Chapter three part two

[Rashia, would it be alright with you if a few of my friends help move your nest to a safe location? No harm will come to them or you with us helping to keep predators away. They'll be beside a constant source of heat so you can hunt and relax.] Harry explained, watching as the female lifted her head to look at him.

[They will be safe?] She asked, her voice hesitant as Harry nodded.

[I swear they will be as safe as can be. You can instruct us on how to build the nest you've always wanted so you and your young are comfortable.] Harry promised, watching as Rashia looked at him before nodding in agreement.

Harry relayed the message to Aya and Mark Hotchner. They were pleased to learn Rashia's name and they located the body of her mate. They were alarmed to see that the Fire Lizard had been killed and hadn't been eaten. Spreading out, they discovered the dead body of a very large wolf, in which random parts of its fur had been burned off and there were bite marks all around its body and on its neck. Harry asked Rashia if she and her husband had venom, to which she informed him that they do have venom though they could control it so their bites didn't contain any venom should they so desire. Aya hurriedly explained that some Fire Lizards had venom while others didn't; it all depended on the species. She sent a patronus to Sean telling him to bring a huge cauldron filled with hot sand. It only took ten minutes before Sean and two others returned carrying a large cauldron filled with steaming sand. Rashia breathed flames over her clutch once more before she walked over to the cauldron and inspected it.

She approved of the cauldron and dug out some of the sand before she relayed instructions to Harry to give Aya and the others in the handling of her eggs and placing them in the sand. Rashia covered each egg after inspecting it which took a while but they soon had all six eggs safely covered in sand. Harry walked with the others while holding onto Spirit's reins with Rashia wound around his neck and resting on his shoulders like some kind of scarf. He asked her plenty of questions about her race, though Aya pitched in when Harry began asking her questions as well. All of them were surprised when Aya informed them that it was rather common in her country for Fire Lizards to become familiars of Witches and Wizards and even Squibs. The Fire Lizards chose their 'human' at birth, normally only a week after hatching. Fire Lizards were capable of teleporting, breathing flames, telepathic communication with their bonded humans and their bonded humans could even see through their eyes if their bond was strong enough.

Rashia also informed Harry, and thus the others, that many Fire Lizards have unique abilities and many Fire Lizards were able to learn different skills with the help of their bonded. Harry was saddened in learning that Fire Lizards mate for life, which meant that Rashia would never have another clutch of eggs due to her mate's death. However, he was shocked when she showed him a deep blue/black scale which had belonged to her mate.

[This scale contains enough of Dusk's magic and life force that it will permit me to have one more clutch. When I am ready to have my next clutch, all I need to do is heat the scale and consume it. My magic and the lingering magic and life force in the scale will do the rest.] Rashia explained, smiling gently as Harry looked at her in awe before he relayed the information back to the others.

"I was wondering how some of the nesting females managed to have another clutch after their mate's had passed." Aya mused.

Reaching the main grounds, Harry grinned when he saw his parents, Dean and his family. Everyone was in awe over Rashia and the large cauldron. One of the Assassins hurried forward and took Spirit from Harry, guiding the stallion back to the stables on the far right of the estate. Richard, meanwhile, led them over to the stone building which served as his forge. Near the building was a rather large bonfire which had a sand pit a few inches from it. Rashia flew down from Harry's shoulders and examined the pit before she flew into the flames of the bonfire and retrieved a number of red-hot stones which she used to line the pit before adding ashes from the bonfire in with the sand.

Using her flames, she heated the sand until it began steaming before she and the others began carefully moving her eggs to their new nest. Lucas, Delilah and Eliza stood near Harry, listening as he spoke with the Fire Lizard before relaying the instructions to the others who were helping Rashia organize her nest to her exact liking. Rashia also informed them of another pair of Fire Lizards that lived in a small cave near the boundary of the property. Harry, Rashia and Aya headed to the cave and met Barroth and his mate Slytha. Both were horrified in learning that Dusk had been killed and it obviously worried them. They were impressed when Harry spoke to them and admitted that they had heard the howls of wolves getting closer and closer to the cave at night recently. It took some coaxing, but after Aya assured them that they could create a cave for the pair, the two Fire Lizards agreed to move to the main grounds of the estate.

Aya was allowed to look into the cave and study how the mated pair had set it up. She exited after studying it for ten minutes before they all headed back to the main grounds. Again, the others were in awe over the beautiful creatures and Aya, Richard and several others hurried to create a cave for Barroth and Slytha. It was near the edge of the main property, away from all of the excitement and chaos that came from having so many people walking around, living there and training. Harry and the two Fire Lizards were watching the progress with Harry adding in a few things that the pair wanted changed and ensuring that everything was to the pairs liking. It took two and a half hours before the cave was completed and Barroth and Slytha entered the cave and began preparing their new nest.

Wards were placed around the cave and around Rashia's nest to keep away intruders and harmful animals and creatures. There was also a ward to keep young children away and to dampen any noise so the Fire Lizards wouldn't be disturbed. The regal creatures were grateful for the protections and were soon settled in. Harry, now that the excitement was over, headed back to the manor where his parents sat him down and asked him why he had left so suddenly after returning home. He explained everything that happened and how he hadn't felt in control of his emotions when he had come home. He had been intent on just riding through the forest to burn off steam before returning home and facing the music. Lucas and Delilah told their son that they weren't upset as he had been defending the two girls and themselves. Of course they warned him to try and avoid getting into fights again, but Harry was relieved and slightly surprised when they didn't punish him.

Harry retreated to the library and did what little homework he had before heading back outside to run around and work on his archery at the training grounds. He was joined by a few other Assassins and Ashley, in which they made it a small competition. All of them had a lot of fun and they were rather surprised when Ashley beat all of them which caused a lot of cheering and celebration from those who had gathered around to watch the competition. Ashley laughed and blushed as she was lifted onto a few shoulders and carried around the archery range, her eyes bright in happiness. Harry grinned at her from the ground and gave her a thumbs up, making the girl blush but beam happily.

-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-

The next few months passed with a lot of changes and additions. Slytha laid four eggs for her first clutch in early May and it was common to see either her or Barroth flying out of the cave and heading to the forest to hunt. Rashia's clutch hatched during the first week of June and everyone was in awe over the multicolored hatchlings. All of them were healthy and squalling; keeping their mother busy as she tried to keep up with feeding them. Harry and Aya were the only two who were allowed to help Rashia hunt for her young ones, which was fine with the others since they were more than happy to let the professionals handle it. Aya also received a few books on Fire Lizards and their history from one of her relatives back in Egypt. Harry devoured the books, wanting to know more and more about the creatures he had found in the forest. Of course Lucas informed the Ministry about the findings of the Fire Lizards on his property and assured them that he had someone who was trained in handling and protecting the species.

Of course, throughout the course of the year leading up to where Harry was now, his father and mother had been getting steady reports from Kay, Summers, Roberts and Williams. The evidence condemning Fudge and his toady was building and building and there was no doubt that Madame Bones would have a field day when they presented the evidence to her. There was also more than enough evidence to have Lords Malfoy, Parkinson, Nott, Crabbe, Goyle and a few others tossed into Azkaban. Of course they would have to handle this carefully as throwing the 'former' Death Eaters into Azkaban all willy-nilly would create a power gap in the Wizengamot. Of course there was no doubt that the Death Eaters needed to be punished for what they had done, but things had to be handled carefully.

Lucas had also been meeting with Guy Matthews about running for Minister again. Guy had lost the previous election, obviously and was slightly hesitant to run again. However, Lucas managed to convince him to give it another chance when the elections would come around once more. All of the Houses that Lucas and Sirius had an alliance with agreed that Fudge had to be done away with. He had been trying to pass a few laws that would up the price of school supplies for Muggleborns. Those laws would make Muggleborns pay nearly three times the price that Purebloods and Halfbloods pay at the stores and even then Halfbloods would be charged more than Purebloods. Another thing that the foolish man had tried to do is revoke the adoption of Harrison. Of course Lucas, Sirius, Augusta and a few others had been enraged and the motion had been quickly tossed out, especially when Lucas nearly called the Minister out on a duel for daring to attempt to pull Harry away from him. The cowardly man had quickly backed down, even though Lord Parkinson and Malfoy had looked angered.

Another good thing that had happened was a week after the hatching of Rashia's eggs Harry discovered his familiar. He had been helping some of the new hatchlings fly when he had felt a pull on his magic. It was startling, to say the least, but he had read about a person's magic directing them to their familiars and even finding their soulmates. Following the pull on his magic led Harry to the training grounds, specifically the stealth arena. There were hale bales, low walls, tall grass, bushes, cars, stalls and even a few dummy houses and shops. His magic pulled him further in the direction of a stunningly beautiful Fire Lizard. While many Fire Lizards had two toned scales, this young Fire Lizard was pure white and her eyes were a bright amber color that were filled with intelligence.

The Fire Lizard turned and looked at him, her eyes brightening. Harry opened his mouth to speak to the young hatchling, though before he could say anything, she flew to his shoulders and perched there only to use her long tail to wrap around his right hand and bring it up. Harry yelped when she suddenly bit his hand, flinching in pain. However, the pain soon disappeared and a warm glow washed through him as the puncture marks on his hand instantly healed.

[Can you hear me?] A young, girlish voice asked, making Harry startle and look around.

"W-What?!"

[I said, can you hear me? Though judging from your reaction, it's obvious that you can.] The voice said, making Harry look around before he looked at the Fire Lizard perched on his shoulder.

"A-Are you talking to me?!" He asked, awe in his voice as she nodded her head.

[Of course I am. I created the familiar bond between us. Your magic accepted mine.] She said, letting out a faint rumbling sound as Harry lightly scratched underneath her chin.

"I…I never expected to have a Fire Lizard as my familiar. What's your name, pretty girl?" He asked, smiling as he headed back towards the manor.

[My mother named me Mira. She told me that your name is Harrison though you go by Harry.] She answered, gently wrapping her tail around his neck to further stabilize herself.

Harry mentally searched through his mind and quickly found the new link that he shared with Mira. It was a pleasant warmth and he could sense Mira's feelings through the link. She was content, happy and curious about him; wanting to know more about him and his family. He remembered what he had read about the bonds between humans and their familiars and, after a few tries, managed to speak to Mira through thought. She was very pleased with this and asked him many questions about the estate and his training. Harry answered all of her questions as best he could; unaware of the stares he was getting from the others as he walked by. Now, a few Assassins had found their familiars in some of the new hatchlings; though the biggest surprise had been when Rashia had bonded with Richard. She claimed that she hadn't bonded with him earlier because of her duties as a nesting mother and she had wanted to get a 'feel' for the area before acknowledging the bond.

"Harry?" Dean asked, his eyes wide as Harry turned and looked at him.

"Hey, Dean!" He said, grinning as Dean walked over and looked at the Fire Lizard with interest.

"Let me guess, your familiar?" Dean asked, chuckling as Harry nodded happily.

"Yeah. Her name is Mira." Harry said, watching as the white creature rumbled at Dean in way of greeting.

Dean bowed his head towards the white Fire Lizard, grinning when she nodded towards him in return. Dean asked Harry about some of the homework they had been assigned, in which the slightly shorter boy laughed and nodded.

"You finished Miss Goodwin's worksheet already?! How?! It's bloody hard!" Dean cried, only to yelp as a hand connected with the back of his head.

"Dean Thomas-Woods, what have I told you about using such language?" Cassie barked, glaring down at her son as he flushed and rubbed the back of his head.

"Sorry Mum." He muttered.

"I swear you need to stop hanging out around Nicolette. She'd make a sailor blush." Cassie muttered, frowning as she thought of the red haired Assassin while walking away from her son.

Dean and Harry shared a look, faint smirks on their face as they thought of Nicolette. Nicolette was one of the Assassins and was a rather…robust woman with dark red hair and bright blue eyes. She was a middle aged and had raised several children, all adopted and all Squibs. Nicolette was rather rough and didn't take flak from anyone no matter their rank and had even dragged Lucas off by his ear before his temper got ahold of him a few times. Everyone, everyone, listened to Nicolette and didn't dare cross her less they wish to feel her hand smacking them across the back of their head.

However, she was also one of the nicest and warmhearted women that anyone knew and her hospitality was famous in the Brotherhood. She didn't live on the estate though she visited almost daily and often stayed for eight hours at a time just making sure that everyone was doing alright and remembered to take care of themselves. Her house was a safe house for other Assassins and was well protected by the wards she placed around the property. Her House Elves weren't afraid to attack intruders who were attempting to get into the house to harm her and anyone who was staying there either.

"Harry?!" Eliza gasped, making her brother blink and look down at her as she hurried over.

"Hey, Liz. Aren't you supposed to be in your lessons?" He asked, raising an eyebrow when the little girl huffed and stomped her foot.

"I hate my lessons! Why do I have to learn how to sit 'properly' and all these stuffy manners?" She asked, pouting as Harry lightly ruffled her hair.

"Because you're a lady. I'm still in lessons to be a lord." Harry said, watching in amusement as Eliza huffed again.

"But you're the one who will become Lord Othello and Lord Potter. I won't be Lady Othello." She said, blinking when Harry smiled warmly at her.

"I know, but you still need the lessons. You might end up marrying a lord one day when you're older. Not only that, but you know we're expected to know certain manners and such. Mum has told you all of this already." He said, making Eliza pout once more.

"I shouldn't have to learn these lessons. I want to be an Assassin not a Lady." She mumbled, making Harry and Dean laugh.

Eliza soon forgot about her lessons when Mira shifted on Harry's shoulders. She instantly began asking questions at a rapid-fire rate at her brother about his new familiar. Of course, like all little girls, she wanted one as well. It took some time but Harry managed to calm Eliza down by reminding her that she had plenty of time in order to find her familiar and she might even find one in a future clutch from Rashia or Barroth and Slytha. Thankfully, that seemed to calm her down just in time for Delilah and Lucas to walk over. Delilah frowned at her daughter, making Eliza duck her head and shift.

"There you are, Eliza! You should know better than to run from your tutors." She scolded, frowning as Eliza ducked her head even more.

" 'm sorry, Mum. It's just…it's so boring! Missus Fran is so stuffy and boring and strict." Eliza whined, glancing up at her parents before looking down at the ground at their stern looks again.

"Go back to your lessons." Lucas said, his voice stern but gentle as Eliza huffed and stomped away.

They waited until Eliza disappeared inside the manor before turning their attention back to Harry. Delilah and Lucas smiled at Mira and asked a few questions about the Fire Lizard. Dean grinned as his friend flushed and told his parents about how he and Mira bonded, which worried Delilah slightly when she discovered that Mira had bitten her son. However, she also understood that it was simply how the bond had to be formed. She asked Mira plenty of questions, such as how long it would take for her to become a fully mature Fire Lizard since she was only about ten inches high and twenty inches long. She, Harry and Dean learned that it would take Mira about two human years to be a fully mature Fire Lizard and, as she grew and her bond with Harry deepened, she would learn more and more abilities and gain new powers. As of now, she could fly, breath fire, speak to Harry telepathically and could swim. It would take her awhile to learn to read, see through Harry's eyes, teleport and carry objects more than a few pounds.

"Harrison, Dean, your instructors have told us that you're both doing very well in free-running and your climbing skills. We've all decided that you'll begin your weapons training in a month. You've both begun learning Krav Maga and apparently you've been picking it up quickly. Dean, Hector is especially impressed by your increasing strength and speed. Harrison, Hector is becoming increasingly impressed with your usage of your surroundings and also your creativeness when it comes to finding ways to gain an advantage over your opponents." Delilah said, pride in her voice as the two boys beamed.

"Hey, Mum, Dad, what'll happen when we're in Hogwarts?" Harry asked, making Delilah blink as Lucas looked down at his son.

"You're training will take place during the weekends with Minerva and Severus. They are the only two Assassins in Hogwarts that will be able to continue your training. Ever since they became Master Assassins, they've also been given the task of finding any possible Assassins in the group of students." Lucas answered.

"Isn't Professor Flitwick allies with the Brotherhood?" Dean asked, frowning lightly as he tried to remember some of his history lessons.

"He is. While not an Assassin himself, he is a master swordsman and duelist. We've often asked for his advice and training throughout the years." Delilah said, the boys nodding in understanding.

"When you come home for the holidays you'll resume your Muggle schooling and also during the summer. You've already been able to skip a grade because you're ahead in your studies." Lucas explained, making Dean and Harry grin and high-five each other.

Heading into the manor, Harry showed Mira around with Dean while his parents headed off to do whatever it is they did. Mira asked plenty of questions about the various rooms and what they were used for. She also took off and flew through the hallways, exploring on her own and startling the House Elves as they weren't used to seeing a Fire Dragon flying around in the manor. She managed to open doors by wrapping her talons around the knobs and twisting, which made Harry and Dean look at her in awe as they chased her throughout the manor. Mira's eyes widened when she entered the library and Harry smiled as she flew around the vast, two story room. Following her back out to the main hallways, Harry showed his familiar his room, to which she nodded in agreement with it and promptly settled down on the large pillows at the head of the boy's bed.

[So, Harry, what do you do for fun?] Mira asked, laying down on the pillows and flexing her wings.

"Dean and I play games, fly, play footie and explore the forest." Harry said, making Dean focus on his friend.

[How do you fly? You have no wings…or do they appear from your body?] Mira asked, curiosity in her voice as she stood and moved over to the foot of the bed to look up at the boys.

"We have brooms that are specially made and enchanted to fly. My dad can also turn into a mist and fly for a short amount of time like that though it uses a lot of magical power." Harry explained, Mira nodding her head slowly.

"Let me guess, she asked what we like to do for fun and wondered how we can fly." Dean said, grinning as Harry nodded and smirked.

"We should all go flying around the estate soon." He said, Dean and Mira voicing their agreement.

"Harry! Dean! Uncle Sirius is here for your lessons!" Eliza called, making the boys groan and hang their heads.

"Bloody hell…" Dean groaned, making Harry snort softly.

"Don't let the adults hear you say that." He said, standing up as Dean huffed.

"Yeah…it's not fun getting smack upside the head…again." Dean muttered, glaring as Harry laughed and walked out of his room after Mira landed on his shoulder and settled.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

October 1st, 1988

Minster Cornelius Fudge arrested for accepting bribes!

Written by Stephani Wormwood

Yesterday evening Madame Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, led a team of three Aurors and arrested Minister Cornelius Oswald Fudge on charges of accepting bribes and forgery. Mister Fudge has officially been stripped of his title as Minister of Magic and has been replaced by Madame Griselda Marchbanks, senior member of the Department of Education, until the Minstrel elections take place in November. He is being held in the Ministry holding cells until a trial can be arranged and is being guarded by two Aurors around the clock.

Madame Bones had this to say about the surprise investigation into the Minister:

"Former Minister Cornelius Fudge has been presenting outlandish and even cruel bills and laws to the Wizengamot. Earlier this year Mister Fudge had even attempted to break the adoption of Heir Harrison James Potter, also known as the Boy-Who-Lived, and remove him from his blood adopted parents. Lord Othello and several others were outraged at such a proposal and Lord Othello threatened to duel Mister Fudge for the slight against his family. Mister Fudge promptly backed down and never mentioned the proposal again, but it raised some red flags. I decided to select a group of three Aurors to investigate the office of Mister Fudge and received permission to do so from Lord Dumbledore in his position as Chief Warlock.

"This investigation took place over the course of nearly a year and we were appalled to find that our 'sincere' Minister has been accepting bribes from known Death Eaters. People were being kept from rising to their proper ranks in the Ministry and others were targeted and put down or even fired for rather foolish reasons. Of course the people involved in this investigation will also be arrested and charged with bribery, blackmail and any other charges that may come to light."

Mister Fudge was unable to comment due to being in custody. Madame Marchbanks has since officially started her term as the in-term Minister. Mister Fudge's trial shall be judged by Lord Dumbledore and is rumored to take place in a week from today. Madame Longbottom of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom had this to say about the discovery of the now former Minister's actions:

"Our society is still recovering from the war against You-Know-Who. We need a strong and just Minister who can lead our society in the right direction to prevent the rise of another Dark Lord/Lady. Instead, Fudge was attempting to implement laws and bills that would further displace members of our society like Muggleborns and even Halfbloods. What many people seem to fail to realize is that our society needs new blood to keep our magic strong. Gringotts has discovered the heirs and heiresses to four Most Ancient and Noble Houses which had thought to have died out because they had actually 'Squibbed' out. This only proves that we need to be accepting of others instead of shunning them and attempting to keep things the way they are."

I was deeply honored to have been permitted to speak with Lord Ragnok Ironfist, the Director of England's Gringotts bank and King of the Goblin Nation. He gladly confirmed that his employees have discovered the heirs and heiresses.

"All of my employees are instructed to offer all 'Muggleborns' who come through our bank the chance to take an inheritance test. Many times these tests do not yield many results but sometimes they do. In the last eight years we have discovered the heirs and heiresses to the Fraser, Campbell, MacKay and Woods families. As many will know, these families were thought to have died out during the first war against Grindelwald and in the case of the MacKay family, even before then. We shall continue to offer Muggleborns an inheritance test in hopes of finding more lost heirs/heiresses and report our findings to the Ministry as per the treaty."

This reporter is glad that the Goblins have done a great service to our society in finding these lost heirs and heiresses. The idea of Mister Fudge trying to stop the Goblins and even stop the heirs and heiresses from claiming their rightful inheritance or gaining a foothold in our society is appalling. We need a Minister who is willing to help our society advance and change for the better, not the worse.

October 1st, 1988

Under-sectary to the Minister Madame Delores Umbridge arrested for accepting bribes, blackmail and terrorism!

Written by Silvia Boon

This morning Master Auror Alastor 'Mad Eye' Moody led a team of three other Aurors to the home of Madame Delores Jane Umbridge who, until that point, had held the position as Under-sectary to the Minister of Magic. Because the arrest of the now former Minister Cornelius Fudge had been kept a secret, no one knew that the man had been removed from his position. Madame Umbridge has been charged with accepting bribes, bribing known members of the Wizengamot and heads of certain departments of the Ministry, blackmailing numerous people both in and out of the Ministry and even threatening to do harm to the families of those who threatened to report her to the Aurors.

Madame Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, had discovered Madame Umbridge's nefarious acts during the investigation into the Minister's office. She was horrified to see how deep the corruption ran in the Ministry and had this to say:

"When I discovered that the senior under-sectary to the Minister was even more corrupted than the man she worked for, I was horrified. Madame Umbridge had plans written down to attempt a Muggleborn Registration Act which would force Muggleborns to register with the Ministry where she would decide if they were allowed to keep the magic they had 'stolen'. She also had every intention of having a ritual performed on 'selected' Muggleborns to transfer their magical cores to a 'worthy' Pureblood of her's and the Minister's choice with herself and Cornelius Fudge at the very top of that list.

"Not only that, but Madame Umbridge also had a list of people she wanted to have her 'allies' spy on. These 'allies' are people who found themselves blackmailed, threatened and bribed by the woman. The names of her intended victims have been withheld for personal safety but some of the names belong to some of the oldest and most prestigious Pureblood families in our society. Madame Umbridge apparently isn't above using torture and death threats to see to it that people complied with her demands. Several of her 'allies' have already come forward and have told on how she had arrived at their homes and tortured their young children or spouse in front of them until they gave in and agreed to comply with her demands."

Madame Umbridge is currently being held in the Ministry cells until her trial while being guarded around the clock by two Aurors. When asked if Madame Umbridge is a Death Eater, Master Auror Alastor Moody had this to say:

"The woman isn't a Death Eater; rather she's something much worse. She's a silent supporter of the former Dark Lord; one that was never marked but completely agreed with that monster's ideals and beliefs. Many people tend to forget that the Dark Lord had silent supporters and partners in his reign of terror. The silent supporters are always the hardest to find because they don't carry the dark mark which is the main key to identifying those who had been a part of the Dark Lord's band of terrorists. These supporters would often offer their homes, resources and money to the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters which only made things much harder on those who were attempting to fight against the monster and his group. It brings us a small amount of satisfaction that at least one of the main silent supporters has been brought down and will face justice."

However, this just raises another question: how many silent supporters are out there? How many former Death Eater's really managed to escape and are just biding their time before striking? This writer is certainly relieved that our justice system seems to be making leaps and bounds in the right direction in protecting all of us from these people who would attempt to kill us and children just because of parentage.

November 21st, 1988

Respected Lawyer Guy Matthews elected Minister of Magic by a landslide of votes!

Written by Stephani Wormwood

Lord Guy Matthews of the Minor and Noble House of Matthews had won the election for Minister of Magic by a landslide of votes that have taken our world by surprise. As many may know, Lord Matthews is a highly respected lawyer here in our society. He is known for his dedication, intelligence, strong sense of justice and his ruthlessness when it comes to injustice. Since he became a lawyer in 1976, Lord Matthews has never lost a case in his entire career. His former clients were all those who had been wronged in some way, shape or form by businesses and people who used them for their own gain. It is well known that Lord Matthews took the case against the owners of Obscurus Books when they were selling the fictional Harry Potter books claiming that they were true. Lord Matthews and his client: Lord Lucas Othello-adopted father of Heir Potter, won the case and the owners of Obscurus Books had to recall every copy they sold and refund everyone who had bought a book believing their lies.

Lord Matthews told of plans for our society during his campaign; plans that will help us move on from the memories of the past war and allow us all to feel safe in our homes once more. He will be sworn into office tomorrow evening in a ceremony in the atrium of the Ministry of Magic. When asked about his win and hopeful plans, Lord Matthews had this to say:

"I am honestly surprised that I won the election. Yes, I may be a Lord of a Minor and Noble House, but that was only when I entered the Wizarding world myself at the tender age of eleven. I was raised as a Muggle and was classified as a Muggleborn until my heritage was revealed and the Goblins of Gringotts confirmed that my dear mother had been a fifth generation Squib. After that day I was classified as a Halfblood. I have lived through the racism that has rooted itself in our society and I have every intention of eradicating it. I am under no delusion that it will take time to root out the corruption in our society and ensure that the best and most qualified people are in the right positions in the Ministry.

"It will take time for people to realize that their blood status will no longer matter in our world. It should have never taken hold that certain people are privileged over others. In the Non-Magical world there are laws in place to prevent people from being discriminated against and I intended to have those laws implemented here in our world. I want the people of our world to believe in the Ministry and feel like everyone who works for the Ministry has their best intentions at heart. With all the reveals of scandal and corruption it is no wonder that many people are beginning to think twice about believing in their government. I can only hope that I do our world and its people proud and earn the support they have shown me in electing me as the new minister."

Lord Matthews had spoken about reforms in the Ministry but it is unknown where and when these reforms will begin. What is known is that his first act as Minister of Magic will be presiding over the trials of Cornelius Fudge and Delores Umbridge.

December 2nd, 1988

Lord Parkinson arrested for attempted assassination of Minister Matthews! Minister Matthews forces plans ahead!

Written by Monty Heart

Yesterday afternoon after the trials of Cornelius Fudge and Delores Umbridge, the Wizengamot chamber descended into chaos. Just minutes after Mister Fudge and Miss Umbridge were led away to cells to await transport to Azkaban, a member of the Wizengamot turned her wand onto Minister Matthews and fired the killing curse at the man. Thankfully, Lord Othello and Lord Black saw the movement and pulled the Minister, his advisor Beverly Winston and Madame Bones out of the way of the curse. The chamber was instantly in lockdown due to the curse having been cast and Aurors who were stationed around the room had the woman stunned and disarmed in a matter of seconds. However, it was Madame Longbottom, who had been seated next to Lady Donavan, who pointed out that the Lady had been acting strangely.

It didn't take long before the Auror's confirmed that Lady Donavan had been placed under the Imperius curse. Everyone inside the chamber were forced to give up their wands for testing and it was revealed that Lord Parkinson had been the one who placed Lady Donavan under the Imperius curse and ordered her to kill the Minister. Lord Parkinson was quickly shackled to the interrogation chair and force-fed Veritaserum; Minister Matthews stating that the man had given up his right to freedom as soon as he placed Lady Donavan under the Unforgivable curse. Lord Parkinson admitted to having cast the curse because he didn't want an 'upstart Mudblood' ruining our society. Madame Bones, under the approval of Minister Matthews and Chief Warlock Dumbledore, questioned Lord Parkinson about his time as a Death Eater which had caused an uproar among select members of the Wizengamot. The uproar was quickly silenced and Minister Matthews announced one of his largest and most world-rocking plans.

"It is well known that many Death Eaters were allowed to walk free because money had been passed into the right hands. Death Eaters claimed that they had been forced into serving the Dark Lord without providing proof of their claims and they were believed simply because they are Purebloods. I have no intention of letting that continue. Old records will be looked at and every single suspected Death Eater and imprisoned Death Eater will be brought to the Ministry where they will undergo a trial using Veritaserum. It is no longer a matter of having a person's rights violated; it is a matter of keeping our citizens safe.

"Those who were truly forced into serving the Dark Lord will simply have to pay a small fine and perform community service for a year. However, those who joined willingly will be heavily fined and sentenced to Azkaban for, at minimum ten years depending on the crimes they committed before and during the war. These people are terrorists, plain and simple. Too long have they grown complacent and confidant that they'll be protected simply by their blood status. Ability and talent has gone ignored and criminals are walking among us because they feel safe and are sure that none will go against them. No more."

Lord Parkinson has been fined seventy percent of his gold which will be given to magical orphanages and the homeless shelter to help those who had been affected by the war. He has also been sentenced to Azkaban for life due to his crimes committed as a Death Eater and his attempted murder of Minister Matthews. Suspected 'former' Death Eaters are already being rounded up though those who had sat in the Wizengamot were allowed to be present to vote for the Minister's proposal of a net tag being placed on our country which will locate any and all Death Eaters where they will be rounded up and brought in for their trials. The motion passed two hours after the failed attempted assassination and was put into effect by the time night fell yesterday. Aurors, Unspeakables and Hit Wizards are already sweeping through the country and bringing in all Death Eaters, including those who had managed to avoid capture and had been in hiding in the Muggle World.

-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-

In the weeks following the activation of the net tag Death Eaters were rounded up and dragged kicking and screaming to the Ministry and placed in holding cells. Even those who had been placed in Azkaban were brought out of their cells, healed and given mental evaluations to deem if they were sane enough to go through questioning once more before placed in holding cells as well. However, there were two large shocks thanks to the net tag. The tag activated at the Burrow; home of Arthur and Molly Weasley and their children. When the Auror's went there, they went through the house and discovered a rat cowering in a corner of the room underneath the bed of the Weasley's youngest son. When the rat made a break for the door, Moody stunned the creature before casting a spell which forced animagi out of their animal forms. Everyone was shocked to discover that the rat was actually Peter Pettigrew, the man responsible for the deaths of the Potters.

Pettigrew was arrested and Amelia reassured Arthur and Molly that they wouldn't be in trouble for 'harboring' the Death Eater. Arthur had proof of purchasing a 'common brown rat' from the Magical Menagerie in which the owner of the store said he found the 'rat' taking cover in the doorway of his store during a storm some years ago. He never thought that the rat would actually be an animagus. Remus and Sirius were overjoyed at the capture of Pettigrew and were present during their former friend's trial. Peter was in tears throughout his trial and begged for mercy though none was given. Another major shock was when the net tag went off at Crouch manor. Amelia and a team of several Aurors headed to the manor where Amelia and Alastor discovered Barty hiding his son under an invisibility cloak while under the Imperius curse. Both men were arrested and Barty told his tale of fulfilling his dying wife's wish of having their son out of prison. He also admitted to accepting bribes from known Death Eaters in order for them to remain out of Azkaban.

Millicent Bagnold, the Minister before Fudge, was quickly arrested when Barty admitted that she had accepted bribes as well in order to keep things quiet and make evidence disappear. Amelia had a hard time getting Bagnold as she had run to Australia after her term as Minister but the Australian Magical Government soon gave the woman up after Amelia presented them with proof of Bagnold's crimes. Bagnold confessed without having to be placed under trial and accepted her punishment without any fuss.

While Azkaban was empty, Minister Matthews ordered the removal of the Dementors and poured money into the prison so it could be renovated. The place was brightened up and prisoners were given very basic amenities such as a toilet and shower along with a bed. This generated some mixed feelings with the public but Matthews explained that by keeping them in such horrid conditions proved that they were just as low as the very people they were incarcerating. All the trials and sentencing took enough time that, by the time all the Death Eaters in England were rounded up and put through a trial, the prison was finished and Amelia had enough specially trained personal to staff it. The entire prison is warded against magic so no one but the guards could use it by having a special armband that they wore underneath their uniforms. There was a special ward that was specifically designed so animagi couldn't transform into their animal form and escape. Once the prison was done and fully staffed, prisoners were transported to their new cells.

People like Lucius Malfoy, Alexander Nott, Gregory Goyal, Christopher Crabb and many other 'prestigious' Purebloods had been found guilty of being a Death Eater by free will. Many were shocked that so many Purebloods had lied just to avoid prison time. While conditions in Azkaban improved, the prisoners were still miserable because they were left alone with their thoughts and were in total isolation except for the books they were given and the occasional visit from family. Many were saddled with a ten year sentence, though some were there for life such as Bellatrix Lestrange and her husband and brother-in-law. Knowing that their fortunes had been reduced by seventy percent crippled them in more ways than one, especially for those who had been the main finical supporters in Voldemort's ring such as the Malfoys and Flints. What was left of their fortunes were kept by their families as normal, though this meant that a lot of the families had to deal with only being able to access a certain amount of money due to not being the head of the house.

Another major event was a sweep of the Ministry and the reform of all of the departments. Many departments were completely changed and re-staffed with people who were qualified for the job. Purebloods and Halfbloods learned quickly that it no longer mattered if their parents or grandparents had been the head of a department for years. They had to go through an interview process just like everyone else. The Department of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts became the department of Non-Magical Relations and handled communication with the Non-Magical world with Arthur Weasley as the head of the department. It had many sub-departments which covered the rapidly advancing technology and weaponry of the Non-Magical world, magical accidents happening around Non-Magicals and other such occurrences. Purebloods who had looked down on Arthur for his knowledge of Non-Magicals and their world no longer looked down upon him like they once had. The scorn had gotten worse when the man had actually gone to college in the Non-Magical world and had gained two degrees in law and engineering. Now, they were envious of his high position and massive pay increase.

Minister Matthews believed in paying the employees a fair and just wage along with benefits and health care. Every employee of the Ministry had their property warded in case someone attacked them and their families and this actually saved the Weasleys and the Clearwaters when a group of angered former Ministry workers attempted to attack the homes of the two families because they had gained high positions in the new Ministry. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures was completely erased and became the Department of Beings and Magical Creatures in which they had many sub-departments to handle negotiations between different races such as Goblins, Vampires, Elves, House Elves, Merpeople and other intelligent/sentient beings. The Department of Research and Development was created so Witches and Wizards could study new ways to improve everyday life for the citizens along with creating new spells, potions, wards and so forth to help Aurors, Unspeakables and Hit Wizards to take down dangerous criminals safely.

The Board of Governors for Hogwarts was eradicated and instead an Advisory Board was set up with Madame Longbottom as someone from the Wizengamot, Jadetooth as the finical aid from Gringotts, Madame Marchbanks from the Department of Education and Lord Stonewall from the Department of Beings and Magical Creatures as Albus had expressed an interest in opening Hogwarts' doors to more races over time. Yes, this cause an uproar among many who feared for their children's safety when the idea of accepting Vampires, Sirens, Veela and other former 'Dark Creatures' arose, but Albus had already thought ahead and had measures that the students and staff could take to ensure the safety of everyone. He also assured them that it would happen slowly over time so everyone could adjust and get used to the idea of different races coexisting together in harmony. The idea was soon approved and Hogwarts finally opened its doors to Elves first as a new colony had been spotted at the edges of the newest magical town that had risen since the end of the war.

Of course, that's not to say that everything was bright and sunshiny. Many old Pureblood families were unhappy with the new laws and changes happening around them. However, they were also smart enough not to broadcast their disdain openly. Those who were in the Wizengamot attempted to have laws passed that would limit some of the advancements and shifts in power. They voted against certain laws and prevented a few from getting passed because there weren't enough votes for the law to be passed. Shops owned by Purebloods expressed their disdain by giving subpar service to those who weren't 'pure' enough for them, making many customers uncomfortable. A small group of the more daring Purebloods actually attacked the homes and businesses of Muggleborns and those owned by 'Half-breeds' and 'Creatures'. Sirius and Remus found their shop targeted as well since Remus was a known Werewolf and was co-owner of the shop. Sirius was enraged at the attack but Remus was almost…apathetic towards it.

"I'm telling you, Remus, we need to do something!" Sirius raged, leading his friend through Othello manor with a scowl on his face.

"Padfoot, I warned you that something like this would happen sooner or later. Minister Matthews has been making a landslide of changes and it's setting people on edge." Remus said, nodding to a few people.

"Uncle Moony! Uncle Padfoot!"

Remus and Sirius smiled as a ten year-old Harry raced towards them. The ten year-old looked like he should be nearing twelve actually. Thanks to his training and healthy diet, Harry had a lithe build and defined muscles. Sirius had heard that his godson was steadily developing a 'swimmers build' thanks to his training and the fact that Harry preferred to use the manor's swimming pool for his main exercise. There wasn't an ounce of baby fat on the young boy's body and his movements were graceful and quick. Harry had grown his hair out and it hung down to his shoulders in shaggy layers and was often tied back during his training. His skin was richly tanned from hours spent outside in all-weather while his eyes shone brightly with laughter, life and intelligence. Mira flew alongside her bonded human; her body sleek and her muscles rippling under her scales. Like her bonded human, she had been partaking in a special and newly developed method of training for the new familiars of Assassins. She and Harry discovered that she had the unique ability to camouflage herself; her scales actually rippling and changing color until she can blend in perfectly with her surroundings. She had been getting better at teleporting and she and Harry have developed a strong enough bond to where Harry could see through her eyes.

"Prongslet!" Sirius crowed, grinning as he swept the boy off his feet and hugged him.

"I heard about the attack. Is everyone alright?" Harry asked, hugging his godfather before reaching over to hug Remus.

"We're all okay, cub. The store was closed for lunch and no one was inside. The wards prevented a fire so all they did was trash the place." Remus said, his voice soft as Harry frowned.

"Did anyone see anything? "He asked, watching as his uncles looked at each other.

"No. They managed to break in using the back door in the small alleyway behind the shop. The blinds on the windows were drawn so no one could see inside." Sirius answered.

"Remus, Sirius, it's good to see you're safe." Delilah said, walking down the stairs towards the two men.

Eliza shot down the stairs after her mother and barreled into the two men, asking questions and demanding to make sure that they were, indeed, okay. The sound of running footsteps made they all look towards the hall that led to the back door. Harry grinned when he saw Kano rushing towards them. Kano slammed into Sirius, causing the animagus to let out an 'oomph' sound as the wind was knocked out of him. He wrapped his arms around the small woman and held her close, feeling her arms tighten around him. Their relationship was still relatively new as he had asked Kano out a few months ago after having gotten to know the woman since he first moved into the manor. He found Kano to be a delightful woman: witty, intelligent and compassionate. She had a calmness about her that had drawn him in and, when he had first asked to court her, she had demanded to know his intentions. He admitted that he was looking for something long term and he could honestly see himself with her for many years. That had apparently been the right thing to say as Kano had accepted his offer and they've been together ever since.

Yes, there are moments when they argue like any couple. Sirius being worried about Kano whenever she was sent on a mission and was unable to contact him was a big one. However, he knew that she was a highly skilled Master Assassin and was always careful during her missions. Kano forced Sirius to finally grow up after he learned that Severus was actually an Assassin. There had been tension between the two men, though Sirius finally apologized fully to Severus and made no effort to stop the man from fighting him. Of course he had come out worse than Severus after their little fight, but since then they had been getting along and were actually able to have civil conversation and be in the same room with each other. Sirius knew and respected Severus' position as a double agent; which he had never appreciated before. Not only was Severus a spy for Albus, but he was a spy for Lucas as well: reporting on Voldemort and Albus to Lucas.

"I heard about the attack." Kano said, worry in her voice as she pulled back enough to look up at Sirius.

"I'm okay; everyone's okay. All of us were out for lunch talking about opening a sister location in Hogsmeade. We've spoken with Dragonfang and there's more than enough money to refurnish the store and get things back up." Sirius said, gently running a hand down Kano's cheek as she slowly relaxed.

"I can't believe no one saw anything in broad daylight!" Eliza said, frowning as the others looked at her.

"They likely used a Notice-Me-Not charm before entering the back alley. Amelia has already promised to increase the Auror patrols in the alley and towns. There have been more attacks in Merlin's Village and Phoenix Town." Remus said.

"I get it that Minister Matthews has been making many advancements since he was elected but it's been good for our society. Hogwarts is back on top as one of the best Magical Schools in the world and more and more people are flocking to our society. Not only that, but our people are more comfortable wandering around and even living in the Muggle world. Why can't people understand that it's for the best for everyone if we're able to blend in with Muggles?" Sirius asked, frowning as the others sighed.

"Because many of the darker families want to keep their source of power and that power has been removed." Harry said, Eliza and Delilah nodding in agreement.

"While the Minister is helping to ensure that the Dark Lord won't have his powerbase, there are still the families of his Death Eaters who will want to join him because he will promise to return their powerbase. Minister Matthews has implemented a new law stating that all Ministry employees have to take a vow to be loyal to the Ministry. It prevents Death Eaters from gaining a foothold in the Ministry, but does nothing against the silent supporters. They can be loyal to the Ministry and Riddle." Delilah said, her voice soft as Remus and Sirius sighed.

"We've sent everyone home for today but tomorrow we're going to clean the shop and take stock over what needs to be repaired and replaced. Our factory is in the Muggle world and is under a Fidelius charm so no one but our employees know where it's located. There's no telling what damage could be done if that place was found." Sirius said, shuddering at the thought.

"The potion labs alone would create a massive explosion." Remus added, watching as the others shook their heads.

"Will you be staying?" Delilah asked.

"If you don't mind." Remus said, smiling as Delilah scoffed and shook her head.

"Please, Remus, you know you're always welcome here. I know you've moved into the flat above your shop but you'll always have a room here." She said.

Harry returned to his combat training while Eliza headed off for her free-running training. Kano, Remus, Sirius and Delilah headed to one of the parlors where a House Elf served them tea and light snacks. Delilah and Kano updated Remus and Sirius on Harry's training, to which both men puffed up with pride as Kano praised Harry's stealth and his evasion. Delilah remarked on Harry's high grades in school, which Remus was very proud of. It was apparent that his cub had taken after Lily's love of learning and her intelligence. Oh, don't get him wrong, James was intelligent in his own right but he hadn't been very studious and instead turned his intelligence towards planning pranks; same with Sirius. If he was honest with himself, Remus could see Harry being sorted into either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw when he went to Hogwarts. The boy was certainly intelligent and studious enough to get into the house of the Ravens and he was also brave and courageous enough to be in the house of the Lions.

"How is your mother doing, Siri?" Delilah asked, watching as Sirius sighed.

"The Healers have reported an improvement on her mental health but her magic has begun attacking her body because of her madness. When I visited yesterday she…she reverted back to the mother I once knew. She was shocked and horrified in learning that Regulus had been killed by Voldemort and she was even more horrified in learning that she had disowned me. We're reconnecting." Sirius said, smiling sadly as Kano leaned against his side in comfort.

"Have the Healers predicted how long she has left?" Delilah asked, her voice soft and filled with compassion.

"About a year or so according to their scans. They've placed a block on her magic to slow the assault on her body but it's been happening for years now; even before she was committed. She's very quiet and has taken to writing and reading to pass her time." Sirius explained, the others nodding in understanding.

"She was always strict with us, but there was a time that she did love us. It's nice having that part of her again, even if it is for a small amount of time." He added, leaning into Kano as she reached up and ran a hand through his hair soothingly.

"You're doing the right thing, Sirius." Remus said, smiling gently as his friend looked at him and nodded.

"I know, Moony…I know."

-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-