“So, We wish to say, thank you, Harry Potter, for the services you have rendered to Equestria,” said Celestia. “Your attending Hogwarts opened up the reclusive world of the witches and wizards, and allowed us to prepare ourselves, and establish allies, for the possibility of a conflict. And We know you were reluctant to attend the school in the first place, making your attendance even more important to Us.”
The two sisters exchanged looks. “We are confident We would not have been too indisposed by the witches if the assault had been unanticipated, but the non-magicals would have seen the results of Our defending Ourselves and thought We were attacking them. It would have become quite problematical,” Luna said. “We might have had to destroy the portal.”
Celestia smiled. “While you are too young to receive any titles, We will be giving you an estate with a modest income.”
If Harry’s eyes bugged out any farther, he was sure they would fall out.
Luna snickered. “Although Sweetie Belle’s Le Sex Liquorices will earn you more than enough to live on, I’m sure.”
He felt his face heat up as he blushed. Even the Princesses had noticed?
Celestia snorted, and grinned, before continuing, “There will be a Ball in your honour, Saturday, this week. You may bring your herd-mates, and their families, with you.”
There was a brief pause as Celestia delicately consumed another slice of cake. Then she said, “We would like you to think about returning with your herdmates to Hogwarts next year. Without the interference of a certain evil wizard in the last five weeks, it would have been a rather pleasant experience, We think.” She glanced at him under her eyelashes. “At least your letters prior to those incidents seemed to indicate so.”
“And you will have plenty of company, this time,” Luna said. “We have thirty-one students — nine unicorn, ten pegasi and twelve earth — who wish to attend and explore this new magic. They are quite excited at being Equestria’s first exchange students, after you and your herdmates. They are, We believe, the brightest and bravest Equestria has to offer.
“They, and their parents, moved to Embassy housing in Little Whinging at the beginning of the month, to acclimatize to walking on two legs, and learn a bit about the culture and its expectations of appropriate conduct. Headmaster Dumbledore, just Friday, confirmed that their Hogwarts letters will arrive on schedule.”
“There are also ten unicorns, six pegasi, six earth ponies, and a Zebrican who have volunteered to be teaching assistants to the staff, at Our expense,” Celestia added. “They were gratefully accepted by Dumbledore as he was having difficulty finding sufficient witches and wizards for the positions. And funds.
“They have been undergoing a crash course in magic since you left for Hogwarts last year. This will give us the opportunity to see how accurate our understanding of their magic is.”
Luna smirked and gave Twilight a steady look. “It seems your offer at the End-of-year Feast significantly depleted their labour pool.”
Harry looked up at his mum, who smiled at him as she lifted her teacup. More students? And staff members who were ponies?
“Yes,” Celestia cheerfully said. “We’ve had nearly a thousand new pegasi and several hundred new unicorns come through the portal. And nearly as many inquiries at the Embassy about tourist arrangements. And We believe many of the pegasi will opt to move here, permanently.” She finished another slice of cake.
“Naturally,” Celestia solemnly said, “We don’t expect you to answer immediately. But you can expect a Second-year letter to arrive next week while you are visiting the Weasleys at their home. You will need to decide by your birthday.”
Harry’s attention drifted off. He ate, slowly, as he considered what to do. First, of course, was talking this over with the fillies. Then the four of them needed to talk with both Ginny and Hermione.
That was the real issue, though, wasn’t it? If he stayed home, he wouldn’t see either of the two fillies. He doubted they’d be willing to give up their education at Hogwarts. Plus, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Ginny not being unicorns meant they couldn’t attend Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.
And the schools to teach wand magic in Equestria were still being debated and designed, according to his mum.
It was as they were finishing dessert, and the adults were talking about how the different nations around Equestria were reacting to the existence of the Portal and the humans on the other side, that he heard Twilight ask, “Have you shown the Griffons the new recipes using tofu?”
“The tofu experiment was a failure,” Celestia said sadly, shaking her head. Then she giggled, which turned into laughter.
“In retrospect,” Luna said, “it was a mistake to use candles in the chandeliers, instead of the normal lighting crystals.” She glanced up. “We thought they might find it a reminder of their home, and that We weren’t as different as some said.” She shook her head as she valiantly tried to suppress a broad smile, and failed.
“We were trying to make the Griffons feel more at home, you see,” Celestia said, interspaced with giggles. “They are always so formal with Us.”
۸-_-۸
A Guard burst out of the dinner-conference and screamed, “medic, medic!” before collapsing a few steps later, gagging uncontrollably. Several other ponies ran out after him, also gagging uncontrollably. A moment later, there was a soft “PHUMP” from the room and a light-yellow flame flicked out into the hallway before disappearing.
The Guards posted in the hallway rapidly slipped gas-masks on and unshipped their weapons and removed the safeties. They quickly dropped into well-practiced positions and routines. Some charged towards the conference room, some covered those from the sides and above, while the remainder prepared for an assault from either end of the corridor.
Voices could be heard from inside. “Open the windows! Open the windows! For Celestia’s sake, OPEN the windows!” they begged.
Several guards rushed in the doors, prepared to protect their fellow ponies.
Slightly singed Equestrian and Griffonstone diplomats made their way into the hall. All their faces were putrid colours and they were gagging from the horrendous odour that had begun to waft into the hall.
The recovering pony diplomats and servers in the hall screamed again, and began fleeing, as best they could manage, away from the Griffons.
One of the Griffons groaned and grabbed his stomach. There was a loud “BRAAAPP!” Another followed a moment later. And then another. He had barely straightened when a second Griffon in the delegation groaned and started to copy the first one.
One of the Guard ponies, who had been standing outside the doors when they burst open, and was now helping a pony to stand, froze. Despite the charms on his armour that made all guards look alike, he, impressively, turned green. He staggered and almost fell, dropping the pony he had been helping.
Pegasi at the end of the hall began furiously fanning their wings, trying to clear the corridor.
The Griffonstone diplomats were hurriedly escorted, at shouting distance, down the hall and outside into the garden.
Minutes later, dozens of birds and animals were seen fleeing the garden and seeking refuge inside the palace. The gardeners later discovered several species that they didn’t even know were anywhere near Canterlot cowering under various pieces of furniture and hiding in the drapes.
۸-_-۸
“The Griffons almost declared war on the humans when I explained where we got the recipes from,” Celestia said, before bursting into laughter, again.
Luna shook her head. “We really can’t blame the humans, however. The tofu recipes did say they caused some flatulence.”
Celestia’s laughter peeled through the room. “Some flatulence? That’s like calling Neighagra Falls a small set of rapids!”
“Still,” Luna said “We should have tested it before-hoof.” She sighed and picked at her salad. “And tofu is now a banned chemical weapon,” Luna said. “At the Griffon’s insistence.” The grin she was sporting spoiled the seriousness of what she was saying.
“I have never seen a trade delegation so quickly come to an agreement. They were done and headed back in two days.” Celestia finally had her giggles under control. “But it is the first time I’ve seen Grffons preferring to eat vegetables instead of meat at our banquets.”
“Although,” Luna said speculatively, “I did see Prince Red Talon surreptitiously getting the recipe from the kitchens. He murmured something about getting back at a sibling.”
Celestia began to laugh uncontrollably, and eventually fell over sideways.
Luna sighed. “The Health Inspectors have condemned the conference room.”
Celestia had started to turn blue, and her laughter had subsided into wheezing. Which oddly sounded like she was trying to say, “Best. Conference. Ever!”
۸-_-۸
Princess Celestia had managed to regain her composure when they met the others in the Green Reception Room. They sat on the couches and armchairs tastefully arranged by the windows looking out across Equestria. After making sure everyone was comfortable, and greeting them all by name, Princess Celestia said, “We wanted to tell you in person of Our decision on the Peter Pettigrew matter.”
Sirius immediately sat up straight, all trace of good humour gone from his expression. He narrowed his eyes and stared at the princess.
“Peter Pettigrew readily admitted his part in the death of Harry Potter’s natural parents and the attempt on his life.”
“And well he should!” growled Sirius, “the traitorous rat!” He visibly restrained himself from jumping up to storm around the room.
Celestia nodded gravely.
“He also explained that he had joined the Death Eaters, as Tom Riddle called his followers, because they had threatened both him and his mother. He thought the Ministry and Dumbledore’s followers would lose the civil war, and he would be killed for being a half-blood and defying Riddle. He agreed to take their mark on the condition that his mother would be spared their attention. He said that if he had refused they would have made him watch as they tortured his mother to death, and then they would have done the same to him.”
“He should have refused, and died like a man,” declared Sirius, hoofing at the floor angrily.
“Not everyone had as contentious a relationship with their parents as you did,” Princess Celestia rebuked the wizard. “And I cannot too harshly condemn a pony for trying to stay alive in such turbulent times.” She turned her head and looked out over the city.
“He could have asked for help!” Sirius yelled as he stood, stiff-legged, sparks popping from his horn.
The guards in the corners of the room jockeyed for better line-of-sights and brought weapons up. Harry saw a unicorn’s horn start to lightly glow.
“All the history books agree, you were losing to Riddle,” Celestia said sternly. “Even in school, two years before he attacked Harry and his parents, it was becoming obvious that he would win. Could you have guaranteed Peter and his mother’s safety when Tom controlled the Ministry?” She raised an eyebrow Sirius’ furious blush. “I think not. It was a terrible choice he had to make.”
“Afterwards, he had to do many things he never would have done otherwise.” She looked back at Sirius. “This does not excuse what he did, but it does explain it.”
“He betrayed James!” Sirius yelled at her furiously.
“And if he hadn’t, they would have killed him, and his mother, slowly.” She answered serenely. “He has begged forgiveness.”
“It’s a trick,” the wizard cried.
“Your emotions drive your hatred. You want to believe that only someone of unredeemable evil could betray you and your friends.” She sighed. “He isn’t as strong-willed a person as you are, Sirius. He fears for his life, and lives with that fear daily. Even when he was with the Weasleys, he feared discovery on a daily basis.”
Sirius gritted his teeth and scowled darkly. “He still should have refused!” He angrily sat back down.
“Perhaps.” She nodded gracefully. “Riddle told him he had no interest in killing James and Lilly, he only wanted to kill the baby. Peter considered the life of the baby a fair exchange for his mother’s life.” She paused a second. “After all, the Potters could always have another baby. He couldn’t have another mother. He wanted to believe James and Lily would survive. They might hate him for being the instrument of their baby’s death, but they would be alive.”
The wizard was shaking his head violently, muttering, “No! No! No!” He didn’t want to hear this, clearly.
“He suspected he was being lied to, but he had hoped he was wrong.”
She turned her head and looked at the Weasleys, who were all listening, wide-eyed. “He hid with you, the Weasley family, for ten years. He pretended to be a simple rat.” She nodded as they shuddered in revulsion at the thought.
“He was afraid to allow anyone to know he was alive because Riddle’s followers wanted him dead. He realized that he would be blamed by them, that they would think he had led their master into a trap. And, based on what happened to the Longbottom’s, he knew they wouldn’t stop until they caught him, if they knew he was alive.
“So he stayed a rat. With a witch family so he would have warning if anyone suspected him alive, and to keep tabs on his fellow Death Eaters. He didn’t betray you, he didn’t take advantage of his position.” She stared at the Weasleys steadily, and tried to impress upon them that truth.
“And he could have. At night, when you were asleep, he could have transformed and cast controlling spells with impunity. Or done things and used the obliviate spell. You were at his mercy.”
By the widening of the adults eyes, and the shudders that ran through their bodies, she knew that they hadn’t really considered seriously what his hiding with them meant.
“But he didn’t. He stayed a rat. He left you all unmolested, both physically and mentally.” She nodded reassuringly.
“So he isn’t evil. He is just a wizard who had to make terrible choices.”
She shifted slightly to address them all and adopted a more formal tone.
“Peter Pettigrew has committed many crimes on the other side of the portal. The only crime he committed in Equestria was being brought in by force. He was not trying to evade Our laws to sneak in. He attempted to escape his cage many times without success before even approaching the portal. We cannot condemn him for the disturbance at the Portal when he was clearly attempting to avoid it.
“The Weasley family, in turn, did not know their pet rat was a wizard hiding in his animagus form, and similarly did not wilfully nor knowingly break any Equestrian laws.
“However, he is responsible, indirectly, for the deaths of Prince Harry Potter’s parents and We cannot ignore that crime, even if it was committed in a territory outside Our borders, long before he became a part of Our family.”
Princess Luna started speaking. “We have examined his dreams as carefully as possible over the last few weeks and believe the wizard to be truthful and honest in his motives. He has agreed to co-operate with us in determining exactly how the Dark Mark used by Riddle operates, and to come up with a spell to detect it should anyone with it cross through the Portal in the future.”
“In addition, everything we have learned will be shared with the proper authorities on the other side of the portal,” Celestia said.
Sirius scowled darkly, his legs twitched with the desire to get up and storm around the room. That the Guards watched him closely seemed to temper down his physical reactions.
“During Our first investigations, Peter promised to tell the truth in exchange for sanctuary from punishment in England for his crimes. He followed through admirably, volunteering much information about how Tom Riddle acted and planned, and identified many of that wizard’s followers, both marked and unmarked. It is Our turn to reciprocate that trust,” Celestia said.
“He will be sentenced to twenty years in the Dungeons, reduced to house-arrest in Fillydelphia based on his continued co-operation and good behaviour. He will be tutored on Equestrian history and mores. Should the psychologists, and Princess Luna, agree, he will be eligible for early release in two years. In time, he might become a valuable member of society and atone for the evil deeds he did in England.”
Sirius again shot to his hooves and opened his mouth to protest. The guards moved a bit closer and the pegasus moved to flank the wizard. Luna raised an eyebrow.
Princess Celestia didn’t overtly move or respond as she stared intently at the wizard, but it suddenly grew much warmer in the room. Every pony could feel her power fill the room.
Sirius’ looked startled, then his expression went blank. He blinked and his anger seemed to drain away. He opened his mouth, closed it, and then said, “Excuse my outburst, your Highness.” He blinked, then continued, “As you said, my emotions on this matter are quite strong.” He bowed his head. “I meant no disrespect. Please forgive me.”
She nodded regally. “Emotions in such cases as this tend to be nearly overwhelming for those involved. You need not concern yourself regarding your conduct today.”
“Just keep that rat away from me!” he muttered, and looked down at the floor as he once more sat.
Luna smirked. “We shall endeavour to ensure you never meet.” A wave of cool air seemed to flow through the room.
Princess Celestia smirked, as well. “On a more cheerful note, We would like to extend an invitation to all of you to attend a Ball next Saturday. It’s being held to honour Prince Harry Potter’s service in introducing the witching world to Equestria, and preventing conflict.” She grinned at Harry’s blushing face.
He shuffled his forehooves awkwardly as everyone looked at him.
“We’re sure he and Princess Twilight will be able to explain the details,” Luna said.
“Now, then,” Celestia said briskly, “have you enjoyed your vacation in Equestria?” she looked expectantly at the Weasleys and Grangers.
The conversation went for another half-hour before the two sisters excused themselves. Celestia went to afternoon Court, Luna headed for bed. “Sundown isn’t until eight o’clock tonight, so I hope to get in a good seven-hour nap before raising the moon,” she said as she left the room. “Please enjoy your stay tonight in the castle.”
They spent the rest of the day being tourists. They did not, however, spend the entire afternoon in the Canterlot Royal Library, as Twilight wanted to do.
۸-_-۸
“Good morning, Princess Sparkle,” the Headmaster said as she stepped through his floo. “I have managed an . . . arrangement . . . with the Goblins,” He continued as she sat down opposite him.
“They have agreed to search for banned objects in the vaults of known Death Eaters currently in Azkaban. In exchange, Sirius Black has agreed to let the Goblins search his family’s vault and remove any goblin-made items they might find. As well as pay a large fine for his family failing to return the items in a timely manner.” Dumbledore looked at Twilight over his glasses. “As he assured me, they were very happy to make the arrangement. The Blacks have been hoarding goblin items for centuries.”
Twilight smiled hopefully.
“The number of Death Eaters in Azkaban is low, fortunately, only ten. Of those, only seven were members of Riddle’s inner-circle. Three are in the same family, the Lestranges, followed by Misters Rowle, Rookwood, Mulciber, and Dolohov.
“The goblins have refused to let us enter any of the vaults, nor will they remove anything. However, should they find anything that might be a horcrux, they have agreed to bring it to the vault door for us to examine. If it is a horcrux, they will allow us to watch as they destroy the horcrux as a banned item. The vault owner will be fined ten percent of the value of the vault.
“If there is any collateral damage to the vault, the vault owner will be fined an minimum of ten percent of the original value of the vault, or a thousand galleons, whichever is greater.”
He stood and gestured at the floo, “Shall we?”
Two hours later, they were still standing outside the massive door leading to the Lestrange family vault deep below Gringotts. Being the largest vault, and accessible to three inner-circle Death Eaters, they had decided to search it first. It was crammed with coins, goblets, and armour in both gold and silver. There were the skins of strange winged and serpentine creatures, jewelled flasks with mysterious liquids, and even a crown on a skull. The goblin team had long since vanished from sight inside as they searched for the Cup.
The Princess and Headmaster had spent most of the time discussing how they would integrate the new professors and students into the school — the students would almost double the size of the incoming class. Which would increase class sizes dramatically. But with two assistants assigned to each class, the doubled workload would actually be less than before.
In an effort to keep the class sizes down to a manageable number, they decided that the best solution would be to split the classes. There would be an “A” and a “B” class, where the more skilled students went to the “A” class. The classes would be in adjoining rooms. The Professors and their assistants would swap classes on a weekly basis, so that the Professors would be familiar with all the students in their subjects. And to make sure that the students received proper instruction.
There would be a mandatory class, once a week in the evenings, for the Equestrians, about wizardkind traditions and their society. It would be open to other interested students.
Twilight had just drawn up a proposed schedule for the First-year students when a goblin motioned to them from inside the vault.
Twilight didn’t need more than a moment’s look at the cup. “That’s it,” she said. “Definitely the same magical signature.” She turned to look at the Headmaster. “And it is definitely the third, as well. Ring, tiara, cup, locket, and Harry. If those five are all he made, then we are finished.”
The goblin’s eyes grew wide at hearing the list.
The Headmaster nodded and reached inside his robes. He removed a small wooden case and opened it. Inside was a glass tube with a basilisk fang. He offered the case to the goblin.
“We have discovered that basilisk venom is more than capable of rendering a horcrux useless,” he said. “The box has a stasis charm to prevent the venom from destroying the container. Use only magic to handle the fang.”
The goblin scowled at him. “Do you think me a simpleton?” He gestured at another goblin and casually dropped the priceless artefact on the floor of the cave.
Albus stared at the sadly at Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup, shaking his head sorrowfully at the desecration of such a priceless relic.
The goblin studied the wooden box for a moment, then barked an order. The second goblin ran over and jumped into the vault-cart, and then shot out of sight. The goblin’s search team returned and began clearing the area around the cup. Then they began stacking all manner of heirlooms and expensive keepsakes around it. Portraits, clothes, books, and other combustible items were placed closest. Things that could not burn, but were delicate enough to be susceptible to fire or explosions were ranked next.
The mound was barely inside the vault’s doorframe.
Princess Sparkle looked at Albus questioningly.
He sighed. “Goblins dislike wizards, considering most to be thieves and the remainder to be thieves in training. I am sure they hope that the horcrux is as violent as I told them.” He nodded at the massive mound of flammable materials. “This is their way of getting even. Plus, if vault is damaged, they can assess fines based the destruction wrought. We should probably move to a safer location.” He moved a bit down the path outside the vault, facing the doorframe at a sharp angle. They watched in silence as the mound grew wider and taller, until it blocked access to the vault.
Finally came the sound of the vault-cart returning. The driving goblin didn’t wait for the cart to stop before he bounded out and handed gloves to the leader. The leader of the group put them on, then opened the tube with the fang. He shook it onto the glove and began climbing the vault doorframe. The other goblins raced out of the vault and down the path, pressing against the wall, well out of the way of the doorway to the vault.
Twilight and Albus hurried after them until they could only see the doorframe.
A few minutes later, the goblin was at the ceiling and over the horcrux. He took careful aim, threw the fang, and then threw himself outside the open vault, as close to the wall as he could manage and putting the thick cave wall between himself and it.
The horcrux had no time to react, it simply exploded in a wave of pressure and heat. As planned, the items around the horcrux were covered in flames. The goblins made no attempts to put out the fires raging around the entrance to the vault. They just laughed and made jokes as portraits yelled, screamed, and perished.
Twilight started to step forward, horrified at the wilful destruction, but Albus lightly touched her arm and shook his head.
Once the flames died down, they were able to get close enough to see the ruined cup lying in the centre of a large blackened area, the basilisk fang slowly eating a hole in the floor. The horcrux was gone.
The lead goblin retrieved the fang, placed it back in its tube, and then into the wooden box that had held it. He handed the box to Albus and then returned to the vault opening. He stroked the scorch marks on the frame lovingly and stared at the hole etched into the floor by the fang. “Yes,” he murmured. He turned to face Albus. “You see the damage there?” he asked, obviously rhetorically. “We will have to repair it! There will be a fine of ten percent on the vault’s contents because of this damage!”
Albus could hear a goblin at the back of the group snicker.
Without any further ceremony, the goblins closed the vault door.
“You will search the other vaults?” the wizard asked as they headed for the vault-cart. “While we only knew of five horcruxes, there is the possibility that there were one or more created before them.”
Albus and Twilight could only hope there were no more horcruxes.
The goblin scowled. “Of course. The agreement was to search five vaults. Unlike wizards, we keep to our agreements.” Then he looked back at the scorch marks on the frame of the door. He smiled, “Besides, we might find something else that explodes.” He looked happy at the thought of doing more damage to a wizard’s belongings and pocket-book.
Albus nodded and joined Twilight in the cart for the return trip to the surface.
If the goblins didn’t find anything else of concern, Albus planned to have Harry throw the box containing Tom Riddle’s wraith through the Veil of Death in the Ministry while he was visiting the Weasleys.
Naturally, Albus and Princess Sparkle would be prepared in the event the box shattered and released the wraith instead of passing through the Veil. Which would mean that there definitely was another horcrux for them to hunt. And they would just recapture the wraith and keep it sequestered until they found that last horcrux.
Otherwise, that would be the end of Tom Riddle.
And Harry would be spending the next few weeks at the Weasleys. And Albus knew the Longbottom boy had invited him for a birthday party. Plus, after getting his letter, he would be wandering through Diagon Alley getting his supplies for Second year.
Parading Harry through the Alley multiple times, and having him visit a few of his friends, would be a tremendous boost to his followers.
۸-_-۸