Part I: Chapter Eleven

1965

It was late, but Benny Boipelo couldn't sleep. He crept out of the guest room that he and Duke were sharing and walked down the stairs. He walked in the direction of the library, remaining quiet all the while, not wanting to wake his brother or any of the Dumbledores. He had chosen the library as his late night destination because he hoped he could read about the wizarding world in order to cure his insomnia. He felt as if suddenly he was in the middle of this world and knew essentially nothing about it.

He entered the library, so deep in his thoughts about the wizarding world that he did not notice that the light was already on. He looked quite startled to see Minerva already there.

"Oh," he said, "I didn't mean to bother you. I'm sorry."

She smiled at him, "It's fine, Benny. Come in."

He did as she said and sat in one of the large, rather comfortable armchairs.

"Trouble sleeping?"

He nodded.

"I could make you a sleeping drought, if you'd like," she offered.

"That's alright," he replied, "I was actually hoping to find a book to read about the magic world. I feel like suddenly I'm in it, and I know practically nothing about it."

Minerva looked for a second and then handed Benny a book, "This might do the trick."

"Thank you…not just for the book, but for letting us stay here for the time being," Benny said sincerely.

"You're very welcome," Minerva replied.

"What do you think will happen?"

Minerva knew what he was referring to, "I doubt the Wizangamont will leave things with your family as they were before."

"So Duke and I will be emancipated?"

"I'm not sure if that will be the end result, but I think it's likely that the Wizangamont will find a new guardian for you and Duke."

"Duke hopes that they'll emancipate us both from our parents and make him my guardian."

"Perhaps Duke would be allowed to live on his own if it were just himself that he were taking care of. There have been a few cases of what you described in the past, but I think it's more likely that you will have a new guardian who is of age."

"I guess that's why I'm worried…none of our relatives would take us in, not after we've rejected our parents like this."

"You needn't worry," Minerva reassured him, "There are people who are not blood related to you who would take you in. Foster parents, I mean."

Benny nodded and then yawned.

"Tired?" Minerva smiled.

Benny nodded, "Maybe I'll try to sleep again now."

"Goodnight, Benny."


Several hours later, Minerva went back to bed herself. She lay down next to Albus, trying not to wake him.

"Minerva?"

"I'm sorry, dear. Go back to sleep."

"I was already awake, love. I woke up after having a dream about sherbet lemons and Aberforth's goats. How long were you up for?"

"An hour, perhaps. Benny and I talked in the library for a bit. Albus, how do you think that all of this will end up?"

"It's just as I told you and the children earlier. We didn't get much done today. Ambrose and Vanessa Boipelo – particularly the latter – have a lot of pride, and that slowed things down."

"Clearly, they haven't treated Benny properly. That boy is so jumpy and nervous – albeit very sweet. Albus?"

"Yes, love?"

"Has the thought ever crossed your mind that we might…I mean, if it comes to this, which I think it likely will….have you ever considered taking them in?"

"I have, and I hope to make it clear to them that they will always be welcome in our home, but I don't know if it would be the best long-term placement for them, Minerva. After all Benny's been through, I don't think he needs to be with another wizarding family that is so prominent. I think a family less in the spotlight would suit him better."

She nodded, "You're right. But Benny caught my heart."

He kissed her, "That is one of the things that I love so much about you, Minerva McGonagall. You're one of the most caring people that I've ever had the good fortune of meeting."

She smiled, "I love you, too, Albus Dumbledore. Goodnight."


The next morning, Duke and Albus departed early. Their destination was the Ministry for the next part of the Wizangamont hearing.

"Would you like to go over your testimony one last time, Duke?" Albus asked as they entered the building.

"No, Professor, I feel confident about it."

"Alright then. Right this way," Albus replied as he led Duke down one of the corridors.

They entered the room. The Wizangamont was composed of about twenty people, who were all seated in the back of the room. Duke supposed that Albus would soon join them. His parents sat on one side of the room; Albus led Duke to the other.

"We will begin," Cornelius Fudge, who seemed to be the leader of the Wizangamont, began "Our first item is the testimony of Aemilius Marmaduke Boipelo."

"If I may interrupt, sir," Vanessa said, "That will not be necessary."

"It has been established that this testimony is needed to ascertain –"

"Nothing will need to be ascertained. My husband and I want nothing more to do with a squib and a traitor who have betrayed us so publicly. They are no longer our children. We are relinquishing them into ministry custody."

Vanessa gave Duke an icy stare. Ambrose looked down at his feet, not making eye contact with anyone in the room.

"In that case," said Fudge, "Your presence is no longer needed here."

Vanessa Boipelo held her head high. Her husband trailed behind her. "Good day," she said haughtily as they left the room.

"Well, then, Aemilius, clearly you have gathered that there will be a change of plans. Our new task at hand is to find an appropriate guardian for you and your brother."

"I was hoping that perhaps I could be granted emancipation and appointed as my brother Benny's guardian," Duke replied, "I realize that I am not of age, but I've shown a lot of responsibility during my years at Hogwarts. The Wizangamont has granted some appeals similar to mine in the past."

"Your request will be considered."


The focus of the third day of the Wizangamont's session was the consideration of Duke's request. If their conclusion deemed it appropriate, they would begin to seek possible guardians for the two brothers.

"You know the boy well, Albus," Cornelius Fudge said, "What's your opinion?"

"Oh, I cannot deny Duke's maturity," Albus replied, "But I think we should first attempt to find a guardian who would care about the boys. If that is not possible, then perhaps Duke's request should be granted.

"An owl will be sent out," someone else replied, "Hopefully someone will be found."

It was nearly a week later when the Wizangamont received a promising response to the owls that they had sent out. As Duke and Benny had predicted, not many family members had been willing to take them in. The one who had replied to the owl had agreed to come to the ministry to be interviewed.

"Now, what specifically is your relationship to Aemilius and Benny?" Cornelius Fudge asked the young woman. She was petite with brown hair and black-framed glasses.

"Cousins. I'm the daughter of Vanessa's sister."

"What is your occupation, Ms…" Fudge paused, failing to remember her name.

"Alvina. Rebecca Alvina. I work at Flourish and Blotts."

"And do you feel as though your salary is sufficient to support your two cousins as well as yourself?"

"They're family," she said firmly, "I'll do what I have to in order to make it work. Parents shouldn't cast their children aside that easily. Duke and Benny need family, and I'll be there for them."

Fudge nodded, "Very honorable of you. How would you describe your relationship with the Boipelo family?"

"Nonexistent," she stated, "The same can be said for the other side of my family. Growing up, I was never very talented at the practical application of spells and magic. Theory and reading were my talents. My family resented the fact that I am not a powerful witch, and it caused our relationship to dwindle."

Fudge nodded, "Thank you for coming today, Ms. Alvina. We'll be in touch shortly."


"She seems like a good fit," one of the Wizangamont members said a few days later as she looked over the paperwork they had on Rebecca Alvina, "The only possibly issue here is here salary. I don't see how she would be able to support two additional people."

"That is a problem," Fudge concurred.

"If there is any way that this could work out, I think it would be for the best," Albus stated

"The ministry does offer additional monies for adoptive guardians in cases such as the one at hand, but it isn't really much," Fudge said.

And just then, the door opened.

"Bartholomew?" Albus looked surprised.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's something that I have to say," he said, looking determined, albeit absolutely petrified, to speak in front of the Wizengamont.

"Mr. Bagshot, what on earth –" Fudge began, irritated.

"Oh, please hear me out!" he looked desperate.

"Listen to him, Cornelius," Albus said gently.

"Fine," Fudge said tersely, "But if I may inquire, how in Merlin's name did you find out about all of this business, Mr. Bagshot?"

"Sometimes I take my grandmother to Rebecca's bookstore; she likes it there. And I've gotten to know her, and I was in there just the other day. I overheard her talking about it," Bartholomew paused, and then clarified, "I heard her talking about the situation you are trying to fix. I honestly didn't mean to snoop, but I couldn't help hearing. She thinks you think she doesn't have enough money to take in her cousins."

"And how does that concern you?" Fudge asked.

"I have a solution," Bartholomew explained, "Rebecca's a good person, I know she is. My grandmother is really quite fond of her, so I began to think. A History of Magic is a bestseller, and it's made us well off. Very well off. She still receives royalties today, so I thought that some of that money could go to Rebecca for Duke and Benny."

Fudge looked surprised, "Bartholomew, that's a very nice idea."

"Quite generous," Albus added, "And plausible, too. I don't doubt your honesty about your grandmother caring for Ms. Alvina, and you do have power of attorney over Bathilda's estate, I believe?"

Bartholomew nodded, "Ever since…ever since she went downhill."

"Well," Fudge said, "Details will need to be worked out, but I think this will all turn out quite well for everyone involved."


Later at the Dumbledore home, Duke and Benny sat on the front porch. Benny traced over the wood floor's pattern nervously.

"What if it doesn't work out?" he fretted.

"Professor Dumbledore seems confident about it, Benny."

"I know, but it's nerve wracking," Benny said. He looked up from the wood and saw someone walking towards them with Albus on the front path. Benny's face lit up with happy surprise.

"Becca?" He called. She was his favorite cousin, but neither he nor Duke had seen her in many years.

She grinned at the brothers, "Looks like I'm going to be your new guardian."


Author's Notes:

The name Alvina means "elf or magical being; friend." I see her as being a friend that Duke and Benny need, and kind of animated, so I think the name's appropriate for her.

At this point, I'm thinking the next chapter will be somewhat Duke-centric, and also essentially wrap up the summer of 1965.