The Calm before the Storm

Chapter 11 Yay. Vernon Dursley will make an appearance in this chapter. I didn’t want to but it needs to be done.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter

Chapter 12 - Family and Fashion

Harry sat in a very familiar and rather uncomfortable, old wooden chair, the binding chains shaking ominously; he was shaking, from both anger and fear.
Seated in comfortable velvet cushioned chairs on the elevated platform before him, with Dumbledore among them, was the Wizengamot.

Instead of being in the dungeons like last year they were in a formally furnished room somewhere within the Ministry of Magic.

This morning he had been rudely awoken by a ministry official, finding he was alone in the infirmary since Tempest had left earlier that morning, he had been escorted to the Ministry without even a word as to why.
Upon arriving Mr. Weasley had met him looking pale and upset. He had told Harry not to worry or get upset and that Remus was on his way.

He had then been escorted through many corridors to the room he now sat in. The reason for his sudden trip to the Ministry and the source of his anger was seated in a plush velvet chair beside him.

Vernon Dursley sat in the chair looking both sick, at the thought of being around these freaks, and also like he’d won the lottery, but Harry couldn’t figure out why.

Every time he tried to catch Dumbledore’s eye the elderly wizard would avert his gaze, almost as if in shame and this filled Harry with a tremendous fear.

A clearing of a throat silenced the Wizengamot and drew Harry’s attention to Cornelius Fudge. The arrogant, pompous bastard smirked at Harry, looking as if all his Christmas’s had come at once.

“We are here today to discuss the custody of one Mr. Harry James Potter. His uncle, by marriage to his mother’s sister, has come forward and requested, under full guardianship, to have Mr. Potter removed from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and that all Mr. Potter assets and inheritance be transferred into his name until Mr. Potter becomes of age,” Mr. Fudge said smirking.

Harry gasped and tears came to his eyes.

This couldn’t be happening. His Uncle was going to destroy his life but why would Vernon ask for him to come home when he hated him so much.

It hit Harry like a bolt of lightning, he was after his parents money. But how had his Uncle found out about his inheritance. The only people who knew of it were Dumbledore, Hagrid, Sirius and Remus. Sirius was dead and the others wouldn’t tell.

Harry turned towards Vernon and felt like strangling the greedy bastard. Looking up at the Wizengamot he looked straight at Dumbledore.

The old wizard’s eyes didn’t have their usual twinkle, making him look old and weary. Harry watched as the old wizard placed his hands palm to palm, the sides of the tips of his fingers touching his lips, and closed his eyes, as if he was praying to someone.

“Since Mr. Potter is not yet of age and there are no living relatives to be found, other then Mr. Dursley. It is my belief that Mr. Vernon Dursley may do as he sees fit with his charge. Are there any objections?” Fudge said as he sneered at Harry.

Harry glared back for all he was worth and then turned to his Uncle. Vernon was smirking at Harry with absolute delight.

The Wizengamot, who had all started talking after Fudge had finished his speech, quieted down.

“So does anyone have any objections?” Fudge asked.

Harry looked at Dumbledore pleadingly. Harry felt like he was about to burst, whether into tears or a long string of curses of how things were not fair, he was uncertain, when Dumbledore’s eyes lit up like a beacon and a voice sounded from behind him.

“As a matter of fact. I do,”

Harry swung around to find Tempest standing at the door flanked by Remus and Mr. Weasley. Tempest and Remus strode forward while Mr. Weasley closed the doors behind them.

“And who, pray tell, gives you the right to interrupt this council meeting and cast an objection?” Fudge sneered at Tempest.

Tempest, who was now standing beside Harry, a hand placed reassuringly on his shoulder, smirked at Fudge looking for all the world like the devil reincarnate. Her crimson red robes highlighting the fire in her eyes.

“Tempest Lupin-Black,” Tempest stated, “Harry’s godsister.”

There was a collective gasp from the Wizengamot and they all started talking at once. Harry looked up at Tempest in shock. Tempest looked back at him and smiled softly, winking at him. Remus appeared on his other side and knelt down beside him.

“Sorry we’re late. When we heard we tried to get here as soon as possible, ran into a bit of interference though. Don’t worry Harry, Tempest will take care of everything. I promised you wouldn’t go back to the Dursley’s and I always keep my promises,” Remus said softly to him before patting Harry’s knee and standing back up.

“Ah. So this means we have to make a decision of which relative Mr. Potter would be safer with,” Madam Susan Bones booming voice said from beside Dumbledore her monocle looking ready to crack from the force of her smirk.

“I don’t understand,” Vernon spluttered, “This girl is only a godsister, she doesn’t have the right.”

“Maybe not in your society Mr. Dursley,” Dumbledore said wisely, “But in ours she has just as much right to guardianship as you. Her father, Sirius Black, having been Harry‘s godfather.”

Vernon blanched at the mention of Sirius’s name and inched away from Tempest, who was standing between him and Harry

“Now, now Dumbledore,” Fudge said pompously, “Mr. Dursley has been taking care of Mr. Potter since the death of his parents and it has just been recently brought to the Ministry’s attention that when Mrs. Dursley took the boy in, after he was orphaned, a protective shield surrounded their house making it the perfect safe haven for the boy. What kind of protection may you offer Miss Lupin-Black, and I hope you will be able to prove you parentage. I was unaware that the murderous scoundrel, Sirius Black, ever had a child.”

“I could prove my parentage easily Mr. Fudge,” Tempest said looking down her nose at the seated blob of fat, “And as a high ranked member of the Guardian Protectorate I could provide more protection than you could ever imagine.”

At the mention of the Guardian Protectorate the Wizengamot started to whisper again. Fudge had gone as pale as a ghost and was shaking.

“I was unaware that the Protectorate had taken an interest in this,” Fudge stuttered.

“After seeing how much of a mess you seemed to be making of things they felt it best to send me in to evaluate the situation, since I am familiar with the territory and the people as it was,” Tempest sneered.

“Can you prove that you are from the Protectorate?” Madam Bones asked more out of curiosity than interference, causing Dumbledore to chuckle.

“Official or unofficial proof?” Tempest asked.

“Unofficial will do,” Dumbledore said.

Tempest nodded before wings grew from her back. She unfurled them for the room to see.

Mutters and gasps sounded. Both Vernon and Fudge looked absolutely sick, for different reasons of course, but it made Harry grin happily.

“I believe it’s time to take a vote,” Dumbledore said bringing silence to the room.

“All those in favour of Mr. Potter being in Mr. Dursley’s care,” Madam Bones said.

Fudge and a four others raised their hands.

“All those in favour of Mr. Potter being in Miss Lupin-Black’s care,” Dumbledore said.

All but those who had voted for Mr. Dursley raised their hands.

“Well it’s decided. Mr. Harry James Potter is hereby released into the care of Miss Tempest Lupin-Black. All assets and inheritance shall be handed over to her until Mr. Potter is of age,” Madam Bones stated.

Harry jumped out of the chair excitedly and wrapped his arms tightly around Tempest’s neck.

“Harry… air,” Tempest gasped out.

Harry quickly let Tempest go but was immediately wrapped in a bone crushing hug by Remus. Remus only let go of Harry when Dumbledore and Madam Bones came over with a piece of parchment.

“This is a guardianship contract,” Dumbledore said, “Harry, You and Tempest will have to sign it.”

“My advice Mr. Potter is that you take the Black name until you are of age. This way you will have access to your assets and most of your inheritance,” Madam Bones said.

“But I don’t want to change names,” Harry said.

“You don’t have to Harry,” Tempest said, “Harry will never be without anything and I for one won’t touch what his parents left him.”

“But for safety purposes,” Madam Bones said, “It would best if your reside under the Black family name. You don’t have to lose your name. You will still be known as Potter but on official documents Black would be present. We could make it so that it was hyphenated to Potter-Black if that would make you happy.”

Harry looked at the document and nodded. Madam Bones offered him a quill and he used a nearby table to sign it. Tempest signed it after him with a flourish, handing the parchment to Madam Bones, who checked to see that everything was in order, before allowing Dumbledore to escort Harry, Tempest and Remus out to where Mr. Weasley was waiting.

Upon hearing the news he left immediately to tell Mrs. Weasley, who had heard about the trial that was to be held and was dreadfully upset.

Dumbledore, Remus, Harry and Tempest then proceeded to the fireplaces where they flooed back to Dumbledore’s office at Hogwarts.

Severus was waiting in Dumbledore’s office awaiting news. Seeing Harry’s happy smile he smirked.

“I see Fudge and Dursley didn’t get their way,” Severus observed.

“Nope,” Remus said collapsing in a chair smiling softly.

Tempest flung her arm around Harry’s neck.

“Welcome to the family,” Tempest said smirking then she pulled away and looked Harry up and down, “But I’m afraid this will not do. You are a Black now and we pride ourselves in our looks just as much as even the Malfoy’s, although they do go a bit over the top.”

Harry raised an eyebrow while Remus chuckled and Severus snorted.

“You tell them,” Phineas said from his spot on the wall smirking at his great-great-great granddaughter.

Harry extricated himself from Tempest’s hold and turned to him saying, “When I came back here after Sirius fell through the Veil you said he was the last of the Black’s but Tempest is a Black, so you lied.”

“She is also part of the Guardian Protectorate. Members last names are erased from all records and their families must deny they exist,” Remus explained for the portrait.

“Like the werewolf said,” Phineas said, “ And as a Black you must uphold our honour. Those god awful clothes must go.”

Harry looked both affronted and insulted. He couldn’t help what he wore. It was all he had, but looking down at himself he had to admit they were bloody awful.

“Agreed,” Tempest said, “Headmaster I request permission for a pass to take Harry to get some new clothes. Although I may need help.”

“Permission granted,” Dumbledore said chuckling, “Under escort of course. You must return for classes on Monday. May I ask whose help you are going to acquire.”

“The best fashion conscious person I know,” Tempest said smirking, “Come on Harry dear. I have some sweet talking to do.”

Tempest grabbed Harry’s hand and pulled him out the office door.

“We’ll be back soon,” Tempest called over her shoulder.

Tempest led Harry away from the headmasters office, past the great hall and towards the dungeons.

“Tempest why are we going to the Slytherin dorms?” Harry asked looking at his godsister.

“Cause the most fashion conscious reside within Slytherin,” Tempest explained, “Did you know that in the whole History of Hogwart’s only nine Gryffindors have ever penetrated the Slytherin’s lair. Godric Gryffindor, your father and both of mine, myself, Fred and George Weasley, Ron Weasley and yourself.”

“Really,” Harry said, “And what about Slytherin’s. How many have seen the inside of Gryffindor tower?”

“One that I know of so far,” Tempest said, “Salazar Slytherin.”

“You know Hermione would love to know some of this. She’s always talking about stuff from `Hogwarts a History`,” Harry said.

“I know stuff about this place that would never even appear in that book,” Tempest said haughtily.

Harry chuckled and said, “Well here we are the Slytherin dorms. So tell me all knowing one do you happen to know of the password to get in?”

“If I didn’t would you?” Tempest asked raising her eyebrow at Harry.

Harry’s answer was just to smirk.

Turning to the stretch of bare, damp stone wall Tempest said, “Fer-De-Lance.”

The stone door concealed in the wall slid open, allowing Harry and Tempest slip through it. The Slytherin common room hadn’t changed since Harry had last been there.

“Kind of cosy in a cold, reptilian sort of way,” Tempest said softly.

Harry burst out laughing attracting the attention of the Slytherin’s currently residing in it. They all seemed to stand as one and march over to where Tempest and Harry were standing.

“What’s Potter doing in here,” Grint exclaimed as he pushed through to the front of the group.

“He’s here with me,” Tempest said then turning to a first year she continued, “Please fetch Mr. Malfoy if you will.”

When the first year didn’t move she nodded her head in the direction of the dorms and said, “Well go on.”

The first year ran to do as he was told, almost tripping over himself in the process.

“Potter is a Gryffindor he shouldn’t be in here,” Pansy spluttered, “Even with a professor.”

“It’s not like I haven’t been in here before,” Harry snorted, “Really nothing spectacular if you ask me.”

An uproar sounded and everyone started yelling things at Harry. Saying he was lying or asking him how.

“Silence,” Draco yelled as he emerged from the archway that led to the boys dorms.

All the seventh years present turned to glare at the blonde while the others fell silent.

“Professor what can I do for you?” Draco asked walking over to a couch in front of the fire and indicated for them to sit on the couch opposite.

Blaise who had accompanied Draco down sat beside him. Tempest and Harry went to the couch indicated before sitting down stately. The rest of the Slytherins stood or sat close by in an attempt to listen in.

“I have a request of sorts,” Tempest said sitting forward business like, “Actually it’s more like a proposition. You see I’m in need of your fashion expertise and I‘m willing to put up a trade, you will be given anything you wish, within reason of course.”

“Of course,” Draco replied sitting forward intrigued as to why a smartly dressed witch was asking for his fashion expertise, “And why are you in need of my fashion expertise?”

Tempest turned her head to look at Harry who blushed darkly and looked at his hands which he had clasped in his lap. Draco noticed this and smirked.

“You want me to play dress up with Potter,” Draco stated laughing.

“In no uncertain terms. Yes,” Tempest replied simply.

Draco looked at Harry, running his gaze up and down the length of the boy’s body, and he said, “It most definitely needs to be done that is for certain but it’s going to be rather hard and is not an overnight job. Also I can’t do anything here. You understand, limited resources and all.”

“I’ve obtained a pass until Sunday evening, you have free reign, under escort of course. You may go anywhere, to anyone. So what do you say?” Tempest asked.

“Blaise is to come as my assistant,” Draco said as whispers went round the common room.

Tempest nodded.

“Deal?” Tempest asked extending a hand towards Draco.

“Deal,” Draco said taking her hand, “I’ll inform you of what I want when I decide on something appropriate.”

“You may need to pack some clothing,” Tempest said, “When you have we’ll meet you at the headmaster’s office.”

Draco nodded and headed back to his dorms, Blaise in tow.

When Harry and Tempest had left the Slytherin common room Harry stopped Tempest with a hand on her arm.

“Do you really think this is wise? If people see Draco and I around each other they’ll pull all sorts of conclusions and Draco could get hurt or even killed for his `betrayal` of Voldermort, that goes for Blaise as well,” Harry said worried for both Slytherins safety.

“Don’t worry Harry my guess is Severus will be with us and he’ll make an excuse with Voldermort if need be,” Tempest said, “And anyway they could of declined the offer.”

“Just one more question,” Harry said looking at Tempest who gave him a sign that said `go ahead`, “Are my clothes really that bad?”

Tempest blinked twice in astonishment before bursting out laughing.

“Oh Harry,” Tempest said shaking her head giggling, “I don’t mean to offend you.”

“You didn’t, well only a little, but are they?” Harry asked.

“They aren’t the worst, but they are bad,” Tempest said.

They continued to Gryffindor Tower where Harry grabbed some clothes, and gave a quick explanation to his friends promising to tell them everything when he got back, and headed for Dumbledore’s office.

When they entered, Harry put his bag with Draco’s, Blaise’s and two others, who Harry assumed was Remus’s and Severus’s, the two Slytherins had already arrived and were talking to their head of house.

“Won’t you need anything,” Draco asked Tempest looking at her lack of bags as they, all but Dumbledore, stood before the fireplace ready to floo.

“I’m making a quick side trip,” Tempest explained, “I will grab something while I’m there and meet up with you later.”

“Well here you go,” Dumbledore said handing a roll of parchment to each of the boys, “These are your passes should the Ministry decide to give you trouble.”

“The Ministry?” Blaise asked.

“Yes Mr. Zabini. It is quite illegal for students to be out of school grounds during the school term,” Dumbledore said then turning to Tempest he handed her three large rolls of parchment, “Here we are and good luck.”

Tempest nodded and with a click of her fingers her robes turned from crimson red to brilliant white a hood appearing. A crest adorned the left hand side of the chest. The crest consisted of the black letters G.P elaborately embroidered, the G above and a little to the left of the P, a sword piercing the centre of both letters in silver and gold, all of it looking as if it was burning in a gold, silver and white fire.

“Be careful,” Remus said hugging her.

“Promise,” she said before pulling up her hood and walking into the fire which was burning green.

Taking a handful of floo powder she yelled, “Crystal City, High Council’s Chambers.”

She disappeared in a roar of fire.

“Well let’s go you lot,” Remus said walking into the fire with his bag.

Severus, Harry, Draco and Blaise entered and they flooed to the Leaky Cauldron.

~~~~~

Tempest caught up with them at a witch and wizards tailor in Paris.

Shaking her head she opened the door and stepped in saying, “Bloody French. Arrogant bastards the lot of them.”

“Thank-you,” Draco said from where he was seated in a chair, watching the tailor buzz around Harry with a wand. The material, scissors, needle and thread floating around everywhere.

“Your welcome,” Tempest said walking over to the blonde, “So how’s it coming along?”

“Honestly,” Draco stated, “This should have been done long ago.”

The tailor finally stopped and turned to Draco, his eyes widening in fear at Tempest.

“Oops,” Tempest said and clicked her fingers making her robes revert back to the crimson red of before, the crest and hood disappearing, “I apologise.”

The tailor shook his head before saying, his voice distinctly French, “That is alright mademoiselle. Monsieur Malfoy is this adequate.”

Tempest turned to Harry and grinned. Harry was standing there in tailored black pants and emerald green silk button up shirt.

Draco stood up and walked around Harry surveying the work, “Not bad, not bad.”

Draco walked forwards and knelt in front of Harry. Harry’s eyes went wide as Draco put his hands on the insides of Harry’s thighs.

Draco pinched the material saying, “Needs to be taken in here slightly.”

Then standing Draco ran his hands over Harry’s chest making Harry bite his bottom lip to keep from making any noises.

“This too. He has a very refined chest we want to show it off not hide it,” Draco said walking round to the back, his hand trailing after him, and continuing, “Back of the pants need to be tightened too. First rule when buying clothes Potter, if you got it flaunt it.”

“So Draco what happened to Blaise, Severus and pap… uhh Remus?” Tempest said trying to cover up her slip.

“They’re at a café up the street,” Draco replied not noticing Tempest’s slip.

Harry however did and looked at her, eyebrow raised.

“Okay,” Tempest said grinning sheepishly at Harry.

The tailor had finished fixing what Draco had asked and stepped out of the way to allow Draco to check the clothes over again. Harry watched Draco warily and backed up when Draco reached for the front of his pants.

“Potter stay still,” Draco scolded reaching out and grabbing the waistline of the pants and yanking Harry back forward, “You’re worse than a worm.”

“Waistlines fine, just enough room. Lengthen the pant legs a little and I think we’re done,” Draco said to the tailor, nodding his approval when the tailor lengthened the legs.

“So what have you done so far?” Tempest asked.

“Got him some new robes, casual and formal. Stuck with black, deep blues and rich greens. We’ll get about twelve or so of these shirts in various, complementing colours, same with the pants. Just have to get him some new shoes, belts and other accessories,” Draco said, “am I correct in assuming that his hair is untameable?”

Harry let out an indignant, “Hey,” as Draco ruffled said hair.

“Yes. We shall do the shoes, belts and accessories tomorrow but we also must get him some muggle clothes,” Tempest said.

Draco scrunched up his nose in disgust and said, “You mean we’ll be going into muggle clothing stores. I’m not familiar with their styles.”

“No but you’ve got an eye for what looks good,” Tempest said.

The tailor came over with a piece of parchment and handed it to Draco, “The items you are purchasing shall be delivered by owl on monday Monsieur Malfoy.”

“Professor Lupin needs to sign this,” Draco said.

“No he doesn’t,” Tempest said and walked over taking the invoice from Draco.

Looking it over she nodded and held out her hand for the quill. Upon receiving it she signed it trying to keep it out of Draco’s sight but the blonde kept trying to peer at it.

Harry walked over, now back in his old clothes, and grabbed Draco’s arm pulling him away.

“Her last name is none of your business,” Harry scolded.

“Come on Potter the whole school wants to know,” Draco grumbled pulling his arm free.

“Really?” Tempest asked, “Is my last name that much of a must know?”

“Yes as a matter of fact it is. Some Hufflepuff overheard Granger talking about you and your lack of a last name and decided to spread it. So basically the whole school is trying to find out who you are,” Draco replied.

“Here,” Tempest said handing the piece of parchment to the tailor, “We best be getting back to the others.”

Draco and Harry followed Tempest out and Draco directed them to the café where they found Remus and Severus deep in discussion and Blaise looking back and forth between them.

~~~~~

Another chapter done. So what do you think so far. Please review.