Minor edits - hiphenation, missing spaces, typos, paragraphs, etc.

OEBPS/Chapter1.xhtml

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
         <div class="storyparagraph">
             <p>Harry awoke cold, wet, and shivering. He slowly rose to his feet, trying to massage feeling back into his fingers. <em>That was stupid,</em> he thought as old scars and badly-mended fractures began to all throb in time with his pulse. <em>I'm not in my bloody twenties anymore. I'm going to be sore all day, if someone ambushes&#8212;</em></p>
             <p>He cut that thought off. The war was over. He'd finally killed that bastard. If he'd had any Death Eaters left, Tom would have had them with him at the end, hoping for some advantage. Even if some had fled the conflict, Harry remembered what Hermione told him about her examinations of the Dark Mark, a corruption of the ancient Protean Charm. With the final death of the bearer of the Master Mark, everyone else that carried the mark would perish as well. Harry imagined that little surprise was kept from the Death Eaters though.</p>
-            <p>Harry took in a deep breath and let it out. It was over, and he could finally relax. He looked up, past the shattered stone vaults, at the storm clouds brewing overhead. The war was over, but the price had been far, far too high. He felt his hands curl into fists, the ragged nails digging into his palms.<em>Too many&#8230;</em></p>
+            <p>Harry took in a deep breath and let it out. It was over, and he could finally relax. He looked up, past the shattered stone vaults, at the storm clouds brewing overhead. The war was over, but the price had been far, far too high. He felt his hands curl into fists, the ragged nails digging into his palms. <em>Too many&#8230;</em></p>
             <p>The rubble around him began to shift, smaller pieces tumbling down, the haphazard piles of stone left from the cleanup settling. The ministry had barely been organized enough to send Aurors out to retrieve the bodies; they never had a chance to even discuss rebuilding before they were gone as well.</p>
             <p>Harry swallowed, ruthlessly forcing his magic back down. A small corner of his mind want to set it loose let it rage out of control, even if it brought the remaining walls down on his head. <em>I need to let Albus know,</em> he thought to himself, desperate for any distraction at this point.</p>
             <p>He still remembered the way to the headmaster's office, and barely noticed when he had to detour around collapsed stonework or jump over a crack in the floor. When he reached the half-melted gargoyle, he laid his hand on its distorted face and whispered, "The end of days". The charm he had replaced on the statue caused it to swing aside with a grumble of stone on stone. Harry slowly ascended the stairs.</p>

OEBPS/Chapter11.xhtml

@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@
             <p>"&#8212;we agreed&#8212;"</p>
             <p>"&#8212;that there would be no magic!"</p>
             <p>"We're really going to be&#8212;"</p>
-            <p>"In for it now!"</p>
+            <p>"&#8212;in for it now!"</p>
             <p>"Shut it, you two," Ron growled as he levitated Harry over to the window. "He's hurt bad. I'm half afraid to even move him at all, but I'm not leaving him a minute longer with those Muggles."</p>
             <p>Ron was very careful manoeuvring Harry into the back seat. Still there were a few jars that brought tears to his eyes and nearly made him black out. Fortunately the back seat expanded enough for Harry to be stretched out. Ron spread a woolly blanket over him that smelled a bit like mothballs.</p>
             <p>Harry was still in a lot of pain, and felt truly wretched, but at least he knew he wasn't going to die in that room.</p>

OEBPS/Chapter12.xhtml

@@ -278,8 +278,8 @@
             <p>Molly Weasley stopped dead in her tracks, mouth open in mid-tirade. Her face went from pale with anger to red as a tomato in seconds. "Yes, I see. Well, don't let it happen again. Alright Harry? Ron?" she said tonelessly.</p>
             <p>Harry and Ron looked at each other and nodded vigorously.</p>
             <p>"Good," Mrs. Weasley said. "Now that's settled, I'll go see the healer about when you can come home, Harry." She smiled faintly and left the room.</p>
-            <p>"Oi! Ginny&#8212;"George said the instant the door shut. He was still rubbing his shin.</p>
-            <p>"What the bloody hell&#8212;"Fred continued, tapping his leg with his fingertips and frowning.</p>
+            <p>"Oi! Ginny&#8212;" George said the instant the door shut. He was still rubbing his shin.</p>
+            <p>"What the bloody hell&#8212;" Fred continued, tapping his leg with his fingertips and frowning.</p>
             <p>"Was that for?"</p>
             <p>Ginny still had her fists planted on her hips. "I would never have expected <em>you two</em>, of all people to go all Percy on Harry!" she snapped, still outraged.</p>
             <p>"Well, we had to make sure&#8212;" Fred began.</p>

OEBPS/Chapter13.xhtml

@@ -118,10 +118,16 @@
             <p>Harry felt like a statue carved from ice. His uncle was going to walk away from this unscathed. Hell, from that article Hermione read, he was probably going to be lionized as a victim of unjust persecution. For a moment, Harry toyed with the idea of finding a way to leak their address to Voldemort and letting history repeat itself. Looking back, Harry would wonder always wonder about what changed his mind. Was it a desire to not sink to that level, or the fact that he wanted to destroy them personally?</p>
             <p>"Harry?" Mrs. Weasley's voice distracted him, even as he made his decision. Her hand was warm on his forearm, covering the doxy scar.</p>
             <p>"I need to go to Gringotts," he said quietly, then shook his head. "Actually, I need to schedule an appointment &#8211; that would be better. If you'll excuse me for a moment?" His voice echoed hollowly in his ears as he fumbled for quill and parchment in drawer under the clock.</p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="storyparagraph letter">
             <p>Master Goldfarb,</p>
             <p>A situation has arisen where I would appreciate your expert advice. I was hoping I could impose upon your schedule for a few minutes at any time that would be convenient for you.</p>
             <p>May your Gold always flow,</p>
             <p>Harry James Potter</p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="storyparagraph">
             <p>Harry gave Hedwig a few strokes as he tied the letter to her leg. After he sent her on her way, he sat back down again. He made a conscious effort not to clench his fists.</p>
             <p>"Harry," Mrs. Weasley said in a kindly voice. "I don't think the Goblins usually make customers schedule appointments."</p>
             <p>He nodded. "I know, but I'm asking him to help me with something that is just barely legal with my inheritance. I think I should probably be as polite as possible, don't you?"</p>

OEBPS/Chapter15.xhtml

@@ -59,8 +59,8 @@
             <p>"Indubitably; but if she does, then we'll let you take a crack at him."</p>
             <p>"How come you two aren't queuing up for the opportunity?" Harry asked, grinning for the first time since he'd returned from Diagon Alley.</p>
             <p>"Well, it's not much fun anymore."</p>
-            <p>"Not terribly much anyway. We've done&#8212;</p>
-            <p>"Just about everything we can think of."</p>
+            <p>"Not terribly much anyway. We've done&#8212;"</p>
+            <p>"&#8212;Just about everything we can think of."</p>
             <p>"Though if a new opportunity shows itself&#8212;"</p>
             <p>"&#8212;rest assured we will pursue it post-haste."</p>
             <p>Harry chuckled as they returned to routing the gnomes from Mrs. Weasley's vegetables. When they were done, they got their broomsticks out and played a little two on two Quidditch. While Harry was a good flier, he couldn't throw a Quaffle to save his life. The twins absolutely destroyed him and Ron.</p>
@@ -299,7 +299,7 @@
             <p>Madam Bones nodded. "If that is acceptable to you then we will do so. The court has been presented with three petitions for guardianship. The court recognizes Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Diggory, and Mr. Weasley as the applicants. Have any of these parties a desire to withdraw their application?"</p>
             <p>She looked up and waited but no one responded, though Mr. Diggory did give the Weasleys a long look.</p>
             <p>"Very well, we will hear from the claimants in reverse order of their date of application. Mr. Malfoy?"</p>
-            <p>Lucius rose to his feet with practiced grace. "Thank you, Madam Bones," Lucius said with a patrician tone. "It has come to my attention that an icon of the Wizarding world has been treated in a less than helpful manner by those who were supposed to have his best interests at heart. After removing a threat that had slain or enslaved so many of us, the boy, little more than an infant, was sent to live with &#8211;Muggles. These creatures did not treat him in any way appropriate to his station. He was kept completely ignorant of his heritage, until the headmaster of Hogwarts was forced to send his brute of a groundskeeper after them, to forcibly extract the boy from his captors. He returned to our world woefully ignorant of our ways and customs, and lashed out at many who sought to offer him friendship. He has fallen in with bad company, who only seek to use him for his wealth and fame. My son has made me aware of this travesty of justice and I found myself moved once I knew the facts of the situation. I would take the boy into my home as a proper fosterling and allow him the opportunity to learn the ways of our culture. He shall have the finest tutors and abundant opportunities to better himself and truly find his place in our world. As Malfoys, we obviously have more than enough wealth to sustain ourselves, and pledge that all of his inheritance shall remain untouched until he comes of age, something I don't think others are willing to do." At the end he sent a sardonic glare at the Weasleys. Harry found himself impressed by the skill of the man's delivery. The pledge regarding Harry's inheritance was a nice touch, though it sent a chill down his spine. If they weren't in this for the money, then they were obviously just after him.</p>
+            <p>Lucius rose to his feet with practiced grace. "Thank you, Madam Bones," Lucius said with a patrician tone. "It has come to my attention that an icon of the Wizarding world has been treated in a less than helpful manner by those who were supposed to have his best interests at heart. After removing a threat that had slain or enslaved so many of us, the boy, little more than an infant, was sent to live with &#8211; Muggles. These creatures did not treat him in any way appropriate to his station. He was kept completely ignorant of his heritage, until the headmaster of Hogwarts was forced to send his brute of a groundskeeper after them, to forcibly extract the boy from his captors. He returned to our world woefully ignorant of our ways and customs, and lashed out at many who sought to offer him friendship. He has fallen in with bad company, who only seek to use him for his wealth and fame. My son has made me aware of this travesty of justice and I found myself moved once I knew the facts of the situation. I would take the boy into my home as a proper fosterling and allow him the opportunity to learn the ways of our culture. He shall have the finest tutors and abundant opportunities to better himself and truly find his place in our world. As Malfoys, we obviously have more than enough wealth to sustain ourselves, and pledge that all of his inheritance shall remain untouched until he comes of age, something I don't think others are willing to do." At the end he sent a sardonic glare at the Weasleys. Harry found himself impressed by the skill of the man's delivery. The pledge regarding Harry's inheritance was a nice touch, though it sent a chill down his spine. If they weren't in this for the money, then they were obviously just after him.</p>
             <p>Madam Bones and the other two judges, both older wizards, questioned Lucius about some of the details of his proposal. As they finished, Harry realized why Bendricks had been so adamant that Mr. Weasley enter those financial statements. Those could be used to support Malfoy's claims that the Weasleys were only doing this to get at Harry's money.</p>
             <p>Amos Diggory's speech was a little less polished. "Er, Madam Bones, the missus and I became aware of the situation with poor Harry through some friends at his school. My son Cedric attends Hogwarts as well. He's a good boy, and could serve as a fine older brother for Harry. We have a very secure mansion near Ottery St. Catchpole with plenty of room, and Harry could visit with his friends from school when he's on holiday. Due to my work with the Ministry, we have all the latest wards and protective enchantments. He, uh, also wouldn't have a lot of competition for our attention or guidance. Like I said, we have plenty of space and we'd love to have him stay with us." He cleared his throat, ducked his head, and sat down abruptly.</p>
             <p>Harry looked back and forth from Mr. to Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley was quickly writing something down on a scrap of parchment. Harry realized with horror that he didn't have anything prepared, as William Bendricks was obviously the one who was supposed to have been speaking.</p>
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@
             <p>Harry knew better than to actively probe someone who was likely a master Occlumens. But he locked eyes with the Malfoy patriarch as he spoke, and the flash of rage and frustration he let slip out was all the confirmation Harry needed.</p>
             <p>"Very well," Madam Bones said, "The court will observe a short recess while we come to a decision."</p>
             <p>Harry sat down with a sigh. Mrs. Weasley took his hand, but didn't say anything. Harry squeezed her fingers, but he was too nervous to sit still. He tried to think of anything else he could have brought up to convince the judges, or if he'd said too much. He glanced over at the Diggorys, who did not look very happy. Leaning toward Mr. Weasley, he whispered "If they are here on Dumbledore's behalf, why isn't he in here with them?"</p>
-            <p>"Madam Bones did a little investigating on how you came to live with the Dursleys in the first place, and I think she's a little put out with him right now. I, er, also had a few words with her after you we brought to Saint Mungo's. I wanted to make sure there was no way you'd be put back there. Anyway, when she took charge of the panel, I imagine Professor Dumbledore decided that his presence would hurt their claim more than it would help."</p>
+            <p>"Madam Bones did a little investigating on how you came to live with the Dursleys in the first place, and I think she's a little put out with him right now. I, er, also had a few words with her after you were brought to Saint Mungo's. I wanted to make sure there was no way you'd be put back there. Anyway, when she took charge of the panel, I imagine Professor Dumbledore decided that his presence would hurt their claim more than it would help."</p>
             <p>Harry nodded slowly, revising his opinion of his hopefully soon-to-be foster father. Just because the man didn't play the political one-upmanship games in the Ministry didn't mean he was unaware of them.</p>
         </div>
 

OEBPS/Chapter16.xhtml

@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@
             <p>"Quite all right, Harry, sometimes I feel like hexing them myself," Arthur agreed affably.</p>
             <p>Harry noticed Sirius studying Arthur curiously. "This is Arthur Weasley," he said. "He and his wife agreed to be my guardians. Their youngest children go to Hogwarts with me, but we're all living at The Burrow. It's out near Ottery St. Catchpole in Devon."</p>
             <p>Sirius looked at him, confused. Privately, Harry preferred any expression over that deadened look he'd had when they entered the room. "I was staying with my Aunt Petunia and her family, but that didn't, well, it wasn't working out." He didn't want to tell Sirius too much and just add to his godfather's burdens. Honestly, he was also a little afraid of the man's reaction. He didn't want this interview to end prematurely.</p>
-            <p>"I've seen you before, at a&#8230; meeting," Sirius whispered. He seemed to be studying Arthur's face. When Harry glanced at his guardian he was surprised to see how angry the man was. He wondered for a moment if he was angry at Sirius, but when Arthur simply nodded Harry made the connection to his downplaying of the situation at the Dursleys. <em>Damn,</em> Harry thought in wonder,<em>Arthur never gets mad like that.</em> It gave him a warm glow, even as he felt a little twinge of fear. <em>I don't want him getting hurt trying to protect me.</em></p>
+            <p>"I've seen you before, at a&#8230; meeting," Sirius whispered. He seemed to be studying Arthur's face. When Harry glanced at his guardian he was surprised to see how angry the man was. He wondered for a moment if he was angry at Sirius, but when Arthur simply nodded Harry made the connection to his downplaying of the situation at the Dursleys. <em>Damn,</em> Harry thought in wonder, <em>Arthur never gets mad like that.</em> It gave him a warm glow, even as he felt a little twinge of fear. <em>I don't want him getting hurt trying to protect me.</em></p>
             <p>"Harry's a good boy. My son couldn't stop talking about him when he returned from Hogwarts. Molly and I will take good care of him." Arthur spoke calmly but firmly. Something seemed to pass between the two men and Sirius relaxed visibly.</p>
             <p>Harry wasn't quite sure what to make of all that. "I've told Professor Dumbledore," he said suddenly. "He said he's been trying to get you out of here, but the people in the Ministry don't want to listen. I gave him a bit of an earful when I heard that," Harry admitted ruefully. Arthur actually chuckled out loud. "I'm not happy with you being stuck in here," he continued, "and I'm going to make things quite difficult for people."</p>
             <p>Sirius blinked and looked at Arthur.</p>