Golden Opportunities 6

Golden Opportunities

The first year

~~~ G.O ~~~

(Triss Merigold)

Back with Triss…
November 3rd, 2001

The rat was taken care of, but the situation with the Weasley was delicate. The twins wanted to send a letter to their parents about what they discovered, but Raven and I convinced them to let Madam Bones enter in contact with the Weasley and explain what happened to them.

It was easy to convince the DMLE's director to do it, it was part of her duties as well. We had gone to bed with a feeling of having achieved a lot, and we reported what we did to our immediate circle, minus Harry and Hermione, they weren't inducted in the Sorcerer Lodge yet and their mind was easy picking for Snape and the Headmaster.

Raven was not happy with Shemrie, the small fairy dragon has been constantly with her since the capture of the rat. Playing part of being a pet was amusing for the familiar as she could speak telepathically to Raven and I without alerting the other students. The Hogwarts wards for dark creatures never went off in her presence, a good thing in my opinion. Another reason for bringing the Faerie outside the castle, to stop her from competing with Peeves. Those two have become a menace for everyone; trying to outdo each other.

Now? Now they were finding themselves before Saint Mungo's door, with Neville, his grandmother and Angela, our mother.

It looked just like what a Victorian Era hospital would look like. It was Saturday today, and there seemed to be a lot of people coming and going. Mainly people being discharged at this point in time; we came early, it was 10:00 AM. Madam Longbottom ushered us inside and I was surprised to see that it looked just like a modern hospital. We followed her, at the same time I held onto Neville’s hand, he didn’t know why we were coming to see his parents today.

But he had taken a forlorn and sad countenance when he came to this place. Triss' adoptive mother, Angela spoke with a nurse at the reception area on the ground floor, then we called a male nurse that she made accompany us toward the Janus Thickey Ward.

"Follow me, and for the first timer, be careful, some of the patients can be… quirky." The male nurse said without elaborating more.

We followed the man to the fourth floor, the place where they treat permanent spell damages. The door to the word was locked magically to stop the patient from escaping or roaming in the hospital.

"Alohomora." The lock clicked open and the nurse waited five seconds before opening it and…

“Waaaaah!” An old man wearing blue pajamas lunged at our group, but the nurse was quicker and cast Incarcerous silently.

The man landed at the nurse’s feet. “Jasper, again. Didn’t I tell you that escaping was a futile effort?”

“Working here must be a chore…” Raven found herself saying.

“Yeah, it does have its moment.” The nurse lamented. “I have to bring Jasper back into his room, Madam Longbottom, I’m sure that you can guide this group to your son and his wife, right?”

“Of course, I am used to it…” The old matriarch said.

I and the others followed her, witnessing the misery in the Janus Thickey Ward. All this because the British ministry banned anything about spiritual magic which could heal all those people. They needed to go, the Ministry system and the Wizengamot simply didn't work.

We entered a room more luxurious than the one we passed full of crazy people. I saw a well cared for woman looking into the distance at the wall on which was a painting of Longbottom manor.

Madam Longbottom walked up to her son and kissed his cheek. "Good morning, Frank."

He held onto her hand reflexively, Alice turned her head and opened her arms wide, recognizing Neville. Neville let go of my hand and walked up to Alice and hugged her. Frank followed him with his eyes and tried to reach for him. “Mom, dad.”

“This is Alice, and this is my son, Frank.” Madam Longbottom pointed each of them out.

Raven and I looked at each over and held each other's hand and walked up to the couple. “Libra.”

This is a spell inspired from the Final Fantasy series; also known as Scan, Peep, or Intel. It displays a target’s stats and elemental strengths and weaknesses in the game. But this isn’t a game, this spell showed me the current status of my target or myself, if I was sick, or was under the influence of a spell. It had multiple uses, so I taught it to the doctor on my island.

I started with a diagnosis of their mental states with Frank, their nerves and pain receptors were damaged. I don't know how they were still alive after so many years but their resilience and willpower was astounding. Raven teared up a bit. Overwhelmed by what she must be feeling from Mrs Longbottom. She turned to Neville who was disturbed by what he was seeing. My sister told him, “She loves you so much, Neville, even in her pain, she remembers you.”

"I love you too mom." Neville suddenly hugged his mom.

Cough. Madam Longbottom interrupted the effusion. "When do we get started?"

I let go of Raven's hand and broke the coven link. I turned to the old woman and said in a professional tone, "I'm going to start with Alice, Madam Longbottom, she is the least affected. Her endocrine and nervous systems are in a better state for the procedure."

Madam Longbottom looked between her son and Alice. She closed her eyes and said, "Do it."

"Can you lay her on her bed?" I asked while taking a red stone in my hand. It started glowing as I poured my magic in it.

Dowager Longbottom looked at my recently made alchemical masterpiece and asked out loud, "Is that a philosopher stone?"

“Scream about it on every roof, why don’t you?” Raven said with a sarcastic tone.

I sighed and pressed the old woman with a magical discharge that scared her. "You never saw it, understood?"

Madam Longbottom nodded quickly. I returned to my work and the wind picked up in the room as a pink shroud enveloped me and Alice. “Flawless Restoration.”

~~~ G.O ~~~

(Alice & Frank Longbottom)

PAIN. PAIN. PAIN. PAIN.

Mocking laughter echoed in her ears, a woman and two men, jeering at them. “Blood Traitors like you deserve nothing.”

The Death Eaters started filling their pockets; they uncovered their faces, they were all maskless. Frank and Alice recognized people they had met at school and in the Wizengamot. Macnair, Rosier, the Lestranges.

“You rutted with the mudblood and you dare call yourself pure blood? Ah!” They pointed their wands at the two and there was…  PAIN. PAIN. PAIN. PAIN.

Unending… PAIN. PAIN. PAIN. PAIN.

The memories and sensations didn’t give them any respite. In the rare moment where she didn’t feel it, she saw the face of her son who always had this sad face as he came before her. When Frank saw him he always attempted to catch him and hide him somewhere against the pain with his body. PAIN. PAIN. PAIN. PAIN.

All Alice knew was the cyclic and terrible pain; until a pink colored wave of soothing magic attacked the formless and torturous lingering magic of their assaillants. Burning away the memories of their torture and eternal torment.

Alice was the first to wake up to a little girl holding onto her, she had the greenest eyes; it frankly reminded her of her best friend Lili. “You’re awake.”

Alice blinked and asked, "Who are you, sweetie?"

The red haired girl gave Alice the most beautiful smile. She wanted to hug her already… "I am Triss Merigold, and I was requested by Dowager Longbottom to help you recover and heal from the Cruciatus curse."

With mouth agape and eyes wide, Alice exclaimed, "You? What?"

"By Merlin's beard it works. Quick, do Frank now." Alice heard the older voice and saw her mother-in-law grab the little girl and place her before Frank, her husband.

"Yes Dowager Longbottom." The little girl chuckled nervously, the Dowager stepped back from her and stared at her expectantly.

Alice looked at the girl taking a red gemstone from her satchel and crushing it in her palm, no not crushing it, her magic did it and the girl harnessed the energy in the stone and used it to enter Frank’s body. Frank, who had a glazed over look, blinked his eyes, frowned and said, “Who're you?”

The girl said cutely. “Hello, Mister Longbottom, I’m a friend of your son.”

Then Alice realized, where was her son! “Neville!”

Frank stood up and yelled, “Where is he?!”

~~~ G.O ~~~

(Neville Longbottom)

Saint Mungo
Janus Thickey Ward
The Longbottoms’ private room

His Mum and Dad were back. Just like that as if those ten nightmarish years had never happened. He walked up next to Triss and said as he looked into the eyes of his mother, “Mum… I am here.”

“Neville!?” The ravenette’s eyes widened in recognition. She leaned forward and grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him into a crushing bear hug.

She sniffed his scent and then kissed his forehead and cheeks. "Oh Merlin, it's really you."

“Oh my, you’re so big now!” Neville hugged her with the same intensity; then he felt himself being hugged from behind. It was Frank hugging his wife and son.

“I… how is our son so old now?” The tall wizard turned his head toward Triss, because she seemed the only one who knew what was going on.

The little girl scratched her right arm. “It’s been a long time since you were, Lord Longbottom.”

"How long?" Alice asked.

“11 years.” but it was Neville’s grandma who answered that by stepping up.

"Mom! You're safe!" Frank exclaimed.

The old woman clicked her tongue. "Of course I am safe, do you think some upstart Death Eaters would get me, boy? I will have you know that I went on the continent with Charlus and Dorea Potter to fight against those posers working for Grindelwald in my youth."

The middle aged man laughed and made a sign to come with his hand. "I know, I know. Come! Hugs!"

Neville’s grandmother rolled her eyes but she stepped up to her family and hugged them all. There were big fat tears running down her eyes. After this reunion everyone began introducing themselves.

“Hello, I'm Angela. Triss’ adoptive mother.” Angela Roth introduced herself.

She gave them a vulpine smile as she said, "A lot relied on my daughter healing you today."

Neville’s father couldn’t help but comment, "I didn't know they hired Healers as young as you now…"

Triss, who was always humble, blushed. "Ah, I am not fully accredited yet, but I intended to become one eventually."

Neville believed that; his friend was always concerned for others. He wasn’t surprised that she wanted a job to heal and take care of people.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t an altruistic action.” Neville’s grandma added.

Frank perked up at this.  "Ah it was a transaction…?"

Alice became interested in the conversation as well, Augusta nodded. Angela, Triss’ mother explained, "Yes she used a family magic to heal you and restore you."

Neville’s father flinched when he heard the word ‘family magic’ and knew that healing them had a steep price. Frank’s voice quivered. "W-what did it cost?"

Angela smiled and turned to Augusta. "Well, tell them Dowager Longbottom. "

Neville looked between Angela and his grandma and he saw her sigh heavily as she declared, "We're no longer aligned with the light, we're now with the neutral families and in alliance with house Merigold, Greengrass, Lovegood, Davis and Potter. Son, blame me if you want but your and your wife’s life is more important to me than some political party."

"Ah, at least it's the good ones… you did good, mother. And… I love you too, mum."

Augusta began tearing up and crying overtly. Frank stood up and went to hug his mother. As for Neville, he did the same and hugged the one responsible for this miracle. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Neville said as he held onto Triss with tears in his eyes.

"Aww, I would do anything for my friends." Triss hugged her friend and patted him on the back.

She didn’t notice Alice Longbottom’s smile when she saw them together, but Neville did.

~~~ G.O ~~~

Back with Triss…
November 5th, 2001

After this day, the Longbottoms just needed to check out of Saint Mungo's hospital. I was happy, with the Longbottoms cured, it was a matter of time until Sirius went free! Alice Longbottom can confirm the status of Sirius being Harry's godfather. We can also force the reading of the Potter's will. Triss’s mom, Angela, bribed the hospital to still list the Longbottoms present, for at least a week.

Me, Raven and Neville returned to school as if nothing had happened; the sport and beauty club were still going strong, our study groups had expanded to include all houses. With everyone busy helping each other become healthier, there were less cases of bullying going on. But they still existed.

School was simple for me and Raven, a smooth ride as no one could interfere with our studies. Every teacher beside Snape was singing our praises and life at Hogwarts was rather exciting, the only thing that it needed was mundane subjects such as mathematics, literature, science and languages. The board of governors was being reluctant to even acquiesce that those subjects were needed for further integration with the mundane world.

I penned a letter to Lord Greengrass about calling in the debts of the Lord and Ladies on the board of governors to lean on them. In this economic climate it was sure that they wouldn't be able to pay. I also penned Madame Bones to tell her that they cracked the code on the Dark Mark and were a go for the next phase of the plan. My familiar flamed next to me and I gave him the two letters and gave him some scritchy scratches.

~~~ G.O ~~~

(Amelia Bones)

November 7th, 2001
Ministry of Magic
DMLE

The flaming Phoenix appeared in her office and landed on top of her desk, put down the letters and then flamed back to wherever it went. Since Triss took the bird from Dumbledore as her familiar, she made it the messenger between them. Taking the letter opened at her left, Amelia read the letter.

Dear Director Bones,

I am happy to inform you that everything is going as planned, Raven and I have successfully cracked the code on the Dark Mark that you let us experiment on when you allowed us to spend some time with the rat. I will of course pass down my findings to my mother and our allies for the perusal of my research.

I cannot wait to see the results at the trial, I trust that everything will go smoothly.

At any rate, I have taken steps to take care of your niece and induct her in my small study group with her friend Hannah.

Yours,

Heiress Triss Sonya Merigold.

Madame Bones snorted. "That kid is just like Geralt."

Amelia stood up and looked at the time on her pocket watch, it was five in the evening, she had times to go look for a certain prisoner at Azkaban…

~~~ G.O ~~~

(Sirius Orion Black)

Azkaban prison

Third floor

He remembered the happy time with his brother from another mother, James, and his spouse Lily; their son, his godson, Harry. It was quite a memory that even the Demons roaming Azkaban couldn't take from him. Sirius was in his animagus resisting the attempts of the Dementors to drain his happy emotions out of him. He heard the footsteps of someone coming in, their steps echoing on the stone floor. He shifted back to his human form, not wanting to reveal his animagus form.

Between the bars, a redhead appeared, she had a black hat and a monocle and wore a witch robe which failed to hide her curves. She looked at him with a neutral stare as she said, "Sirius Black, I've come to take you in custody. There was a miscarriage of Justice concerning your case…"

Sirius stared back at Amelia and shouted, "About damn time!"

He stood up with difficulty, wearing only pants and a shirt with some ratty shoes. The Director of the DMLE opened the cell and said, "We will now put you under protective custody, please follow us."

As they walked I'm the corridor, Sirius saw the other inmates laying on their back or belly. As if they had been stunned! What happened to them? As they left the dangerous inmates ward for the middle floor where the less dangerous ones were housed, Sirius asked, "Can you tell me something?"

They didn't stop walking, the Chief-Warden waved Amelia through the first floor where two other Aurors were waiting for them.

"If it breaks operational security, I might not answer." Amelia Bones said as she put magic blocking manacles on his wrists.

Sirius felt his magic being bottled up inside him; it was a disturbing sensation. "How is my godson? I always regretted going after Pettigrew and leaving him with Dumbledore."

Amelia Bones' expression softened, then it hardened; she grabbed his chain and pulled him toward the pier. "Not here. Please follow me."

Sirius became confused. "Right… lead the way."

This was the first time since he saw the night sky so freely; people don't appreciate their freedom until someone deprives them of it. Then as they boarded the small boat he looked toward the fortress, with a venomous tone he revealed, "I hate this place. I'd like to see it burn."

Amelia chuckled, "You might get your wish soon enough, Mister Black."

The ex Hit-wizard turned to the redhead, his face a mask of confusion. "What do you mean?"

She didn't answer, because the two other Aurors arrived and boarded the ship and then they left the island. It was the last time that Sirius will be seeing it and he didn't mind that state of affairs.

~~~ G.O ~~~

Hours later…
Merigold Family Safe house
Wiltshire

“Merigold Manor is in Wiltshire..” Amelia Bones whispered in Sirius’ ear when they apparated in a place that gave Sirius the swirly and made him uncomfortable.

Then a Manor house and a small front garden revealed itself instantly when Amelia whispered the secret to him. Sirius was ushered toward the small manor, as he walked toward the doors, he could see beautiful glowing flower bushes, statues and the crystal blue floating magical fountain.

The statues were the most disturbing, Sirius could feel their eyes seemed to follow him and Amelia. What about the magic density in this garden? It was like being in Hogwarts, with the ghosts spying on him. He finally arrived at the door, Amelia knocked and it opened after a moment to show a black haired house elf in a French-Maid outfit. The house elf straightened her glasses. “Ah, you’re here Madame Bones. And this would be Lord Black?”

Sirius frowned. “Not a Lord. Huh wait! Why are you speaking clearly?!” His eyes opened wide as he looked in shock at the house elf.

The elf raised a brow and said with a condescending sniff, “Contrary to all the other Houses in England, the Merigold House allows house elves to be educated and we’re different because we are closer to Fae than the other house elves.”

That was completely different from what he was used to, the female elf was clean, educated, and acted just like a perfect pureblood. “Oh…”

Sirius turned to Amelia, who was laughing at him. “Crazy, I know. The Merigold family has always done things differently from Britain’s magical community.”

They entered through the door and were surprised to enter an expanded palatial Hall which made Grimmauld Place look like a dump. As they followed the classy house elf, Sirius looked everywhere, there were paintings and statues everywhere. The marbled tiles had some geometric pattern engraved upon them; they were strangely reminding Sirius of runes.

Descending the stairs was a woman in a dark purple high-waisted tight dress, tights and black heels. Sirius’ eyes roamed the delicious and voluptuous curves of her body. She didn’t look British and her eyes were hard like steel shields. A predatory smile affixed itself on her face and it made Sirius tremble, she reminded him of Bellatrix at her worst. “There you are.”

Gulp. “H-hello. I’m Sirius Black.”

The dark beauty walked up toward him with a feline grace. “Oh I know who you are, Lord Black.”

“Why is everyone calling me a Lord?” Sirius said as he opened his cloak to let his arms free; he was wearing a woolen tunic with ill fitting pants. His body was simply too emaciated for his clothes to hang normally on his body.

The woman rolled her eyes at him and turned on her heel to walk further away from him.  Sirius’ eyes focused entirely on her perfect bottom, she turned back to him and caught him red handed.

She smirked at him. “That’s because you are now Lord Black, Arcturus penned it on his will before his demise; fortunately, I convinced him that you were innocent before he kicked the bucket.”

Sirius flinched and then finally asked the good questions; he was no longer blinded by her beauty. “Who are you?”

The woman nodded. “I’m Angela Roth, Regent of House Merigold, adoptive mother of Triss Merigold. The reason why you’re here is because Triss and your godson, Harry, have become friends and she learned how shitty his life is currently because you left him to Dumbledore.”

With a gasp, Sirius reflexively said, “Dumbledore is a great man and the leader of the light.”

The woman laughed as if he was a fool, then she added, “And a secret Dark Lord.”

He walked up to her and screamed, “You Lie!”

Sirius stood threateningly before her, his mania evident in his eyes. The woman stood unafraid before him as if he wasn't a danger to her at all. “Oh, but you’ll agree with me after I restore your memories, Lord black.”

He didn't see her move, but she touched his face with her hand on his cheek, her eyes glowed in a purple color. “Revelare Memoria.”

"Aaah!" The pain forced him to hold onto his head with his hands and Sirius went on his knees.

All the doubts, and things he has noticed about Dumbledore, his actions against the Potter and the Order of the Phoenix… he remembered them all. Even more so when he remembered Dumbledore's visit to Azkaban; Sirius had thought that the old man was there to save him, but no he was there to tell him that he couldn’t be there for Harry, that the child had a destiny to fulfill. The old man obliviated him of the memory of the will drafted by him and the Potter. One which would have revealed that he was innocent. “No… no, no, no, no!”

When he reopened his eyes, Sirius saw the legs and shoes of the woman who forced him to remember. Her voice was but a whisper as she said, “The truth is often a burden ain’t it?”

“Bring him to the Healer, Madame Bones.” The woman ordered.

The director of the DMLE looked at the pitiful man kneeling before the stairs. “Was this truly necessary?”

In a cruel tone, Sirius heard Madame Roth say, “I’m not wasting my time with a Dumbledore supporter.”

The other woman gasped, “Cold.”