that. I'd also like to invite Madame Bones the head of the DMLE and her niece over to meet you. She's a great woman and very trustworthy."

Harry nodded happier to meet the girl one on one than in a large group like the Weasley's. Even though he'd made friends they had intimidated him with their numbers. "Can I go with you tomorrow?"

"You want to see Mr. Black's trial." Bill replied. Harry nodded. "There will be a lot of people wanting to talk to you but Dad, Johnathan and I will do our best to keep you away from anyone you don't want to meet."

"Alright. I... I trust you and Johnathan."

Bill smiled. "Thank you Harry that means a lot to me and I'm sure Johnathan will feel just as honored."

Harry blushed so they changed the subject for his comfort.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Harry and Bill left the next day in their nicest outfits. Harry was a bit dizzy from his first Apparation when they landed. "I don't like that." He all but whined leaning into Bill.

Bill chuckled. "Yeah no one likes the feeling. It's just something you get used to."

"This must be Harry." Arthur said coming over to meet his son, "Hello, I'm Arthur. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you yesterday. I got called in for an emergency in the muggle world. Someone broke a crate of Cornish pixies in SoHo and I had to assist with the clean-up."

Bill snickered and Harry smiled. Harry had read about the creatures. "It's nice to meet you sir." he replied shaking his hand.

"Come on then boys this is going be sensational." Arthur said.

"Guardian Potter." Lord Pucey said coming over and shaking Bill's hand. "Have you made any decisions about Perseus yet? Alvin mentioned he was very clever."

"Yes well he wanted to go into politics but after everything that came up he's rethinking his focus." Bill told him.

"Yes absolutely distasteful." He then looked at Harry, "Well son I didn't see you there. Am I right in guessing this is Mr. Potter?"

Harry nodded. "Yes Lord Pucey. Harry is very shy though." Bill told him and then turned the talk back to Percy. He went over the plan Charlie had come up with.

He smiled. "That sounds excellent. Perhaps I can find Alvin an internship. He can take his NEWT just after his birthday instead of waiting an extra year. When I mentioned speaking to you Adrian, my youngest, had nothing but good things to say about your brothers Fred and George. He is very fond of their pranks and Quidditch skill. I would like for him to attend with them and foster that kinship."

Arthur and Bill both smiled. "I'm sure they would be glad to have a friend. Why don't you and your family come over for dinner this weekend?" Arthur suggested.

Lord Pucey agreed.

"We have narrowed it down to two schools. Harry hasn't decided which he likes better. Ilvermorny or Castelobruxo." Bill told him.

"We'll tell you when I pick." Harry said. This man was nice and seemed to be worried about his children's future.

He smiled down at him. "Thank you Mr. Potter."

"You can call me Harry." He said with a blush.

"Then please call me Alexander. You two as well." He added looking at Arthur and Bill.

PPPPPPPPPPPP

When they finally entered the halls, it was packed. The only reason they got seats was because they were members. Several of the house seats were being filled by heirs or lesser members because the Lords or Ladies were some of Dumbledore's victims and were still being treated at St. Mungo's.

Bill and Arthur introduced Harry to Amelia and Henry. He shook their hands still uncomfortable with so many people in the room.

Soon after they had seated, Amos Diggory called the courtroom to order. "We are here today for the trials of Albus Percy Wolfric Brian Dumbledore, Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Orion Black. As Mr. Black was held without trial, we will begin with him."

Johnathan was on the floor as defense for Sirius and prosecution for the other two. "LORD Black has requested to be questioned under truth serum administered and tested by Madame Amelia Bones."

Amelia stood from her seat in the body and came forward. She gave the three drops and everyone heard the story of what had really happened to the Potters. Harry was in tears, of both anger and sorrow, by the end.

"Harry you must calm down or your magic will lash out." Bill warned taking Harry's hand in his.

Harry looked up at him with dark fire in his eyes. "I want to know why he ordered me kidnapped."

Bill nodded. "We will find out Harry I promise."

"Does the prosecution have any additional questions for Lord Black?" Amos said correcting how he addressed Sirius.

"Yes we would like to know why Harry Potter was abandoned to pursue Mr. Pettigrew." The elderly lawyer that was representing Peter said.

Amelia narrowed her eyes but asked the question. "Why did you leave Harry Potter?"

"Hagrid got to the house first and wouldn't give him to me. I thought Harry would be taken to Hogwarts and kept safe behind those wards." He replied in the flat tone the serum gave everyone.

"Does the defense have any questions?" Amos asked.

"Yes. We would like to hear what Lord Black knows of Lily Potter's muggle sister Petunia Dursley and her husband Vernon." Johnathan said.

"What do you know of Petunia Dursley?" Amelia asked.

"She's a spiteful, jealous bitch that is everything the death eaters say about muggles."

There were many raised eyebrows and shocked gasped.

"Was Albus Dumbledore aware of her personality?" Amelia asked.

"Yes, he was at Lily and James' wedding when she spat on Lily and called her a freak."

"On her wedding day?" People questioned as muttering broke out. None of those gathered would ever think of acting that way at someone's wedding much less their sister's.

"What do you know of Vernon Dursley?" Amelia asked feeling ill thinking about that woman raising a magical child.

"Coat tail riding, magi-phobe. He slapped his wife for jeopardizing his chance to schmooze James and get closer to his fortune."

The muttering began again. This time a few people muttering about some wizards that were the same way.

"I believe we have established Lord Black's innocence." Amos said. There were many nods of agreement. "There is a president of restitutions for false imprisonment of a Lord or Lord's Heir. According to those Lord Black will receive 100,000 galleons for each year bringing the total to 1 million galleon."

Gasps could be heard at the number. Many in the public viewing areas couldn't imagine such a number.

"We will proceed with the trial of Petter Pettigrew." Amos said.

The story they got out of the rat was identical to the one Sirius told. He also told of how he'd been jealous of his friends and joined the dark for power and recognition. There was very little sympathy for him though.

His trial passed quickly with Amos suggesting Petter take up residence in Sirius' old room.

Last but not least, Dumbledore was brought in. Many of the officers feared him so he'd been kept in a magical slumber.

They woke him only after he was restrained. Before he could be silenced, he called for Fawkes.

The beautiful phoenix flamed into the chamber and circled above before lighting on Dumbledore's shoulder. The man tried to demand a rescue but Amelia was quicker shooting a freezing spell at him.

"Fawkes!" Bill called getting the attention of the bird, and the rest of the hall. "Dumbledore has been manipulating the teachers, and lying to you. Lady Hogwarts has become a prisoner and this man wants to keep her his slave."

The bird tilted its head one way and then the other. He turned to look Dumbledore in the eyes since they were open and he couldn't move, Fawkes was able to stare deep into his eyes. The longer he held Dumbledore's gaze, the darker and larger his fire grew. Finally he jerked his head away and called out in rage. Fear coursed through everyone that heard the cry.

Fawkes took to the air slashing his talons across Dumbledore's chest before flashing out in an explosion. They would latter find all living humans removed from the castle grounds and the wards of Hogwarts impenetrable.

The audience were shaken by what they had just seen but after that act no one had any doubts about Dumbledore's guilt.

He was questioned on every subject they could think of. The horrors just seemed to build. From framing his friend and lover for the death of his sister, then making both him and his brother Abe swear binding oaths to never speak of the incident. To letting Tom Riddle stay in the orphanage, at first to mold him into a weapon and then to keep him weak where he could be easily killed. Leaving hints about Slytherin chamber of secrets so that Tom would get expelled so he could dispose of the boy, Tom knew too much by then and had to be eliminated. Dumbledore hadn't known about Hagrid's spider and made sure the idiot was properly punished for interfering with his plans. Dumbledore was also pissed at Slughorn for flapping his trap about horcruxes which allowed Tom to make an unknown number of them. Unfortunately the man was too good at the mind arts and had too many connections to attack.

When Johnathan asked about the wards, Dumbledore had to confess he knew next to nothing about warding and was only able to get minor control of the magical paintings in the castle. Further questioning brought to light that he only gave the Potters part of the Fidelius charm, the complete charm allowed the ward holder to expel anyone from the wards and made them aware every time someone new learned of the location.

Everyone was disgusted with his plans for Harry Potter. He wanted the boy humble and subservient, little more than a puppet. The plan was for him to weaken Tom so Dumbledore could kill him. If Harry survived, he was going to do a soul transfer spell and take over the body of the young boy so that he would live forever.

There was total silence when the trial was over and all his secrets spilled. All those that had ever trusted the man felt unclean.

"I move that Albus Dumbledore be made to give Amelia Bones all his knowledge about horcruxes and then sent through the Veil of Death." Augusta said standing.

Murmuring went through the crowd for a long moment. "I second." Lord Pucey said his face as red as Bill's hair in rage.

"Third." Lord Abbott said, "That brings it to a vote."

The vote was split near even, but just enough people voted for the motion to see Dumbledore's execution pass. He would be sent through the Veil early Monday morning.

"Now that all that drama is out of the way." Amos said trying to lighten the mood. "I would like to ask William Weasley to stand and finish his claiming as the Potter Regent."

Bill stood and had Harry stand beside him. "Unlike last week I have my ward, Heir Potter here at my side today. He wanted to see the faces of the people who caused him to lose everything."

Bill went silent for a bit letting everyone look their fill at Harry. The boy was tucked into his side and blushing from the attention.

"Harry is very shy and will not be taking any questions or giving any statements in the near future." Bill informed them. "Harry is the confirmed heir to nine families seven of which have Lordships. He is Heir by birth to the Potter, Black, Finch and Entwhistle families. Heir by adoption to the Lupin family. Heir by bequeath to the Ashwinder family and lastly Heir by Conquest to the Slytherin line."

The hall broke out in muttering about the different houses he was heir too. Many of the Dark houses were looking at him with new interest.

Amos took back control with another question. "Which party will you be registering as?"

Dead silence fell as the whole hall looked on.

Harry screwed up his courage and pulled on Bills robe. He looked down and Harry and the boy whispered that he wanted to speak. "Harry would like to tell you that himself." Bill said casting the amplification spell on him.

"Bill and Johnathan explained all three parties to me and asked which I thought my house should register as." Harry began, he was holding Bill's hand for comfort. "After giving it some thought I decided that we would register Dark."

There was an eruption of noise as everyone seemed to have an opinion about that.

A noise maker spell had to be used to regain order. "Heir Potter, can you tell us why?" Amos said.

"Yes sir." Harry replied. His face was red from embarrassment but he carried on. "I think the culture of the magical world and its history are very important. That every child whether they are from a magical family or not should be taught the customs of those with magic. There are too many frivolous things in the muggle world that the magical world has no use for and trying to add all of them would do nothing but make us lazy and discontent. Wizards also need to know the basics of the muggle world in order to blend in and hide magic from them better."

This time silence followed as they took in his opinion. Harry sat back down having had too much of the lime light for his shy nature.

No one was sure how to respond to his words so Amos took charge and finished accepting Bill as a member and representative for all seven houses. With that the meeting was over. Dumbledore, Peter and Sirius were all lead away. The first two to cells and the latter to St. Mungo's. Johnathan went with Sirius to help as best as he could.

Bill and Harry left as soon as they could not wanting to be mobbed.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

AN: YES! I got this done before classes started back.