Disclaimer: The characters depicted herein belong to J.K. Rowling not me.
A/N: Alright everyone here's the new update. Thank you again everyone for the fabulous updates and making me laugh! It always brightens my day when I read your guys' reviews :-) I hope I didn't keep you guys waiting too long. Review and let me know what you think. Enjoy! :-)
CHAPTER SEVEN: CHECKMATE ALBUS
"Let me in," Madame Pomfrey said gesturing Severus out of the way. She gently pulled Harry's eye open a little farther and shone light from her wand in his eyes. "Anything?" She asked when she was done. "Can you see anything at all?"
"No," Harry answered shaking his head slightly. "All I see is complete darkness. It's why I panicked."
"Why would that panic you?" Severus asked as he pulled up a chair. Poppy ran deeper scans on Harry's eyes while simultaneously casting spells on the rest of Harry's body to ascertain the damage done there.
"Because," Harry said fear lining his voice. "I was afraid I had imagined everything."
"How's your pain Harry?" Madame Pomfrey asked before Severus could ask what Harry was afraid he had imagined.
"Sadly," Harry said with a sad bloody smile. "I've endured worse so my body's learned to block the pain from these types of injuries."
Severus' and Poppy's faces both became stony and angry. Both of them knew what Harry was talking about and neither of them liked it. At the mention of Harry's past Severus thought he understood what Harry was afraid of. He was afraid that his mind had snapped and created a world where he was safe from his abusers and trapped himself there.
"Harry!" Three voices echoed from the doorway. Severus turned to see Draco, still outfitted in his Quidditch robes, Hermione, and Neville rushing towards them. As much as he wanted to Harry kept himself from moving his head to look towards the door. One it wouldn't have done him any good considering he couldn't see and two Madame Pomfrey was still scanning his eyes.
"Hey guys," Harry said instead raising his right arm slightly in welcome.
"What happened?" Draco asked standing at the foot of Harry's bed with the rest of them. Despite the attack at the pitch there weren't many students injured so the Hospital Wing was mostly empty since Madame Pomfrey had patched up any wounds received from the explosions.
"I think I'd like to know that as well," Another voice came from the doorway. Everyone but Harry and Madame Pomfrey turned to the doorway to see Dumbledore walking towards them.
"Not now," Harry groaned in annoyance.
"Headmaster explanations will have to wait. Mr. Potter here has some very serious injuries, least of which are his broken limbs." Madame Pomfrey said as she continued to try and repair Harry's eyes. In truth Harry's injuries were relatively mild. He had a few cracked ribs, the broken limbs, and his blindness and that was it. Madame Pomfrey was simply trying to stave off the Headmaster for the time being.
"I'm afraid I'm going to have insist on this Madame Pomfrey," Dumbledore said sternly making it clear that he wasn't to be denied in this instance.
"What do you want Headmaster?" Harry said resignedly. He still hadn't turned his head from Pomfrey even though she had gone from casting spells on his eyes to repairing the damage done to the rest of Harry's body.
"I want to know how you performed the magic you just performed." Dumbledore said looking seriously at Harry even though Harry couldn't see him. Draco, Hermione, and Neville had shifted from the foot of the bed to stand on the same side of the bed as Severus so as to stay out of Madame Pomfrey's way as well as Dumbledore.
"The same way you hop on one foot and sing Christmas carols." Harry said sarcastically turning his head to the other side which he instantly regretted given that side was the most heavily wounded. He quickly moved his head back to the other side, though he still supported a slight smirk on his face at his remark, as did his friends.
"Harry this is serious!" Dumbledore nearly growled.
"Why!" Harry suddenly snapped. He propped himself up on his good arm, wincing as he did so. Madame Pomfrey, Draco, and Severus all tried to get Harry to lay back down but he wasn't having any of it. Harry stared in what he thought was the direction of Dumbledore but was actually a few feet to the right. "Is it serious because I saved every life in this castle with the exception of Madame Pomfrey? Or is it serious because you weren't the shining hero this time? Or is it because you're so blindingly terrified that if you don't control me that I'll turn out exactly like Tom Riddle, the monster that you could never gather the spine to kill when you had the chance?" Harry may not be able to see but he could feel the absolute terror coming from the aged man before him. "Yes Headmaster, I know. You'd be surprised what you can learn if you simply open your ears in the right places. And you would be surprised at how much I actually know so perhaps you should leave me to rest before I decide to use that knowledge."
Everyone watched as an obviously shocked and terrified Dumbledore practically ran from the Hospital Wing. When he had disappeared they all turned their eyes to Harry in surprise. None of them had expected such words out of Harry's mouth.
"Can I have some pain reliever now?" Harry said sounding pathetic as he lowered himself back down onto the bed. "The adrenalin is wearing off."
"Harry," Severus said leaning forward in his seat as Madame Pomfrey rushed to the potions cabinet to retrieve several potions. "You do realize that if you keep pushing the Headmaster like that he will eventually push back instead of simply running away?"
"Yes I do." Harry managed to say before Madame Pomfrey started pouring potions down Harry's throat. When he downed the last one and was enjoying being pain free while Madame Pomfrey continued with her work on his broken bones Harry continued. "And that's the reason why I've been trying to avoid him as much as possible while I come up with a backup plan of sorts or to catch him so off guard that he backs down. Not the best of tactics I know but sometimes you have to work with what you have."
"Do you have any backup plans?" Severus asked.
"Sort of," Harry said with a wince as the bones in his arm snapped back together at an incantation from Poppy. "I'm not really sure how much use it would be but it would at least be something. I was actually planning on talking to you later about it." Harry was about to continue but Madame Pomfrey moved to his leg which was in much worse condition than his arm. When she repaired it Harry bit back a scream and gripped the bed sheets in pain.
"Alright," Madame Pomfrey said when Harry had calmed from the spike in pain. Potions could block only so much without causing neurological damage. "That's all of it. Your fractured ribs are healed but they'll be tender for a while. Your arm and leg are a different story. They are intact in one piece but they will be weak and could break again at the slightest provocation. Your arm will be in a sling for a while and, as I'm assuming you're going to insist on walking, I'm going to put your leg in a brace until it's strong enough. However I'm going insist you stay in bed for at least for the rest of the month in order for the leg to strengthen enough to support some wait. Right now any weight whatsoever will shatter your leg again."
"And my eyes?" Harry asked. He wasn't really surprised by her prognosis and it didn't really matter if he would be blind the entire time.
"I did what I could Harry but the eyes are one of the most delicate organs in the human body." Madame Pomfrey explained slowly and Harry could hear that she was upset that she couldn't do more for his eyesight. "It is possible that you will regain your vision but right now the nerves in your eyes are too damaged even with my assistance."
"Thank you Madame Pomfrey," Harry said with a slight smile.
"For what?" Pomfrey asked in confusion. She had just told Harry he might be permanently blind for the rest of his life, a thank you was not something she had been expecting.
"For doing what you could," Harry explained as he shifted himself into a more propped up position. "And being straight forward about my eyesight. Can't ask for much more than that."
"Harry," Pomfrey said in amazement as she looked down at Harry. "You are quite possibly the most shocking person I have ever met." With that she went off to find the brace for Harry's leg and a sling for his arm.
"Aili," Harry said reflexively looking above his head. When he didn't get an answer he added, "Don't give me that silent treatment, I know you're up there. I can feel the concern rolling off your feathers." That garnered an indignant squawk from the usually cold and detached bird and Harry heard a stifled snicker that sounded like Draco come from his right.
"What do you want?" Aili asked trying not to sound as ruffled as her feathers were.
"I know there are thousands of medical books in the library," Harry said not even trying to hide the smile on his face. "There has to be something there about healing eyes."
"So what if there is?" Aili said as Madame Pomfrey came back in and gently started to place Harry's arm in a sling. She set the leg brace on the nightstand next to the bed. Since he wouldn't be walking for a month it'd be pointless to put it on now but she wanted it close and somewhere she could easily find it when Harry started getting antsy. "You are the only one allowed in that library and you can't see so it'd be pointless to mention it."
"You're allowed in there and you can see perfectly fine." Harry reasoned.
"I…" Aili started to say before what Harry said and was implying. "Cheater," She said in a huff before flying out one of the Hospital Wing windows. Harry couldn't help but laugh when she had said that.
"Can I sit up please?" Harry asked when his laughing had died down. He immediately received help from Draco and Madame Pomfrey and was soon resting comfortably in a sitting position against several pillows.
"Harry," Severus said gaining everyone's attention as he stood up and moved to the foot of Harry's bed. "What is your idea for a backup plan?"
"Well," Harry said a little hesitantly. He wasn't sure if what he wanted to do could be done but he figured he might as well ask about it.
–Scene Break–
The first week of Harry's bed confinement went by fairly quickly since he spent most of his time sleeping off the magical strain from holding the Quidditch pitch together and then the physical strain of going through an explosion. Once he got half way through the second week though the boredom began to set in and that was when Harry decided to do some exploring. He delved into the wards of the castle and was immediately provided with a clear image of anything he wanted, along with audio. It was rather similar to having a television in his head.
Smiling slightly Harry wandered the halls of Hogwarts through the wards until he located Draco fighting to stay awake in History of Magic class. Harry couldn't help but chuckle when Draco lost the fight and ended up clonking his head on the desk in front of him, which of course only served to wake him up.
"Harry," A voice called drawing Harry out of the wards and back to his body.
"Yes?" Harry answered looking towards the source of the voice he thought was Severus'.
"I wanted to let you know that your plan is possible," Severus informed Harry quietly as he sat down next to Harry's bed. "We'd have to move quickly and quietly though. It's actually quite simple to put into effect; it's the moving without alerting anyone that's making it difficult.
"Understandable," Harry said with a nod. He had expected as much.
"I will give you more details later when we have more time," Severus said and Harry heard rustling and figured Severus had stood up.
"Thank you, Severus, for doing this for me." Harry said as Severus walked out. He heard Severus pause before leaving the Hospital Wing entirely. Harry smiled a sad smile and hoped that one day Severus would become a little less jaded than he was.
–Scene Break–
Harry was completely and utterly bored. There was no way around it. It had been two and a half weeks since he had been sentenced to bed confinement and even though his sentence was almost over he was still hopelessly bored. He usually spent most of his time watching the classes he would usually take with Draco through the wards. Most of the time it kept his mind distracted enough to allow the days to pass easily but there were days, like today, where he just couldn't help the boredom. Everyone was in class, Madame Pomfrey was doing stuff in her office, and Harry had no interest in listening to any of the classes.
"Harry Potter," A high squeaky voice said.
"Nyah!" Harry said in shock as he jerked out of his stupor and shot up into a sitting position from his slightly raised position. His body was a little stiff and protested slightly to the sudden movement. "Who's there?" He hadn't heard or sensed anyone entering the Hospital Wing so he hadn't expected any voices.
"My name is Dobby sir," The squeaky voice, Dobby apparently, said.
"Who's Dobby?" Harry asked just as the wards showed him an image of who he was talking to. "You're that elf I met on Halloween aren't you?"
"Yes sir," Dobby answered.
"You're not the one who blew up the Quidditch pitch are you?" Harry asked with narrowed eyes.
"No sir!" Dobby assured hurriedly. "Dobby would do no such thing Harry Potter. Dobby only wished to get Harry Potter out of the castle and away from danger."
"You know who's doing these things don't you Dobby?" Harry asked as he adjusted his pillows so he could relax against them while sitting up. Unfortunately before Dobby could answer footsteps came from the Hospital entrance and Dobby vanished with a slight pop.
"Damn it," Harry swore as he slumped backwards. He almost crossed his arms in irritation but when his left arm throbbed in pain Harry remembered why he hadn't been moving his left arm for the past two and a half weeks.
"I didn't realize you disliked my presence so much," A sarcastic voice drawled.
"Well I can hardly dislike a presence when I can't see who's in the room," Harry retorted with a smirk as he turned to look in the direction of who he knew to be Draco.
"Like you need to be able to see in order to tell that it's me," Draco said with a small chuckle. "So what's got your wand in a knot this afternoon?"
"Well first of all I've been bored as hell all freaking day," Harry explained. "Then that crazy house elf that tried hijack our carriage at the beginning of the year nearly gives me a bloody heart attack. At least I managed to get its name before it ran off."
"Mind sharing?" Draco asked as he rummaged around in his bag for something.
"He said his name was Dobby." Harry said. He waited for a response but the only response he got was sudden silence. Harry looked through the wards and saw that Draco had frozen and was looking at Harry in what appeared to be disbelief. "Draco what is it?"
"Dobby!" Draco suddenly called.
"Master Draco called?" A squeaky voice said rather nervously after a sharp pop.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Harry said drawing the attention of both Draco and Dobby. "He's your elf?"
"Yes," Draco said looking down at Dobby. "And he's lucky I'm the one to discover this. If father had caught him he very well may have been killed."
"Please Master," Dobby suddenly wailed throwing himself at Draco's feet. "Dobby only meant to help. Dobby knew you wouldn't get hurt. Dobby was just trying to keep you safe."
"Dobby stop," Draco ordered and Dobby instantly obeyed. Harry was watching the whole thing through the wards. "Listen to me," Draco ordered again and Dobby stopped sobbing after a few moments and looked up. "I understand you were trying to help and I am grateful for that but what I need now is for you to tell me what you know about what my father has planned for the school."
"Dobby does not know much sir," Dobby said as he wrung his hands. "Dobby only knows that Master's father was planning a repeat of history but things haven't gone the way he expected."
"Do you know how he was going to bring about this repeat of history?" Harry asked gently so as to not startle the elf.
"Only that it was through some sort of book," Dobby said when Draco nodded for him to answer the question.
"And you're sure there's nothing else you know about this?" Draco asked just to be sure.
"Yes Master Draco," Dobby said as he pulled on his ear.
"Ok," Draco said with a nod. "You may go then but under no circumstances should you tell father that you told me or Harry anything about this and no more scary pranks ok?"
"Yes Master Draco," Dobby said and then popped away.
"Well at least we got some information out of him and don't have to worry about falling skeletons anymore." Harry reasoned as he looked at Draco, or tried to at least. "And now we know what we're looking for."
"Yeah," Draco said as he leaned back in his seat and processed what he learned. "So," Draco said snapping out of his thoughts and turning to Harry. "I got the rest of the day. What shall we talk about?" Harry couldn't help but laugh at his friend.
–Scene Break–
The Hospital Wing was dark and quiet. It was just before midnight on the day before Harry was due to be free from the Hospital wing and Harry was sleeping soundly with his leg propped up on a pillow and his arm resting comfortably on his chest. Given the late hour it was no wonder that no one noticed the faint shadow moving through the darkness. The shadow moved down the ward before coming to stop at the food of Harry's bed.
"I'm sorry to have to do this my boy but you were right," The shadow, Dumbledore, said as he raised a wand.
Dumbledore froze in his movements when something caught his attention. It wasn't a movement but a sound. It was low, deep, and nearly inaudible but it was just loud enough for the figure to hear and it sounded similar to thunder but much, much more threatening and quiet. Dumbledore turned towards the source of the sound and saw a pair of glowing golden eyes boring into him. The eyes moved forward and into a patch of moonlight revealing the body that went with the eyes. It was a fully grown male African lion.
"How did you get in here?" Dumbledore asked, fear evident in his voice.
The lion stopped in the patch of moonlight that filtered in through the window and stared at Dumbledore with narrowed golden eyes and Dumbledore stared back. The lion growled again, this time in warning. Dumbledore made the mistake of raising his wand again and actually firing a curse. The curse bounced off the lion's fur at the same time the lion let out a massive roar that shook the glass in the windows and even the beds along the walls of the ward. Harry shot up in bed with his wand in his good hand pointing out in front of him and the lights in the ward snapped on.
"What're you doing here?" Harry demanded, not realizing he was seeing things from his perspective.
"What is going on in here?" Madame Pomfrey demanded as she came rushing into the ward with her wand drawn and at the ready. "Headmaster? What're you doing here so late at night?"
"I was checking on Harry–" Dumbledore started but was cut off by an angry growled from Kane.
"Is that why I found you about to curse Harry?" Kane rumbled as he stalked closer to Dumbledore, forcing the man to back away. "Is that how you 'check' on the students you're supposed to protect?"
"I-I-" Dumbledore stuttered in shock. He obviously hadn't been expecting Kane to speak and rat him out.
"Headmaster is that true?" Madame Pomfrey asked in shock.
Dumbledore didn't answer as he was focused on Kane who kept stalking slowly towards him. When they reached the door Kane roared once again effectively scaring Dumbledore into running away. After a few minutes Kane relaxed his posture and padded back over to Harry's bed.
"Are you well?" Kane asked as he sat down next to Harry's bed since he couldn't actually get into the bed with Harry.
"Yes," Harry said as he reached over and scratched Kane behind the ears.
"Harry?" Madame Pomfrey said curiously as she approached Harry's bed. "Can you see?"
"What?" Harry asked in confusion as he looked up at Madame Pomfrey.
"Can you see?" Pomfrey asked again.
"Of course," Harry said seconds before his brain actually woke up and registered everything going on. Madame Pomfrey rushed forward to start scanning his eyes but stopped when she got close enough to actually see his eyes. "What?" Harry asked when he saw how shocked Madame Pomfrey was.
Madame Pomfrey didn't say anything. She just waved her wand to conjure a mirror and handed it to Harry. Harry took the mirror with a strange look at Pomfrey before looking into the mirror, where he understood her shock. His eyes had become marbled in two different colors: emerald green and silver with the silver glowing ever so slightly.
"Are they still damaged?" Harry asked looking up at Madame Pomfrey. She leaned forward and started scanning Harry's eyes to check out their condition.
"Yes," She answered a few minutes later still in shock. "There's no change in their condition."
Harry sat there thinking for several minutes until it hit him. "The wards." Upon realizing this Harry sought his connection to the wards and found that they were indeed acting as his eyes.
"What about them?" Pomfrey asked drawing Harry's attention back to his surroundings.
"They recognized the danger I was in without my eyes and came to my aide," Harry explained with a slight smile.
"Wouldn't you have to direct the wards into doing such a thing?" Madame Pomfrey asked as she sat down on the edge of Harry's bed, being mindful of Harry's tender leg.
"No," Harry said with a shake of his head. "Wards are essentially living magic. They are partially sentient but only to the point of a small child, that's why they usually require a caregiver. But wards are most certainly capable of acting on their own, especially when it comes to protecting their caregiver if they're incapable of doing so themselves."
"Fascinating," Madame Pomfrey said in true amazement. "However, as fascinating as that is, it is late and you need your rest. Tomorrow is Saturday and you have a busy day."
"Right you are Madame Pomfrey," Harry said through a yawn. "Good night Madame Pomfrey."
"Good night Harry," Madame Pomfrey said as she waved her wand to turn off the lights and then walked out of the ward.
–Scene Break–
"Are you alright?" Severus asked the next afternoon as he stabilized Harry when they came out of the floo network.
"Yeah," Harry said clinging to Severus' arm. "Just not used to walking around without being able to see."
"Well we thought the wards influence would only extend to Hogwarts grounds," Severus responded as he subconsciously checked Harry over before leading them slowly out of the fireplace and towards the main counter. "Though their influence seems to have permanently altered your eyes," Severus added when he noticed that Harry's eyes were still silver and green but without the slight glow the silver had.
"That's alright," Harry said with a slight smile. "I kind of like it." Severus didn't respond to that but Harry could feel the man's amusement.
"We have an appointment," Severus said to what Harry assumed was one of the goblins that ran the bank. "Severus Snape and Harry Potter."
There was silence for a moment before the goblin said, "This way."
The goblin led them into what Harry assumed to be a back room. Severus guided Harry into a chair before taking his own seat. So far Harry's leg had been holding up but it was extremely tender to walk on. The brace Madame Pomfrey had placed on his leg was a great assist towards helping to keep the wait off of it but that didn't mean it didn't hurt.
"Afternoon," The gruff voice of a different goblin said. "As I understand it you are here for a full inventory for Mr. Potter's estate?"
"Yes," Severus answered at the same time Harry nodded.
"Very well," The goblin said as he rifled through some papers. "I will require some of your blood to verify your identity as well as to determine how many accounts you have with us."
Having expected such a request Harry easily extended his good hand. He felt Severus gently take hold of his wrist and guided it where the goblin needed. Then he felt a blade run across the palm of his open hand. Harry's heart rate spiked momentarily at the feeling of a blade across his skin but he quickly reminded himself that he wasn't at the Dursley's anymore and this wasn't a part of any punishment for a perceived wrong. This was part of a plan to keep Dumbledore in check.
"Are you alright?" Severus asked quietly after the goblin had gotten the blood he needed. He had noticed the spike in Harry's pulse.
"Yes," Harry answered as Severus mended Harry's palm.
"You are his guardian yes?" The goblin asked. After receiving an affirmative from both Harry and Severus the goblin, who still had yet to provide his name, went over to what sounded like a filing cabinet to Harry and started rifling through folders. "Well, well, well," The goblin said in what sound as not only shock but also respect. "It appears as if there are several dormant and unclaimed vaults aside from the Potter vault that you are eligible claim…" The goblins voice trailed off.
"What?" Harry asked, though he had a fairly good idea as to why the goblin had trailed off the way he had.
"Including the first four accounts ever opened at this bank," The goblin said in amazement. "You are heir to the founders of Hogwarts."
"Well isn't that a twist?" Harry said sounding perfectly taken off guard. He had a very slight smirk on his face though. "Is that going to turn out to be a problem?"
"Good heavens no," The goblin said. "It's just entirely unexpected. All this means is that you… well you own Hogwarts. And as the owner of Hogwarts, since it is not required that you be of age, you will have a say in who gets hired, who gets fired, and even what new policies are put into place by the board. Should you have proper cause and viable evidence you even have the authority to fire someone on the spot. Mr. Potter," The goblin paused and Harry heard him lean forward in his seat. "Should you choose to claim all these vaults, which as you cannot see is around twenty vaults including the founders vaults and the vault they set up specifically to fund Hogwarts, you will become not only absurdly wealthy but also a very prominent and powerful wizard in Wizarding society. Now I must ask," The goblin paused to emphasize how serious he was. "Do you wish to claim everything on this list?"
Harry smiled and it was beyond vicious.
–Scene Break–
Dumbledore sat behind his desk in his office on Saturday afternoon taking care of paperwork and trying desperately not to think of anything else when a large grey owl flew in through his window and perched on his desk. It stood there staring at him with seemingly judgmental eyes with a letter baring the seal of the Ministry of Magic tied to its leg. After holding a small staring contest with the owl, which he lost, Dumbledore untied the letter from the owl's leg and opened it.
Dear Headmaster,
This letter is to inform you that you have been stripped of all rights as magical guardian of one Harry James Potter.
The Department of Magical Family Services
Mary Silverman
Dumbledore barely had time to register that letter when another owl flew into his office, this one baring a letter with the Gringotts on it.
Dear Headmaster (Dumbledore was actually beginning to hate the title),
This letter is to inform you that you no longer have access to the founders' vaults as they have all been claimed. You now only have access to the vault that the founders set up specifically to fund Hogwarts and by decree of the owner of Hogwarts all withdrawals, purchases, and payments will be strictly watched and monitored to be sure that the money in the vault is being used to support Hogwarts and Hogwarts alone.
Sincerely,
The Goblins of Gringotts
Dumbledore got up went over to his fireplace and immediately started making calls.
–Scene Break–
Harry was in the middle of sitting down on his bed in the Hospital Wing with Severus' assistance when the doors slammed open; Harry may have been clear to start walking again but Pomfrey wanted him under her watchful eye until he was fully healed. Harry started and looked up to see Dumbledore storming into the ward.
"What is this?" Dumbledore demanded as he shoved a piece of paper at Severus. Harry looked a little closer and saw the seal of the Ministry of Magic on the letter.
"It appears to be a letter Headmaster," Severus responded snidely. "You usually read them."
"How is it that you're suddenly both legal and magical guardian to a child you have no business being guardian of? Especially with your history?" Dumbledore clarified, ignoring the snide remarks from Severus.
"You made it easy Headmaster," Severus answered seriously. "What with his previous guardians being incapable muggles and all. Of course I was put through a rather rigorous interrogation before they allowed me to be his guardian but when they saw my sincerity in wishing to care for him they saw no reason not to make me his guardian. After all they couldn't argue with the word of Albus Dumbledore vouching for me."
"You're fired," Dumbledore growled. "And I'm having you arrested."
"No he's not and no you aren't," Harry interjected as he lifted his bad leg onto the bed and stuffed pillow under it to try and make it comfortable. He definitely wouldn't be walking any more today and probably not tomorrow either. His leg was unbelievably sore and tender.
"You have no say in this," Dumbledore growled dismissively. He was still staring at Severus so he missed the smile that graced Harry's lips. Harry had specifically asked the goblins at the bank not to mention who the owner of Hogwarts was in their letter for this exact reason. He wanted to see the look on the old man's face when he learned who it was.
"Actually I do," Harry said with a vicious smile on his face just as Draco, Hermione, and Neville walked in. Dumbledore turned his head to look at Harry this time but Harry continued before Dumbledore could speak. "As the owner of Hogwarts I have the authority to interfere and in every aspect of this school, including hiring and firing of faculty. Furthermore as Hogwarts is a separate entity from the Ministry of Magic I also have every right to house, protect, and provide amnesty to anyone I choose. Now naturally most schools wouldn't be able to do such a thing, especially in today's world, however back when Hogwarts was first built the land was ravaged by war and the founders put such rules into place so as to protect students, teachers, and families alike and those rules have not changed… and they're not going to either. Even if Severus leaves Hogwarts' grounds the Ministry will not be able to arrest him should you choose to rescind your backing."
Dumbledore actually looked ill and for once his age. His usually vibrant white hair and beard was suddenly dull and listless. His sky blue eyes that always seemed to see right through you looked more of a dull grey than anything else and seemed drained of any power.
"How is this possible?" Dumbledore said barely above a whisper.
"To be frank Headmaster I'm surprised you didn't discover it back when you were obsessed with digging into people's genealogy," Harry said with a raised eyebrow. Harry didn't think it was possible but Dumbledore actually started to look green. "After all that usually is how someone inherits something isn't it?" Harry waited for a response but all Dumbledore did was stare in complete shock. "Anyways that doesn't matter. What does matter though is how you proceed from here Headmaster. If I were you I'd tread lightly. Checkmate."
Even though he was still obviously in shock Dumbledore's subconscious mind recognized the dismissal for what it was and he made his way out of the room looking the picture of dejection. His shoulders were slumped, his steps were slow but not lingering, and his eyes were dull and void of life. No one in the world could look as defeated as Dumbledore did walking out of the Hospital Wing. Not even when he had publicly shamed himself at the beginning of the year by openly attacking Harry in front of the entire student body compared to this. This was a man who had hit rock bottom after almost a full century of being in a position of power. He had lost completely. All his plans and all his schemes were now completely void and worthless. It truly was, in every sense of the word, checkmate.
