A/N: Thank you all for the reviews. Here is chapter seven of the story. I continue to look for a beta. If you are a beta and would like to assist please PM. There will be a delay in posting the next chapter, writing one chapter and reviewing another takes time. Also my muse has been hijacked by an older story plot I had started on many months ago. I will need to run that aground so I can focus back on this story. Muse running away happens when the internal parts of a chapter become conflicted.

JKR owns the sandbox, I just play with the sand.

The Bond and the Ritual

Ch 7

September 19th

Lysandra and her 'parents' were getting the family area of Potter Manor ready for Hermione's Birthday. Jerica came home early from the surgery and had help from Roskey and Twinkle to decorate the family dinning nook and the family room upstairs. While the three of them were working on the decorations Mrs. Wades in Water came into the kitchen to make some tea.

"Jerica, what are the decorations for?" inquired Xina.

"It is Hermione's birthday, Lysandra is planning to make a special meal for her and then a small party," replied Jerica.

"Would it be alright for us to come in after dinner to help her celebrate her birthday?" asked Xina.

"That would be fine. Richard and I are unsure how the Magical community takes birthdays, so we did not plan on a large party," responded Jerica. "I know that this will be the first party that Lysandra has attended as a family from talking with her."

"I am unsure how the British magicals celebrate birthdays, but back in the US a magical birthday party is celebrated just like the non-magical children," said Xina. "Lots of children, activities, cake and ice cream, and presents."

"Please let the other instructors know that they are invited to the party," informed Jerica.

"Thank you, I will let the others know," replied Xina as she left with her tea.

Classes for the day soon finished and Twinkle shooed the two girls up to the family study to start on their home work and to keep Hermione from the kitchen. Twinkle already had snacks waiting for them in the study. Once Lysandra had finished most of her home work, she informed Hermione that she had to go to the kitchen to make dinner.

"Lysandra, can I come and help?" inquired Hermione.

"Not tonight," replied Lysandra. "I'm trying something new and I want it to be a surprise for the family."

"Give me a clue?" asked Hermione.

"No, it is a surprise and you'll have to wait," stated Lysandra. 'I'll have to have Roskey and Twinkle ward the kitchen so she cannot sneak down,' thought Lysandra, as she left for the kitchen.

Soon Lysandra had two dishes that Hermione's grandmother always made for her, cooking up a nice Ratatouille and Nicoise salad. For desert there would be the fresh made chocolate cake with vanilla butter cream and black raspberry puree drizzle.

When dinner was ready Lysandra sent Twinkle up to get the rest of the family. After everyone was seated, Lysandra addressed her family.

"Hermione, because it's your birthday I made you two of your favourite dishes for dinner. I hope you enjoy them," presented Lysandra as the food arrived on the table.

Hermione saw the large pan of ratatouille and lost all composure, her mouth hung open seeing one of grandmother's special dishes. She slowly pulled herself together, then moved around the table and hugged Lysandra. "Thank you so much," Hermione said, silently to Lysandra. Lysandra could feel the happiness and love in the hug she was receiving from her sister.

Hermione returned to her seat and Lysandra severed up the birthday girl and then the family. The salad was passed around and they all enjoyed the fabulous meal and chatted about their day. Once dinner was complete Lysandra has Roskey clear the table and bring out the cake, while Twinkle fetched the presents.

"Hermione close your eyes and do not open them until told," directed Jerica. Hermione closed her eye and covered them. "No peaking," added Lysandra.

The lighting was dimmed and the cake arrived on the table with twelve candles on top, and the presents on the far side of the cake.

"You can open your eyes," instructed Jerica. "SUPRISE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY HERMIONE!" they all said together with the house elves. The noise caught the attention of the Wades in Water, who were just coming back from a stroll around the grounds. They quickly popped in and wished Hermione a happy birthday before heading on to their room. As the Wades in Water left for their room the other professors all arrived to wish Hermione a happy birthday.

Everyone enjoyed the cake and when finished the gifts were presented. Hermione received some clothing and a gift card from outside family members. Jerica and Richard got her a new planner, and a couple of books and a gift card for Harrods. Finally Lysandra gave Hermione her two gifts. Hermione first opened the larger package that held two new pens and spare nibs. The smaller package was the locket she had gotten her.

Hermione quickly unwrapped the package and stopped, looking at the small jewellery box. She slowly opened the box and sat open mouthed when she saw the locket. Hermione picked up the locket and looked at the front and back and then opened the locket and read the inscription and the picture and sat quietly trying not to cry. Slowly Lysandra got up and went to Hermione, when she saw how Hermione's face looked after seeing the locket. Hermione sensing Lysandra's presence, she looked up at her sister and they both hugged each other and neither could say anything, but hug and cry together. Jerica and Richard just watched their two girls and how they comforted each other. Jerica noticed that they seem to know what the other needed with that hug.

Unseen by the adults and the two young witches the magical strand connecting the two witches increased in size and brightness, as the bond between them strengthened. Later that night as the two girls were getting ready for bed Lysandra decided to go and talk with Hermione. Hermione was in the en suite showering when Lysandra approached and knocked on the door.

"Hermione, can I come in?" asked Lysandra, tentatively.

Hermione heard the soft knock and request from Lysandra over the noise of the shower, and she still had soap in her hair. "Come in," said Hermione.

Lysandra entered the en suite and tried not to look at her sister as she sat on the bench facing the shower, even though the shower was all glass, with a switchback glass block wall for a door and was big enough for three adults.

"Hermione, what is going on between us?" inquired Lysandra.

"What do you mean?" responded Hermione as she worked on getting the soap out of her hair.

"I sleep better and do not have nightmares with you in bed, and when you are not close by it feels like my magic is searching for you," replied Lysandra, stealing a glance at Hermione's body, blushing in response.

"I don't know. I sleep better with you in bed as well," stated Hermione as she worked the conditioner in her hair.

"Do you think Andi or Amelia would have an idea what may be going on?" asked Lysandra.

"Andi may know, by being a healer. Of we could ask Xina, as she is a shaman back home," replied Hermione, finishing rinsing her hair.

Seeing that Hermione was finishing up in the shower, Lysandra got up from the bench and went over to get clean towel and cloth and prepared to start her shower. When she returned to the shower Hermione had her hair up in a towel and another wrapped around her and was steeping out. Lysandra quickly gave Hermione a hug and stepped past her to hang up her towel and dressing gown, and move into the shower. Hermione turned and sat on the bench while Lysandra took her shower, while she worked on drying her hair.

"Who do you want to talk to first?" inquired Hermione.

"How about we send a letter to Andi and ask Xina in the morning at breakfast," responded Lysandra.

"Which do you want to do, talk to Xina or write Andi?" questioned Hermione, looking at Lysandra to see her expression to the question.

"You write better, so you owl Andi and I will ask Xina," replied Lysandra, quickly starting on her hair.

"Okay," answered Hermione, catching a quick glance of Lysandra's body and seeing some of the scars across her back. Seeing the scars Hermione vowed to herself to help her sister over her lack of self confidence do to the scars. 'Lysandra was a pretty girl who had a horrible early childhood,' thought Hermione.

"Lysandra, thank you for the locket," stated Hermione, seeing Lysandra coming out of the shower as she pulled her sister into a tight compassionate and loving hug. "I love you sis," next to Lysandra's ear.

Lysandra stood shocked over what Hermione had just said. Feeling Lysandra stiffen slightly, Hermione pulled back to look into her sisters face. "What's wrong?" inquired Hermione.

"I don't know," replied Lysandra, as she focused back on Hermione. "I was shocked by what you just said. No one has told me that they loved me."

"No, one?" questioned Hermione.

"No one I can recall. Mum and dad must have when they were alive," answered Lysandra. 'Is that the feeling I have been having for Hermione? Is the love of a sister why I feel pulled to her, or is this something else,' thought Lysandra. "Hermione, I love you to sis," added Lysandra, feeling more relaxed and comfortable with her sister, and enjoying the strong warm comforting feelings encompassing them both.

The girls quickly finished up in the en suite and Hermione wrote the letter for Andi. They girls quickly shed their dressing gowns and crawled into bed for the night snuggling together with Lysandra holding Hermione for once. As they drifted off to sleep with no one around or awake to watch as a soft golden glow enveloped the two girls. Far across England in northern Scotland a professor was having a terrible and painful night.

-x-x-x-x-x-

20 September 1991

Gringotts Bank

Directors Office

"Keeper Ragnok, prepare a full audit report to include all items removed from the Potter Vaults and properties by Chief Warlock/Headmaster Dumbledore, also include all money removed," stated Director Ragnor. "The Headmaster did not return the requested Items by the 17 September as requested in the letter. I will present the results to King Ragnok and the proposed actions, to included closure and forfeiture of all vaults owned, status of personae non gratae in Gringotts and all dealings, and send legal action to Director Bones and to Gringotts Legal."

"Yes Director, you will have the complete report in one hour, as the audit has been completed and verified," responded Keeper Ragnok. Director Ragnor nodded in acknowledgement.

Seeing his dismissal Keeper Ragnok left for his office to complete the requested report summary with all missing items and galleons.

1000am

King Ragnok's Office

Director Ragnor had arrived 30minutes ago and informed the scribe that he had items to discuss with The High King involving the Chief Warlock, now he waited to be announced to the King.

"High King Ragnok, Director Ragnor of London Gringotts," introduced the scribe.

"Come forth Director," instructed King Ragnok.

Bowing Director Ragnor approached the Kings chair and remained until instructed to rise. "Rise Director. What information do you have?" directed the King.

"King Ragnok, the audit of the Potter Vaults and Properties showed several items, picture of the late Lord and Lady Potter and associated frames, one Family Heirloom missing and 1,030,000 Galleons missing. All Items and Galleons were removed by the Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore. The Chief Warlock/Headmaster was sent a notice 16 September requiring the return of all items by 600pm 17 September. The Headmaster has chosen not to respond or return the requested Items," sited Director Ragnor. "I recommend the following actions: 1] closure and forfeiture of all vaults, 2] status of personae non gratae, 3] forward legal actions to Director Bones of DMLE and Gringotts Legal. All actions process have been started but not activated waiting your approval." As Director Ragnor was speaking the scribe assistant had passed on copies of the reports to the King and his counsel.

"Director Ragnor, wise action in preparing and knowing not to over act," stated King Ragnok. "These actions by the Headmaster towards the House of Potter are disturbing. Secure all accounts associated with the Headmaster, issue the personae non gratae and commence the legal actions. Do not remove anything from the chief wankers vaults. Send notification that all of his vaults have been secured, and that our legal team will be in contact. If he steps one foot in any Gringotts establishment he is to be arrested and sent to the dragon pens for holding."

"As you direct,"stated Director Ragnor, as he bowed and departed.

Director Ragnor's Office

"Keeper Ragnok, inform Director Bones on the stolen items. I will handle the remaining notifications," instructed Director Ragnor. He knew that Keeper Ragnok was in regular contact with Madam Bones as part of the advisor team for Lady Potter.

"Yes Director. The letter will be out shortly," replied Keeper Ragnok, bowing and departing.

Director Ragnor, signed the required parchment that would notify all people of the status of the Chief Warlock in all branches of Gringotts. Next he secured all of the vaults associated with Albus Dumbledore, and he sent the letter to legal. With in the letter to legal was the list of stolen items and the amount of gold stolen over the years. The legal team most likely will be at Hogwarts on Wednesday, with all the required paperwork.

Keeper Ragnok's Office

Keeper Ragnok, quickly finished off the letter he had prepared for Director Bones detailing all of the items stolen by Albus Dumbledore from the Potter vaults or properties, and the 1,030,000 Galleons stolen. Director Bones already knew some of the items that were missing from discussions with Lady Potter as part of her advisor team.

How he wish he could be there to see the look on the old goat wankers face when he gets the letter in the morning, that he was locked out of all his accounts at Gringotts.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Director Office DMLE

Ministry of Magic

Madam Bones was busy reading the seemingly never ending pile of paperwork on her desk when a disturbance from down the hall caught her attention. As she looked up to see the source of the noise a large official Eagle Owl arrived on her desk bearing the Gringotts seal. The owl presented it's leg for her to remove the attached letter. Once she had removed the letter the owl took flight to return home.

As the owl flew out her office door the secretary arrived to offer apologies in not being able to stop the owl. Madam Bones waved her off, in accepting her apology and returned with the letter in front of her. From reading the front of the letter she knew it was from Ragnok, she has learned his writing over the many correspondences they have had assisting Lady Potter. Madam Bones opened the letter and read the contents once and then two more times to ensure what she was reading. The letter contained a complete list of items stolen from the Potter Vaults and gold taken by the Headmaster.

Madam Bones called her secretary through the open door, to come into her office. "Ms. Turner locate Master Aurors Moody, Shacklebolt and Hammer and send them in when they arrive," directed Madam Bones.

"Yes Director," replied Ms. Turner, as she left and closed the door.

A short time later there was a knock on her door, followed by the three requested Aurors entering her office. Once the door was closed Madam Bones cast sever privacy and security charms on the doors and the office.

"Alright as of right now everything said in here will stay in here, any questions?" stated Director Bones. She received three nods or grunt in understanding. "Please have a seat, this is information not to be taken standing." Hammer and Shacklebolt take a seat in front of her desk and Moody moves back to one wall.

"I have just received an official letter from Gringotts informing DMLE of theft from Gringotts by a Prominent Wizard against a Noble and Ancient House," stated Director Bones.

"I thought Gringotts did not divulge this type of information and kept it all in house," responded Moody.

"Normally they would but this instance involves the Chief Warlock/Headmaster," dropped Director Bones. The look of disbelief on Shacklebolt's face was a new look. Moody had his normal gruff look with a slightly raised eye brow and Auror Hammer was trying to hide a small smirk, after learning what she has of the Headmaster. "If the Headmaster steps one foot into Gringotts he will quickly find himself in the Dragon pens."

"Bones, does this have anything to do with the missing Potter child?" asked Moody.

"Alastor, the vaults involved are the Potter family and trust vaults," answered Director Bones. "It appears the Headmaster has been taking Galleons and items from the vaults and Potter properties since he absconded with Miss Potter in 1981. I know from another investigation that the money was not spent on the care of the child."

Now Alastor was not a happy Auror, at hearing this. Albus had contacted him over the summer to help look for the child but he found no trace of the child and told Albus such. The way Albus acted about the child was not normal in ways you would act towards a missing child. Albus would not elaborate on his concern for the child, only it was for the Greater Good that she was found. "Director, Albus has been looking for that child since she disappeared over the summer and the only thing I could get out of him was that 'it was for the Greater Good' that she was found and place back under his guidance," stated Moody.

"What is it with this man's obsession with the Potter family and child?" asked Auror Hammer.

"Auror Hammer, that is a question several people have asked since the death of Lord and Lady Potter, and the disappearance of Miss Potter," stated Director Bones. "We will be going to Hogwarts tomorrow during breakfast to recover the listed items from Dumbledore. I will leave the missing Galleons to the Goblins."

The Director and her three Aurors continued to discuss the plans for the meeting in the morning and who would be added to assist in trans porting the listed items back. Some of the little information on the missing Potter Heiress was discussed.

-x-x-x-x-x-

21 September

Hogwarts Great Hall

Albus Dumbledore had just sat down to breakfast when the owls arrived with their parcels and letters for the students. Every one in the Great Hall saw the large official owl break off and head to the Head table and to the Headmaster. The landed and presented its leg to Dumbledore and left once the letter was removed. Dumbledore saw that the letter carried the seal of Gringotts on the front and in the wax sealing the letter. He was fighting to keep a calm face as he seethed at the creatures to contact him again, after the last letter. After seeing who the letter was from he lost is appetite and opened the letter.

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

You have been found in violation of the agreement of conduct with Gringotts. For your theft of 1,030,000 Galleons and multiple items, plus: 1 portrait and 4 frames of Lord and Lady Potter and the theft of one Family Heirloom. All of your vaults have been sealed, you are now personae non gratae to the nation and legal fillings have been made with DMLE and our legal team.

Director Ragnor

Director Gringotts Bank London

Albus reread the letter and it was a loosing battle to keep his calm grandfather face. It was shock and anger that kept him from leaving for his office, after seeing what the creatures had done. He knew that he could not walk into Gringotts without causing further issues. How dear these creatures threaten him.

He barely noted the arrival of four people at the ward line but was surprised to see who it was when Madam Bones entered the Great Hall with Aurors Moody, Shacklebolt and Hammer.

"Albus Dumbledore, you have two options. 1) surrender all items Illegally taken from the Potter vaults and properties now or 2) I place you under arrest and place you in a holding cell while DMLE searches your office and quarters for the missing items," stated Director Bones. She was waiting to see if Dumbledore would take the bait on the 'illegally taken'.

"Director Bones, I assure you I have taken nothing Illegally from the Potter Vaults," answered Dumbledore.

"So you admit in removing items from the vaults and Potter properties?" inquired Director Bones.

"Yes, as magical guardian I am authorized to remove items," replied Dumbledore. "Let us move this to a more appropriate location to discuss, the Great Hall is not."

"I am fine with discussing it here, but if it will make you fell better we can move to your office," responded Director Bones.

The party departed the Great Hall for the Headmaster's office. Professor McGonagall watched the interaction from her seat and followed them as they left. 'Albus what did you do, no magical guardian is allowed to remove items from a family vault,' thought Minerva.

Once in the office Director Bones picked up the conversation from before.

"Albus Dumbledore, you are in violation of Wizard law and Gringotts agreement in removing any item form a Family vault. You can turn over all of he items now or we can continue this discussion in a DMLE holding cell," stated Director Bones.

"Amelia..." started Albus.

"That is Director or Madam Bones. You DO NOT HAVE permission to address me informally at this time," interrupted Director Bones.

Seeing he was on bad terms with the head of DMLE, he attempted a slight wandless and silent charm to improve her disposition to him.

"Albus stop right their, you attempt to finish that charm I will stun you into next week," stated Moody.

Angry at being caught, Albus stopped and look daggers at his old friend and his boss.

"Director Bones I have done nothing outside of my right as magical guardian of Miss Potter," stated Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, even as Magical Guardian you do not have permission to remove items from the family vaults or properties, and any gold taken must have an itemized account on how it was spent," stated Director Bones, even more annoyed at his antics. "So, are you going to release the items in question or do we have to make this more formal and take it to the Wizengamot. I know that the Nation will be contacting you shortly."

Recognising further refusal will only make the problem worse and with his vaults sealed he cannot influence any vote made by the Wizengamot, as he would not be able to sit in the session and influence the discussion or vote. Dumbledore summoned the items to him from his office and quarters.

Auror Shacklebolt withdrew and enlarged a trunk from his pocket. One opened each item was catalogued and placed in the trunk.

One large magical portrait Lord and Lady Potter. (3x5 foot)

Four small magical portrait fames, associated with the large. (1x2 foot)

12 family magical tombs

"Dumbledore there are two items missing," stated Director Bones.

Albus could not give up the last two items it was imperative that he kept a hold of them for the Greater Good. He needed both the Potter family Pensieve and cabinet and the Cloak of Invisibility.

"I have nothing else Director Bones," stated Dumbledore, hiding behind his Occlumency shields.

"Moody search for the family Pensieve and the cloak," directed Madam Bones. She knew that Moody's eye would most likely find the Pensieve, but was unsure of the cloak.

Alastor Moody's magic eye began to spin about looking over the office and in short order found the cabinet containing the Pensieve. He walked over to the cabinet and slowly began to examine it. Quickly he found the Potter Family markings on the cabinet and upon opening the cabinet he found the Pensieve. "Director here is the Family Pensieve and its storage cabinet," stated Moody.

"Any luck on the cloak?" question Director Bones, after noting the cabinet and Pensieve. Shacklebolt shrunk the cabinet and placed it with in the trunk. Auror Hammer never took her eyes off of the Headmaster, while the others focused on their tasks.

Alas tor's eye was able to pick up the odd aurora from around the cloak as it lay in compartment behind one of the bookshelves behind the Headmasters Desk. "Albus, remove the cloak from the compartment behind the third bookshelf," stated Moody.

Dumbledore, slowly got up and moved towards the identified compartment. He wanted to place several charms and teat it with potions before giving it back at Yule, so he can locate and keep track of Miss Potter. He removed the cloak from said compartment and handed it to Moody. Moody Identified the cloak and it was placed in the trunk with the other items.

"Albus Dumbledore, I will inform Gringotts that I have the items taken from the Potter Family and will return them to the Potter Vault Keeper," stated Director Bones. Turning the four members of DMLE departed the Headmaster's office and once cleared of the wards they apparated to the Ministry of Magic or Diagon Alley.

-x-x-x-x-x-

30 September

"All right students, there will be no class on 11 Oct as we will be having meetings with your parents or guardians to discuss any concerns or problems," stated Professor Wades in Water as he passed out pieces of parchments to each student with the announcement. "The plan is for the professors to meet with the parents one on one so that the parents can get a sense of how each of you are doing in each course. We will discuss your strengths as well as your weakness and what they can do to help. We are also open to any concerns from the parents on how you are doing."

11 October

"Welcome everyone for today's meetings," greeted Professor Wades in Water. "Before you leave today, please pickup a copy of the list of new text books that will be needed starting in December. We will have completed the required texts for Hogwarts and will be moving on to second year material."

"Madam bones, nice to meet you. What can I help you with today?" greeted Professor Wades in Water.

"Professor Wades in Water, nice to meet you. Susan has informed me that you wanted to talk about her class work. Is there something wrong with her work?" asked Madam Bones.

"Madam Bones, Susan's work in class is very good, especially her written assignments and home work. What I am concern with is her slowness in mastering the practical side. She is using her own wand, correct?" inquired Professor Wades in Water. Madam bones nods her head yes to this. "Then may I suggest that she practice more at home, and study more on the objects. I think some of the problem is her mental picture is not completely formed before she casts the spell."

"Yes I will work with her on forming a better mental picture and we will practice together," replied Madam Bones. "Transfiguration will only get harder if she has trouble with the mental picture." Madam Bones, knows that as the object and task gets more complex a precise mental picture of the new object is needed.

"Lady Longbottom, welcome to Charms," greeted Professor McGreggery.

"Thank you Professor McGreggery. Neville said that you want to talk with me?" responded Lady Longbottom.

"Yes. It has been come apparent to all of the Professors that Neville is having difficulty in performing spells," stated Professor McGreggery. "One of the concerns is that he is using a miss matched wand."

"Neville has never shown great magic as a child," replied Lady Longbottom. "His is using his fathers wand to show respect to his Father, who was a very capable and respected Aurora."

"Lady Longbottom, why are you hindering your grandson. You know that the wand chooses the witch or wizard," responded Professor McGreggery, with dismay and shock that an elder witch would do this.

"The wand worked fine for his father and I have no problems when using the wand, so it is not the wand causing problems," retorted Lady Longbottom. "He needs to focus and be an aurora like his father and get out of the green house."

"Lady Longbottom, Neville excels in Herbology according to Professor Wades in Water," stated Professor McGreggery. "He also is very good with potions, since he understands the plants and what their properties are and how they contribute to the potion. He is very behind all of the other students in DADA, Charms and Transfiguration. All of the professors have work extra with him and it is not his wand motion, nor pronunciation of the incantations that holds him back."

"He just needs to focus and practice more with his fathers wand," repeated Lady Longbottom. "He should be honoured to be using his father's wand."

"Lady Longbottom, it is not easy for me to say this but you are hindering your grandson by not getting him a correctly matched wand," responded Professor McGreggery.

Healer Travors approached the two as she heard the escalating comments.

"Lady Longbottom, why are you making your grandson use and unmatched family wand?" inquired Healer Travors. "You did not even take Heir Longbottom to a wand maker to see if the wand was even a good match?"

"Healer Travors, Professor McGreggery, Frank's wand is a perfectly good wand," said Lady Longbottom, angrily.

"Lady Longbottom, that maybe but it sounds like it is not a good match for Heir Longbottom," replied Healer Travors. "The wand chooses the wizard, not they way you are doing it with Heir Longbottom. Do you not remember your first wand when you pick?"

"Lady Longbottom Healer Travors is correct, even in the US the wand makers tell every student when they get their first wand that the wand chooses the witch or wizard," added Professor McGreggery. "Lady Longbottom I am going to go out on a branch/hunch what the problem is. You lost your son and Heir Longbottom looks very similar to his father and you are trying to make him into your son."

"I am not," stated Lady Longbottom, with some heat.

"Then why are you being so resistant to getting Heir Longbottom a proper wand and ensuring that he can be the best wizard he can be?" countered Professor McGreggery.

"Neville has never shown a high amount of magic," responded Lady Longbottom.

"Lady Longbottom, my scans of your grandson show that he is not near squib as you are trying to imply," answered Healer Travors. "Your son has mid-high level of magic for his age group, he is fighting with a mismatch wand to cast spells and charms."

"Our healers have said he has low magic," retorted Lady Longbottom.

"I do not know what charm or system they were using but Neville is not a near squib," stated Healer Travors, bluntly. "I also found some suppression charms on him." Lady Longbottom sat quietly with a slightly perplexed look on her face at hearing this. 'Were the healers and the headmaster lying about Neville?' she thought.

"Lady Longbottom please take your grandson to see Marcello's wand by Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream, she can check the wand and make a wand if needed if she does not have a matching wand," requested Professor McGreggery.

"Why not Ollivanders?" asked Lady Longbottom.

"We have learned that Madam Marcello makes a finer wand and that they match the witch or wizard better," replied Professor McGreggery.

"Lord and Lady Greengrass welcome," greeted Professors Singh and Hollings.

"Nice to meet you," greeted Lord and Lady Greengrass.

"Lord Greengrass, we would like to talk with you about Heiress Greengrass," started Professor Singh. "She is doing well in the courses but her refusal to be herself and maintain the icy facade. I know that this is from Occlumency training and is good to organized and protect the mind, but in this small intimate group of students it is more of a hindrance."

"How is maintaining a proper appearance a hindrance?" inquired Lord Greengrass.

"She comes off aloof, snooty, better than though, and frankly a 'Bitch'," answered Professor Hollings. "True she may be none of these but that is how the rest of the students see her, with the exception of Miss Davis."

"She and Miss Davis have grown up with one another," responded Lady Greengrass.

"We understand the need for the training and its purpose when dealing in public meetings and political settings," replied Professor Singh. "This is not the place for that. If this continues I can see a fissure between her and the rest of the students. No student here is a threat to another student and they all work well together and assist each other except for Heiress Greengrass. I expect when this group is forced to Hogwarts, in the future, they will all be in the same house."

"Yes I can see the problems. Developing a tight group of friends and confidantes and being able to be yourself will help build that trust in one another," responded Lady Greengrass. 'Having this small tight group of friends in the same house at Hogwarts would protect each other and push them all to excel,' thought Lady Greengrass.

"At Hogwarts, that cold, blank facade is necessary is some of the houses," added Lord Greengrass.

"A school that required students to take on a fake persona for protection is not a setting for maximizing the child learning," replied Professor Hollings. "Yet I can see where that would be needed to protect one self from unwanted advances and attention."

"We will talk with Daphne about being her self here in class. She is very animated about all that she is learning when she comes home each night," stated Lord Greengrass.

"Thank you, that is all we can ask for," responded Professor Singh.

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger, thank you for being able to meet with us today," welcomed Professor Iwasaki. "Master Rockfist and I are most pleased with the effort put for by Hermione and Lysandra."

"Master Rockfist and Professor Iwasaki, it is our pleasure to sit and talk with you," replied Jerica. "I know we talk some on the weekends but that is always pleasantries."

"Well, we are some what concerned with Lysandra," started Professor Iwasaki. "She pushes herself hard in both the physical training and in weapons class. I have talked with both and they informed me that you also spend time with them practising with knives."

"Yes, when I was in the service I was trained in close combat with knives, both in hand to hand and in throwing," answered Richard. Richard reached behind him and pulled out a slim throwing blade. He handed it to the two instructors.

Master Rockfist was amazed at the balance and strength of the steel in the blade. Professor Iwasaki, was also impressed with the balance of the blade as he trained with more modern blades than typically used in most magical communities.

"It would not surprise me that if you stopped Lysandra and checked for blades that you would not find at least 4-6 blades and 2-4 on Hermione," stated Richard. "I do not recommend that you try and take some of those blades from them, as some of those blades are House Nyx blades." Hearing this Master Rockfist stopped and looked at Richard. He had heard from Keeper Ragnok about those blades, when he escorted the two ladies to Athens.

"So, what is the specific concern for Lysandra," asked Jerica.

"It is that she is pushing harder in the training and we are concerned that she will injury herself or Hermione because she over extends and does not allow enough time to heal and recuperate," stated Professor Iwasaki.

"I agree with Professor Iwasaki, pushing to hard will cause stress of the body and then one becomes sloppy to compensate for the pain and discomfort," added Master Rockfist.

"I will sit down and talk with both of the girls," stated Jerica. "I feel that some of the issues is that as they read the Family Grimoire, some of what they are learning now, is what they should have had 3-5 years ago. So the two of them are pushing themselves to be at the level expected in the Family Grimoire for a normal staffed and trained House." Hearing this from Jerica the two professors now understood more to why Lysandra and Hermione were pushing so hard.

"Yes please talk with them and we now know were some of the drive is coming from and can sit and talk with them," replied Professor Iwasaki. "I also wanted to inform you that Lysandra is excelling in the Dark Arts class and defence of. When older she will be a terror, as she sees, interpret and reacts to a situation faster than many apprentice and some Masters I know."

"I also see this, in the weapons training," stated Master Rockfist. "If she was not limited to weapons, I could see her switching to her wand of using her wandless magic in the training exercises. This is good as when fighting with magic she will use mundane methods interspersed which will keep her enemies off balance."

"Both girls are well read and have a very large spell repertoire," stated Professor Iwasaki. "I feel some of this is coming again from the Family Grimoire. Please talk with them about limiting the use of family spells in the classroom. And no battle magic in the classroom." Jerica and Richard looked at one another and then at the professors, surprised and slightly confused.

"Professors, what is battle magic?" inquired Jerica from he state of confusion.

"Jerica, battle magic is a type of magic and a style of casting that is very destructive when used on a battle field by masters," started Rockfist. "I have learned that the Ladies of House Nyx were masters of battle magic, and the Family Grimoire will have many chapters dedicated to that knowledge. When those two young Ladies are fully trained they could take on the whole DMLE and not break a sweat."

-x-x-x-x-x-

31 October

Professor Wades in Water pulled Hermione and Lysandra aside after class and asked if they were ready for the ritual. Both girls nodded yes to the question, Professor Singh had asked them to help with the ritual two days earlier.

-flashback-

"Hermione, Lysandra I was wondering if you two would like to help with the ritual we will be performing on Samhain?" asked Professor Singh.

"What would we do?" ask Lysandra.

"We need a handmaiden to help pass the bread around and one to pass the cup," responded Professor Singh. "also there is some passages that need to be said with the passing of the bread and cup and then with the lighting of the candle and the final offering prayer."

Lysandra and Hermione looked at each other, locking eyes and held a silent conversation, before both of them answered yes to the request of help, blushing at how they came to the answer. Professor Singh just smiled at the girls and handed them some parchment that contained the prayer and phrases needed to be said during the ritual.

-end flashback-

Professors Wades in Water, Hollings, Travors, and Singh lead the girls and Mrs. Grainger out of Potter Manor to the ritual clearing in the woods just past the stables and corals. They stopped in the stables to change into some simple linen ritual shifts, leaving behind their wands, clothing and other items, and they all quickly changed into the ritual shifts. Many of the girls were blushing at having nothing on by the thin light linen shifts in place by a simple hemp waist tie. In the clearing sits a brazier in the middle with an alter to the north facing the brazier. Around the circle are statues at each of the cardinal points: Hecate, Mórrigan, Cailleach Beara, and Nephthys. On the Alter is a statue of Cerridwen. Reva goes to the brazier and lights a bundle of bound sage, and then returns to the group.

"Before you can enter the circle tonight you must be smudged and cleansed. We do this using a smouldering bundle of sage and allow the smoke to pass over the body," stated Reva. "I will begin with Xina and she will finish by cleansing me." Xina approaches Reva and then stands in front with her arms out spread. Reva then passes the bundle over Xina's face and head, then along her arms, down her torso and each leg and the moves back up her legs and torso to her arms and finally her head. Once Xina is cleansed she stands aside and Sara approaches to be cleansed. This group slowly completes the cleansing by smudging with Xina cleansing Reva.

The girls and the professors form a circle around the brazier, outside of the circle formed by the statues. On the Alter was 5 different coloured candles, a plate with bread and a cup. Also on the alter was a bowels of apples, pomegranates, pumpkins, along with bunches of marigolds and chrysanthemums, and finally some antlers, and pine cones. Professor Singh takes the position in front of the alter, acting as high priestess, with Hermione and Lysandra on either side of her as her handmaidens. The three remaining professors each take one of the cardinal points, and the rest fill in equally around the circle.

Reva then casts the circle and calls the participants to enter the circle, between the brazier and the statues. Once the circle was formed Reva called spirits of the north. "Blessed Spirit of the North, Spirit of Earth, I ask you to join with us in this sacred space, blessing us and this circle with your presence and protection. Welcome spirits of the North."

This was followed by Sara calling the spirits of the east; "Blessed Spirit of the East, Spirit of Air, I ask you to join with us in this sacred space, blessing us and this circle with your presence and protection. Welcome spirits of the East."

Then Xina calling the spirits of the south; "Blessed Spirit of the South, Spirit of Fire, I ask you to join with us in this sacred space, blessing us and this circle with your presence and protection. Welcome spirits of the South."

Finally Alexandra calling the spirits of the west; "Blessed Spirit of the West, Spirit of Water, I ask you to join with us in this sacred space, blessing us and this circle with your presence and protection. Welcome spirits of the West."

Reva then invited the gods and goddess join and participate in the ritual.

Reva lights two candles on the alter, red and black.

"I light this pair of candles in honour of the goddess.

She is the Maiden and Mother throughout the year and tonight we honour her as the Crone."

Reva then light two more candles on the alter, brown and green.

"I light this pair of candles in honour of the god.

He is wild and fertile and animal and tonight we honour him as the Horned God."

Hermione then takes the plate of bread around the circle allowing each person to remove a portion. She repeats with each person, "May the blessings of the goddess be upon you." She takes a piece for herself and places the plate back on the alter.

Lysandra then picks up the cup and walks around the circle allowing each person to take a sip. She repeats with each person, "May the blessings of the god be upon you." She takes a sip and then places the cup back on the alter.

Then Hermione and Lysandra together light the last candle.

"We light this candle in honour of hearth and home.

The mother and father, the goddess and god watch over us tonight as we honour them."

Reva then proceeds:

"We light these five candles for the powerful Goddess and her mighty horned consort, the God, and for the safety of home and hearth.
On this, the night of Samhain, when the Goddess is a wise Crone, and the God is a wild stag, we honour them both."

Lysandra and Hermione then proceeds:

"This is a time between the worlds, a time of life and a time of death.
This is a night unlike any other night Ancient ones, we ask your blessing.
Goddess, great Crone, mother of all life, we thank you for your wisdom.
Horned God, master of the wild hunt, keeper of the forest, we thank you for all that you provide."

Reva invited the others to offer thanks and give offerings if they so wished.

All of the participants remained quite for several minutes waiting. See that no one had anything to say Hermione and Lysandra quickly looked at each other and started to speak together.

"Mother Nyx, Hecate, Mórrigan, Cailleach Beara, Nephthys, and Cerridwen we thank you for your blessing and protection and guidance that you have given us these past few months. Mother Nyx accept us into your house and bless the House so that it may protect the virtues and ideas of the Night Mother and protect her children," called out Lysandra and Hermione together.

As the girls spoke the fire in the brazier grew in size and intensity as magical energies from the participants and surrounding lands flowed into the fire and up into the night skies. When they were done speaking the magic flowed down and out in the night across the ground and bathed everyone in a warm protective magic and feeling. Jerica felt a strange concentrated warmth within her chest in addition to the warm protective magic.

Reva thanked the goddess and gods:

"Mother Goddess, we thank You for being with us and for blessing us with Your presence, love, protection, and guidance, I love you, always. Hail and farewell."

"Father God, we thank You for being with us and for blessing us with Your presence, love, protection, and guidance, I love you, always. Hail and farewell."

Reva thanked the spirits of the north;

"Spirit of the North, the Spirit of Earth, thank you for your presence and protection in this circle. Hail and farewell."

Sara thanked the spirits of the east;

"Spirit of the East, the Spirit of air, thank you for your presence and protection in this circle. Hail and farewell."

Xina thanked the spirits of the south;

"Spirit of the South, the Spirit of Fire, thank you for your presence and protection in this circle. Hail and farewell."

Alexandra thanked the spirits of the west;

"Spirit of the West, the Spirit of Water, thank you for your presence and protection in this circle. Hail and farewell."

The participants left back for the manor for the night. All of the girls were staying in some of the extra family bedrooms. They stopped at the stables and changed back into their daily robes before proceeding on to the manor house. The girls were all excited by what had happen during their first ritual while Professors Wades in Water and Singh were lost in thought over the fire and brazier when Lysandra and Hermione spoke. The magic involved was stronger and felt very comforting as if the goddess were responding to thanks and request of acceptance. They will need to watch the two young ladies and talk with each other on what they think happened. Jerica was slightly lost in this feeling of warmth within her chest and the comfort that it was giving her. She decided to talk with Xina and Sara on this new feeling.

Once every one was back in the manor Roskey and Twinkle had mugs of hot chocolate ready for them and the girls all started on their remaining homework that they had not completed earlier.

"Girls it is time for bed," called out Jerica as she came into the library as the that is were they were working on papers. The girls all put their things away and followed Lysandra and Hermione up to the family wing and to their rooms for the night. Lysandra and Hermione wished all of their class mates a good night and headed for their room.

Both girls quickly discarded their clothes as they were heading to the bathroom for their shower, not realising that the other had the same thought, as they both were some what lost in their own thoughts and feelings, and soon found them looking at each other standing next to the shower.

"Sorry Hermione, I did not realise you were heading to the shower," stated Lysandra, seeing Hermione there.

"Lysandra, do you trust me?" responded Hermione.

"Yes," replied Lysandra.

"It is late and we have class in the morning. Lets just both get in the shower and then head to bed," answered Hermione. Looking closely at Lysandra to see how she would react. 'I hope I don't scare her,' thought Hermione.

Lysandra looked at Hermione's face and into her coco brown eyes and saw only love, hope and caring in them. She nodded and then held out her hand to Hermione.

Staring into Lysandra's eyes and seeing the love and caring return in them, Hermione noticed the offered hand from Lysandra and allowed herself to be lead into the shower where the girls quickly showered and helped each other with their hair. Eyes and hands did not travel as they looked into the eyes of the other as much as they could, lost in the feelings of closeness, caring and love. Both Lysandra and Hermione soon found that they were ready for bed.

That night the girls crawled into bed so lost in their thoughts and feelings, and the effects from the magic at the ritual, that neither noticed the lack of night clothes. Each pulled her sister into herself and they shared that embrace as the residual ritual magic, and blessing of the goddess inside that magic, surrounded them and comforted them into a deep refreshing sleep. The trust showed and comforting embrace that they shared this night allowed their bond to grow and deepen, as they were watched over by Nyx, Mórrigan and Hecate.

"Rest my Daughters, for tonight I accept you as Lady and Heiress of House Nyx," stated Nyx, reaching down and touching each daughter on their chest.

In several of the bedrooms that night the occupants slept soundly as the ritual magic calmed and comforted them. The ritual magic also started the connection to form between several of the young witches. Jerica slept soundly as she was comforted and felt protective by this new feeling she had.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Ministry of Magic

November Wizengamot session

Pounding the gavel Chief Warlock Dumbledore called the session to order after all members had been seated and the chambers sealed. Those present are the 59 members holding seats on the Wizengamot, the Minister of Magic, the clerk, and the Chief Warlock. In the past there were 70 members holding seats in the chamber but over the centuries as houses died the seats were left unfilled.

It was getting to the end of the session and time for discussion of new business. "Is there any new business to be presented?" asked Dumbledore.

Several proposals were presented by the Dark Families, with two being presented by Lord Malfoy that would increase the hardship on muggle-born witches and wizards by increasing fees that they would have to pay, and the second would benefit his family businesses, at the detriment of The Black Family, ironic as he was sitting in the Black Family seat as the supposed proxy. The Malfoy family were still considered a foreign house even though they were old, wealthy and pureblood family. They arrived in England fleeing France during the French Revolution. Dumbledore did little to help block the muggle-born proposal and did work to block the Malfoy business proposal. Finally with no other new business he presented his proposal to return guardianship and magical guardianship of Miss Potter to himself, as her recent actions and absences from Hogwarts has shown that she is under the effects of nefarious influence.

"Chief Warlock, what proof do you have that Lady Potter is under someone's control?" ask Dowager Longbottom.

"Miss Potter, was not present for first year sorting and her parents wanted her to attend Hogwarts for her magical education," replied Dumbledore.

"How do you know that the late Lord and Lady Potter wanted their daughter to attend Hogwarts?" inquired Madam Bones. "Even better question for you, 'Where is Miss Potter?', as you moved her the night her parents were murdered, after getting this very body to make you her magical guardian. How does her missing presence at Hogwarts mean she is under nefarious control? Also if you are her so called 'Magical Guardian' why is it you do not know where she is?"

Dumbledore worked to keep his face calm as his anger was building in have to answer these questions. The greatest wizard born since Merlin, and protector of the Light. How does he acknowledge that he has lost track of his weapon; no, the saviour of Magical Britain. He has absolutely no clue as to her whereabouts as all of his instruments were destroyed, and he has been unable to locate her. Lysandra needs to be at Hogwarts under his tutelage for the greater good, she needs to be kept beaten down, ignorant of her family heritage and pliable to his guidance.

"Chief Warlock please answer the questions from Madam Bones," stated Lord Greengrass. The request jars Dumbledore from his thoughts.

"The late Lord and Lady Potter made it known to me that Lysandra was to be educated at Hogwarts and I was to be her magical guardian, as they had paid the tuition fees before they went into hiding," answered Dumbledore.

"So the wills of the late Lord and Lady Potter were read and followed as directed after their murder?" inquired Madam Bones, knowing that the information just presented by Dumbledore was incorrect.

Dumbledore nodded his head agreeing to this statement, not wanting to voice an answer, as he could not let people really know what was in those wills. His lost of control has also restrict him from the galleons in the Potter Vaults.

Seeing that Dumbledore was not telling the truth, Dowager Longbottom spoke up. "No they were not. Their will was sealed by the order of the Chief Warlock and Minister," responded Lady Longbottom. "I checked the records department a year after their death as I had not seen the young child around." There was a sudden increase in noise from the light and neutral members when they heard Lady Longbottom's statement.

"Chief Warlock, how is it you know the wishes of the late Lord and Lady Potter if you had their will sealed and getting magical guardianship of their child and moving said child?" further inquired Madam Bones.

Dumbledore sat quietly in thought as to how wrong this session has gone, and the fact that they were not listening to him and doing as he desired. He does not need to explain himself or his actions, for it is all for the Greater Good.

"Chief Warlock, we are waiting for an answer to these questions," stated Lady Longbottom, after Dumbledore still had not answered any of the questions, lost in his thought.

Fuming with anger and suppressed rage Dumbledore realises that he must answer the questions. "Miss Potter disappeared while collecting her school supplies. I have not been able to locate her since that day."

"WHAT! You lost a child three months ago, and only now seeking the Wizengamot assistance in forcing yourself on the child as her guardian?" responded Lord Greengrass. "If you do not know where the child is now why should this body give you back guardianship if it has been removed?" Hidden behind blank faces and their Occlumency skills Madam Bones, Dowager Longbottom, Lady Abbott, and Lord Greengrass watched on as the meddling headmaster became more enraged.

Before Dumbledore could answer the questions from Lord Greengrass, Madam Bones spoke up.

"I move that the wills of the late Lord and Lady Potter be read now before any further discussion," demanded Madam Bones.

"I second the motion," added Lady Longbottom.

"The wills were sealed for the Greater good of Magical Britain," stated Dumbledore, with anger and rage, struggling to keep a calm face behind his Occlumency shields. He knew that those will could not be read as they would disprove what he has been saying.

"Then clear the galleries and have the wills read only to the members," stated Madam Bones.

"I second the motion to clear all galleries and read the wills," stated Lady Abbott.

Minister Fudge seeing that the motions have been made and seconded must put it to vote. Since the proposal was made by the Chief Warlock he was out of the vote and could not officiate the proceedings.

"All in favour of clearing the galleries and read of the wills, signify with raised white wand," stated Minister Fudge. The votes were counted and there were 40 raised white wands. "The motion carries. Clear the galleries and bring in the wills of Lord and Lady Potter."

Madam Bones gave direction to the Aurors to clear all of the galleries in the chamber. The Aurors called for assistance and both the visitors and press galleries were cleared and verified empty.

"As we wait for the wills to be brought forth, I put forth that the chamber be sealed and the information revealed be protected by the chambers secrecy enchantment," proposed Lady Longbottom, knowing that would prevent further discussion by members outside of the chamber with people not knowing the knowledge and that they could not communicate the information learned in any way to another.

"I second the motion," supported Lord Diggory. The motion passed for sealing of the chamber.

Once the wills had been brought in and the records clerk left, the Wizengamot chamber was sealed and the protection enchantment activated. The wills were verified with the ministry seals intact before they were given to Madam Bones for opening and reading.

Madam Bones broke the seal on Lord Potters will and started to read the will, skipping the personal letter to Lysandra. The Minister was banging the gavel excessively to gain an assemblance of calm in the chamber as they learned that Sirius Black was the child's godfather, by ritual. Order was slowly restored to the chamber and the rest of the will read. There were further outrage when it was learned that the Chief Warlock was a witness, and there were several families that could have raised the child. The parents or guardians of the children at Potter manor and several other light or neutral families were starting to see a disturbing degree of manipulation from the Chief Warlock in regards to the young Potter Heiress.

Lord Malfoy was angry to learn that Black was innocent of some of the charge he is sitting in Azkaban for, and knew his time as the proxy for House Black was short, and decided to act. "I move that we bypass the reading of the Mud-blood's will," with venom in his voice.

"I request sanctioning of Lord Malfoy from this body on this matter for use of a disrespectful term to the late Lady of an Ancient and Noble House," responded Lady Longbottom, before the motion could be second.

"I second the motion to sanction" stated Madam Bones and Lady Abbott. The motion to bypass the reading of Lady Potter's will never received a second.

Minister Fudge called for a vote and the motion was carried 35 to 25 in favour, and Lord Malfoy was sanctioned, fined and prevented from talking further during the proceedings. Doing so would inquire further monetary fines, and prolong sanctions.

Madam Bones then broke the seal and read the will of Lady Potter, again skipping the personal letter and notes to Lysandra, and the uproar caused by her husbands reading was matched by the volume and out rage caused by her will when it was revealed again that Sirius Black was Lysandra's godfather by ritual, that the Dursleys were not to care for the child and that Dumbledore was not to be associated with the child in any way. She did keep the knowledge of the secret keeper quit for know, as she wanted to use it later to force Dumbledore to admit he knew Sirius Black was innocent when he sent him to Azkaban.

Mister Fudge could not call the chamber to order after the reading of the will and it required Madam Bones to cast several canon blasts to get the members attention and help restore order.

"Chief Warlock, where did you leave Heiress Potter that night you absconded with her?" demanded Lady Longbottom. Madam Bones and Lady Longbottom watched as the Dumbledore was visible angry, and fighting to keep a calm facade on his face. They had a strong suspicion as to where Lady Potter has been.

"Miss Potter was left with her only living relatives to ensure the protection from her mothers sacrifice continued to protect the child," stated Dumbledore. He kept his face blank but was fuming to have the information in the wills out.

"Knowing that the child was never to be left with Lady Potters sister's family you sealed the will and disregarded the wished of the late Lord and Lady Potter. Why?" inquired Lady Longbottom. Again the members in the chamber were becoming hostile to the Chief Warlock, in that he would actively disregard the wills of Head of House.

"Miss Potter needed to be protected from the magical world and have a normal childhood," replied Dumbledore.

"Did you ever check on Heiress Potter and visit her while she was with her relatives? How did you ensure that she had a normal childhood? What type of wards did you use to ensure the protection of Miss Potter at her relatives house?" asked Madam Bones.

"No. They would not harm a member of their family," responded Dumbledore. He did not want to explain the use of illegal blood wards on the house. "I had monitoring devices tracking Miss Potter."

"So, you never checked on the child as required in being her Magical Guardian?" asked Lord Greengrass.

"No, my presence would have caused issues in the house," replied Dumbledore.

"Chief Warlock, did you know that these so-called loving relatives are now in the custody of the Crowns Court for child abuse and endangerment?" inquired Madam Bones, knowing that they would be in prison for several years.

"They must be released immediately and Miss Potter returned to their care for her own protection," responded Dumbledore, anxiously.

"Why is this?" inquired Lady Abbott.

"It has to do with the protection from Lady Potter from that fateful night," said Dumbledore.

"What type of protection wards did you use on a muggle home?" demanded Madam Bones.

Now Dumbledore was in a rough spot. He would have to reveal the presence of restricted wards on a muggle property placed by him as protection for Miss Potter. He did not want to keep answering these questions, they all needed to stop questioning and just follow his guidance.

Seeing that the Chief Warlock was not going to answer her questions on the wards, Madam Bones made her decision. "I move to deny the request for guardianship of Miss Potter by Chief Warlock Dumbledore," stated Madam Bones. "I further move to restrict Chief Warlock/Headmaster from having any communication or interaction with Miss Potter. If Miss Potter decides in the future to attend Hogwarts changes can be made to these restrictions."

"I second the motion," stated Lord Greengrass and Lady Longbottom. Minister Fudge calls for a vote to deny guardianship of Miss Potter to Dumbledore, and the communication restrictions. The vote stands 31 to 28 for denial of request, and 40 to 19 for the restrictions. "Chief Warlock your request for returned guardianship of Miss Potter has been denied, and the additional restrictions have been approved." stated Minister Fudge.

"I demand to know the were about of Miss Potter," exclaimed Dumbledore angrily at loosing guardianship, and now having Wizengamot level restrictions in dealing with Miss Potter.

"Chief Warlock, the whereabouts and health of Miss Potter is not of your concern," rebutted Lady Longbottom. "You have shown by your actions and inactions with regard to Miss Potter that you do not have her best interest in mind."

Dumbledore was still visible shaken and angry with the turn of events in the session and the dressing down by Lady Longbottom did not sit well.

"Miss Potter is in a safer place than where you left her 10years ago," added Madam Bones. "Chief Warlock, I will remind you, do not go looking for Miss Potter."

Seeing no other business, the Minister of Magic closed the session and the chambers released, and the members started to leave the chambers knowing that they will be hounded by the press on departure.

Lady Longbottom walked past Madam bones and quietly said "My office ten minutes," and continued on her way out of the chambers.

Dumbledore wanted to talk with Madam Bones to determine where Miss Potter was. He also had to get the light families behind him to change some laws. He made his way over to Madam Bones, before she could leave the chambers.

"Amelia, why so hostile?" asked Dumbledore.

"Chief Warlock that is Madam Bones or Director," responded Madam Bones. "You do not have the right to use such informal address."

"As your former Headmaster and as Chief Warlock, I believe I have the leeway to address you as such," replied Dumbledore.

"If you demand to be addressed by title then you must address other by their given or earned titles," retorted Madam Bones, to Dumbledore's attempt of control.

"Madam Bones, what do you know of Miss Potter whereabouts?" demanded Dumbledore.

"First off Chief Warlock, Miss Potter's health and welfare is none of your concern. You have shown that you did not have her safety in mind when you absconded with her ten years ago," answered Madam Bones. "Why do you have such interest in the child, more so than you have shown any other war orphans? What is so imperative that you have control of Miss Potter?"

Albus Dumbledore looked at Madam Bones in slight disbelief that she would rebuff his address and then to refuse to answer his question of concern, as it was for the greater good that Miss Potter was under is control, and then to request why he has such high interest in this one child. Dumbledore was not willing to discuss his reasons, and he does not need to explain that it is for the Greater Good of magical Britain, they just need to listen to him.

"Well, I see that you have no answer," responded Madam Bones. "You blatantly disregarded the last wishes of her parents by sealing their wills and forcing yourself on Miss Potter as her magical guardian. Any further attempts by you to find, contact or interact with Miss Potter will see you sitting in one of DMLE holding cells. Am I clear?" Amelia asked with heat in her voice.

Albus Dumbledore was now aware of the looks other members in the chamber were giving him. Having to answer the questions and having his motives for Miss Potter question has raised Dumbledore's anger and irritation. He answered Madam Bones question the only way he could at the moment, by nodding his head in response. He turned and departed the chambers and made his way to the atrium to depart back to Hogwarts, anger boiling and furious that they all refused to listen to him.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Cornelius Fudge was sitting in his office with a very happy expression on his face, after the Wizengamot session. Seeing the Chief Warlock flustered and not able to get what he wanted pleased the man. All was not good for the Minister after hearing that Sirius Black was Miss Potters godfather by ritual. He knew that there was no way that Black betrayed the Potters to you-know-who, as magic would have killed. He knew he needed to resolve this fast but how so that it would not reflect poorly on him.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Madam Bones made her way to the family office of the Longbottom's to meet with Dowager Longbottom to discuss the events of the session. She knocked on the door and waited for permission to enter.

"Enter," called Dowager Longbottom.

Madam Bones entered the office and took an open seat in the office noting the presence of Lady Abbott and Lord Greengrass.

"We will need to watch Dumbledore closely and be careful," stated Madam Bones. "I just had a short conversation with him in the chambers, before coming here and he was demanding the whereabouts of Miss Potter."

"He does not know that she is Lady Potter?" asked Lord Greengrass.

"No, either he has not checked to see how he lost guardianship or he does not realise that is part of the reason he is no longer her magical guardian," replied Madam Bones. "I suspect that in the next few months he will learn of it and will try and have her Head of House status removed, and him replaced as magical guardian. Also he was adamant that it was imperative that Miss Potter was under his guidance."

"If he has Lady Potters Head of House status removed by the Wizengamot, he will still loose control as we can still use the will of her parents to set her guardianship," stated Dowager Longbottom. "I do not see the dark families backing this option as it could undermine their families in the future."

"Agreed," stated Lord Greengrass, with nods from the rest.

"Did he say why she needed his guidance?" Asked Lady Abbott.

"No. He could not or more likely would not explain why he was so insistent, only that it was for the Greater Good," answered Madam Bones.

"I am sick of hearing about his 'Greater Good'," added Lord Greengrass. "He will never tell anyone what it means." All of the attendees were in agreement with that last statement.

"Now that the Minister is aware of Sirius Black being her godfather, do you expect him to move to free Sirius or use other means to make the problem go away?" asked Dowager Longbottom.

"I think I can move Fudge in the direction of giving Sirius a trial since the evidence can came out. Most of the families will vote for innocences as they themselves will want a trial before being sent to prison and they are all knowledgeable of the god-parent rituals," replied Madam Bones.

The attendees discuss several other topics and develop some simple plans and agree to continue to talk with one another on topics involving Lady Potter and their children or wards. None of them wanted to loose the learning environment that their children were currently in.

A/N2: I see Dumbledore as very intelligent and wise, but overly focused on his vision of the Greater Good. He does not handle challenges to his Greater Good well and can be easily derailed as he internally fights plan with anger at being questioned about his motives and reasons and refusal to follow his guidance for his plan.