Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his office contemplating recent developments. That in and of itself wasn't anything strange. As both an old man and a politician it was a given that contemplation of recent developments was a frequent occurrence for the Headmaster of Hogwarts. However Albus had been blessed or cursed with an exceptionally interesting student, depending on your point of view. And it's a fine mess you find yourself in this year, my boy. Harry Potter's name coming out of the Goblet of Fire had been unexpected and promised the young man another eventful year. Albus hoped that his young student would manage to pull through. It isn't your time to die yet, Harry.
Albus had just taken counsel with his most trusted staff members and friends. Alastor and Severus had remained fairly stoic in the face of another threat to Harry's life. Minerva had been...less so. She had in fact been screaming at them that they had no right to use the poor boy as bait. On the one hand Albus agreed with her, but it wasn't him who had put the boy in this situation; he was merely turning it to their advantage as much as he could. If Tom is making another attempt at coming back then we must know about it. Our world isn't ready to face such a threat again. I am truly sorry, my boy. Once again you will have to shoulder the burden for us all.
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I'm not sure whether to proud or worried. Albus had just come back from the Weighing of the Wands. His worries about how Harry had been handling being chosen as a champion had been thoroughly assuaged. The boy seemed downright chipper, even. I wonder what you have found to make you act this way, Harry? It does not feel like you are traveling down Tom's path like Severus thinks, but I cannot help my curiosity. Severus had been in to see Albus with a disturbing report of Harry actions in the corridor outside the Potions classroom. The trembling of Severus' hands when he described the similarities between Harry's actions and the Dark Lord had made Albus very nervous. His own encounter with Harry only a little later had not shown a hint of darkness though. The only thing Albus could come up with was that Miss Skeeter seemed unusually reticent to stay near Harry too long, but Albus was prepared to be thankful for small mercies rather than looking for budding Dark Lords in every closet.
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I still cannot believe it. Albus, Severus and Minerva were sitting in his office. Alastor would join them once he had found something that could explain how the Hungarian Horntail had gotten loose. It wouldn't surprise me if the strength of the chains was decided on by someone at the ministry who didn't pay enough attention to Sylvanus' lectures when they were here.
"Headmaster, I wish to once again register my concerns about Potter. There is no way that a wizard of his abilities could take on a dragon like that. I think we should be putting more effort into discovering who or what is helping him."
"Really, Severus. You should know better than anyone what a gifted flyer Mr. Potter is." Minerva broke in before Albus could allay his friend's suspicions. "Besides, the young man knew what was coming and prepared appropriately." That made Albus sit up and pay attention.
"I trust that young Harry has not been receiving inappropriate help from the staff? We cannot allow stories of corruption and nepotism in the next generation to travel back to the visitors' homes with them. Britain's position on the international stage is precarious enough as it is."
"I tried to warn Mr. Potter to be careful, that is all." Minerva responded in a frosty tone. I know you don't approve of my reasoning, old friend, but that does not make it less true. Harry is the face of the next generation and one of the dwindling number of reasons we still have any kind of standing with the ICW. He must not be compromised. Minerva was oblivious to Albus' inner musings and continued on with a something that might even be a smile of pride on her face. "The little scamp just told me that he and his friends would discover what the threat was and react accordingly. Why, even when we were heading down to the enclosure he took the time to reassure me that he had a plan. Someone like that does not deserve to have suspicion heaped on him like this."
"You may be right, Minerva, but that is what we thought of Tom at the time." Before Minerva could unleash a tirade about why Harry was nothing like the Dark Lord, Severus interrupted.
"If we aren't going to do something about the Potter brat, perhaps we should prepare for the ministry offering us up to the press as the ones to blame for today's fiasco?"
"An excellent point, Severus." Albus gratefully seized the opportunity he was presented with. "Cornelius has already told me that an inquiry will be held and that I shall have to explain what went wrong. I believe that we can trust to their understanding and the evidence that Alastor will surely uncover. I think it might be wise to offer Harry a Special Award for Services to the School." The professors' reactions were rather predictable.
"Wise?! Albus, that boy has earnt that award and more."
"Oh please, not something else to inflate the brat's ego." Albus listened to the two argue for a while longer before dismissing them to look after their Houses. It was a truly impressive performance, my boy. Minerva will certainly champion your cause among the staff. Severus will, of course, tell us that you are your father's son while still working to keep you as safe as he can. I will have to attempt to speed up my information gathering. Tom has hidden his anchors well, but a little more research should confirm the number and some locations at least.
Albus looked at the golden egg that sat on the corner of his desk. Perhaps Minerva is right and Harry does deserve more than an impersonal award. The greatest gift we can give another is our friendship, though perhaps helping to repair a friendship will suffice in this case.
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"That miserable little shit did that on purpose!" It's a good thing that Filius had the foresight to put up a silencing charm Albus thought to himself while Severus raged.
"Nonsense, Severus. I told you that this was simply the moment when all the involved parties could attend." Minerva spoke crisply.
"I would feel, Minerva, that as the Headmaster of this school I would be considered one of the involved parties and yet I find myself hearing about your expedition only now." Albus broke in. He wasn't quite able to keep his annoyance out of his voice. It was a unique opportunity to gain access to the Chamber and look for any clues Tom may have left. I can't go up to Harry and ask him to let me in without word of it spreading through the castle and eventually getting back to Tom. As I am the only one he fears I must make sure that I do not cause him to lash out because of that fear.
"Perhaps, Albus, but this was not conceived as a school matter. Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley had made a business arrangement. I asked Mr. Potter to include those students who wished to view the Chamber for closure from the events two years ago and he graciously agreed. They were accompanied by their Heads of House on this outing as is proper. Was there something about this that was not within my remit as Deputy Headmistress?"
"You let a glorified farmer maul my precious potions ingredients!" Severus interrupted.
"If you want those ingredients you may buy them on the open market like anyone else." Filius said sternly. "If they do not meet with your approval you can simply pass them by."
"They are mine by right! It was Slytherin's Basilisk and I am both the Potions Master in this school and the Head of Slytherin House." Severus seethed.
"It seems we have neglected the aspect of your education that should have dealt with the laws of the land." Pomona pointed out mildly, causing Severus to pale drastically from his already sallow complexion. Pomona continued on blithely "The basilisk has a danger rating of XXXXX and was an active threat to the students. When Mr. Potter removed that threat the carcass became his by law." I think that you are a lot more cunning than Severus gives you credit for, my dear. In fact I think that most of my senior staff have revealed a cunning streak today.
"While it is undoubtedly true that Mr. Potter has the rights to the carcass it was still on Hogwarts grounds. That alone should mean that I was consulted about today's little outing; preferably beforehand." Albus broke into the bickering. "Even if you have some reason why that might not be necessary, Minerva, I believe our long friendship should have at the very least led to a mention of what was happening. Did you not think that Severus and I would be interested in seeing such a legendary part of our school?"
"I'm sure it would have held both your interests for various reasons, Albus, but tell me this: would you have been content to come along as an observer?"
"I'm not sure I understand the question, Minerva."
"Would you have set conditions on Mr. Potter before you agreed to let the group go down there?"
"I would have asked him to set aside a portion of the basilisk for its home, certainly, but I wouldn't have made it a condition of heading into the chamber." Of course Harry wouldn't have needed to know that intention. Severus could do so much good for the world with such rare ingredients. That doesn't even get into the uses basilisk venom might have in the war against Tom. "I would also have pointed out to him that leaving such items on the open market makes them accessible to...less savoury elements of our society. The only real condition I would have had would be the barring of Ms. Skeeter from Hogwarts. I believe we are all familiar enough with her tendencies to agree that letting her in here was a mistake."
"Actually, when it comes to Mr. Potter, Ms. Skeeter proves that she can be downright respectful. I'm not sure how he managed that, but I don't know how he found the courage to kill a basilisk either. As for the rest, well, there you have the reason that you are only hearing about the expedition now. That young man is facing quite enough without his teachers looking to use him for their own agendas." As Minerva finished Severus started railing about the loss of research opportunities to no sympathy from his colleagues. Albus let him get it out of his system. It is quite a blow after all to know that the pursuit of knowledge has been blocked by such underhanded means. What's done is done, I suppose. I shall have to remember that Minerva, Filius and Pomona will take Harry's side over mine when our interests collide. That is a blow. I had hoped to be able to count on their support; Minerva especially. In the meantime I shall have to prepare myself for another inquiry when Rita publishes her doubtlessly sensationalised piece on what happened here.
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"I believe that covers all the details except for the final decision on the hostages that each champion will rescue." Ludo was bouncing in his seat as he spoke.
"I have discovered whom Viktor would miss the most. I assume that the rest of you are similarly well informed?" Igor broke in before Ludo could get too excited.
"Oui."
"I believe so" Albus added his agreement.
"Very well. Nominate your hostages, please." Barty said as he pulled the minutes of the meeting towards him and dipped his quill in ink. The poor man looks terrible. I shall have to send a discreet notice to St. Mungo's through Dyllis.
"Viktor has become enamoured of one of Albus' students. A Ms. Hermione Granger, if I'm not mistaken."
"Hmm, I had intended to nominate Ms. Granger as Mr. Potter's hostage too." Albus frowned at Igor.
"Come now, Albus. Surely you would not stand in the way of love. Your boy must have other friends that you could call upon in this situation?"
"You are sure that there is love between Mr. Krum and Ms. Granger then?" Albus inquired.
"Absolutely!" If those two really do care for each other in such a way, then it would be cruel to use Ms. Granger as the hostage for another. Hmm, who would I be able to use for Harry then? Perhaps Ms. Lovegood would suffice...I have it! Since Harry has been so cold to Mr. Weasley this could be the perfect chance to have him realise just what their friendship means to him. I know better than most the effect the shattering of a friendship can have on powerful wizards after all.
"If you are sure, Igor then I will withdraw my nomination. You are quite right of course that Harry is well liked and feels a great deal of affection in return. I think that perhaps his other best friend, Mr. Ronald Weasley, will be an appropriate choice."
"Thank you, Albus." Igor inclined his head at the Hogwarts Headmaster.
"Then we have Ms. Hermione Granger for Viktor Krum and Mr. Ronald Weasley for Harry Potter. Who shall be the hostages for the other two competitors?" Barty asked curtly. At least he is not so ill that he has lost his habit of keeping everyone focused on the purpose of our gathering.
"I believe that Ms. Cho Chang would be the best choice for Cedric Diggory. They are currently romantically involved." Albus supplied. Barty nodded and scribbled something on the parchment in front of him. All eyes turned to the largest member of their company.
"Fleur 'as not formed any attachments to 'er classmates or students from ze ozzer schools." Olympe revealed with a gusting sigh. "If we can get 'er fazzer's permission it might be best to use Fleur's seester: Gabrielle Delacour." Interesting choice. It would be better if she had nourished her student's relationships with her peers, but I suppose that Olympe is still a bit young and inexperienced to see the benefits of doing so.
"It is decided then. Madame Maxime, would Monsieur Delacour respond better to an appeal from you or me?" Barty said in a voice that sounded like a gavel strike.
"Per'aps ze two of us togezzer would be best."
"That is what we shall do then. Are there any further matters to be discussed? No? Then this meeting is adjourned." Barty closed the meeting in his usual efficient style. Igor immediately swept from the room, Olympe and Barty were discussing when they should address Mr. Delacour which left Albus dealing with Ludo's invitations for a nightcap. Oh why not? Such joviality should be encouraged or we'd all become as dour as Barty.
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The Great Hall was a sparkling wonderland, an image reinforced by the happy and excited young faces looking up at the Head Table. Albus could feel the warmth of the season's celebration deep in his bones. As he looked down the table he took note of several things that were not as they should be. Barty had declined to attend the festivities citing illness and had sent young Percival Weasley in his place. It wasn't like Barty to admit to an illness and certainly not to abdicate one of his responsibilities to an underling. Perhaps my message to St. Mungo's was more timely than I had thought. I hope Barty recovers soon.
Next to Mr. Weasley sat Harry and Ms. Granger. They seemed to be focused on talking to their guests from the other schools. I am happy to see that they are striving for international cooperation and making new friends. I have to say that I had thought that Ms. Granger would be accompanying Mr. Krum after what Igor said at our last meeting. Perhaps he overstated his case for his student's sake? I'll have to advise him on the proper way to help one's students, but his intentions are admirable. Strong bonds formed during their education will mean less chance of discord and Dark Lords arising in the future. Harry still seems to be coping well with his position as a champion and seems to be enjoying himself tonight. That is good. You should take the time to enjoy life too, my boy. Life is short and one day you will learn that that old adage applies to you more than most.
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"Potter's cheating! He has directly sabotaged the Drumstrang Champion by taking the wrong hostage!" Igor was yelling once he had identified the two teenagers who were making their way out of the lake.
"Come now, Igor. We never told them which hostage we were taking and we had already established that she is one of Harry's best friends." Ludo broke in. "This could be an honest misunderstanding."
"There is nothing honest about this!"
"I have to agree with Ludo that we do not have all the information we need to decide that." Albus broke into the discussion mildly. "If you will wait for our healer, we can go and speak with Mr. Potter and hear why he left Mr. Weasley and took Ms. Granger."
"Hmph!" was Igor's only answer. The two headmasters waited until Poppy joined them; it was not a long wait as the Hogwarts Healer was determined as ever to get to her patients. The three made their way over to the champions' tent. When they entered they found Harry Potter standing in front of a partition dripping wet. Determined to take control of the conversation before Igor could devolve it into a shouting match about cheating Albus greeted his student before anyone else could speak.
"Harry, my boy, you have my congratulations on completing the task so expediently. There are some complications we were hoping you could clarify for us, though."
"And what colossal mistake have you made this time?" That was considerably more hostile than I was expecting. Perhaps it's because Poppy is fussing over him right now? I remember that Harry has always shown a particular distaste for that when he is under her care. Albus followed the discussion between his Healer and his student with interest. Dragonhide? Well, well, well. You have once again proven your resourcefulness, my boy. A well-considered move with the tournament hanging over your head to use the gift the Gemenele Preserve gave you like this. It is also heartening to know that you cared enough about your friends to see to their protection as well. Another point against Severus' assertion that you are turning Dark. Albus heard Harry tell Poppy that he and Ms. Granger had prepared for today's task after hearing the clue.
"That actually brings us back rather neatly to why Headmaster Karkaroff and I are here. As it happens we did not, as you put it, 'make a colossal mistake'. You did, my boy. Could you tell us why you rescued Ms. Granger?"
"Because you people put her at the bottom of a freezing lake." Harry may be dealing with the stress of the tournament well overall, but it would appear that he is not as in control of himself closer to the tasks.
"I am afraid you misunderstood me, my boy. I meant why did you not save your own hostage?" Albus was about to point out Harry's obvious confusion to Igor when the teenager delivered a curt response.
"What are you talking about? Hermione was my hostage and I rescued her." I think we owe the young man an explanation if we are ever to get to the heart of the matter.
"I am afraid not, my boy. Mr. Weasley was your intended hostage. Mr. Krum was supposed to rescue Ms. Granger." Unfortunately it seemed that Igor had reached the end of his patience.
"You deliberately sabotaged my Champion, boy! I will see you punished for this. Severus was right: you are nothing more than an attention seeking brat with delusions of grandeur." Oh dear. I'm afraid that invoking Severus in this conversation isn't going to help. Sure enough: Harry exploded at Igor's provocation.
"You tied the single most important person in my life to a lakebed and then expected me to leave her down there while I swam back with someone who has already proven he would happily see me die to satisfy his jealousies? Whose diseased mind thought that would work?" I may have to step in and remind him of his manners. Though I suppose it can wait until they have vented their frustrations some more. "The last and only time your champion spoke to Hermione she had to draw her wand to defend herself from his inappropriate and unwanted advances. You can tell him from me that if he ever tries that again there won't be enough left of him to stuff inside that snitch he seems so fond of chasing." That is too much, Harry. With that kind of aggression we will never find a resolution.
"Surely, Harry, you must see that Mr. Krum has far fewer friends available here for us to call upon than you do?" Albus tried to get his student into a more understanding frame of mind. It didn't work.
"If his treatment of Hermione is any indication it wouldn't surprise me if has no friends available anywhere for you to call upon. Even if I were to acknowledge your point it still doesn't answer why, with all my friends available to you, you would pick someone I wouldn't lift a finger to rescue as my hostage and ask me to ignore my best friend. Either your selection of the hostages is deeply flawed or your clue was. 'We've taken what you'll sorely miss' indeed." Harry snorted and added: "Weasley is an entirely more appropriate hostage for Krum anyway. This way he can rescue his most rabid fan." Once again, Harry's answer proved to be too much for Igor to take calmly.
"You are just a nasty, little cheat, boy! How else could you have completed the task so much faster than the best our schools have to offer?!" I'm afraid you are underestimating Harry's experience with the stranger and more dangerous parts of our world, old friend. Harry's smirk indicated that he must have had a similar thought.
"I was entirely confident in your incompetence and general disregard for the students' well-being so I placed tracking charms on Hermione that led me straight to her." Seeing the young man turning to face him had Albus bracing himself to reprimand him for his disrespect. "Did you even bother to ask Hermione anything before you stuck her down there?" Yes, I think we need to remind you of what our respective positions are. Albus never got the chance to fire off his reprimand.
"No, they didn't, Harry." Well, that'll have put the cat among the pixies. Harry was thankfully more concerned with reassuring himself that Ms. Granger was unharmed. He allowed himself to be sent into the partition by the young lady next to him while she was being checked over by Poppy, but not before he had gotten in a parting shot.
"Gentlemen, I believe we have answered your questions satisfactorily. You made a series of ridiculous, almost insulting, assumptions which caused your current confusion. I can't help but wonder what blunders you have planned for the third task. If you'll excuse me."
"I think, Igor, that we may be better served by returning to the others and sharing our findings." Albus said sotto voce to his colleague.
"Hmph. I suppose we must, since you have apparently failed to teach your students respect for their betters." Igor swept from the tent, his irritation almost visible around him. Albus considered taking a moment to speak to Ms. Granger, but the cool look he was getting from her convinced him that he would not be doing anything to raise her estimation of him if he did. Giving Poppy and Ms. Granger a nod, Albus chose to follow Igor back to the judging station. When he got there Igor was already in full flow decrying Harry's actions as those of a fundamentally dishonest boy.
"Ah, Albus. Would you perhaps share your version of your discussion in the tent with Mr. Potter?" Albus inclined his head and gave as factual an account as he could of what was said. As the other four judges sank into a heated debate of what it all meant Albus was more concerned with his own thoughts. I had truly not anticipated Harry and Ms. Granger being so antagonistic. It looked like he was dealing with the pressure of the tournament well. I will have to keep a closer eye on him. If this behaviour is a result of the Horcrux in his scar starting to affect him more then we need to know. It is unfortunate that I can no longer rely on Minerva to pass along objective observations of the lad. I will have to rely more heavily on Severus in this matter.
As the other three competitors successfully completed the task the discussion among the judges continued. Mr. Diggory and Ms. Delacour seemed to firmly agree that Harry Potter was not a cheat. Ms. Delacour had even asked if some of her score could be transferred to the young man who had apparently saved her life. Which is your real face, Harry? The righteous young man who saves life or the aggressor with the dark future? I need to know. Igor was not happy with the final point dispensation and only agreed to it because Mr. Krum was given extra points by the judges for rescuing someone he did not even know.
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Albus was reading the newspaper and he didn't like what he was seeing. Oh, there was nothing objectionable about the pieces themselves and in a way that was the most objectionable part of it. Albus hadn't quite believed Minerva when she had assured him that Harry had somehow won politeness from Rita Skeeter. Looking at the collection of newspaper and magazine articles about his student, Albus had to conclude that she had been telling the unvarnished truth. How did you accomplish this, Harry? You have to have done something moderately spectacular. Neither power, nor wealth have ever seemed to work before. Could it be that you are using fear? I hope not.
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"Albus! Albus, we have an emergency!" Albus looked up as a puffing Ludo barged into his office.
"What seems to be the problem, Ludo?" Albus asked calmly, putting his quill down. The poor boy always was a little excitable.
"It's horrible! We found Barty. The Potter boy floated his body out of the forest and told me to get you. He's going to the hospital wing." Ludo was barely able to get the words out as he tried to heave breath back into his body. Albus was taking advantage of Ludo's less than observant state to make sure he had properly hidden the surprise and worry on his face. I think that I need to recheck the trackers on young Harry. If he's going around attacking people in front of ministry witnesses then I'm afraid I cannot blindly trust to his good nature anymore. I will not allow another Dark Lord to rise so soon after we suffered through the last one.
"If young Mr. Potter and Barty are headed for the Hospital Wing it would behoove us to do the same, Ludo."
"Yes. Yes, of course." Albus swept from his office with Ludo trailing behind him like a an overweight puppy. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived at the Hospital Wing Harry had already left for the Gryffindor dorms. That is frustrating. I won't be able to summon him after curfew without a good reason and since Barty is alive and in the Hospital Wing, I can't quite justify dragging Harry out of bed.
"He was lucky that Mr. Potter found him, Albus." Poppy was saying. "These injuries are severe and I don't think I want to know how he got them."
"I see. I will alert the DMLE and I will tell them that Barty will be unavailable for questioning until he is cleared by his healer." Albus added the last part quickly as Poppy looked ready to start on another of her rants about patients receiving proper rest. She contented herself with a huff this time. And in the meantime, I'll have Alastor look into things for me as well. This case is too important for it to be muddied by politics.
:-:-:-:-:
Well that was less informative than I'd hoped. Albus had just seen off the Minister for Magic and the aurors he'd brought to investigate the death of Barty Crouch. Albus first thoughts had been that Harry had tried to cover his tracks while eliminating Barty. After the aurors had confirmed that the magical traces at the edge of the Forbidden Forest matched what Harry had told them Albus had spent a full minute chastising himself for not thinking things through. What would Harry have to gain by killing Barty? I completely ignored that. Besides anyone clever enough to avoid suspicion for so long would not have waited for a witness before committing murder unless there was something to gain. Albus stomach sank. So either I've been wrong about Harry or he's far more devious than even I thought.
The portraits were being no help whatsoever. Apparently Dexter had made a fool of himself in front of Harry and the other Heads couldn't stop ribbing the poor fellow about it. Albus had been forced to order them all to shut up so he could think. Whether or not Harry was involved, Barty's death hints at larger problems for our world. I will need to convince Horace to share his memory with me. I will also need to start making a list of possible Horcruxes and their locations; other than the obvious one of course. The tracking charms I placed on Harry should allow me to monitor where that one goes.
:-:-:-:-:
This has been the worst day that I can remember having in a very long time. Albus was sitting in his office having just had a rather heated discussion with Cornelius and Amelia. He and Amelia had done their best to convince Cornelius that there was a real need to reinforce the aurors and St. Mungo's. All their best efforts had proven for naught. Right now Cornelius is probably doing everything his office allows, and quite few things it doesn't, in an effort to keep the news from getting out. It's a sad day indeed when that's not even the worst of what happened today. Not only is Tom back, now I have to worry about Harry going dark. We won't know just how much damage he caused until Amelia completes her assessment of the site, but it was clear that Harry had no compassion in his heart tonight.
Albus had seen some of his worst fears realised in his pensieve tonight. That doesn't even touch on the fact that my possession of the pensieve came to light at all. I should have paid more attention to what the portraits were saying after Harry was in here. I never had a chance to impress upon him the need to keep its existence quiet. Though from what I saw tonight I'm not entirely sure that it would have helped. Harry had turned his wand upon his fellow man and cast curses that could only have been intended to maim or even kill. It is worrying that he could not see a less destructive way to confront Tom. I suppose some allowances must be made for the state of mind he must have been in after being subjected to the Cruciatus for that long, but if this is Harry's response now, how much more violent will he get? The resolution of his and Tom's destiny will become a bloody affair with many needless deaths on both sides this way.
It's up to me. Harry is too young and clearly too reckless to understand just how much damage he can do. We are the Light because we do not resort to Darkness. As a teacher and a Guardian of the Light it is my duty to ensure that Harry does not fall into that temptation.
:-:-:-:-:
Albus shot up from his chair as claxons started blaring around him. He raced out from behind his desk and over to the silver instruments on one of the side tables. Every last one of them was blaring out enough noise to drive even a deaf man mad. Albus waved his wand and nearly dropped it when he read the results of his spell. All of the tracking charms he had placed on Harry Potter had been Disspelled outside King's Cross Station. I must go investigate at once. If Harry has done this himself by accident, then the charms need to be reapplied. If he has done this on purpose, then I need to determine how he discovered the charms and find a new way to track him that he cannot find. If another has removed the charms then I need to know why and what they plan to do with the boy.
Albus raced out of his office and out of the castle, stopping only at Minerva's office to tell her that he would be gone for a while and was leaving the castle in her care. The moment Albus had passed the gates he disapparated with a loud crack. He reappeared in a dirty alleyway and immediately cast Notice-Me-Not and Muggle Repelling Charms. Once he was sure that he wouldn't be disturbed, Albus started casting detection spells. The more he cast the more he panicked. This is impossible. Even if it was by accident there should be some trace of the spells used to destroy the charms. A terrible thought struck Albus. I know that the charms have been broken and that there is no trace of any spells here. The only possible conclusion is that Harry has discovered spells that I do not know. Considering how many spells I do know and the limited time Harry has had to learn spells of any kind, that points rather firmly towards Dark magic or the 'power he knows not'. Dare I take the chance that it is this power and that, if it is, it is not Dark?
No. I cannot afford to give him a chance to turn. When I find him, I will have to restrict Harry's movements and knowledge until the proper time. It is distasteful, but necessary. If we have to face both Tom and Harry the magical world stands no chance of surviving. The first step will be to limit his opportunities for recruitment. I am sure that Minerva will want him as her boys' prefect next year, but that will afford him the same opportunities that Tom so brilliantly took advantage of. I need to make sure that he understands how serious a matter prophecy is. I'll speak with Sybill about emphasizing it in her class this year. Confound it all, why couldn't that boy just cooperate? With everything that is happening we don't need him running off at the most inopportune time conceivable. Albus apparated back up to Hogwarts angrily.
I will have Alastor put together a search team to locate the boy. In the meantime I must ensure that the prophecy remains safe and start looking for the Horcruxes. There is so much that must be accomplished and I can only hope that we are granted the time to see it done.
AN: I don't mind telling you that this was a chore to write. Because Dumbledore is so interwoven with the story it felt like I was rewriting the whole thing which made it difficult to find the motivation to get this out at times. Still, a promise is a promise and I owed you all a look into his mind. I hope you can see how he started changing from canon Dumbledore (if you accept Rowling's idea of him) into someone Harry should be wary of.
Since the last chapter I have gone out and seen Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. All I can say is that I heartily recommend you go and see it. Both UrsaMinor and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
As always, thank you for reading.