Harry Potter and the Prince Hidden in the Shadows

Everyone was silent, for no one could comprehend a thing. They all stared at the black haired boy with a dumbfounded look.

"Mr. Kingscrown ... you do realize that Azkaban is a prison, right?" Asked Professor McGonagall.

Arth tilted his head sideways.

"Yes, What about it?"

"You do realize that Azkaban is a place where only the worst of criminals reside?"

"Yep."

"Do you not fear it?"

"Why would I?"

"It is a place were the most heinous criminals are taken so the treatment there is equally horrible."

"I'm not a criminal so why would I be afraid?" Said Arth with an underlying confidence.

Professor McGonagall, Fudge, And Hagrid dropped their jaws. Dumbledore was starting to curve the end of his lips.

"B-but there are dementors! And they-"

"Yes, they feed upon our happiness and what not, still not a reason to be terrified. It's not like they'll kiss me or anything."

"Y-Yes... That is true."

"Plus," Arth gave an excited smile. "I always wondered what it would feel like standing next to a dementor. I've heard so many tales about it but never actually experienced it you see."

Arth reaches out his hands towards Fudge.

"So how about it? You help me see a dementor, and I help you by going to Azkaban. A win win situation."

Fudge hesitated on wether or not he wanted to take the seemingly mischievous boy to a place full of criminals.

Hagrid interrupted before Fudge could take his hand.

"Yeh don't know what yer going ter go through, Yer never bin their. It's 'orrible, the most god forsaken place in the world."

"That's exactly why I want to go. When would I get another chance?"

Hagrid went silent.

Dumbledore chuckled.

"I do not know why I was worried about you my boy. I should've expected that you wouldn't have been effected by this little, adventure."

Dumbledore massaged his temples.

"It seems as though I am getting to old."

Arth snorted.

"Old is an understatement."

"Mr. Kingscrown!"

"It's ok Minerva. It is but a harmless joke."

Arth once more offered Fudge his hand.

"So is that a yes or no?"

Fudge debated on wether or not he should take the boy's hand before shrugging and grasping it enthusiastically.

"Yes."

Suddenly, Fudge felt himself shiver as he had felt a bad premonition. He started to second guess if he had made the correct decision or not.

Arth grabbed Hagrid's arm and glanced at Fudge with a charming gaze.

"Oh, do we have to be in a prison cell? Isn't there a guest room?"

Flustered, Fudge hurriedly answered.

"Oh um yes we do, however, since no one wants to stay their, it is currently quite empty."

"Oh good, then can Hagrid and I stay there?"

"N-no, you must stay in the cells like the other prisoners-"

"But we are suspects aren't we? Not yet confirmed culprits? So I don't see why we can't have a guest room."

"Y-you see-"

"I agree with Arthur here. I believe, as a child, the boy needs to be separated from the full experience of a prisoner. It'll be enough as long as he stays put inside the prison. Plus, our game master Hagrid can keep an eye on him while they're there."

"B-But-"

"Oh come on Cornelius, you can surely do at least that much as a minister. Surely you have enough power." Egged Dumbledore with a twinkle.

Fudge went red as he stuttered in response.

"I- of-of course I can."

"Great!"

Arth pulled Hagrid out of the office with a bright smile.

Fudge followed them with a stammer.

"W-where are you guys going?"

"To azkaban? Isn't that where you're taking us?"

"Y-Yes?"

"So lets go already."

"N-now?"

"Yes now, when else?"

Arth froze.

"Ah, can you notify my parents- actually, I'll do it myself."

Arth gave a low whistle.

After a few short seconds, a small black raven happily cawed his way over to the right hand shoulder of Arth.

Arth took out a piece of paper, scribbled a foot long letter in ten seconds and tied it to Corvus's leg.

"Go take this to Mother and Father. And remember to come to Azkaban instead of here. You got it?"

Arth scratched the bottom of Corvus's neck who responded by cawing once more. With a flurry of wings, Corvus was off.

Arth waved his hands before turning to face Hagrid and Fudge.

"Ok, I'm about done and ready to go. Are you Hagrid?"

Hagrid shuddered.

"Me don't know, last time me went there, was the most 'orrible thing I've ever experienced."

Arth gave Hagrid a sympathetic pat.

"It's alright. It'll be better this time."

With a energetic gaze, Arth gave Fudge a smile.

"Shall we go now?"