Harrigan was plotting. Normally an activity that he indulged in with others, his current frustration had him keeping to himself. Occasionally he vented his annoyance with stubborn loopholes by blasting a nearby hapless ornament to smithereens. It did not solve his problems but it did help him relax and distract himself for a moment. Nearly since the birth of Draco, the former Headmaster of Hogwarts had been quiet, no doubt building up to something he thought truly impressive. Harrigan knew the man wasn't going to be satisfied with merely humiliating Harrigan, Orion, and their friends, he wanted to hurt them, destroy them even.

All the while, Harrigan had this burning feeling that something was going to go horribly wrong. He didn't know where, he didn't know how, but it itched at his nerves and drove him to distraction. So he plotted, hoping to cover every possible way the old coot could strike at them. He couldn't get to them through Regulus, the only student remaining. He was forbidden from entering school grounds again, let go from the educational department, and forcibly retired. Those of the staff that had been his 'allies' so to say were under surveillance, making sure that they wouldn't help the former Headmaster out of some misguided sense of 'duty'.

His attempts to generate hype and worry with a 'Dark Lord' had failed as well. Thomas Riddle was in Azkaban prison under wards, vigilant guard, and several dementors. Having grown up in a Muggle orphanage and with several murders already under his belt, his reaction to dementors was apparently very bad. Harrigan felt no sympathy for the psychopath, he would have happily carved a bloody path through wizarding England and very likely moved on to greater Europe afterwards if given the chance.

The only way the old man could attack them now was politically. At the moment there were no policies that seemed potentially dangerous, but perhaps there was something hidden in one of them. That seemed likely, with all of the political and legal jargon in each and every proposed measure, it would be very easy to sneak in something detrimental to a certain group of magical society. He would need to go over each and every proposed offer for the next session of the Wizengamot, which met in less than a week.

It would be a massive undertaking, there were almost twenty proposals for this group, a very large number. Harrigan figured he would start in the middle and work his way towards the end, theoretically, that would be the place where Dumbledore or one of his political allies would hide something harmful. By that long into session, most would be tired and mentally worn out, wanting the day's session to be over with. It would be very easy to sneak in something under tired noses and have it pass.

Plan decided on, Harrigan settled onto a comfortable settee and summoned a hot cup of tea. Might as well be relaxed and comfortable while working through pages upon pages of very boring papers. Harrigan riffled through the papers, selected measure 10, and began to read.

*

Orion Black found his newly pregnant husband seven hours later, asleep on the settee with several measures spread out on a coffee table in front of him, another page covered with notes. Fondly he gazed at his mate for a while, amazed that he had found someone like Harrigan so late in his life. Part of him heavily regretted not having found him earlier, while the logical part of him reminded that he would probably not have his two sons and adorable grandson if that had happened.

He was very curious and excited about his newest child, however. He was intensely curious what this little one would be like, would they take after Harrigan's looks or his own? He hoped it was more of the former, Sirius was nearly his miniature and Regulus not far behind. The Black family had very potent genetics, combined with their habit of inbreeding it made for very unique, striking features. One did not doubt when a witch or wizard had Black blood in their veins.

Orion privately hoped for a daughter. It was not considered a respectable thing for many pureblood families, having a daughter. He had never been like the vast majority of his kind, however. He had two amazing, talented sons, now he wanted a little girl with Harrigan's pale jade eyes and bright smile to spoil. He wanted her so badly he could picture her very easily, she would be beautiful, clever, and stubborn. A proud, independent young woman who would make a future husband (or wife for that matter), fight for her.

He moved quietly across the room and sat at Harrigan's head, drawing the fine, silky locks into his fingers and letting Harrigan use him as a pillow. He summoned the measures Harrigan had been reading along with his notes, choosing to read the notes first. Harrigan had been hiding himself away in this office for a few days now, working incredibly hard at something. There were bruises under his eyes and a slight paleness to his features that Orion didn't like.

Harrigan was far too stubborn and secretive to ask for help, so Orion was, for lack of better word, snooping. It didn't take him long into reading Harrigan's notes to realize what he was looking for and a gentle smile crossed his lips. Harrigan had beat him, Abraxas, and Lucien to it, it seemed. They had been debating on what Dumbledore's next move was likely to be, only just yesterday deciding that one of the various new measures was the man's likely mode of attack. If they could find what it was, expose the man's real agenda, find some piece of evidence that would be so shocking it couldn't be turned down, they could get the man out.

Harrigan, it seemed had come to that conclusion himself, starting to scan the measures for the phrasing and ideas that were Dumbledore's common weapons. Picking up the next measure on the list, Orion continued his husband's plan.

He had read two measures full of some of the most mind-numbing drivel he had ever seen when Harrigan stirred. The younger man sat up, gave a jaw-cracking yawn, and summoned a house elf, requesting a cup of strong tea. Orion added one for himself as well, setting the last proposal down and leaning back with a sigh.

Harrigan noted his handwriting on the scroll full of scribbled notes and said wryly, "I take it you guessed what I was up to?"

Orion took a long sip of his strong black tea and said, "You actually just beat us to the punch love. Abraxas, Lucien, and I had just decided that the most likely plan of attack was political. With the work you've already done over the past several hours if we each take two measures we can finish reading these proposals and start scanning them for the most likely candidate well before the next meeting of the Wizengamot."

Harrigan finished off his tea and laid his head on his husband's shoulder. "Good. I can safely say after this I shall never try and read that many proposals in a short period of time again. That is some of the driest, mind-numbing drivel I have read in my entire life, let alone the past few hours."

Orion snorted, picked up the first four measures, and summoned Dippy the house elf, ordering the elf to take the papers to Abraxas and Lucien. Once the elf popped out, the older man took the last four, handing two to his spouse. With a long, lingering kiss, the pair got to work.

***

It had taken longer than they anticipated to find the sneaky piece that Dumbledore was trying to pass. To Harrigan's disgruntled annoyance, it was in the third bill, not later as he had guessed. It was very carefully worded, but once it was deciphered was truly frightening to contemplate. Dumbledore was trying to remove the Dark families entirely.

Oh, it wasn't worded as such, but he was calling for an investigation into the backgrounds and histories of many bills, looking to remove outdated information and 'change' some rules. The one listed as his example, however, was originally brought up by the Flints and was the precursor to the way students were currently accepted into Hogwarts as per the Charter. Harrigan and his small group of friends knew that if this bill was passed, Dumbledore would remove the Dark families' contribution to the magical government entirely if possible and who knew what that meant for future bills and laws.

While Orion, Abraxas, and Lucien were looking into ways to highlight Dumbledore's move and get it thrown out or modified, Harrigan was looking into ways to rattle the old man and his standing in the Ministry significantly enough to get him thrown out or imprisoned. It looked like after months of searching and investigating false leads he may have found just the thing. The most quarrelsome part of the whole thing had been speaking to Aberforth, Albus' younger, slightly strange brother.

Aberforth had been persuaded that getting his brother out of politics and his realm of influence over magical Britain was for the best, so he had provided his memories on the subject that Harrigan sought, knowing that his word wouldn't be taken well with the lies Albus had spread about his brother and his 'strange ways'. There was no love lost between the two and Aberforth had stated firmly that it would be 'good riddance' to be rid of his older brother, who had never gone without lording his success and power over his more average sibling.

And so, well-armed for their fight against Albus, Harrigan, Orion, and their two best friends entered the Wizengamot meeting chambers together, taking their seats and ignoring the rampant whispers that their presence and power encouraged. Harrigan leaned against his husband's left side, chatting quietly with Lucien over his boys, Rabastan and Rodolphus, who were both doing very well in their chosen careers as Aurors. According to Lucien Rabastan was even being considered for joining the Combative section of the Unspeakables, a magical equivalent to the MI6. It was impressive for a 19 year old to be considered, speaking to Rabastan's dedication to improving himself and his abilities.

The Call to Order sounded as the great doors swung shut, settling a quiet attentiveness amongst the Lords and a great deal of anticipation for Harrigan and his companions. The first two bills were debated heatedly by opposing sides, Harrigan listening closely but not bothering to speak on either one. Still, he made his decision and voted appropriately, surprising most when his choice on the second bill was in agreement with Dumbledore. He watched with private amusement as the old man seemed caught between a rock and a hard place, on one hand not wanting to vote alongside a Dark family, but wanting the bill to pass.

Next was the third bill. It had been decided as a group that they would let the people who had been chosen to offer the opposing sides give their opinions before raising their objection to the hidden clause. Speaking for the bill was one of Dumbledore's political lackeys, Lady Vance. On the opposing side was, surprisingly, Lord Charlus Potter. Harrigan watched appraisingly as his distant kin argued his point, surprising many with the fierceness of his argument. But then, the majority of Potters were from the House of Lions.

Once both seemed to have exhausted themselves, Orion stood. Harrigan was smugly proud of his husband's presence and influence, he drew the attention of the crowd effortlessly. Resting his hands on the balcony in front of him Orion leaned forward and said, "I have listened to both sides of this argument, there are things I agree and disagree with for both sides as I am sure many of you can agree. However, there is one thing I would like to bring attention to. If you would please draw your attention to the wording of the sixth clause on the second page, you may find yourself agreeing with my concerns."

Predictably, Albus stood. "There is nothing wrong with that clause, Lord Black. I helped Lady Vance draft this bill myself."

Orion smirked. "Perhaps therein lies the problem, Dumbledore. To me, as well as most of our fellow Lords and Ladies, this clause and the bill that it lies within, gives the Minister and Supreme Mugwump the ability to dissolve any rule, or rewrite it, that they find to be obscure. You are not known for your tolerance of any but the Light families, Dumbledore. The very example you, I mean Lady Vance, list is that of the Flint family."

"You are trying to make the Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot jump at shadows," Albus said scathingly. "As you well know, I am not Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengamot, so my decided preference for those whose actions show some sort of integrity has no impact on this bill."

Orion merely arched an eyebrow as a rise of angry mutters spread through the Lords and Ladies. Two seats down from Dumbledore an angry Lady Edgecombe snapped, "Well that was stereotypical in the extreme, Dumbledore. Are you implying that none of your precious Light ally families can do any wrong? I seem to remember a certain report filed against your behavior in Hogwarts, as I recall it got you sacked!"

Harrigan coughed quietly to conceal a surprised laugh at the Lady's words, unexpected and surprisingly sharp. He hadn't thought about it, but his report really had paved the way to exposing Albus' prejudice and extreme favoritism for what fit with his point of view.

Albus seemed to realize he'd put his foot in his mouth rather significantly and attempted to backtrack, but the Wizengamot was unforgiving and not so swift to let his words fade. He was pursued as if he were the next meal for a hungry pack of wolves who had been taunted for too long.

"The way I see it, Albus, you want to erase the influence that the Dark families have had over the Wizengamot for centuries and this is your stepping stone, no matter whose name is on the bill. I certainly am not jumping at shadows, as you so eloquently put it, not when you are the most likely candidate for the position of Supreme Mugwump when it comes up in the next few months," Orion timed his words perfectly, letting Albus sweat a little before regaining the attention of what was swiftly becoming an angry horde.

The bill was voted on, and Harrigan felt nothing but extreme relief when it was almost unanimously voted down. With this latest humiliation fresh on Albus' mind, it was time to go for the jugular on Albus' career and end his poisonous influence once and for all. Harrigan waited patiently, tapping a folder against his knee as nerves and excitement flared near the end of the session.

Once the last bill was voted on, Harrigan stood. Acknowledged by Minister Bagnold, he began. Not even his husband and friends knew about this information, their reactions needed to be genuine.

"Minister, Lords, Ladies. When we elect someone to a public office here in the Wizengamot, they need to have certain qualities. The ability to persevere on their chosen course, integrity to avoid corruption and bribes, a good face with the public; after all, we do represent the governing body for our country not only in day-to-day affairs but also overseas as a member of the International Confederation of Wizards."

"Most importantly, however, they need to have a clean background. Now, I'm not talking of infractions back in school, if eligibility for a public position was based on the number of detentions as a student, well, the Wizengamot chambers would likely be a great deal emptier."

Several chuckles and nods accompanied his humor. He took a deep breath and continued. "The type of thing I am talking about is a criminal record, things like murder, embezzlement, fraud, perjury under oath. Sadly, one of our body is guilty of several of these things. I would like to raise an investigation, here at the end of session, into the suitability of one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore as a candidate for the Supreme Mugwump position."

The rage on Dumbledore's face would have been a frightening thing to Harrigan, if not for the fact that he could see the fear in blue eyes even across the Wizengamot chambers. "I protest! These Lords have it out for me, can't you see that?"

"Protest overruled, Dumbledore. Sit or be silenced. Do you have proof of your accusations, Lord Harrigan Peverell?"

"I do, Minister. Copies of official documents as well as testimony provided by a witness, the brother of the accused, Aberforth Dumbledore."

"My brother is not a credible witness," Albus sneered. "He's a drunk with a record of his own, no doubt dips into his own stores in that dirty little pub."

Amongst rising whispers, Harrigan remained still and calm. "Aberforth is well aware of how you have poisoned general opinion of him, which is why he has submitted Pensieve memories instead of verbal testimony. No matter how drunk one may get, memories can't be easily forged, wouldn't you agree? Certainly not by one you have often said is a very average wizard."

Trapped by his own words, Albus settled a fierce, annoyed stare on Harrigan and didn't reply. Harrigan handed over the Pensieve memories in a small jar to an official clerk, who brought them to the Minister. "Before we begin, what are the accusations against the accused?"

"Perjury in official court and first-degree murder," Harrigan replied, earning a stream of surprised hisses from the Wizengamot. Down in the gallery, court reporters were almost frantic to make sure their quills were copying every single word, watching the byplay with rapt attention.

The memories were played, and the shocked reactions of the Wizengamot to the intimate relationship Albus had shared with Gellert Grindlewald, the murder of his sometimes-stable sister Ariana after she witnessed them using Unforgivables on Muggles, and the treacherous reality of his famous 'duel', which actually was him poisoning his very willing lover when Gellert had gotten cold feet and threatened to turn Albus and himself in after the death of Ariana were well worth it. Memory after memory played, all of them sharp and clear, captivating and holding the Wizengamot and gallery's attention.

When it was over, a shocked Minister dismissed the Wizengamot, holding back the official guards and pronouncing Albus Dumbledore to be under arrest pending more investigation into his activities. Satisfied, Harrigan looked in amusement over at his husband and friends, who were looking at him rather shell-shocked. Orion finally stirred, opening his mouth to make a comment.

Instead, Harrigan spotted a burst of color out of the corner of his eye as Abraxas tackled them both to the floor. Catching his head on the corner of a chair on the way down, Harrigan blacked out, the last sight in his eyes that of a pair of very scared, loving grey eyes.