CHAPTER 11:

BY VERA VIVIAN

Stereotypical Warning: I don't own Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling does.

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Lovely readers, my deepest and most sincere apologies. Apologies a thousand times over. Sorry, but life happens and I love this story but apparently I cannot keep a deadline. To those who continue to read, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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Thank you to all of my new followers and favorites! Lots of gratitude for all of my beautiful reviewers,

ChezaTakehashii, CrystalGriffin, ahelpinghand, Veldin, ptl4ever419, everything-is-black-and-white, geetac, RebeliousOne, lilmisadiva, icyquest4, sunsethill, thehelpinghand, purple sky always, skywiseskychan, titania2811, Rose1414, Saissa, libertax, sailormoonserenity99, Harrypotterwannabe00, JimXian, Tsamoka, dvildead, Pepper Black, Cinderella56, chester258, wijesingheamesha, Rori Potter, BOSS02109, Chuffers244, Riptide115,
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You are all amazing, astounding, and stupendously ace and I cherish all of you!

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Helen strode into her room in a flurry of activity. She waved her hand causing the door to go flying shut and was stripping off her clothes swiftly. Winky already had a pearly white under-gown hovering above her head and helped her into it easily. It was silky with fitted sleeves and bodice and a modest collar. Overtop went a heavier red over-robe fitted to show the under-gown peeking out at the top, ends of the sleeves, and onto the ground. The red over-robe was embroidered with black detailing and had the Potter crest emblazoned boldly across the back with a smaller depiction of the Black crest below it. Winky had her sitting and was lacing up her heeled white leather boots easily. Her hair was arranged swiftly with her bangs pulled back to display her mark on her brow openly and set with a heavy silver comb set with rubies and pearls that were a Potter family heirloom. A matching heavy necklace and earring set were quick to complete the look.

Her wand holstered and a deep red leather briefcase laid out for her to take and she was set. Winky nodded at her decisively, "Winky is checking on Master Dudley." She said and disappeared with a light crack.

Helen smirked at what might be D's reaction to Winky suddenly popping in while he was changing and shook her head. She then did one last glance over in the mirror and retouched her makeup before striding out of her room. Her additional guards had stationed themselves, one at the fireplace and one by the door. Wrightley was perusing a tablet and looked up upon her entrance. Dobby cracked into appearance holding a small box, "Lady Helen is having gift from Lord Chief Ragnok."

"He summoned you?" She asked sharply as she crossed the room and accepted it from her dear little friend.

"Lord Chief Ragnok is telling Dobby last night that he would have gift for Lady Helen and asking if Dobby could fetch it today and give it to Lady Helen." Dobby stated in a roundabout way and tugged lightly on one of his ears.

"None of that," She said brushing his hand away from his ear with a fond smile, "Let's see what he has sent then, thank you Dobby." She said and opened the plain wooden box to a swirling vial and a small folded note. Unfolding it she read,

To Lady Helen, Goblin Friend.
This vial contains the memory of your declaration of Goblin Friend
in the case that any should doubt the authenticity of your claim.
May your enemies' blood spill and you reap your benefits in gold.
Your Friend, Chieftain Ragnok Grimskull, Head of the Clan of Gringotts

"Well, that was thoughtful." She commented aloud before quickly placing the box in her briefcase and burning the note out of existence. She looked up as Dudley exited from his room with Winky at his heels. He wore what appeared to be a cross between a formal suit and dress robes. They were black and looked tailored to fit with a simple white dress shirt and a gules cravat and matching handkerchief to show him as under the Potter family's banner and protection. "Looking handsome, D." She offered lightly.

Dudley took her in looking slightly wide eyed, and let out a low whistle, "Look at you, Len-Len. You look awfully shiny." He teased back, referencing their favorite program and causing her to grin brightly back.

Just then the fire flared up and in all the guards tensed and then relaxed as wizards dressed in formal U.P.A. uniform came through. Wrightley stepped forward and greeted one of the wizards, "Hento! Nice of you to come out and see me!" There was a slight teasing tone in his voice.

The darker skinned wizard who had his black hair pulled back in a low ponytail threw back his head and laughed, "Yeah, you know I just love seeing your pretty face!"

The other agents seemed to gain a more casual air at the easy conversation between the two senior agents. Wrightley waved Hento forward and made to introduce him to Helen, "Allow me to introduce, Lady Helen Jaimelynne Amaryllis Atria, Head of the Noble and Ancient Houses of Potter and Black, Goblin Friend. Lady Helen, this is my old partner and good friend, Senior Agent Hento* of the Santee People."

"Lady Potter-Black." The introduced agent greeted her with a half bow, one fist clasped over his heart.

Helen was surprised to see what she recognized to be the goblin form of greeting to an equal and chose to assume that it had the same context here and that this Hento had to have a place of importance in his tribe. She presumed to respond in equal terms and offered with her fist clasped over chest a bow of the same level and greeted him, "Agent Hento." She noted the slightest twitch of a smile on Wrightley's face and figured she had presumed correct as the older Agent Hento smiled. She directed Dudley to come forward and introduced him, "Allow me to introduce my mater familial cousin, Captain Dudley Anthony Dursley." She stepped aside and allowed Dudley to shake hands with the agent and do greetings.

That done, Agent Hento began, "Well, you know why we're here, Lady Potter-Black."

"Helen, please, Agent Hento." She offered politely.

"Lady Helen," He changed the address with a nod, "Simply Hento will do me well." He offered in reply, "Let's get started then and get you on to your meeting with the President." He stated turning from formalities to business, "Now protocol allows for you to be allowed one blade of your choosing on the grounds of the National Liberty House as well as any focuses of your choosing. However, in the room of the Round Table only one focus is allowed. Your blade and other focuses are kept just outside on a table that is guarded at all times. The guards there are sworn on oaths to not touch any belongings unless it is trying to remove them from an attacker's or thief's hand." He carefully explained. "No other weapons outside of the blade are allowed in the National Liberty House, this includes; cursed artifacts, animals that do not have a familiar status, magical creatures, firearms, poisons, potions, airborne sprays, flammable liquids or gels, contaminated objects, or any non-disclosed item carried with the intent to do harm. Any questions?" He asked at the end of the recited list.

She was about to shake her head but paused, "I have a memory to present to the president, another's memory stored in a vial to bring with me." She explained.

"Allow us to cast diagnostic spells on the vial and properly examine it and it will be allowed on your person." Hento explained and she nodded, "Right, than let us start with the objects you will be bringing on your person, Agent Carter," He nodded to the blonde female agent who wore her hair back in a tight bun, "Will carry out those examinations, I will need to examine a familiar if you, ah, you do have one." He changed his sentence midway as Hedwig flew in through the open window and landed on Helen's shoulder with ease.

Helen smiled as Hedwig preened, "Yes, this lovely lady is my friend, Hedwig."

"Pretty lady indeed. I just have to cast some diagnostic spells that should not harm her in any way unless she already has spells such as those intended for eavesdropping, or visual feedback, or meant to incite harm to another." He explained.

Helen accepted, "Play nice, Hed." She directed to her familiar who in turn gave her a look as if to say, who me? To which Helen chuckled but nudged her familiar to go perch on Hento's offered forearm.

"I'll need whatever items you plan on bringing with you, Lady Potter-Black." Agent Carter asked with a polite and formal tone.

Helen's teeth clenched briefly at the lack of greeting but she smiled and nodded, "Of course, Agent Carter. I will be bringing my briefcase, which is right here on the coffee table, will you need it open?"

"Yes, Lady Potter-Black. Will you be bringing a blade with you?"

Helen placed her thumb on the lock and didn't flinch at the pinprick that recognized her blood and her lack of duress and allowed the case to click open. "Yes," She answered, "Winky, can you please fetch my gladius and appropriate belt."

The little elf who was instantly by her side curtsied and disappeared with a crack and was quick to reappear with the sword in sheath laid flat in both her hands. Helen smiled and accepted the gift she had received for her 13th birthday from Nicholas after the whole episode with the basilisk. She gently took it and laid it down on the coffee table and left Agent Carter to it.

"Kreacher." She summoned her oldest house elf who appeared in a low bow before her.

"Mistress Helen is calling Kreacher."

"Yes, please fetch the Pensieve from Lord Orion's office and bring it here, I may require it brought to me on my visit with the President."

Kreacher gave another bow, "Yes Mistress Helen." And disappeared with a crack.

"Well," Agent Hento said finishing with Hedwig, "I'm done with this pretty lady, now it is just down to you, Lady Helen, and your cousin."

"What do you need of me, Hento?" She asked.

"Simply remove all but one focus from your person and remain as still as you can." He instructed.

Helen removed her back-up wand and handed it to Dudley to hold and then stilled and resisted flinching from the wand raised in her direction. Hento was efficient in casting his diagnostic spells and nodded once completed, "You're good to go, Lady Helen."

She offered a brief smile before accepting her spare wand back from Dudley. She stood back and observed the same treatment she had received directed at her cousin. She turned her attention though to the direct Agent Carter who came to stand before her.

"Your belongings have been cleared, Lady Potter-Black." The agent stated straight-forwardly.

Helen offered her a tight smile, "Thank you, Agent Carter. Kreacher, has fetched the pensieve belonging to the House of Black. I may or may not have it summoned to my presence while in meeting with your President. I am sure that you want to examine it, please be aware that it is an ancient artifact and is not to be messed with by those who do not know how to handle one properly." She kept her tone cool and directed her loyal house elf, "Kreacher, please show Agent Carter to the pensieve and allow her to do what she must."

Wrightley discreetly raised a brow in her direction at her slight snub to the blonde agent. Helen crossed the room to stand by his side. "You do not appear impressed with Agent Carter, Lady Helen." He stated in a dry tone.

Helen kept her face blank and replied, "There is a certain amount of formality that I suppose I have grown used to being present while I am acting as Head of House."

"Been spoiled a bit, Lady Helen?" His tone was neither mean nor demeaning but rather held a slight teasing air.

"I suppose. But there is an expected part I must play as Dual Head of two Noble and Ancient Houses." She replied glibly.

"The game of British politics." He commented, "I cannot say that I miss it."

"It can be fun at times though, but then we nobles have a bit of a twisted sense of humor, I've heard." She replied honestly.

Wrightley outright chuckled but straightened out into proper 'agent mode' as Hento approached in a similar manner. "We are all ready to begin departing, Lady Helen." Hento directly addressed her.

"Of course," She said with a nod. Winky was suddenly there with her belt and sheathed gladius and helped her to dawn it and arrange it properly. Her shut brief case was handed to her by Dobby.

"The flue address is, 'National Liberty House: Fox Room,' with a temporary password set to, 'Lady of Gules.'" Hento instructed.

"Dobby, Hedwig's cage." Helen instructed and Dobby was gone and back again in an instant with the cage, holding it open for the lady owl. Hedwig gave Helen a dirty look from her perch on a chair back. "Come on Hed, it's just for the flue. Promise, love." The owl seemed to eye her as if to say, 'it better be,' before accepting Helen's words and flying into the cage and allowing Dobby to shut and latch the door. "Alright, Hed, I've got to take Dudley so you'll have to go with someone else," She addressed her owl who was giving her a withering stare, "Sorry love but I have no choice, got to help my fool cousin." She teased Dudley likely who shook his head at her.

"I can bring the beautiful lady, if that is okay with you Lady Hedwig?" Hento said, directly addressing Hedwig with a courteous nod.

"Oh, flatter her some more why don't you." Helen replied but gestured for Dobby to pass the cage to the agent.

"Alright, all agents and guards through first, followed by the Lady Helen along with her cousin, then Wrightley and I will follow last." Hento instructed briskly.

Helen and Dudley waited patiently and when by the time it was their turn to enter the flue, Dudley had a death grip on Helen's arm. "National Liberty House: Fox Room." Helen intoned and added, "Lady of Gules" When they rapidly approached their destination.

They emerged, more smoothly than Dudley had managed in the past, and found themselves in a private receiving hall with their guards and agents already spread out. It was a tasteful room that reflected traditional tones, with green walls and lanterns that would light it at night. The main thing that dominated the room was a colonial era painting depicting a tribal medicine man meeting with a European wizard. The two wizards from long ago were eying them with interest but did not engage them in conversation, like paintings were sometimes want to do.

They moved away from the fireplace just as Wrightley entered through. He moved to join them with Hento following behind him. Hedwig instantly ruffled her feathers up and glared causing Helen to giggle a little bit. "Oh Hed, come on, it's not that bad." That caused her to double to twice her size in anger, "Okay, okay, I'm not the one in the cage, I know, come on lovie." She opened the door and Hedwig nipped at her hand briefly before coming out and settling on Helen's shoulder.

Hento took stock of the room and everyone awaiting his instruction and took charge immediately, "This way Lady Helen." He stated, gesturing the way.

Helen allowed Hento and Wrightley to walk ahead of her and Dudley and was aware of other agents filing in behind to escort them. They strode with a purposeful pace through the building. The hallways they crossed seemed to reflect the architecture popular during the Colonial Era. They finally came to a door which opened to reveal a small antechamber. There were four guards within the room. The main feature of the room appeared to be a table similar to a Table of Allies. Two of the guards in the antechamber stood directly in front of the table.

Without a request necessary, Helen disarmed herself of her gladius and spare wand and placed the upon the table. Dudley copied suit, placing his own knife upon the table. Once she was disarmed Hento placed a finger to his ear, alike to his muggle counterpart, murmuring, "The White Queen is ready."

Helen resisted snorting at the codename given to her and instead faced the door she had just entered through. It opened, causing the guards and Wrightley and Hento to all snap to attention. A personal guard entered first and scanned the room before standing aside and allowing the Magi-President to enter. Helen had seen pictures of the man but used the current moment to draw her first impression. He was an older-appearing man with black hair that had apparently become greyer over the course of his presidency. The most recent photo she had seen of the man had been from his inauguration. His hair was cropped in a military-fashion and paired with a close-trimmed salt and pepper beard. He held a quiet, unassuming air but his eyes were calculating as he greeted her with a polite smile, "Lady Potter-Black." He offered her a cordial nod in greeting before disarming himself as she had just done.

Once disarmed he strode up to her and gave her a full greeting as worthy of her station, "Lady Potter-Black, it is a pleasure to meet you."

She offered her hand and participated in the dance of manners, "President Mueller," She greeted as he pressed a courteous kiss in greeting to her hand, "Thank you for your invitation."

"Of course," He replied, "Captain Dursley," He turned, greeting her cousin, "Thank you for joining us."

Dudley gave him a firm handshake, "Kind of you to invite us." Dudley echoed Helen's words.

"Well," The Magi-President gestured to the door to the bigger chamber, "Let's get comfortable, I hope you'll forgive me, but my Cabinet members will arrive in the next fifteen minutes or so. There is an ICW meeting that should be wrapping up shortly that is currently occupying them."

In other words, Mueller wanted a chance to speak privately and had found a convenient excuse. His excuse was most likely true as well, clever, Helen thought. She offered an understanding look, "Of course, we appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule."

The doors to the Room of the Round Table opened and the room lived up to its name. Dominating the room was an ornate round wooden table of massive proportion. She conducted a quick mental count and found 30 chairs to be sat around it. Each chair was highbacked with surnames etched into the tops of the chairs. Two chairs held the title of Guest Invite inscribed upon them. Mueller ignored all this for the moment and approached a large globe which opened itself up with a flick of his wand and revealed its insides to contain a small stocked bar.

"I feel I must first apologize for the apparent difficulties you already encountered in our country this morning." Mueller began, revealing himself to be well-informed and on top of things.

Helen shook her head immediately, "It is not your place to apologize for the fault of others. Regardless of the incident, I am glad I was where I was when it occurred. I have been informed that my prompt action may have made a difference in saving Petty Officer O'Brian's life. I did so without the use of magic," Mostly, she thought of the slight compulsion she had used to gain the mundanes help but continued, "And was the first to respond to the situation. If I helped to save his life than that is where I should have been." She said decisively.

"Well then I can say that I am sorry such a thing occurred but thankful you were in the right place to be of help." Mueller smartly replied and then offered a slight bow of his head with his next words, "I was sorry to hear of the injustice done to your Lord Father, but I'm sorry to say that I wasn't necessarily surprised such a thing occurred in Britain. Still, my sincere condolences for your loss, Lady Potter-Black." Mueller spoke somewhat frankly, but the game of politics was also on his tongue.

"Thank you, President Mueller." Helen murmured, accepting his words with a slight bow of her head and placing a hand briefly over her heart.

"Please, my lady, George." Mueller, interestingly, offered his name to her first.

"Of course, thank you, George." She replied with a practiced smile, "Please, call me Helen."

"Lady Helen, Captain Dursley, care for a drink while we wait on my advisors." George offered.

"I suppose it could not hurt." She gave in and accepted for the both of them.

"I'll have you know I'm something of an expert with cocktails, worked a bar rail in my much younger years. What spirit does the lady prefer?"

Helen raised a brow, "Surprise me." She replied with a challenging smile.

"Lady Helen, that's just unfair." Mueller replied, but in jest, as he directed his wand to mix bottles and ingredients in an extravagant show and which resulted in him handing her a slightly smoking glass which glowed green slightly.

"Captain Dursley?" Mueller questioned.

"Dudley's fine," Her cousin responded before ordering simply, "Whiskey with less dramatic effect, on the rocks." His gaze flicked to Helen's strange concoction as he ordered.

"Of course," And this time, Mueller grabbed the bottle with his hand and gave a generous pour into a glass and used tongs to place a single large ice cube to the glass, before passing it to Dudley.

They waited for Mueller to fix himself a drink and once all three had a glass in hand Mueller offered, "To Lord Sirius Black, may he rest in peace in the afterlife."

Helen and Dudley both silently raised their glasses in salute before taking a drink. "À votre santé.1" Helen offered in response.

"À la vôtre.2" Mueller easily replied and again all three took a drink. "If you'll forgive my bluntness, Lady Helen, I was wondering why you have come to the U.P.A.? What with the current state of affairs in Britain?"

Helen raised both her brows at his question, which as he had admitted, was supremely blunt. She supposed that was Mueller's modus operandi, appear discreet and cordial and off-set his political opponents by pursuing his line of interest in such a direct fashion. Well she could play that she supposed. She liked playing that after so many years in pretending and hiding in half-truths. However, she still had certain cards which she needed to keep close to her chest.

"Well I am assuming you are not asking for the explanation which is already on my entrance forms." She coyly replied and shook her head before he could respond. She could feel Dudley metaphorically sitting back and simply observing. "No, the current political climate is not encouraging me to reside in my homeland. I am not seeking to abandon her forever though, only to retreat for the appropriate amount of time."

"You attend Hogwarts, do you not?" Mueller questioned, continuing to fish for information.

"I have for the past five years, yes." Helen kept the sparring going.

"Will you return for your sixth year, Lady Helen?" Mueller was nothing if not persistent and held an ounce of genuine curiosity and polite small talk in his voice.

"I have been in discussion with the Durmstrang Institute regarding my potential attendance for my final years of schooling recently. Of course, papers have yet to be signed but things look favorable to such a decision." Helen gave him her honestly, least impressive current secret.

"Durmstrang? I had heard that there had been some disarrangement with the Headmaster recently." Mueller responded, investing time into the interesting tidbit she had just revealed.

Helen paused to sip her drink before responding, "Yes, unfortunately or fortunately depending on your viewpoint, the former headmaster, Igor Karkaroff fled from his duty to the school and left a suitable amount of disarray. The new headmaster, Anton Blackthorn, has been restoring order and rectifying Karkaroff's damage."

Mueller's brow furrowed briefly before returning to his polite interested expression. He had clearly not heard of someone replacing Karkaroff, or of Blackthorn, or maybe did not know of either. "I find myself unfamiliar with Anton Blackthorn."

Well, Helen could keep this tangent going until Mueller's Cabinet joined them. "Anton Blackthorn attended Durmstrang as a student and studied for his mastery in Alchemy under Master Ayokunmi Akingbade at Uagadou3. His post-mastery work has included research with Master Flamel."

"Really?" Questioned Mueller, seeming impressed. Helen wondered how impressed he would be if he ever discovered her status as an apprentice of the Flamels.

"Yes, he and Master Flamel completed a research project together in the field of Spagyric," She turned as if she was only explaining this to Dudley because Mueller did not appear to know what she meant, "Master Flamel is the most notable alchemist in our world and the only known successful maker of a Philosophers Stone. He continues to be much involved in the field of alchemy research today. Him and Master Akingbade worked together in the subset field of Spagyric, which is the focus of producing medications through alchemical procedures. I believe they have continued to partner together on research in this field. Currently the word is that they are looking to further Belby's work."

Mueller's frowned and he openly admitted, "Remind me of Belby, if you would not mind, Lady Helen?"

Ah, so she had managed to catch his interest and buy time while they waited for his Cabinet to arrive. She inwardly smirked but turned back to Mueller and explained, "Master Damocles Belby is a potioneer from Britain most noted for his invention of the Wolfsbane Potion. It is currently the only known magical invention which is successful in alleviating some of the symptoms of the Were Virus."

"Ah, yes, it came about sometime during the 70's?" Mueller was quick to recall a related fact. He was definitely sharper than some of the politicians she had met in Britain, but that wasn't actually saying much.

"Yes, 1976 was when it was first released to the public. Although Belby's work proved a significant accomplishment, the realities of implementing such a potion on a wider-scale have so far proved ineffective."

"Why?" Dudley questioned for the first time.

"Money." Helen was quick to reply and expanded, "The potion itself is quite complex but the ingredients are supremely costly. Most victims of the Were Virus struggle to find employment either due to social stigma or legislation and therefore few can actually afford the potion."

"Nice to know some things translate." Dudley commented dryly, "Money rules all worlds."

Helen quirked a brow at him, she was normally the pessimist between the two of them. Dudley simply shrugged.

"Facts." He stated.

Helen resisted snorting in front of the president but echoed her cousin, "Facts." Her sudden urge to giggle with her cousin was thankfully interrupted by the doors to the room opening and several of Mueller's cabinet members making their way in. At the head of them was Director Love who offered a small smile and polite bow of his head upon making eye contact with her.

He was the first to greet her as his contemporaries made their way around them to their places at the table. "Lady Helen, looking resplendent today." He courteously greeted her, pressing a polite kiss to her offered hand and one-upping those around him all in one move.

"Director Love," She started only to be interrupted by him offering her his name.

"Please, Lady Helen, Antony." There was a spark in his eye as he and Helen both noted the jealous gaze of a sharp-eyed, waspish woman who was passing a little too closely by the two of them to be necessarily polite.

Love, or Antony, would put some of the pureblood she knew to shame. He knew the game and played it well. She smirked, "Of course, Antony, a pleasure to see you again." She dragged the word pleasure and enjoyed the way the woman and her cousin both flinched slightly.

"Look at you, calm just after the battle."

"I do not falter for I have never been allowed to." She replied with her truth and a bite in her tone.

Director Love gestured his respect with a wave of his wand hand in her direction and she raised her glass to him in response before draining it swiftly. She turned away from and approached the president at his bar to offer him back the glass. Now for her to play her games.

"Much thanks, George." She gave a polite smile and sat her empty glass upon the small bar.

His eyes were sharp but his expression pleasant, "Many returns, Lady Helen." He took in the room and nodded decisively, "Shut the doors, let us get this underway." He ordered one of the agents who stood in his shadow. "Please, my lady, feel free to take your seat."

Helen smiled blandly and took her cousin's elbow and Dudley had never been far from her side and allowed D to pull out her chair and assist her into her seat before he sat to her right. She noted her chair was to the president's right, the highest honor that could be given at this table and it had been given to her, a fifteen-year-old girl. But she unfortunately was not merely that, she was the dual head of the two Noble and Ancient Houses and the last remaining member of one of those families. She imperiously gazed at the faces across the table from her and knew she would give no quarter here or ever. She could not. She was not allowed such luxuries.

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Things are moving. Thoughts?

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