HP-A New Future

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter 17: The Politics of War

The firelight flickered in the Black family's study, casting long shadows over the ornate bookshelves and antique furniture. Arcturus leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought, while Harry sat across from him, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp and attentive.

"The Ministry," Arcturus began, his tone clipped, "is a fractured, fumbling mess. That much hasn't changed, I assume?"

Harry smirked faintly. "If anything, it only gets worse. But for now, they're too preoccupied with the war to focus on anything else."

Arcturus nodded grimly. "Yes, the war. It's the perfect storm for opportunists and cowards to thrive. Too many departments are riddled with Death Eater sympathizers, either out of fear or ambition. Bagnold is competent enough as Minister, but she lacks the spine to root out the rot. She relies too heavily on Crouch to hold the line."

Harry's eyebrows rose slightly. "Crouch? He's not a name I hear often in this time."

"He's the Head of Magical Law Enforcement," Arcturus said, his tone dismissive. "Ambitious, ruthless, and entirely focused on eradicating the Death Eaters. He's effective, but his methods toe the line of legality. The man is willing to bend any rule to get results."

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "He becomes a key figure in the war later, though it costs him. His zeal alienates his family."

Arcturus's eyes narrowed. "The price of obsession. Still, his efforts might keep the Ministry from completely collapsing. The Wizengamot, on the other hand..." He shook his head in disgust. "It's a den of vipers. Most of them are too spineless to stand up to the Dark Lord's supporters."

Harry frowned. "And you? Before you left, you were a force in the Wizengamot. What happened to your allies?"

Arcturus's expression darkened. "Some were bought, others silenced. Those who still hold some integrity lack the power to act. My influence waned when I withdrew, and the Black name..." He trailed off, his lips curling into a sneer. "The Black name is synonymous with the Dark Lord now, thanks to Walburga and that fool of a husband she married."

Harry stayed silent, letting the older man vent.

"House Black," Arcturus continued, his voice heavy, "was once a symbol of power and stability in the wizarding world. Now it's a fractured house divided by loyalty and greed. Sirius, at least, has the courage to reject it outright. Regulus... well, you know better than I what's become of him."

Harry's expression hardened. "He's braver than most realize. He made a choice, and it nearly cost him everything."

Arcturus studied him carefully. "You seem to know an awful lot about the state of things. More than any outsider should."

Harry gave a wry smile. "I told you before. I'm not an outsider—I'm from a future where the lines you're describing have already played out. But the war is still the war. It's just as ugly and convoluted as ever."

Arcturus leaned forward, his sharp gaze meeting Harry's. "Then tell me, what do you plan to do about it? You've clearly taken steps—saving my sister and her husband, sparing Regulus—but what's your endgame?"

Harry hesitated for a moment, then said, "I need to change things. The future I came from is broken, and if I don't act, this world will fall apart the same way. Voldemort won't stop until he's killed everyone who stands against him. I can't let that happen again."

Arcturus's lip curled slightly at the mention of the Dark Lord's name, but he didn't object. "And you think you can fix it all on your own?"

"No," Harry admitted. "But I don't have the luxury of waiting for others to act. That's why I need your help. You still have connections, ears in the Ministry. You understand the political game better than anyone else I know."

Arcturus studied him for a long moment, then let out a dry chuckle. "You're an audacious one, aren't you? You waltz into my house, spill half-truths about the future, and ask me to return to the world I turned my back on."

Harry met his gaze evenly. "You said it yourself—you came back for Dorea. If you care about her, about what happens to this world, you'll help me."

The older man sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "You're as relentless as Charlus. Fine. I'll do what I can, but I won't make any promises. The Wizengamot is a treacherous place, and I won't be a pawn in your plans."

"I wouldn't ask you to be," Harry said quietly. "I just need someone who knows how to navigate this world better than I do."

Arcturus nodded slowly, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes. "Then let's start with the basics. Tell me what you need and who you think we can trust. If we're going to win this war, we'll need more than raw power. We'll need strategy."

Harry's expression softened, a flicker of gratitude passing over his face. "Thank you, Arcturus."

The older man waved him off. "Don't thank me yet, boy. You've dragged me back into a fight I thought I'd left behind. But if we're doing this, we're doing it properly. Let's begin."

As the fire crackled in the hearth, the two men leaned in, their conversation shifting to the details of allies, enemies, and the precarious state of the wizarding world. For the first time in years, Arcturus felt a spark of purpose reigniting within him. And for Harry, it was a rare moment of finding someone who understood the weight he carried.