"I can't believe that Harry is married." Lupin muttered as Moody, who was the last to arrive, entered Snape's office. "And to Bellatrix Black of all people." He snatched the letter that Harry had written to Snape and read it for the third time. "What would James say?"
"I'm sure that he would consider it a great conquest." Snape sneered. "If it will make you feel any better, I get the impression that Bellatrix has changed somewhat. She may prove extremely useful." He took the letter from Lupin and returned it to his desk and retrieved the miniature hoop that served as a Portkey that had come with Harry's second letter.
Moody examined the Portkey suspiciously. "Are you absolutely sure that this came from Potter and that it will take us to him?"
"Who else would it be from?" Snape growled.
They stood in a circle and grasped the hoop. "Any idea how to activate this thing?" Lupin asked curiously. He didn't remember anything from the letter.
Tonks shrugged. "How about 'Lord Polairix?'"
The Portkey instantly activated and, a short jerk later, they found themselves standing in a small semi-formal dining room in which a large meal had been served for six. They all looked around in surprise. They had assumed that Harry had found a small shack or something. This room looked like it belonged in a palace.
"Welcome to Nair'icaix." Came Harry's familiar voice from one of the doors that had just opened to admit he and Bellatrix. "I'm glad that you decided to come."
They all turned and gaped at them. Instead of the dirty clothes that escapees of Azkaban would wear, they were wearing very elegant robes. Bellatrix looked particularly radiant in a dark red and gold robes, Harry was wearing black with silver lining and blue overtones.
"Aunt Bella!" Tonks exclaimed as she walked over and hugged Bellatrix. Tonks finished hugging Bellatrix and turned to Harry and hugged him too. "I suppose that you're my uncle now."
Harry's face screwed up in disgust. "That means that I'm Draco Malfoy's uncle!"
"Not my favorite nephew." Bellatrix commented. "Too arrogant and spoiled." She gave Snape a direct look. "Wouldn't you agree, Severus?"
"Of course."
Lupin and Moody were acting distinctly uncomfortable in Bellatrix's presence, so Harry quickly told everyone about their stay in Azkaban, how Bellatrix had betrayed Voldemort, and then of course their escape and marriage. "Let's eat dinner then, shall we?"
They all sat down and began to eat. "So what is Nair'icaix?" Tonks asked.
"If I'm not mistaken," Snape explained carefully, "Nair'icaix is a fortress alleged to be located approximately fifty miles north of Azkaban. Many of the ancient texts indicate that it is strongest fortress in the world."
Bellatrix nodded and continued the explanation. "The Fortress of Nair'icaix has traditionally been the home of the House of Polairix. Many Dark Lords have attempted to siege the castle. They all failed."
Lupin's curiosity was piqued. "What happened to those Dark Lords?"
"If my guess is correct," Snape commented, "the spells they attempted to use against the castle resulted in their own self-destruction." Bellatrix nodded.
"How would Hogwarts compare to this castle defense-wise?" Tonks asked.
No one quite agreed on the answer to this question so they had a friendly debate for the rest of the meal. They finally concluded that both Hogwarts and Nair'icaix had superb defenses, but those of Nair'icaix's were more advanced and stronger.
Once dinner was over, Harry and Bellatrix gave the visitors the grand tour of the castle using the information their rings were able to provide them. Some of the rooms they toured were new even to Harry and Bellatrix. They ended in Harry's private study.
"Have a seat." Harry said as he sat down and unconsciously conjured several chairs for them around his desk. "We need to talk about our goals and overall strategy now that I'm out of Azkaban. As much as I'm unhappy at the Order, Voldemort must come down."
"You automatically hold the upper-hand while your identity remains secret." Snape told Harry, using his knowledge from involvement in both the Order and Voldemort's ranks. The Dark Lord, Dumbledore, and Fudge, will not risk alienating you until they know more about you.
Lupin nodded in agreement. "Gather your resources and make your plans in secret. Don't come out in the open until you are sure that you're bigger than them."
"Meanwhile," Moody suggested, "I would train your magical skills as much as you can. That library you showed us should have more than a few good books with powerful spells." His voice was then slightly grudging as he nodded to Bellatrix, "She can provide invaluable instruction."
"What about wands?" Tonks asked sensibly. "As far as I know, your wands have been destroyed and then burned. Ollivander won't likely make you a new one due to Ministry restrictions."
"I've already taken care of that." Harry said confidently. "As we speak, a wandcrafter from the North is constructing wands for us."
Lupin's eyes widened. "You found a wandcrafter! Very few reach that level in the wand-making profession. Anybody can make a good wand, but few can customize them for a specific person."
After more discussion, they all decided that they would try to hold regular meetings and on their own, would round up those sympathetic to Harry's cause. Snape also promised that he would tell Neville everything pertinent and that Neville would be allowed to tell the members of Potter's Legion a few things as well. They then adjourned.
The next morning, following breakfast, Harry made his way down to his public study. Bellatrix had agreed to take on the task of hiring those who were interested in applying for the household positions; Harry would interview those for his staff.
He had just sat down in the imposing high-backed chair and created chairs for applicants to sit in when Reggins made an appearance. "Are you ready to began interviewing?" he asked Harry.
Harry held up the portion of the list that detailed staff positions to be filled. "I do believe so. How many applicants are there?"
"As of now," said the ghost thoughtfully, "three hundred and fifty-six."
...
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