Over the next few days, the wizarding world was shocked at the turn of events. The paper had multiple headlines.
The Vanquisher of Dark Lords Lilly Potter.
Voldemort Defeated By Muggleborn.
Sorcerer Supreme Dr. Strange Makes History.
Death Eater Purge in the Ministry.
Many citizens didn't know what to think. Before even mentioning the dark lord's name was unthinkable. Now the papers were saying it on almost every page.
The Sorcerer Supreme was another topic of discussion altogether. Many didn't even know who he was or what power he had but the news he was helping clear the Ministry of the Dark Lord's followers made him rather popular with most.
Of course, the Purebloods were torn. Some, who didn't believe in the dark lord's philosophy, still weren't fond of Strange's involvement. Others hated the idea that there was someone who obviously couldn't be bought or threatened.
And some were uneasy with Strange but welcomed his help.
Death Eaters were being rounded up all through the Ministry. Some were screaming that they were under control but that fell on deaf ears.
Unfortunately, as the Ministry was clearing out. They were focused on employees which gave others a chance to slip threw the cracks.
Lucius was one of them. He managed to bribe someone who had been questioned but was not suspected to let him go before they started questioning him.
His plan to turn himself in under the Imperius Curse was undone. He had hidden in his home under lock and key to avoid anyone outside.
The news of the Sorcerer Supreme being involved complicated everything.
His presence was destroying everything. Many were being rounded up and he had heard of magical contracts being used for anyone who wished to remain employed.
Malfoy swore he would have Bagnold removed as Minister if that was the case. How dare she ruin years of planning.
He heard a banging on the front door. With his wand in hand, he carefully moved to it.
Yaxley burst in when he hit the handle.
"Malfoy they're looking into everyone! I only avoid being questioned and searched because I wasn't there when it started. They're going to learn everything and everyone's loyalty."
"So you come to my home?!"
"We have to act. You have to help me leave or who knows what they may force out of me!"
"Don't threaten me."
"We need to disappear. You have the funds to hide us and avoid the law by going to a foreign country. Help me escape as well!"
"Running is not an option. This is my home. I will not be exiled." Lucius said.
"Then I will leave myself. You better pray I'm not discovered."
Malfoy pulled up his wand and cast a piercing curse. The dead-on precision hit Yaxley square in the temple, blowing out a chunk of his skull.
Lucius moved and picked up his former ally's wand.
"I'm sorry but you forced my hand."
With a sigh, he pointed it at his left arm, just at the elbow.
"Diffindo."
The spell shot out slicing his entire arm off.
He screamed in agony. Summoning his elf to him with the scream.
"Master! Dobby needs to get help!!!" The little elf came in and saw the damage.
"No! Not yet you stupid beast. My...arm get rid of it. NOW!"
Dobby vanished the severed limb.
"Now get aid...." Lucius was starting to black out from blood loss.
His wife found him a few seconds later when she rushed in.
Sirius, Remus, and Harry stayed in the Sanctum for the next several days.
It was the safest place for Harry and Strange wanted to keep an eye on the boy for any possible side effects of the ritual.
Sirius and Harry were playing in their temporary room.
Harry was giggling as Padfoot carried him on his back.
Remus came into the huge dog being treated as a horse by the toddler. He shook his head at the antics of the two. Still, he was happy to see a smile on Harry's face. And the smile on his own.
He did a lot of thinking the last few days. He still trusted Dumbledore and owns him a debt he felt he would never repay.
But he did agree he made a mistake trying to keep Harry from Sirius. He must have had good reasons but he handled it wrong.
Hopefully, they would be able to sit and talk about this like adults. A tall order for Sirius. But he felt he could do it for Harry.
As they played Remus heard someone coming behind him.
"Several owls have been exhausting themselves trying to get in," Wong told them as he carried several letters and envelopes. "Took the liberty to check them for any spells or curses."
"Thank you," Remus said gratefully.
Wong nodded and left the room.
Padfoot shifted back to Sirius and held Harry as he came over. He took the gathered letters and combed through them.
"Got one from the goblins." Remus held up the letter as he looked as well.
"Great," Sirius replied with heavy sarcasm. He hated dealing with them. Greedy bastards.
He found another letter. One he was looking for.
He sat Harry down on the floor near a pile of toys that immediately grabbed the child's attention.
"Finally. Alice and Frank have moved out of hiding. She's practically demanding to see Harry." Sirius read.
"That's not very safe. Dumbledore said they shouldn't be out yet."
"Albus says a lot of things Moony." Was the grumbled response.
"I'm not trying to blindly defend him here. Just the Longbottom were targeted too. Remember some of his followers are still out there." Remus argued.
"I know. Bell is one of them along with her husband."
"Are you going to go see them?"
"Yes, but Harry stays here. It's the safest place right now. Are you coming?"
"Dumbledore sent me a letter. He wants to talk."
"It can wait. Besides, it's safer if we stick together Moony."
Remus looked at the letter. "You're right. I'll go talk to him after we check on the Longbottoms."
"Good I would hate to answer Alice about not having Harry with me alone," Sirius smirked.
After he checked with Wong if it was okay for him to keep an eye on Harry for a time. The man may seem strict but Sirius could tell he was developing a soft spot for Harry.
Of course who didn't?
As they started to leave Strange intercepted them.
"Going somewhere?"
"Yes, an old friend sent a message. We need to check on them. They were in hiding from Voldemort like James and Lily." Sirius explained.
"The Longbottoms?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Shall we?"
'You're coming?" Remus asked.
"Yes, I hope they can further explain why this dark lord is pursuing them in better detail."
"Well let's go then."
Sirius wasn't going to complain about having Strange travel with them. Having someone so powerful was always a good idea.
Sirius, Strange, and Remus portal outside Longbottom's house.
Sirius started for the door when Strange grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
"Stop. Listen."
Sirius looked at him but then heard it. The sound of fighting.
And laughter. One voice he knew very well casting the torture curse.
"Bellatrix!"
"Mr. Lupin take the back door. Mr. Black, we'll take the front." Strange said.
Remus pulled his wand and slipped around back.
"Careful Strange." Sirius cut in. "Bellatrix is dangerous. And powerful along with being crazy."
"Noted."
Bellatrix fired her Cruciatus will a sickening glee as Alice screamed on the floor.
Next to her Rabastan, Jr., and Rodolphus were taking turns on Frank.
The couple was suffering incredible amounts of pain.
Then the front door burst open.
Sirius wasted no time firing a cutting curse dead center into Rabastans throat.
The other three quickly turned their attention to Sirius.
"Black!!" Bellatrix growled.
"In name only dear cousin." Sirius fired more spells at her.
She countered and all three aimed at Sirius and fired. Multiple dark spells flew towards him but all suddenly disappeared into a glowing circle.
"Not ones for a fair fight are you?" Strange entered spells ready.
Another spell was fired from the back and Bellatrix barely had time to react before dodging. Remus came in behind them.
"Three on three Bell."
Before anyone else could act a new voice cut in from the doorway.
"Get away from my family!" Augusta demanded as her wand fired blasting Jr out of the room.
"Remus find Neville!" Sirius ordered. "We'll handle this."
Remus didn't argue. There was a child in the house that could get hurt. He ran out of the room.
Sirius and Rodolphus exchanged spells taking them both into another room. Leaving Strange and Bellatrix alone.
"So you're the Sorcerer everyone is talking about?" Bellatrix snarled.
"And you must be Sirius's insane cousin. Voldemorts loyal dog."
"How dare you say his name!!!"
Several curses went flying from her wand at Strange. He easily countered them.
The witch was well known as powerful and skilled, but Strange was toying with her and she could tell.
He even turned one of her darkest into butterflies!
She fired the Cruciatus Curse in rage at the fact she couldn't hit him with anything. But the spell went into another circle then another portal opened behind her and she was hit in the back with her spell.
She screamed and the torture curse ran through her.
"Are you finished?" Strange looked down at her.
She shot up and started the Killing Curse but froze mid-sentence. Literally.
The Icy Tendrils of Ikthalon now encompassed her entire body in solid ice.
"I expected more from someone so feared." Strange shrugged at the ice woman.
In the other room, Sirius and Augusta battled Jr. and Rodolphus.
Sirius hit Jr. with a bone-breaking hex to his hip. Shattering it and dropping him in screaming agony.
A stunner and he was silenced.
Augusta sent a blasting hex slamming Rodolphus through the wall breaking several bones and knocking him unconscious.
Sirius ran to Alice who was shaking from the curse.
"Alice. It's over. I'm here. You're going to be okay." He tried to comfort her.
"Neville?" Alice gasped.
Remus came in with Neville in his arms.
"He's alright Alice." Sirius held her hand tight.
Augusta ran to her son still shaking on the floor.
"Frank!" She grabbed him.
"M...mother.." He was spitting and shaking violently.
Suddenly the door burst open and Crouch senior and several Aurors, plus Moody, came in wands drawn.
"Aurors! Drop your wands!!" Crouch ordered then saw who was in the room.
"Your timing could be better," Strange said.
"Once again you're involved." Crouch glared at Sirius as he ignored Stranges comment. "Just bad luck your family was torturing them?"
"How dare you!" The elder Longbottom shouted. "These men saved my son's life. You even think about arresting him Crouch and I settle this with my wand."
"Crouch. It's your son." Moody called as he looked over Jr.
"What?! It can't be."
"It was. He was enjoying himself as he tortured Frank." Sirius responded.
"He has to be under the Imperius!"
"He's not." Strange answered.
"My son would never do this!"
"Your son did do this. Accept that fact." Strange raised his voice.
"One dead over here." One of the Aurors said at the sight of Rabastans body.
"That was me," Sirius said. "Cutting curse to the throat." He held out his wand.
Moody checked the spells and confirmed Sirius's side. The Death Eaters' wands were checked and testimony was taken from all as Alice and Frank were transferred to St Mungo's.
Augusta took Neville and followed. After she thanked Strange and the others for being there before she arrived.
"Is she dead?" Moody tapped the solid ice form of Bellatrix.
"No just frozen. I'll free her once we're at the Ministry. She will be easy to control for a few days. The side effects of this spell are unpleasant." Strange stated.
"I've never seen magic like that," Alastor commented.
"There are spells that neither that darkest or lightest wizard in this community has seen. I have a feeling many of you will see a lot before I'm finished."
"You've changed things Strange."
"Is that approval or disapproval?"
Alastor gave a rare smirk and gave him a nod.
Lucius was in the bed in St Mungos. His wife was tending to their son and he was being interrogated.
The one-man, he had to be extra careful of.
"Your story. From the top Malfoy." Moody's eyes were locked on him. Waiting for a mistake.
"He attacked. I was lucky to get a spell off. My elf found us and told my wife. She flooed the Aurors and here we are."
"Why did he attack?"
"He wanted me to testify that he was under the Imperius Curse. As I was. That the mark was forced. I told him I could not lie for him. He threatened my family. When I went for my wand he acted."
"Just like that?" Moody narrowed his eye. "Where's your missing limb?"
"I have no idea. I was focused on not bleeding to death!"
"Interesting."
"I am the victim here!"
"So it would appear. But appearances can be deceiving."
Several hours of questions and checking of the two wands seemed to collaborate on Malfoy's story.
Much to Alastors annoyance.
Lucius was released and into the arms of his waiting wife and son.
I have to be very careful now. Every bribe and the corrupt officials was a danger to us. I have to wait until the right time to act.
And removed that old hag from the office as soon as possible.
After checking with the healers and finding that, while Frank and Alice were suffering horribly from their torture, they were expecting them to recover.
Augusta signed in relief. Losing her son and daughter-in-law would have been too great a pain to endure.
Neville was untouched by any of the conflicts. When Bellatrix and the others broke in Alice hid him in a large drawer with a silencing charm on it. He was asleep when the fight began.
Remus and Sirius both sat outside. Strange talking to the Minister when she appeared.
"This was close Sirius," Remus said.
"Yes, it was. Healers said if we were just a few minutes later...they would have been possibly tortured into madness. I'm going to kill Bellatrix." He growled.
"She's going to Azkaban. She'll rot with Peter for the rest of her life." Remus assured him.
"Not good enough."
"Sirius! Calm down. She's in custody. What are you going to do? Go to her holding cell and hit her with the killing curse?"
"That would be too quick," Sirius whispered then took a breath. "Another orphan was almost made tonight Remus. I have to find a way to keep Harry safe from all of them."
"We'll protect Harry. Strange too. You saw what he can do. He might very well be stronger than Dumbledore."
"True. Bellatrix wasn't even a challenge for him. We'll see what he recommends." Sirius stood up. "I'm going to check on Augusta and Neville before going to finish something I don't want to do."
"Goblins?"
"Goblins." Sirius sighed.
"I'd better go and find out what Dumbledore was insistent I come to talk to him about."
"Careful old friend."
"I trust Dumbledore. But He was wrong about Harry and you." Remus said quickly.
"So you can teach an old dog new tricks," Sirius smirked.
Strange finished his talk with the Minister and came over to them.
"Any word?"
"They're in for a rough time but will hopefully recover."
"Good."
"Strange we have several things to do when we leave. I need to go to the bank and Remus has to have a word with Albus."
"I'm sure he has many words," Strange said. "I'll make it easier for both of you." He opened two portals. "This one will take Mr. Lupin into Hogwarts and this one is just outside of your goblin bank."
"What are you going to be doing?" Remus asked casually. He remembered Strange's cryptic talk about needing to speak with Albus.
"With the Longbottoms unable to give me better details on Voldemort I will return to the Sanctum. There's something else I can use to get ahead of him." He pulled out two coins. "Here. Press the center and say my name and I'll open a portal for you to return with."
The two took the coins and Strange opened their way.
Remus stepped out of the portal and into Hogwarts. "That is still unusual."
"Remus?!" McGonagall said as she heard from one of the elves of the unusual magic.
"Minerva it's good to see you."
"What was...was that the Supreme?"
"Yes. His transportation is certainly faster and more comfortable than ours." Remus admired that. Portkeys were effective but annoying.
"I've read all the papers. He can pass through the wards here so easily?" That thought frightened her.
"So it would appear. But I don't believe he is any danger to anyone. At least not anyone who doesn't attack him."
"How is Sirius? And Harry?" She was still disappointed in herself for thinking Sirius would have ever betrayed James. And that one of her other lions did.
"They're fine. Harry's safe and happy. Same energetic baby as before..." He let the sentence go.
"I'm glad to hear that. Those muggles were the absolute worst. I'm pleased he is not with them."
"You met with them?"
"I watched them and was there with Albus. It never sat right with him leaving Harry there but he made a compelling case."
Why would you be watching the Dursleys?
"Well, that's in the past. Is Albus available?"
Almost on cue, Dumbledore made his entrance. The bright colors of his robes were almost too bright. But he loved the presentation of them.
"Remus my boy. Good to see you."
"Albus." Remus greeted. "I wish I had good news, but have you heard of the attack on the Longbottoms?"
"I was about to head to St Mungo's to visit them myself. How are they?"
"They'll live. Healers said they were lucky."
"Very good, and young Neville?"
"He's unharmed. Alice managed to hide him before the attack, thankfully."
"Thank God," McGonagall said. She was terrified of losing more friends to this madness.
"Yes. Never underestimate the power of a mother's love." Albus said with his eyes twinkling.
"I'm going to go to Augusta. May I use your floo?" McGonagall asked.
"Of course."
The three went to the headmaster's chambers and after Minerva flooed out the two remaining people took seats.
"Lemon drop?"
"No thank you."
Albus helped himself to one and leaned back. "How are you, Remus?"
"As well can be expected. The past few days have been like riding an out-of-control broom."
"Very true. How are Sirius and Harry? Are they well?"
"Yes. Safe and sound. Sirius keeps making Harry smile and giggle."
Albus smiled at the news. "That is good to hear." He sat up straighter. "I imagine you wish to know why I asked you here?"
"I assume it has to do with Harry."
"You are, of course, correct. I want to explain my reasons for the things that I did. Please understand my concern was only for his safety. As you saw today. The dangers of our world are still prevalent."
"Bellatrix is going to be in prison forever. And the Ministry is finally being held to a standard. I think Dr. Strange is doing unorthodox but affect things."
"I agree he is certainly making an impact, but even he can't find all of Voldemort's followers. Some will no doubt escape the law. Harry will be a target. You know this."
Remus nodded. Even with Stange, it was unlikely all the Death Eaters would be arrested.
"Will you speak to Sirius? I truly wish to clear the air and hope you will both, at the least, understand where my intentions were."
"I'll talk to him. But you know he will never let Harry go to Petunia and I will support him in it."
Dumbledore held in his response. He needed to get them to understand. Patience. "I only have the best for Harry in my heart. You have my word."
Remus noticed how Albus avoided the issue of Harry living with the Dursleys but said nothing. "I need to go talk to Sirius."
"Of course. Do you need to use my floo?"
"No thank you. I have transportation." Remus said vaguely. He nodded to Albus and slipped out of the room and into the glowing circle.
Well, that was a start. Hopefully, I will be able to talk to Sirius soon and we can finally come to an understanding of what is best for Harry.
Now I have to prepare for my newest professor. Severus needs to be protected and kept under careful watch. He may be the most valuable asset in the future but his mindset toward the loss of Lily is a double-edged sword. His love for Lily should be the driving force. But revenge is a close second.
And the effects that Strange is having on us. The contracts may seem like a positive right now but with the corruption in the Ministry, they could very well be easily used against the light.
Unfortunately, Bagnold is fully committed to listening to him. The mark being revealed was both a benefit and a disadvantage. Luckily I've already secured Severus. With so much changing I need to work fast to get ahead of the game.
While Remus was visiting Dumbledore Sirius had held off on this for as long as he could.
Dealing with the goblins. Power-hungry and greedy. Liking to stab you in the back the second it was profitable for them.
Reminds me too much of my family.
"Next."
"Sirius Black. Here to settle my wards estate and my own."
As Harry's guardian, he had full access to all of James and Lily's assets until Harry came of age. He had no plans to use a single knut of any of it but had to make sure all properties and investments were for the boy.
Sirius was escorted to a private room. After verification was confirmed from the Ministry paperwork he was given the list of Potter holdings and investments.
He already knew James was set for life and Lily had been very smart in making investments in the muggle world.
Harry will probably never have to work a day in his life.
James also had a small list of properties that he had inherited from his father. Including the dilapidated Potter family home.
James always wanted to restore it. His father's dream. Maybe I can get it done for Harry? The idea of finishing the house James always wanted to have filled him with both joy and regret. James never seeing the house but Harry getting to was a mixed blessing.
After gathering everything he asked to be taken to his vault to grab some Galleons he was asked a shocking question.
"Are you here for your account or the Black families?" The goblin asked.
Sirius looked at the goblin in confusion. "I'm afraid you are mistaken. I was cast out of the family."
The goblin pulled out a letter and handed it to Sirius.
"Your grandfather left this. To whoever was alive at the end of the war." And paid a large amount to ensure it was delivered to the surviving member. Barchoke said to himself.
Sirius took the letter and read.
Sirius
If you are reading this then your brother is dead and you are all that's left.
Your mother was always adamant that you turned your back on your family and everything we represent. A disgrace in her eyes.
"Something I'm proud of.." Sirius mumbled.
When she cast you out I was very tempted to go through with it. But she was unaware I was in the house when your argument happened.
I heard your stance. How you would do what you believed was right even against her and us.
I found myself feeling some small pride in you. The will it took to fight against your family for your beliefs.
The war left too much to chance with the number of families dying out. So I couldn't risk my family's future.
So to maximize the chance of more surviving I never cast you out.
By all right, you are now the Head of House Black.
Sirius went wide eyes with shock.
Maybe you will pull your head out of your backside and become a proper Black.
Or maybe the house will fall in disgrace.
...Or maybe something else with becoming of my family.
Make your own choices Sirius. But make sure you can live with them.
Arcturus Black III
Sirius found tears in his eyes.
His grandfather was proud of him. Even slightly. He had been hit with so many shocks lately.
Head of House Black? Mother must be rolling in her grave. That's hilarious.
The Black vote as well. A lot of people in the Wizengamot will be upset. Did he do this just for that? Maybe I had more in common with my grandfather than I thought.
He picked up the key and the ring. His head of house ring. Hatred was filling him at the sight.
All the disgusting things that the Blacks have done to build their power and influence. That's what the ring represents to him.
Sirius shoved it in his pocket along with the key. He went to his vault and grabbed what he needed before leaving. He would start looking for a house tomorrow.
This has been a trying day.
Remus came to see Sirius watching Strange floating in midair. A green stone on a necklace glowing.
In front of him was Harry taking a nap.
"What is he doing?" He asked the other marauder.
"No idea. Wong said he was 'cheating' whatever that means." Sirius motioned to the couch.
Remus saw Wong passed out on it.
Guess they wore each other out.
Strange suddenly stopped and lowered himself to the ground. He was pale.
"Mr. Black. Mr. Lupin." He greeted as he stood up. "There's been a development. One concerning Harry's future."
"What? What did you do?" Sirius demanded.
"I used one of the most sacred artifacts to peer into the future. I've seen multiple outcomes for Harry's life."
"That's impossible. Time travel doesn't work like that." Remus said.
"Yours doesn't. Mine does. Now come with me. Bring the boy."
Sirius gently picked up the sleeping child and followed. Bossy guy. He kept you out of prison and took that thing out of Harry. He's earned some trust.
"I assume the chat with Dumbledore was less than enlightening Mr. Lupin."
"That's between Sirius and myself all do respect."
"If it involves Harry and his 'aunt' it won't happen Moony," Sirius said.
"I know that! I think he just wants to talk to you. He isn't wrong about Harry being a target." Remus reasoned.
"We'll discuss this later. Along with some other things I learned today." Sirius looked back at Stephen. "Where are you taking us Strange?"
"Have you considered where you three will live?" Stephen asked as they walked.
"I have an old family home. I hate it there but it could do if you want us to leave."
"On the contrary. I think I have a solution that would provide a safer place for Harry and you would not have to stay somewhere you do not want to."
Stephen walked threw a strange water-like 'door' and after a few seconds, they followed.
It looked like another part of the Sanctum they haven't been to yet.
Strange went to the front door and stepped outside.
Sirius and Remus could tell they weren't in London anymore.
"Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin. Welcome to New York."