The sound of jingling bells welcomed Harry as he stepped into the reception area of the "Carter, Bridget & Ashford" law firm. Almost instantly, he was greeted by a young witch with lovely brown hair, who appeared to be only a few years out of Hogwarts. For a brief moment, she seemed unsure about his presence, but recognition quickly dawned on her.
"Oh, Mr. Potter! Gringotts notified us that you might be visiting. Unfortunately, they didn't specify a time, so we couldn't arrange an appointment for you," she explained. "Ms. Bridget is currently in a meeting, but she should be available in about twenty minutes. Would you like to wait?" Harry nodded, prioritizing this matter over a visit to the Ministry, which could wait until tomorrow.
"Thank you," he replied. The receptionist jotted down a note on a piece of parchment—perhaps a message for Ms. Bridget—before focusing her attention back on Harry.
"Were you informed about our fees?" she inquired. Harry nodded. While fifteen galleons per hour might seem steep, it was comparable to the salary of a major department head's secretary, so he felt it was fair.
"Yes, I was adequately informed. The goblins are very thorough in their communications."
About twenty-five minutes later, a sizable and unremarkable man in his late fifties descended from the second floor. The receptionist told Harry to remain seated until Ms. Bridget was ready to see him. Five minutes passed before she finally called him in.
Grateful, Harry rose from his chair and made his way upstairs. The reception area was modest, but the second floor, home to four offices—belonging to Mr. Samuel Carter, Mr. Howard L. Bridget, Ms. Violet L. Bridget, and Mr. Leonardo Ashford—was lavishly decorated, reflecting the firm's esteemed reputation.
Harry knocked politely on the door of Ms. Bridget's office. Once invited in, he entered a spacious room dominated by an enormous bookshelf packed with texts on magical and Muggle law from around the globe. Thick folders filled with client information, likely safeguarded by powerful enchantments, lined the shelves. Opposite the shelves hung ornate paintings and a clock, while a minibar added a touch of elegance. The far wall had windows overlooking Diagon Alley, and in front of those windows sat a large mahogany table, mostly bare except for a few papers. Behind it was a plush leather armchair where Ms. Bridget was seated, with two simpler chairs in front for her clients.
Ms. Violet L. Bridget embodied the sophistication of the firm. Still in her early twenties, she was an attractive woman with striking blue eyes and a single braid of dark blonde hair. Her attire seemed to blend a gray Muggle business suit with high-quality wizarding robes, and she sported elegant glasses that rested on her desk.
"Good morning," Harry greeted her.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter," she replied warmly. "I've been informed that you have some important business to discuss." Harry nodded. "Shall we get started?" she prompted, adjusting her glasses.
"Absolutely," he replied. "My predecessors have spoken highly of your firm, and I have every reason to believe that I will receive the same level of service. However, I would like to observe your methods before we enter into any long-term partnership. No offense."
"None taken," Violet replied, noting his keen intelligence and strategic thinking. "Please continue."
"First, I need your assistance in unsealing and executing my parents' wills. This could be more challenging than it seems, as Albus Dumbledore sealed them shortly after their deaths, believing it to be in their best interest." He paused briefly. "I will request unsealing them in front of the Wizengamot as Lord Potter, but I believe that having guidance from someone experienced in magical law would be advantageous." Violet nodded in agreement.
"Of course, both my father and I will assist you. James and Lily Potter were dear clients of ours," she said, noting down his request. "Executing their wills will indeed be a significant honor for our firm." Harry acknowledged her words with a nod.
"I also need a trustworthy proxy to represent me in the Wizengamot. As I am still a Hogwarts student, I am confined to the castle for nine months a year. I trust your firm can help me find someone suitable to ensure my votes reflect the Potter stance."
"What qualities are you looking for?" Violet inquired, readying another sheet of parchment.
"First and foremost, I require someone incorruptible by bribes, as I anticipate attempts to sway my votes. My proxy should advocate for gradual progress in the magical world, while understanding that a rapid approach—favored by Dumbledore and his followers—will engender resistance from traditionalists. Essentially, I seek someone who believes that steady progress is crucial to prevent the decline of our world," Harry articulated.
"I believe we can find someone who fits that description," Ms. Bridget replied, diligently taking notes. "Shall I arrange meetings with the candidates once I identify suitable matches?"
"I'd prefer not to have meetings arranged. Please provide me with their names and, if possible, addresses, and I will arrange meetings myself. I will keep you informed of the outcomes," Harry specified, shaking his head.
"Understood," she said. "Is there anything else?"
"I need you to help me build a case against Albus Dumbledore." Violet's expression turned serious. "Let me explain," Harry continued. "Despite his esteemed reputation, he is far from the virtuous figure people believe him to be. He placed illegal memory charms on me and my friends—something I only learned because mine was broken. Additionally, he endangered Hogwarts students on at least two occasions during the 1991-1992 school year. Moreover, he insisted I return to an abusive household for the summer—a situation that amounts to child abuse abetting. There may be more misdeeds, but I'm not yet fully aware of them."
"Even if what you allege is true, those offenses may not be enough to remove him from his position as Chief Warlock. Once a trial concludes, he could easily appeal, leaving you back at square one," she cautioned. "If you wish for Dumbledore to face consequences, you will need to level more serious charges. His status as a hero of the wizarding world shields him from scrutiny, as too many people revere him."
"I am aware of that," Harry responded. "That's why I seek your help in constructing a solid case. Having ample evidence and serious accusations will increase our chances of bringing Dumbledore to justice." He sighed. "Admittedly, my intentions may seem nefarious, even if justice—and not revenge—is my primary motive. He is forgetting that he is merely a citizen of our nation and not above the law, regardless of his 'Greater Good' narrative." Violet nodded in understanding.
"Understood. How shall we proceed? I will conduct my own research into Dumbledore's past and will update you monthly," she suggested.
"That plan works for me," Harry replied. "However, please exercise discretion; there may be wards at Hogwarts that respond to specific keywords in our correspondence. It wouldn't serve us well if our plan was uncovered prematurely." The witch regarded him thoughtfully.
"You'll be in your third year at Hogwarts, correct?" She received a nod in response. "We can bypass the ward issue this way: on weekends when you visit Hogsmeade, I will send my assistant with any updates for you. There will be an additional fee for this service, though." Harry considered it briefly.
"That should suffice, and the cost is not a concern," he agreed. "I will send my own findings with your assistant."
"Very well. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" The young wizard shook his head.
"No, that's all for now," he replied. As Violet signed a new folder with his name, she organized the notes from their meeting.
"Excellent. If you'll excuse me, I would like to begin work on your requests," she said. Harry nodded in acknowledgment. "Have a good day, Mr. Potter," she added, a small, almost imperceptible smile gracing her lips.
"And you as well. Thank you for your time," he replied, bowing slightly before exiting her office. Upon reaching the reception area, Harry settled the fee for his visit with the receptionist.
~/ *** \~
After a swift lunch at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry made his way to the Ministry of Magic, eager to obtain his apparition and portkey creation licenses. Not wanting to fumble his exit from the floo, he opted for the public entrance, enjoying the short walk.
Standing before a battered telephone box, he hoped the procedures hadn't changed since Tom Riddle's last visit in the sixties. He dialed the number: six-two-four-four-two. Once the dial clicked back into place, a cool, automated voice greeted him.
"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business." Unsure whether to speak into the speaker or not, Harry responded loudly, hoping to be heard.
"Harry James Potter, visiting the Department of Magical Transportation."
"Thank you. Visitor, please take a badge and attach it to the front of your robes." As the silver badge slid out, Harry clipped it onto his attire. Immediately, the telephone box began to descend. "All visitors to the Ministry are required to submit to a search and present their wands for registration at the security desk, located at the far end of the atrium." After a brief descent, a beam of golden light illuminated the box. "The Ministry of Magic wishes you a pleasant day," the voice announced. The door swung open, ushering Harry into the atrium.
He emerged into a grand hall with polished dark wood floors. The ceiling, an enchanting peacock blue, was adorned with shifting golden symbols, resembling a massive celestial noticeboard. The walls were lined with glossy dark wood, dotted with numerous gilded fireplaces. Every few moments, witches and wizards appeared from the left-hand fireplaces with a soft whoosh, while queues formed on the right-hand side, waiting to depart.
In the center of the hall stood a fountain, surrounded by larger-than-life golden statues. Among them, a noble wizard held his wand aloft, flanked by a beautiful witch, a centaur, a goblin, and a house-elf, all gazing adoringly at the duo. Water danced from the ends of their wands, the tip of the centaur's arrow, the goblin's hat, and each of the house-elf's ears, mingling with the sound of apparators popping in and out and the rhythm of footsteps echoing through the hall.
At the far end of the hall was the security desk, but the wizard stationed there had succumbed to slumber, seemingly unconcerned with his duties. Without further hesitation, Harry made his way to the lifts and succeeded in squeezing into one filled with Ministry workers. After a few stops, he finally reached level six, home of the Department of Magical Transportation.
His first stop was the Apparition Test Center. Although the center was spacious, only one worker was present—an unremarkable-looking wizard with a wispy appearance, characterized by transparent eyelashes and a hairdo that seemed as if a single breeze might carry him away. Similarly to the wizard at the security desk, he was also napping.
"Ahem..." Harry said, knocking briskly on the table to rouse him. "I'd like to take the apparition test and, if all goes well, obtain my license." The wizard—Wilkie Twycross, according to his badge—slowly came to.
"You must be of age to take the test," he muttered, trying to retreat back into slumber. Harry, however, refused to accept defeat.
"Does this count?" he asked, displaying his Potter ring (the Slytherin ring remained hidden). Wilkie glanced at the ring and, after a moment, relented.
"I suppose it will suffice," he replied, rising from his chair. "Let's see if you can pass the test." Harry followed the man into the testing room.
Two hours later—one for theoretical instruction and one for practical application—Harry James Potter emerged with his apparition license safely stored in his robes. The memories from the horcrux had been invaluable, allowing him to master apparation by his third attempt (though three consecutive successful apparations were required to obtain the license).
Glancing at the clock, Harry decided he still had sufficient time to pursue his portkey creation license, so he made his way to the Portkey Office.
~/ *** \~
Later that evening, Harry lay on his bed in his room at the Leaky Cauldron, feeling the exhaustion wash over him. He had accomplished the goal of acquiring both licenses he needed for his plans, though the day had taken a toll on his energy—especially after the lengthy meeting at the "Carter, Bridget & Ashford" firm. Just as he began to drift off, an owl adorned with Gringotts's collar appeared at his window, carrying a package.
After freeing the package, he opened it to find a pair of wristbands he had ordered along with a note from his estate manager, stating that the goblins had successfully negotiated the acquisition of the saber along with the ownership rights he had proposed.
Resolving to thank Goldsaw during their next meeting, Harry transfigured the dull wrapping paper from the wristbands into something more colorful for Draconica's birthday gift. Tomorrow marked her thirteenth birthday, after all. Once he wrapped the present, he sent Hedwig on her way to deliver it to Malfoy Manor for the birthday girl.