Grim: Last Hope (HP/DC/Marvel)

Disclaimer: This is a story based on Harry Potter, Marvel, DC and Image comics characters and all recognizable characters, plots belong to Jk Rowling,Marvel, DC and Image comics. I claim no ownership to it.

Chapter 11 : The Grim

The Ministry of Magic

Amelia Bones was not having a good day—or even a good couple of weeks. The delicate balance between the British Ministry, the ICW, and the Muggles had shattered. It all began with the explosion in Surrey, London. Even now, her Aurors were scrambling to uncover the cause of the explosion while attempting to Obliviate any witnesses and suppress any mention of magic. Thankfully, the Muggle world had attributed the incident to either the activation of mutant powers or a terrorist bombing, both explanations spreading like wildfire.

Despite their efforts, her Aurors couldn't trace the magical source or the strange energies detected at ground zero. Amelia had reviewed every record, only to confirm there were no registered wizards living in that house. And yet, something undeniably magical had happened there.

Today marked a critical meeting between herself, Minister Fudge, a representative from the Department of Mysteries (DOM), and the Chief Warlock. She sighed, opening the potions cabinet in her office and downing a dose of Pepper-Up Potion. She needed to stay sharp—especially with Dumbledore involved.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. With a flick of her wand, the door opened. She looked at the person entering behind the minster and almost snarled. It was Malfoy and the son of bitch strutted into her office like he owned the place. Amelia's lip curled, but before she could speak, Albus Dumbledore and a cloaked representative from the DOM followed them inside.

Amelia's gaze shifted to the mysterious DOM agent. Usually, Croaker attended such meetings, but this time it was someone different. There was something unsettling about him—a subtle, potent presence that put her on edge. It was not up-to the level of Magical Lords like Dumbledore or even the Dark Lord. Even now she could feel the wariness in her magic as it was rapidly informing her about the superior being in the room. Across the room, she saw Dumbledore scrutinizing the man with equal intensity. His blue eyes twinkled sharply, blazing with wandless magic as he attempted to pierce whatever veiling enchantments the agent employed.

"Interesting." Dumbledore murmured, his voice laced with curiosity. "It has been rather some time, when someone could stop me from seeing what I wish to see."

The agent snorted, his tone nonchalant as he replied, "Well, I am the Director of the DOM. If I couldn't maintain my own protections, I'd have no business holding this position."

Fudge and Malfoy exchanged startled glances, while Amelia noted with grim satisfaction how even Dumbledore appeared intrigued. It was rare to see the Chief Warlock fail at anything, let alone breaching another's magical defenses.

Amelia observed Dumbledore. Despite the apparent tension in the room, his usual carefree demeanor was still evident. It was the most enraging and irritating aspect of the headmaster—the apparent disregard for others, whether it stemmed from his vast knowledge or sheer brute power. Others might fall under the sweet whispers of the facade of an old wise man Dumbledore had perfected over decades, but Amelia was a Bones. She was above such basic manipulation.

Deciding to break the tension and start the meeting, Amelia addressed the minister directly.

"Minister, I was informed of the three of you attending, but I fail to see why Lord Malfoy is here for this important meeting," she said, her voice calm yet pointed.

Lord Malfoy merely smirked as Fudge responded hastily, "He is an important advisor to me and, more than that, he possesses information that may be crucial to understanding the situation in the Muggle world—or matters that could become significant in the coming months."

Amelia scrutinized the minister, and a smirk threatened to form as she noted the feeble man almost wilting under her gaze, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

"Well, let's hear what the honorable Mr. Malfoy has to inform us," she replied coolly, shifting her attention to Malfoy.

She couldn't help but notice Dumbledore sitting casually, as though enjoying the minor spat between them. His twinkling eyes betrayed his amusement, as if this was the best entertainment he'd had in some time.

"Director Bones," Lord Malfoy began with an air of feigned deference, "I will share my information after hearing what you, the headmaster, and apparently the director of the Department of Mysteries have to say."

Amelia recognized the futility of pushing further, knowing the minister would defend his advisor and his financial benefactor. With a curt nod, she turned her focus to Dumbledore.

"Chief Warlock, you requested this meeting between me and the minister. The Department of Mysteries also asked for a discussion. Both of you indicated the matter concerned the explosion in the Muggle world. Now would be an appropriate time to elaborate—if you have any concrete information. According to our records, no magical person was present, and tracking is impossible due to contamination by foreign energies."

Dumbledore looked at the Director, the tiredness etched in his face evident to all. He had used every resource at his disposal, alongside considerable magical methods, to locate the young Potter, but he had achieved no results. It was time to inform them about the missing Boy-Who-Lived and another anomaly. According to Charles, Harry had somehow activated mutant powers. However, he had no intention of disclosing that information in the presence of the Department of Mysteries (DOM).

"Well, if the respected Director of the DOM is here, it would be better if he informs us first," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth.

Amelia, knowing the old man's stubbornness, glanced at the Director, who sighed, recognizing the futility of refusing.

The Director engaged three parallel streams in his Occlumency, modifying the report. The DOM was aware of Harry Potter's existence, but Dumbledore was unaware of this. The boy's name had to remain unmentioned to achieve today's objectives.

"Regent Bones, the explosion in Surrey not only triggered Ministry equipment but also alerted the DOM to an anomaly. The energy discharge was immense, registering as the highest since our revered Headmaster's last battle with the Dark Lord Voldemort."

Lucius Malfoy and Minister Fudge flinched at the name, but the Director's Occlumency masked his reaction. He didn't even glance at Dumbledore, knowing the man was immune to such fear.

"Furthermore," the Director continued, "the energy was entwined with a foreign source, making it unclear whether it originated from a single entity or multiple sources. The Muggles, unsurprisingly, are in disarray. We have identified the Dursleys as the victims. Interestingly, Petunia Dursley was the sister of one Lily Potter née Evans."

"What?" Fudge exclaimed, while even Malfoy and Bones looked surprised. "How did your Aurors miss that crucial detail for weeks, Bones? This is incompetence at its peak!"

Anger slammed against Amelia's Occlumency barriers, but she took a deep breath before replying. "It's not my fault the Muggles are so abysmal at record-keeping, nor was there any mention of Petunia Dursley having a sister. How did you know this, Director?"

"Well, not many are aware, but Lily Potter was once a recruit for the DOM and occasionally a free agent. Isn't that right, Director?" Dumbledore interjected smoothly.

"Yes, of course," the Director acknowledged. "Lily was one of my favorite students and could have contributed immensely to the magical world if she had lived."

"You are correct," Dumbledore said. "At least she rendered great service by destroying Voldemort." Before anyone could mention the Boy-Who-Lived, he continued, "Now, I must inform you there was a fourth person in that house. I placed Harry Potter under protection powered by that sacrifice. Only Lily's blood relatives could maintain that protection…"

The Director had to stifle a laugh when Dumbledore went on waxing the quality of ancient sacrificial magic and such things. But he knew that was barely enough to stop the killing curse, but to work as said by Dumbledore, it is impossible without using blood wards, which is highly illegal. It amazed him that even Bones and Malfoy bought the shit Dumbledore was peddling without questioning.

'The result of reputation of often thought as Merlin Reborn.' The Director thought.

"You placed the Boy-Who-Lived the saviour of Britain with muggles?" Lord Malfoy snapped in incredulous and outraged. "You do that when the muggles themselves are starting to notice the weird things infront of them and question them including magic. Outrageous! Minister, and this calls the sanity of the man that is going to protect my son into question. I will be informing the Hogwarts Board of Governors. Regent Bones, surely you don't want young Susan under his care. If this is how Britain's most famous child is treated, what about our normal children?"

Amelia frowned in thought of agreeing with Malfoy but she nodded. Dumbledore, however, remained silent, knowing that removing him would be politically costly for everyone involved and this is just bluster from the leader of the traditional houses of the Wizengamot.

"Albus," the Minister asked in a horrified whisper, "is the Boy-Who-Lived… dead? The rest of the Dursleys were vaporized in the magical outburst."

"No, Cornelius," Dumbledore reassured him. "All my tracking methods indicate Harry Potter is alive. I even checked with the Hogwarts Registrar; his name remains, waiting to generate a letter next year."

"Then where is he?" Amelia snapped. "Is he the cause of this crisis? The deaths of dozens of Muggles may be irrelevant, but this breach of the status quo is intolerable. My Obliviators worked thrice as hard this past week to contain the fallout!"

"I have no idea where he is," Dumbledore admitted. "Only Harry can tell us what happened in that house."

The Director, leveraging considerable DOM resources, had also tried scrying and blood-tracking the boy, but all methods failed. The protection around him was formidable. That even Dumbledore admitted failure was, in itself, exhilarating for the Director.

"This is a disaster," Fudge muttered, despair evident. "The Boy-Who-Lived missing, dozens of Muggles dead, and I had to Obliviate the Muggle Prime Minister! The ICW is pressuring us about the breach of the Statute of Secrecy. I want oaths from all of you—no one, and I mean no one, informs anyone else, especially the Daily Prophet."

The Director looked at the buffoon and scoffed behind the mask. Obliviating and confounding the Muggle Minister was such a foolish move—it would undoubtedly be noticed by the Royal Mages.

Well, the Ministry doesn't seem to know about the mages sworn to the British Royalty and their protective duties.

The Director debated whether to inform them immediately or let the matter run its course.

"I will only proceed if an exception is granted to me and Regent Bones regarding this matter, as we will be informing the Board of Directors," Malfoy said.

"Additionally, I will begin my own investigation into how the Potter boy ended up with Muggles when he has so many living magical relatives," Amelia added.

The Minister agreed to their terms.

After the oath was taken, Albus turned to Lord Malfoy.

"Now would be the best time to share your news, Lucius," Albus said calmly, though the silent pressure in his tone was palpable to everyone else.

Lucius had hoped to end the meeting without revealing anything, but the look on Albus's face convinced him to comply. One does not needlessly provoke a Magical Lord, after all, Malfoy thought as his Occlumency worked overtime to decide what to say.

"Well," he began, "I heard that one of the old accounts at Gringotts is being liquidated into Muggle money—American currency, no less. The goblins are ecstatic because this allows them more freedom to operate in the Muggle world, as one of the Lords has requested their service for it."

both minister and bones was deeply uncomfortable thinking what they want to do woth so much money.

"I fail to see the connection between this and the Muggle explosion," the Director asked, frowning.

Malfoy shot him a look of disdain. "Who liquidates all their wizarding wealth into Muggle money unless they are planning something significant in the Muggle world? They've already started by causing an explosion and making noise. What if a wealthy individual approaches the highest authorities and offers to fund or assist them"

"A clever theory, Lord Malfoy," the Director snapped back, "but you forget that Harry Potter's location was known only to our esteemed Headmaster here."

"That is correct," Albus acknowledged thoughtfully. "The magical world doesn't know, but anyone inclined to mingle with the Muggle world to such an extent would have access to Muggle information. Finding Harry through those channels would be feasible, especially since he attended a Muggle school from the age of five."

"The animals send their children to school as young as five?" Malfoy asked incredulously. "And you allowed our national treasure to grow up as a Muggle?" he finished, his voice rising in anger.

"Yes, Muggles have shorter lifespans than us and must start early to achieve more. I am Harry's guardian, and it is none of your business what he learns," Albus replied dismissively.

"Oh, but you are wrong, Headmaster," Bones interjected coldly. "It becomes our concern when a disaster occurs under your watch. I will personally conduct an inquest to determine whether you officially filed the paperwork for the guardianship of Harry Potter, which is locked under the Chief Warlock's authority."

"That is your prerogative, dear Amelia, if the Wizengamot orders it. I will, of course, assist you by presenting the locked papers should such an order come," Albus replied with a calm, almost patronizing smile you give to young children.

It was a smile Amelia despised with every fiber of her being.

Bang!!!

The door burst open with force.

Four wands were immediately pointed at the rookie's face, but the angry, insistent yell of the rookie was faster, and no spells erupted.

"Director Bones! Attack in Azkaban! A mad old man claiming to be Baron Black is threatening me and others with death while freeing Sirius Black, the traitor!" the rookie exclaimed, panting as though he had run all the way from Azkaban. He handed over a file labeled "Black," which had been housed in Azkaban.

Amelia Bones took the file, quickly flipping through its contents, her grimace deepening with every page.

Dumbledore sent a calming charm toward the young man, and Amelia noted that both Albus and Lucius Malfoy appeared particularly intrigued by the situation. However, it was the pale, angered expression on Lucius Malfoy's face that she enjoyed the most.

"What madness is this, Auror Rookie?" the Minister of Magic bellowed, coming out of his initial surprise. "No one would dare attack Azkaban under my rule! And Lord Black is a bedridden man, unseen by anyone for over a decade!"

"Now, now, Minister," Malfoy interjected smoothly, "let the young man explain what happened, and we'll proceed from there."

"As much as I hate to agree with Lord Malfoy," Amelia said, nodding toward the rookie, "I must hear this."

The rookie gulped, gathering his thoughts. "The old man came with a guard, claimed the title of baron or something, and declared his authority to inspect any ministry office."

"What nonsense!" Fudge scoffed, his disbelief evident.

"Ah, Cornelius," Albus interrupted before Fudge could rant further. "If the old man is indeed Lord Arcturus Black, then he is correct. Both Black and Charlus Potter, Harry Potter's grandfather, were bestowed the title of Baron of Britain in both the Muggle and Wizarding worlds for their defense of British interests during the Great War against Lord Gellert Grindelwald. As Barons, they are duty-bound to intervene in the defence of British citizens, barring the rulings of the Wizengamot itself. They have the right to inspect any ministry building which serves the people of Magical Britain to ensure that the people is served rightfully. It was awarded to them alone because they joined the war even before Wizengamot ordered in defence of our people."

"This is…" Fudge stammered, his face turning an unpleasant shade of green in anger and confusion.

"Amelia," Albus said, turning to her, "summon the Sirius Black transcript. Let us resolve this matter by visiting Azkaban and presenting it to my old comrade from the Great War."

Before Amelia could respond, the Director of the Department of Mysteries laughed softly, drawing everyone's attention.

"What's so amusing?" Amelia asked sharply.

"Don't waste your time, Bones. There is no transcript because there was no trial," the cloaked man said coolly. "I know this because I personally investigated everything from that night and the days following regarding every party involved in that magical night. There was nothing—no trial, no hearing."

Albus Dumbledore's expression darkened in horror for a moment, but his features quickly smoothed through his practiced Occlumency.

"That's impossible," Albus whispered, his voice betraying his disbelief. "Even Barty Crouch Jr. was given a trial. I was preoccupied stabilizing Harry and the wards around Privet Drive at the time, but this… this is illegal."

"Headmaster," the Director said with a sharp edge to his tone, "I always thought Sirius's lack of a trial was your doing, especially given his position as Harry's godfather and rightful guardian—a role you usurped three days before Sirius Black was arrested. But it seems even you were unaware of this. This sort of casual cruelty to persons who followed you reminds me of the way you once treated someone else close to you —Gellert Grindelwald."

A heavy, suffocating magical pressure descended on the room as Albus Dumbledore's anger flared, rooting everyone in place. It vanished as quickly as it appeared when Albus regained control of his emotions.

"Enough," Lucius Malfoy snapped after a few tense seconds. "This is not the time for blaming. Let us all head to Azkaban and stop Sirius Black from escaping. Lord Black has not been involved in the political arena for decades and thinks he can do as he wishes? If he wanted to address this matter, he should have gone to the Wizengamot, not resorted to threatening Ministry employees. Minister, order the Aurors to accompany you to Azkaban."

Minister Fudge, still sweating from the magical outburst of the Headmaster, shook his head and then nodded as though grasping a lifeline. Before Fudge could issue an order, Amelia Bones interrupted.

"Minister, the DMLE answers to me, and this falls under my authority. The rookies here will search for the court transcripts, along with others. Meanwhile, I will go with Alastor Moody to sort out this matter. Even if there was no trial, Sirius Black can be held in Ministry custody and given one. Breaking the Statute of Secrecy has no time limitation. Luckily for us, he was originally arrested only for betraying the Potters. If the Ministry apprehends him again, we can hold him accountable for the Statute violation and other charges."

"Brilliant, Bones!" Minister Fudge exclaimed. "Once he's arrested again, we can try him for those charges, even if the original accusation of betrayal against Lord Potter cannot be added anew."

"An excellent strategy, Amelia, but you've overlooked something," Albus interjected, his voice calm but firm. "As of now, Sirius Black has effectively been kidnapped by the Ministry and is being held in Azkaban. While he remains there, Arcturus Black is honor-bound and within his rights to fight his way in. I'm certain he has come prepared, and any such conflict will lead to significant losses on your side. Lord Black is one of the few who crossed wands with Gellert and stayed alive long enough for help to arrive, usually Charlus Potter. Even if he is old now, there is no guessing what instruments of war he has taken to Azkaban. I'll accompany you to prevent that and attempt to convince Arcturus to accept our terms."

"What do you want?" Amelia hissed, angered by the unspoken price behind Albus's assistance. She knew there were no free Galleons with him.

"You will not investigate me as you told earlier and of course you will not inform the board of directors at all. Call it off and I will assure you Sirius Black will be in ministry holding cells in 10 minutes." Albus said with tingling eyes. Amelia's anger only grew as Albus cast a meaningful glance at Malfoy.

Lucius grimaced as realization dawned. Sirius Black was still the heir, as he had not been officially charged by the Wizengamot. Any child of Sirius's could have a claim on Draco's inheritance. The Headmaster was clearly playing a dangerous game, forcing Malfoy into a no-win situation.

"Amelia, Lucius, let's focus on the present," Fudge snapped. "We cannot allow anyone to think they can simply walk into Azkaban and leave with a prisoner due to a legal oversight."

"Fine," Amelia hissed through gritted teeth, while Lucius nodded reluctantly.

Albus Dumbledore simply smiled as he rose from his seat and summoned Fawkes.

A majestic phoenix of red and orange hues appeared on his shoulder.

"Come with me," Albus said gently. "If we walk to the Apparition point, it will be too late. This is much faster. And there's no need for additional Aurors, Amelia. Two of us will suffice."

Amelia swallowed her angry retort at his patronizing tone but accepted his reasoning with a reluctant nod.

"Wait, wait! I'm coming too!" Fudge exclaimed, scrambling to his feet. "Lord Malfoy, please join us and try to talk some sense into the old man. You are married to his granddaughter, after all."

Malfoy grimaced internally at the idea but, thanks to his Occlumency, maintained a calm and agreeable expression as he nodded.

"Well, well, this is shaping up to be quite the entertaining group. I'll accompany you as well," the Director of the Department of Mysteries declared with a sly smile. "If nothing else, I'm a good wand in a fight."

Everyone gathered around Albus, each placing a hand on him as Fawkes flared brilliantly in bright orange flames, transporting them all in an instant.

Azkaban

"What is happening?" Sirius exclaimed as he was escorted by the warden and his grandfather through the halls of Azkaban. The warden's Patronus had sent the Dementors flying away.

Arcturus Black, walking in front of Sirius, cast a sharp glance at his grandson. Anger surged through him, his handsome features now gaunt and sunken. Though his appearance had changed, the one bright spot was that, despite the numerous potions he had administered to Sirius after the warden released him and handed over his recovered wand—stored in a warded room in Azkaban—his grandson somehow seemed to show the least amount of symptoms from the Dementor exposure. His pride swelled at the sight of Sirius walking on his own, having retained his wits despite his harrowing ordeal.

"You have not had a trial, my grandson, and I learned of this recently. For that, I apologize, my heir. It is time I right my wrongs and do my duty as Lord of Black," Arcturus said.

Sirius didn't know what to say but remained quiet as he walked. Arcturus Black was in front of him, and the warden was ahead of Arcturus. Sirius was followed by a cloaked figure, the apparent bodyguard of his grandfather.

They reached outside the prison, and Sirius looked up to see the sky. But he snarled in anger as the sky was hidden by the hundreds of Dementors who hovered just above the light of the Patronus.

It was then that a bright red fire appeared in the courtyard, dozens of meters in front of them.

The hopeful melody of the Phoenix song filled the air, and the Dementors shrieked in anger and fear. They flew away, and many escaped back into the dark fortress. The collective hissing tried to drown out the Phoenix song, but it was not effective enough.

Sirius watched as the fire cleared and saw Albus Dumbledore, Amelia, and old Lucy standing there. Anger started building as he realized that Albus had made him suffer without even a visit while standing alongside Death Eaters like Lucy.

Arcturus Black stepped forward as he realised that they are here to stop him.

"Well, well, it seems the bureaucracy moves faster to hide its incompetence and malicious intent than to do anything lawful. The Chief Warlock, the Minister of Magic, and his chief bootlicker—the Director of the DMLE. I am honored you've come to register the freeing of my grandson and heir. It would be far more appropriate than the Warden of Azkaban alone to do so."

Albus observed the three figures before him, his brow furrowing in confusion. Since their arrival, Fawkes had been eyeing the cloaked figure with open interest, and Albus sensed something shifting in the air. The rage in Sirius's eyes was undeniable, and Albus realized that the bond between them had been severed. Even if Sirius were freed in the upcoming trial, he was lost to him. Albus's gaze then shifted to the third figure—the bodyguard. His Occlumency flared, it nearly faltered under the surprise.

During his adult life, Albus had felt the awe and faint fear that others instinctively directed toward him. It was not something he consciously cultivated, but rather the inevitable consequence of having honed his magic to its utmost potential, and of being blessed by Lady Magic herself. Yet, there was always one exception. Gellert Grindelwald had never been intimidated by him. And now, this cloaked bodyguard stood before him, displaying a similar disregard.

Albus could feel the weight of the magic surrounding this figure, a palpable presence that seemed to hum with the promise of imminent conflict. The air itself seemed to stiffen, and Albus's own magic—always under the tightest of control—responded with an unexpected jolt. It was as though the very essence of his being recognized the readiness for battle in the other's aura, and it stirred something deep inside him. The war drums started beating in his mind, awakening old instincts.

Memories of past duels, of unleashing magic beyond measure and feeling the rush of power in battle, flooded his thoughts. The Elder Wand in his grasp seemed to pulse with a life of its own, its whispers growing louder—urging him to strike, to kill the man before him. The notion gnawed at him. The wand, whispered that killing this man will make him the true master of the wand.

Albus shook his head and tried to talk before breaking this overconfident upstart.

"Baron Black, I assure you, this gathering was due to other important discussions. It is good to see you out and about," Albus began, attempting to regain control of the situation. "I know you've suffered an injustice with the lack of a trial, but I assure you that Sirius was the Secret Keeper. James himself told me so."

Albus felt a sudden Silencio from the cloaked man hit Sirius as he was starting to yell. He ignored it and continued.

"More than that, he killed 13 Muggles to kill one Peter Pettigrew. We have witnesses and sworn statements. Hand over Sirius to us, and he will be held in Ministry cells for the trial." Before Black could argue back, Albus added, "He was never charged for breaking the Statute of Secrecy, and that will be the charge now."

"Impressive, as always, Dumbledore," Arcturus sneered. "You've found the perfect legal excuse to have your way, with your own personal power to back it up. But I digress. The Ministry has kidnapped my heir, and we are on Ministry property. I assure you, if you don't allow me to leave with my grandson now, you five will not like the consequences."

Albus could see the madness in those grey eyes.

"Lord Black," Fudge began hesitantly, "the Director of the DMLE is here, and she will authorize the release of Sirius from Azkaban, and then he will be taken to a Ministry holding cell for the charge of breaking the Statute of Secrecy. He will face trial, and we can return to the proper order of things. Please co-operate and follow the rules."

It started with a snort and then a full-blown eruption of laughter from Arcturus Black.

"You stand behind that French ponce's skirt and assure me of my heir's safety? You are an absolute fool," Arcturus laughed. "You want to charge him for breaking the Statute of Secrecy? Well, the important people are here, and the very basis of the Statute charge—magic before Muggles—has not been violated. Warden, which wand is in the hands of Sirius Black right now?"

The warden looked confused before replying, "It is the wand of Sirius Black, confiscated when he was arrested. No magic has been performed with it."

"Guard, if you would," Arcturus said, his voice smooth.

The cloaked figure moved forward and took Sirius' hand, holding the wand. With a whisper, "Priori Incantatem,".

A shield erupted from the wand, followed by a series of tracking charms.

Fudge looked confused, but the others realized what had just happened.

Arcturus smirked. "I'm sure, as the Director of the DMLE herself can attest, there is no probable cause for breaking the Statute of Secrecy. My grandson didn't cast the Blasting Curse. Now, we will be going peacefully. Do not stop us again."

"Impossible!" Fudge blurted out. "Something is wrong, and we must investigate it. The warden could be Imperiused or Confounded. I am the Minister of Magic! Surrender now, and I won't charge you for threatening Aurors and Ministry employees. Your house is nearly extinct, and the lords are circling like vultures. No one will support you. The price of vanishing from political space for decades and having insane Death Eaters as grandchildren—"

"You dare speak of that when you are sucking up to the chief Death Eater, Fudge?" Arcturus sneered.

"Enough!" Albus snapped, fed up with the byplay. "As much as I respect your prowess, Arcturus, I alone outmatch you. I don't want to attack my old comrade, but Sirius Black should not be allowed to go free on a technicality, especially now."

"Oh? That is very interesting to hear," Arcturus retorted. "What happened? My heir's heir escaped the prison you set up in the Muggle world?" Arcturus smirked, and the Minister gasped loudly.

Malfoy cursed internally as his son just lost third place for the position of Black fortune.

Magical pressure descended as Albus scrutinized the Blacks. "What did you know about Harry Potter?" he demanded. "No, it wasn't you who was behind the happenings in the Muggle world. It wasn't a prison, and it was for the safety of your sister's grandchild—"

"Oh, I know enough about Harry Potter," Arcturus interrupted. "And I know what happened to the stupid Muggle family, just like I know Sirius here is innocent of all the crimes he was accused of."

Albus looked sharply at Arcturus for a moment, considering that possibility.

"You absolutely believe it, don't you, Lord Black?" Amelia asked, her voice calm.

Arcturus nodded.

Then hand over Sirius, and I will grant him a trial in an emergency Wizengamot meeting, allowing you to prove his innocence," Amelia suggested.

"No," Arcturus snapped. "Wizarding Britain lost that right to trial when my grandson was illegally tortured by the Ministry. You will suffer the humiliation of a prisoner walking out of the inescapable prison of the Wizarding world. You will suffer the consequences as I sue every single one of you in front of the Wizengamot. Even if I have to level this island to escape, it will happen."

"Enough of this insanity from this old madman," Malfoy sneered. "Stun him and let this end here."

Malfoy flicked his wand, thinking Stupefy. He really wanted the fight to break out so he could accidentally kill Sirius Black.

But no red light flashed. Instead, blood erupted from the stump of Lord Malfoy's arm, ending at the elbow, with the major portion hitting the Minister in the face. A sudden yell of panic erupted from the Minister and Malfoy was shocked to silence.

Even Albus was impressed by the speed. Only his instinctive magic reacted to shield him from the attack by the bodyguard. A parallel thought stream opened in his mind, analyzing the attack. He was impressed by the bodyguard's prediction, the only thing, which made the speed of casting and timing just as the wand appeared in Malfoy's hand possible.

But it was enough for all hell to break loose.

Albus had to summon an Atlas shield and transfer it to his off-hand as four Black family curses came at him. Albus saw Amelia and Fudge struggling to defend against the onslaught from the bodyguard. Albus summoned a flock of birds to send back at Arcturus, while swatting away six prank spells from Sirius Black. The speed of casting from Sirius, even after this time, showed how ingrained those spells were. It was a huge hindrance for even Albus when he was simultaneously attacked by the darkest magic the Black family had to offer.

He sighed as the wand of Cornelius Fudge broke in half, and both Amelia and Fudge were thrown back as raw magic overwhelmed their bodies. Albus winced as he heard the bones breaking and the sound of heads hitting the floor.

"Enough!" he yelled, unleashing his magical might. The Deathstick hissed in pleasure as a magical sphere of pure force erupted like a bullet. Even before the Blacks could raise a shield, the bodyguard somehow appeared in front of them. Albus scoffed. He knew that anyone short of a Magical Lord would be overwhelmed. He had dozens of stunners following behind the blast.

To his utter surprise, the magical sphere of power hit an invisible half-moon shield with an ear-splitting sound. Both pressure and wind exploded, and the whole island shook as the powers clashed. For a moment, Albus thought his will would overwhelm the bodyguard before raw power erupted from the figure. Albus briefly thought it was telekinesis, but he realized it was just raw power channeled through the bodyguard's hands—or so he assumed.

The stunners were shielded by the Blacks, and dozens of curses fired at Albus from all three wands.

He felt immense energy building up from the bodyguard, and Albus prepared a shield in his parallel thought process, just in case. He swatted away curses, conjured dozens of objects to absorb spells, all while charming and transfiguring to retaliate.

He grinned as he started to enjoy the fight, and the shield he prepared erected itself, sensing the heavy magic released by the bodyguard.

Albus was momentarily surprised when the attack didn't come at him. Instead, it went to the upper floor of Azkaban, where the Dementors roosted. The magical wave passed, and the upper area crumbled, hitting the wards, breaking them. Albus casted Anti-Apparition Jinx just as the wards failed, but it was useless as immediately, portkeys activated, and both the Blacks and the bodyguard vanished from Albus' senses.

Albus looked up at the sky, where the wards had broken, and smiled. His third thought process had been analyzing who this new magical lord could be ever since the sphere was defended. Now, the answer to all his questions over the past few weeks became clear.

"Welcome to the past, Harry James Potter," Albus whispered, before turning to cast stabilizing charms on the injured people around him. He was thankful that Fawkes was with him, so he could transport them to St. Mungo's immediately.

Authors Note: yeah, so those of who know enough magical theory and see harry's power level could easily guess he is a time traveller. Just like Arcturus guessed last chapter, Albus here took a educated guess that someone who could barely match him magic to magic as well as interested AB and SB is harry potter who is missing after another unexplained magical event. Well the prophecy also plays a important role to come to that guess. "Equal to dark lord.

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