Harry awoke and looked around his room. It had been Dudley's second bedroom – but that was yesterday. When Professor Dumbledore had retrieved him from Mrs. Figg, he had been very nervous about current circumstances. When he had arrived home, Aunt Petunia told him that he had been moved to the room at the top of the stairs.
Not wanting to argue, the three wizards made their way up to the room.
When Harry opened the door, he noticed that it had a simple but old fashioned knob – very much like an older version of the style used in the rest of the house. He was surprised to find that all of Dudley's old toys had been cleared out. Inside, he found a small four-poster bed, the old desk, Dudley's old chest-of-drawers, and a few other small items.
However, none of the items were had any appearance of wear. It was as if all had been made new again. Harry looked on in amazement. He heard someone clearing their throat.
He turned and Professor Dumbledore began, "In discussion I have had with your aunt and uncle it was decided that this would be your room. It was unfortunate that there were so many broken items and so I assisted in ensuring that the room was in decent repair. How do you like it?"
Harry grinned. "It's brilliant, Professor!"
Professor Dumbledore smiled. "I am glad to hear that. Now," he casually moved his wand and two comfortable chairs appeared for himself and Remus even as the chair in front of the desk changed to a more comfortable one, "tell me about your trip to Diagon Alley."
Harry was amazed that the Professor seemed so interested in how it had gone. Harry got the distinct impression that it was less about him being a celebrity and more like he wanted to ensure Harry had enjoyed himself. He lit up upon hearing about Harry having met Neville.
"Yes, that is another young man I was quite interested in checking in on. His parents worked with your parents, myself, and others in the conflict with Voldemort." Remus flinched very little but Harry noticed.
Harry was curious. "Why is it that everyone flinches a little when the name is mentioned? Yesterday, Sirius and Remus didn't but today he did. Why is that?"
Remus looked sheepish. Albus looked at the man and shook his head a little. "It is unfortunate that his deeds were so vile that most do not wish to speak using his name. It is also possible that there was some geis applied to the name which made it more fearful to be heard or spoken. Many who used his name freely were soon after attacked as well. Although it has been almost ten years since he disappeared, many find the reminder of his campaign fearful."
Albus sat back stroking his beard. "I wonder if there is a counter-curse which might affect it." He shook his head and said, "It is of little import at the moment. I think I will encourage people to refer to him by his name: Tom Riddle. He attempted to hide his identity and so most only know him by his self-produced moniker. I have begun to ensure this is known, but it might require more work."
Harry nodded. Tom was a lot easier to remember than Voldemort. It also wouldn't scare the other wizards and witches he met. Remus looked thoughtful. "I wonder why no one ever publicized his origins."
Albus shook his head to himself. Blasted Wulfric and his games.
"I admit that as I was aware of his identity it would have behooved me to do so. I had been worried that speaking about it would produce a backlash against those not pureblood but it should have been reported. An error on my part. I find that many errors have been made on my watch and by myself personally. Such errors will be rectified forthwith, as possible."
Harry respected Professor Dumbledore's statement. Very few teachers and adults he knew ever admitted that they had made mistakes and those that did rarely took the time to fix them.
Albus turned his head back toward the two. "I request that if it seems that I have made an error that you are aware of, please notify me as soon as possible. It would make it far easier to act if people were a bit less respectful and a bit more communicative."
He shook his head visibly. "So few ever call me to account when they perceive a mistake, feeling that they should respect the 'Defeater of Grindelwald.' Many do such so much that they feel that my actions are above reproach. Should anyone espouse my infallibility to you, Harry, please let them know that you have talked to me and requested that you not be so 'respectful.' I am, after all, a Wizard – which immediately makes my apparent wisdom suspect as it is likely that I am not using common sense." Albus grinned at Harry as he delivered the last portion of his statement.
Harry laughed, even as Remus and Professor Dumbledore did the same.
When they had finished laughing, Professor Dumbledore stood, followed by the other two. "Well, it is time to take our leave. I would suggest spending some time reviewing your books. Please be certain to also take some time to have some fun this summer. You are about to embark on an adventure but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the little side trips from the journey."
Albus turned to lead Remus back out, but paused. "I should note to you that I have applied a various few charms and spells to your domicile. I have soundproofed the room, as my observation led me to believe your uncle is not someone of great patience for those disturbing him." Harry shuddered even as he nodded. "I have spoken to him about that and advised him that I have taken steps to prevent your activities from distracting him. That those steps also might prevent his activities from distracting you? Well – it is a happy coincidence, wouldn't you say?"
Harry grinned and nodded in agreement.
"Also, I would like to see your wand for a moment." Harry pulled the wand from the wrist holder he had bought. "Ah, very good! A holster is an excellent purchase, much smaller chance of mistakes." Albus peered at the wand in Harry's hand. "Is that Holly with a phoenix feather by chance?"
Harry replied, "Yes, Professor. How did you know?"
Professor Dumbledore explained even as he took an old broken wooden toy that had belonged to Dudley from his pocket. "The phoenix that provided the feather happens to be my familiar. Mr. Ollivander took the time to tell me of the wands made from his offerings. I am quite certain that the second offering will be used much more positively than the first. I will advise Fawkes that you have it. I am certain that he will be overjoyed as he quite liked you when you were a toddler."
Harry smiled and blushed.
Professor Dumbledore took his wand and made a few waves at the broken toy. It changed to match the shape of Harry's wand except it was a bright blue color not found in nature. He handed this to Harry. "I recommend using this to practice the motions described in the book for your spells. As it is magically inert, it is unlikely that accidents should occur. The Ministry looks poorly upon magic by under-aged wizards and witches." His face took on a sly look for a moment. "Why, they don't even allow them to be told that the trace isn't applied until a student is sorted into Hogwarts or registers as a home-schooled wizard!"
Professor Dumbledore looked comically repentant for a moment. "Oh dear. Did I say that out loud?" Remus and Harry both solemnly nodded, even as they fought their smiles. "Well, I am certain that you won't mention that to other adults. It might make them annoyed over a simple mistake. Can I trust you two to avoid such confessions?"
Harry and Remus both solemnly nodded once more, even as they began to lose the fight to maintain their expressions. Albus was serious for a moment. "It is a good policy in that it avoids dangerous mistakes. We do have a Statute of Secrecy and violations are harshly penalized. Your needing magical healing for a poor choice of spells would be proof enough. And casting spells on Mundanes without proper training and authorization is also grounds for harsh penalties. Do you understand?"
Harry agreed – even if the book he bought couldn't be used against Dudley now.
Albus and Remus took their leave.
Harry had taken some time the night before to find a good name for his owl. He finally had decided upon Hedwig from his History of Magic book and she seemed to approve. He then let her out when it was dark so that she could hunt and fly around, which was something that the pamphlet on owls said was a good idea.
He then went to bed in a much more comfortable bed than he had ever slept in previously – even the Leaky Cauldron's beds weren't that comfortable.
When he woke up, he did his morning cleanup and made his way down to the kitchen. His Aunt Petunia gave him a plate with a much more substantial portion than normal. When Dudley tried to complain that the extras didn't go to him, Petunia – somewhat uncharacteristically in Harry's opinion – was not immediately sympathetic. She reasonably explained that his portion was his portion and not everyone else's. Dudley sulked for the rest of the meal.
After breakfast and rinsing the plates, Harry looked at the much reduced list of chores that he would normally perform. Instead of mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, cleaning the shed, washing the car, sweeping the stoop, dusting the ground floor, vacuuming the carpets, mopping the hard floors, cleaning the bathrooms, cooking the dinners, purchasing the groceries, and any other unpleasant task Vernon could conceive of, his list included only weeding the garden, sweeping the stoop, dusting the ground floor, and mopping the kitchen. It was much more reasonable and seemed to be the amount other kids he had listened to in school (Dudley never allowed him to sit with others without destroying the chance) seemed to indicate was a normal amount of work for chores. Why – it wouldn't take more than an hour at most!
After he completed his chores, he sent a letter off to Hermione via Neville mentioning the practice wand Professor Dumbledore had created for him. He didn't say anything about the trace – feeling (correctly) that such was not information to casually pass in a letter.
He then spent the better portion of the day reviewing each book and doing the practice essays that Remus had recommended to practice his handwriting.
Albus Dumbledore called Tippy to thank her for the excellent meal, as was his practice. He never quite noticed the increase in good service from his newly employed habits (his normal habits – new to the house elves). He then made his way to his office, and began reviewing the paperwork that seemed to pile up when he was away from the office.
One item that caught his attention was the book lists for all years. He carefully perused the complete list for each subject, instead of the complete list for each year that he normally reviewed. He noted something odd. He wrote a note and sent it off with Fawkes.
He then found a letter from his old friend Nicholas about a "delicate matter." He looked over his schedule and saw that he had a few hours until the next item that required his presence. As a result, he made his way to the floo and called. He was then invited through.
After pleasantries, Nicholas explained why he had asked Albus to come. "Albus, there are indications that someone or something has begun to attack our wards. The attacks are showing a bit more cunning and guile than previous attempts to gain entry. I am worried about our greatest treasure." His wife, Perenelle, agreed.
Albus looked to his old mentor. "What are you asking of me, Nicholas?"
Nicholas looked to Perenelle. She supplied, "We are so used to doing things a certain way and in a certain order that we have become predictable. Our wards have not been truly tested in over two centuries and so these new attempts are quite worrisome." Her voice had a small trace of her native French – even though neither had lived in France for over three centuries. "As one of our greatest students, we have asked you to come to provide a fresh perspective on the problem."
Albus sat back and considered. He could imaging Wulfric's answer to such a problem: Bring the treasure to Hogwarts – regardless of the fact that such an action would be an invite to any Richard, Franklin, or Tom to invade Hogwarts to achieve the prize.
"Where is the treasure now?"
Nicholas said, "It is in a vault in Gringotts. I have left authorization with the goblins to act as you request, either to remove it or to change its security. You are known to have been my apprentice. Anyone else seen to be coming or going from here would be suspect and might be immediately scanned by a legilimencer to find out what they know. As a result – we cannot hope to go to anyone else for advice."
Albus thought about it. "I might have an idea. It would require the payment of one individual to achieve the safety of the treasure. He would have to be paid a lump sum or a regular stipend."
The two Flamels looked to each other and then back to Albus. "I could afford paying a salary to someone; the treasure assured that we have the means. Anyone who offered to protect it from 'the goodness of their heart' I would immediately suspect of wanting it for themselves; one reason I never took any Ministry up on offers to 'help protect' the treasure. However, if it was known that I was paying an individual, they would be immediately targeted."
Albus nodded; the Flamels' attitude was quite reasonable. "I happen to have as a graduate which might fit the bill. Do you know the dangers of attempting to perform Legilemency on a werewolf?"
Nicholas shuddered. In the Middle Ages it wasn't unheard of for Magical lords or advisors to use such methods to question suspects. On one such occasion, an unrepentant man who had Lycanthropy was caught and questioned. An attempt was made to find out his victims and crimes. The curse, however, destroyed the Wizard who attempted it. It was determined that such people were not safe to question using the Mind Arts when it happened again when other such people being questioned in that way produced the same result. The lesson was learned very completely: Never attempt to scan a lycanthrope.
Albus nodded, "I see you do. I have a graduate who suffers from that affliction. However, a more honest and careful man you could not find. He was grateful for my allowing him to attend Hogwarts even cursed as he was as a young child. I would recommend arranging to have him decide on security. You shall authorize money to me. To protect you, I shall use other means not obviously connected to you to ensure it is paid as a salary for protecting the security measures. Is that an acceptable plan?"
The Flamels wanted more information so Albus talked about Remus Lupin, the Marauders, Harry Potter, and why it would not be suspicious for Albus to contact the man as he was seen in his company repeatedly in the last month.
The Flamels agreed. Nicholas wrote out an authorization for enough to cover a year of salary – at a very decent rate. There was a reason why historically successful banks always paid employees well, even in tough economic times: Avoid temptation.
Albus agreed to require a magical oath from his candidate. Albus added one more item. "Now it comes to my remuneration."
Nicholas was a bit outraged (he had TAUGHT the man) until Albus explained. "I would request a simple thing to strengthen the image that I am the security master of the item. You have more experience than anyone else in certain things. I am in desperate need of a simple thing."
Nicholas and Perenelle listened to Albus' description of what he needed. As it was something that quite easy to do and was quite interesting for the old alchemist, he decided that it was appropriate and not unreasonable. That it would be something that would keep them mentally occupied and interested was a bonus.
Albus made his way out of the home of the Flamels and immediately apparated to the Ministry: The first step in misdirection. He would be very cautious to not enter Gringotts until the treasure was secured. He could just imagine Wulfric immediately going and inspecting the treasure and vault to demonstrate that once again he was the only one worthy of controlling such an item. Albus had recently made a breakthrough in understand Wulfric's motivations: Extend his own naiveté (before Tom's evil actions woke him to human nature) reductio ad absurdam. Thus you have Wulfric's motivations. As stupid as that would be.
Quirinus Quirrell, from his position he was in which he was using to inspect the wards of his target, spied his erstwhile employer leaving the premises of the Flamels. It was obvious that the attempts he had made to analyze the wards had been detected. This meant that it was unlikely that the Stone would still be here.
He would have to question people to find out where Albus had gone after leaving the area; it would give him a clue as to where the Stone was likely to be placed. His master was telling him that Dumbledore was predictable in his arrogance and urged him to find out quickly.
Albus knew that Remus would be unavailable very shortly as the full moon was close. It would be inadvisable to attempt to contact him immediately regardless. As it was apparent that whomever (and he suspected who that person was working for) had attempted to invade the Flamels' wards was not aware of the Stone's location, he felt confident that the three days it was necessary to wait for Remus would not immediately endanger the Stone.
He normally did not need to visit Gringotts in the normal course of his business, so that would not be an issue.
He considered plans as he strode through the Atrium. Finally, he decided upon a course of action. He visited the DMLE. The witch at the desk stuttered as he greeted her. "Yes, yes, it is a pleasure to visit. I am about to make my way to an abandoned Muggle area and I will be performing a few enchantments. Unfortunately, I might trip the sensors for the location and I wanted to ensure that the Ministry was not unduly alarmed."
The woman began filling in a parchment. "And the location?"
Albus replied serenely, "Wool's Orphanage in London."
After making his report, he had a request: "If after this day, the location shows up on the sensors, the Aurors should investigate with the idea that someone is attacking it."
He completed his report and made his way to an apparition point. He then recalled the room that Tom had been living in when he first met the boy. He looked around. It was quite abandoned.
Albus spent a good hour building several temporary wards (they should last no more than a year) and applying several charms to the building. If he was a bit unsubtle in masking the spellwork, it was quite fortunate that Wizards and Witches tended to be a bit illogical. None would ask why this location or what had been done. If they did a bit of speculating? He couldn't control gossip.
He had transfigured an item to look like the Stone, and then had made several traps that were a bit obvious. He was dealing with Magicals after all. The location was far enough away from others that any attack would not endanger others. So, if he made a few lethal traps on the transfigured Stone, no (innocent) person should be harmed.
Once this was completed, he called for Fawkes and asked for a lift back to Hogwarts. The phoenix acceded to the request. Once they were in the office, Albus caressed the bird. "I wanted you to know that the wand with your other feather has now made its way to the hand of young Harry Potter. As you know the boy, I thought this might please you."
Fawkes trilled in pleasure. He had liked the boy when he had met him as a new hatchling.
Albus made his way to the Great Hall, to eat with his staff. Dinner was attended by all staff in the castle during the summer time. The Potions Master was there.
After Albus served himself from the platters, Severus Snape commented, "I received your note, Headmaster. The answer to your question is quite simply that it was struck off the list by the Board of Governors in the past and has never been reinstated."
Albus made a thoughtful noise, even as the other heads looked interested in the conversation. Finally, Minerva McGonagall could not contain her curiosity, "Something to be concerned about, Albus?"
Albus was distracted for a moment, before answering his Deputy. "I was reviewing the book lists earlier today. Normally, I review by year and rarely look at the first year lists as these are largely unchanged from year to year. Today, I reviewed the lists by subject. I noted that there was no manual on Potions Safety. I sent a query to Severus as to why there was none. You observed his reply."
Professor McGonagall's face was pinched in disapproval as she continued her meal. She did not like the interfering nature of the Board. "I see."
Albus nodded to himself. Finally, he addressed the other staff. "I have decided to become more involved as I should be as Headmaster. The Potions safety book is one item. I am certain that there are others. I will need a list of all concerns submitted as soon as possible. I know that not all staff members are present as of yet – the first meeting of the year isn't for several days of course. However, I will need to see the information as soon as possible. Minerva, if you could, please send a missive to all planned staff asking for items, books, or procedures that have been in the past removed, added, or altered in such a way that it would impede the students' education. Ask them to send these directly to me. If all else fails, I need them at the first staff meeting on 1 August before the budget is submitted."
Minerva was a bit surprised. She was dreading Albus piling more on her already large plate. In the past "Minerva, please …" usually involved complicated, time consuming, activities which may or may not be related directly to the Deputy position. In asking them to be sent directly to himself, he added not one iota of work to her beyond the ten or so minutes it would be necessary to spend to send the requests. She was quite happy to comply.
Madame Hooch, returned early from her visit to family in Inverness, mentioned, "We still need new brooms. My Silver Arrow is in better shape than the school brooms and I used IT during the Great War over 70 years ago."
Professor Dumbledore nodded. "Are any other items immediately coming to mind?" He asked the staff.
In a dry, sneering voice Severus Snape volunteered, "I can imagine I will once again be short on supplies after the new dunderheads destroy several cauldrons and waste potions ingredients."
The rest of the staff, knowing his views, just looked annoyed by the comment. Most expected Albus to ignore the comment, as he had done for several years. None were more surprised than Severus Snape, however, when Albus was NOT silent.
In a quiet voice laced with power, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore said, "Professor Snape. In deference to the difficult job that you have done in the past, I have allowed opinions to be expressed without protest when there were none present who are not staff. However, your casual insult for students who have not yet even attended one day in your class I find to be most disagreeable. If you desire less catastrophic results with new students, ensure they are properly educated in procedure before beginning brewing. A professional demeanour is expected from all staff, toward all students."
Severus Snape curtly nodded in reply. However, the paradigm of his existence had shifted entirely. Albus Dumbledore had allowed him to act as he liked for the better part of a decade. Albus had quieted all protest at his actions and statements. In fact, Slytherins knew that the old man was the type to not allow any harsh penalties for poor behaviour. This opened the door to his being able to slant the system toward them.
He suspected in that moment that life at Howgwarts was about to change drastically and visibly. He was not prepared for just how true his thoughts would prove to be.
The rest of the staff, however, had a quite different reaction. All knew that Albus never allowed a word to be said regarding his behaviour as long as no permanent harm was done. That he had protested without prompt from another staff member or from a parent was like a revelation coming from on high.
Minerva McGonagall appreciated Severus Snape's dry wit. Most assumed that she did not like the man when in fact she rather got along well with him save his obvious bias. It did not distress her as much as some might assume, knowing that many others were biased in the inverse direction. She attempted to keep excess down, but was not always successful. She did, however, agree with his strict disciplinarian approach.
She was interested in seeing the change in the system that Albus' comment implied.
Wulfric lamented Albus' attitude toward Severus. Poor Severus: He had it so rough from his time as one of Tom's followers. It was unfortunate that he had to allow certain excesses but, DAMN, the Greater Good MUST be served. The man's position as spy was too valuable!
A/N: Reductio ad Absurdem: Reduction to the Absurb or to the impossible. This is the application of an argument to an inevitably bad or illogical result.